Relating to Colorado historical past, we do not typically consider outdated data; not the vinyl ones, those that maintain observe of individuals and locations, that had been written in cursive.
Fewer Folks Understanding Cursive Writing Jeopardize Colorado’s Historical past
It already is a international language to some younger individuals: cursive writing. The angles, the swoops of linked letters. These individuals do not know what very outdated file entries are attempting to inform them/us about Colorado’s past.
Outdated ledger with cursive writing
With hand-written data going again to the 1800s or earlier, writings like as proven above, would possibly as nicely be a international language to some sooner or later.
I’ve a good friend who does analysis on outdated properties within the Denver space, and sometimes instances wants to seek out out who owned a house or property method again within the day. These data are stored at county assessors’ workplaces throughout the state.
On a visit to Leadville to trace down some Colorado historical past on the Lake County Assessor’s Workplace, my good friend was informed that they are having a tough time discovering individuals to hitch their staff. It is not concerning the pay or the hours, it is as a result of those that apply can not learn the data, as a result of they’re written in cursive.
READ MORE: Colorado’s Historic Hammar House
As of April of 2025, there are 24 states that mandate that cursive writing be taught in public faculties; Colorado not being one of those states. With that, comes the doable scenario the place one thing must be regarded up, however nobody’s obtainable to learn what’s written down.
⏬ ON THE WAY: Colorado’s Prime 10 Faculty Districts ⏬
Positive, perhaps the Lake County Assessor’s Workplace can discover somebody, ultimately, that does know the way to learn cursive, however take into consideration this: That will turning into a sough-after ability that different counties are prepared to pay greater than Lake County can afford, and the place nonetheless goes unfilled.
Moreover, with Colorado not mandating the educating of cursive writing, a non-Colorado native could possibly be in control of this a part of Colorado’s historical past. How would that really feel?
MORE Colorado & Training – The Prime 10 Faculty Districts in Colorado
Gallery Credit score: Tanner Chambers
MORE Colorado: Historic Railroad Websites Throughout the State
These former railroad constructions are nonetheless standing in numerous components of Colorado.
Gallery Credit score: Kelsey Nistel
