By Caitlin Heusser, Museum Curator
Did you know Town of Severance is named after a person? It’s true! David E. Severance purchased 160 acres of land in 1885 that was then known as Black Hollow and/or Antelope Park.
The Severance family’s impact on the town that bears their name is nothing short of remarkable. In 1885, David Severance helped establish Weld County School District No. 52 and oversaw the construction of the community’s first schoolhouse at 4th Avenue and 1st Street—a building that proudly still stands today. Nearly a decade later, he championed the creation of the town’s post office in 1894 and remained a driving force for growth and progress until his passing in 1921.
Today, the Severance family’s legacy continues to enrich our understanding of the town’s early days. A recent donation of family photographs, parlor furniture, and other cherished heirlooms offers new insights into this pioneering family’s story. Our staff are hard at work researching these treasures, and we look forward to sharing more discoveries soon.
In the meantime, enjoy a selection of photographs from this exciting new collection—just a glimpse of what’s to come
Image 1: Photograph of David E. Severance and his wife, Mary Milliken Severance, circa 1889.
Image 2: Portrait of David E. Severance, date unknown.
Image 3: Front page of Warranty Deed between Alexander Mead and D.E. Severance, circa 1895.