Erie history intern presents Scofield Farm research; board unanimously approves Old Town mailing pending reviews

Madison Highland, a history intern working with Erie parks and recreation, presented a multi-year research project on Scofield Farm, tracing the property's 19th-century origins, architectural features and multi-generational ownership.

Highland said her methods included cataloging on-site archives and objects, searching the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection and transcribing oral histories held by family members. "I have done all the research, and then I've been working on interpretation as well," she said, describing plans for a coffee-table book, signage and on-site exhibits.

The presentation included a land acknowledgement and a summary of regional Indigenous history, followed by a narrative of early settlers such as Hiram Prince and later Scofield family members. Highland highlighted survival of original fabric — including a concrete-block barn built circa 1905, a silo manufactured by the Colorado Cement Silo Company and preserved interior cabinetry in the main house — and described donated artifacts that will be conserved for public display.

Board members praised the depth of the research and asked practical questions about site safety and access. Highland confirmed many documents and images will be posted on the town's website and said several deliverables will be available for review online.

Later in the meeting the board considered outreach tied to a potential Old Town historic district. Chair identified that, "according to our ordinance, we can't landmark anything until it's been surveyed," and members discussed a draft letter and an accompanying survey intended to gather resident and business input.

Melanie Fuller moved that the board approve the draft letter and authorize it to be mailed to Old Town residents and businesses once planning and the town's communications team sign off; the motion was seconded by Laura Thomas. The board voted unanimously in favor.

The board also heard announcements that a rail-history event is planned for June 27 and that a phase-3 survey recommendation had been rated fully funded by reviewers, with funds expected to be confirmed on May 6. Parks and Recreation has an awarded grant to survey Eagle Mine and is in the process of selecting a vendor.

The board indicated the approved mailing will be subject to the town's final review and distribution process; members said they expect materials to be available online once the town communications staff have cleared the content.