It was the mid 1930's when prohibition ended. In June 1935, Greeley voters, by a majority of 356 votes, voted in the local option election to make Greeley "dry" and prohibit the sale, manufacture for sale, transportation for sale or possession for sale of liquor in the city limits of Greeley. Two Greeley liquor stores were ordered closed by the Chief of Police the morning following the election. Shortly after this local option election, there was talk in Greeley Tribune articles of a "Wet Town" incoporating on Greeley's southern edge. The 10 acre area known at the time as Ray's Cottage Camp was owned by Mrs. A.F. Ray. The law at the time stated that in order to incorporate a town, there must be a petition filed with Weld County with 30 signatures of residents who were also landowners. Mrs. Ray began selling cabins and lots in her Cottage Camp for as little as $100.00 (she carried the mortgage) so that Garden City could meet the petition criteria. According to Tribune articles written at the time, the incorporation of Garden City was challenged and found to be invalid twice but Garden City did finally become incorporated on the third attempt in 1938. According to the incorporation document on file in the Clerk's Office, the incorporation date was August 2, 1938. As the years progressed, the locals in the surrounding area would "go over the hill" to drink and dance.
Do you know how Garden City got its name? In the 1930's, Greeley's nickname was "the Garden City of the West"
Do you have a fun or interesting fact about Garden City's history? If so, please submit your story to the Town Clerk and you might see it published here!
