Supporting History

Commerce and Culture on Welton Street

A few blocks northeast of downtown Denver, Welton Street, Washington Street, 26th Avenue and 27th Street converge.  Known as “Five Points” this is one of the places where downtown’s diagonal streets and broader Denver’s conventional compass-aligned grid come together.  From the 1920s into the 1950s this intersection, and its surrounding neighborhood, was the heart of African-American culture, commerce, and civil rights in the Rocky Mountain West.  The center of much of this activity was a section of Welton Street that is now the core of the Welton Street Commercial Corridor.  This is one of Denver’s newest historic districts, unique in its strong cultural, rather than architectural, designation.

In partnership with the Five Points Business Association and several internal agencies, the City of Denver was awarded a State Historical Fund grant to interpret the district through informative signage and a walking tour brochure.  One underlying theme is to honor the people who created a community as a “positive response to negative forces of racism.”  In an era of segregation and restrictive real estate practices, these few city blocks became one of the nation’s most creative, prosperous, and politically active African-American urban centers—a city within a city.

As a thriving retail and commercial street, Welton was lined with stores, restaurants, service businesses, and professional offices that catered to customers who may not have been welcome elsewhere.  In the evenings entertainers of both local and national significance could be found performing at local jazz clubs.

Signs have now been installed at twenty locations along the street that depict the important people, places, and events associated with the district.  The Roxy Theater, for example, was opened in 1934 and brought Hollywood to Five Points.  It was here that people of color could sit on the main floor to watch a movie rather than be relegated to the upper balconies.  When entertainers such as Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong came to town, they played and were welcome to stay at the Rossonian nightclub and hotel.

On any given summer evening, jazz might have been heard resonating from the several clubs and night spots that came to life after sunset.  In the late 1940s Pullman porter Leroy Smith would bring back the latest rhythm and blues records from Chicago and sell them to eager listeners in Five Points.  Later, he opened a business where sporting goods were sold next to the newest recordings.  His radio show on legendary KIMN radio exposed the entire city to what was the latest thing in “Cool, Crazy and Hot.”

Despite hardship and drudgery, railroad jobs were coveted by many African Americans as an opportunity for long-term employment and a livable wage.  The home life of many Pullman workers centered around Five Points.  In 1935 the Protective Order of Dining-Car Waiters and Porters, Local 465, opened a union hall, bar, and card room on the second floor of a Welton Street building.  Local 465 became a center of civil rights awareness and community pride.  Members are still welcome today.

Though a cultural district in concept, several structures of particular architectural interest can be found.  One such landmark is Fire Station # 3 built across the street from the “old” station #3 in 1931.  The Spanish Bungalow-style building housed an all African-American fire fighting team.  In addition to providing fire protection the men often helped to settle neighborhood disputes or emergencies and their presence provided safety, protection, and pride to the neighborhood.

Though historic, Five Points is no where near a has-been.  Today the corridor is seeing a resurgence that celebrates its history and looks forward to the future.  A fitting home for the new Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Five Points is only a short ride via RTD Light Rail from downtown.  The line runs right down Welton Street.  Though a quick lunch could be had, local businesses invite you to spend some time and get to know the neighborhood, a good chance to try out the colorful walking tour brochure and take a self-guided tour.  And who knows, as the sun begins to fade you might just hear faint riffs of “Cool, Crazy and Hot” hanging in the air.

BY LYLE MILLER, Technical Advisor, State Historical Fund