Adams State was founded in 1921 as Adams State Teacher's College. That's why the front of the building says the "Normal School". During this time, normal schools were teacher colleges.The blueprints and early foundations were started in 1921, and finally finished in 1923-25 (we aren't' completely sure of the complete date). Dr. Ira Richardson was the first president, and founder Billy Adams' friend, of Adams State Teacher's College (1925 - 1950).
The part that is circled was the original school. Yes, the original school. Library, dorms, classes, cafeteria, professors' offices, administration offices, auditorium, and gymnasium. The wing on the left, was built in 1938 as one of President Roosevelt's New Deal programs. The wing on the left was built in 1947.
Governor Billy Adams, worked for three decades before obtaining the authorization to found Adams State Normal School in 1921. During his long career in the legislature, there were times when Adams was the only Democrat in the senate while there were other times when he led the majority party. Good weather or bad, he fought for what he thought was best for his county and his state. In the forty-two years he served in the legislative halls, he introduced only one bill. The bill was passed and created the Alamosa State Normal School at Alamosa. Later it was changed to the Adams State Teachers College. It is rumored that the KKK, (a majority of the legislators in Colorado at this time) pulled the funding for Adams State to fund the Colorado State Teacher's College at Greeley (University of Northern Colorado - Greeley). Mr. Adams cleverly added in a clause in one of the pages of the bill to fund Adams State. He was also instrumental in creating the Colorado Agricultural College at Fort Collins and Western State College at Gunnison.
Pretty nifty huh?
- Becca
