Sprague-Large House

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Name: Sprague-Large House

Address: 413 Collyer St.

Landmark Designation: 1988

Construction Date: 1901

Architectural Style: Queen Anne

Earl Sprague was a prominent local builder who built the house at 413 Collyer in 1901. He had a habit of occupying homes he built for a relatively short period of time, sometimes living in them less than a year. The Longmont Daily Times reported in August of 1929 that he was building his 15th home. This total does not include a number of homes he built strictly for others. Earl Sprague built many more homes in the following years. He died in July of 1958.

Hugh Large was born in Illinois in 1872. He attended college in Lebanon, Illinois. He taught school in Illinois for a short time, coming to Longmont in 1898 to teach at Liberty Hall. Hugh Large and Lew [Lou?] Ellen Pennock were married February 1, 1903, and moved into 413 Collyer the same year. Later he entered the real estate business. In 1922, after being a dark horse candidate, he was appointed Longmont postmaster. He held that post until 1934. At that time he reentered the real estate and insurance business, which he continued until his death. For many years, his business office was located in the Imperial Hotel building. Mr. Large was active in civic and church affairs, including the I.O.O.F. and the Lions Club. The Larges had three daughters, one of whom (Dorothy Large) is a well-known local author and historian. The Larges celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 1953 and Hugh Large died in October of that year.

Longmont water rent collection records indicate that the Large family retained ownership of the property until the early 1920s when they moved next door to 403 Collyer into the home formerly occupied by Mrs. Ellen Coffin Pennock. Water rent collection records show that in 1923-1924, this house was owned by C.O. Rieden; however, Rieden's name does not appear in Longmont city directories so he apparently did not live here. According to the directories, residents here from circa 1920 through the late 1930s included R.A. Barnes, A.F. Pope, and W.B. Dawson, a contractor. By 1938, this property was the home of Frank R. and Ruth S. Tarr. Frank Tarr, who was a farmer, died soon after. He was survived
by his widow, Ruth, and by a son Hale Tarr, who owned and lived here into the early 1960s. Oscar H. and Martha J. Bloom were the next owners and residents of 413 Collyer. They lived here from the early 1960s until Mr. Bloom's death in July of 1980. More recent residents and owners of the property have included Viola F. Watkins, Bret Ward, and current owner, Kristi T. Scott.

If you would like to learn more about this property, please contact Planning and Development Services at 303-651-8330.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer