Denver Kids in the 1950s

The 1950s was a time of growth and expansion not just for Denver Kids, then Denver Boys, but also for the city and Denver Public Schools.

As soldiers returned home after World War II, people living in Denver found more economic stability, and the baby boom began. In response to a growing population, the city began investing in efficient infrastructure, expanding suburban neighborhoods. During this time, the population of Denver grew by 19% and 31,000 single family homes were built.

As the entire nation, including Denver, experienced a sudden boost in population and resources, the city responded. In April of 1949, Denver voters approved a 21 million dollar bond to support the addition of thirty new educational buildings. This large undertaking took place throughout the 1950s.

Alongside DPS and the city, Denver Boys stepped into this decade with growth in mind. With the success of job placements from the creation of Denver Boys in 1946 came an even deeper necessity to foster the needs of the whole child. In response, Denver Boys hired more staff, including specific Advisors for employment, academics, and recreation. Each Advisor focused on a different area of the boys' wellbeing, furthering new opportunities for students.

Recreational Advisors aided students in cultivating new interests outside of the classroom. This included anything from organizing a pickup basketball game to coordinating students to attend summer camp or a group ski trip in the winter. Denver Rotarians helped expand opportunities for students by serving as sponsors to boys in the program, laying the foundation for our mentorship program. Denver Boys knew the importance of taking a holistic approach to childhood development, a value Denver Kids still holds today.

‍

Denver media fun fact!

Did you know that Denver's second TV station, KBTV Channel 9, launched during this decade, in 1952? KBTV Channel 9, now 9NEWS, did a feature on Denver Kids just last fall. Check out that segment here.

1950s Staff Highlight: Tom W. Ewing

Tom W. Ewing began as a Denver Boys Advisor when Denver Boys was founded 1946. In 1949, he was named the Director of the organization, and continued to serve students until his passing in 1978.

‍

Tom Ewing dedicated his life to the success of Denver Boys. As the organization grew and continued to hire more staff in the 1950s, Ewing served as both the Executive Director and an Advisor. Though his role as an Advisor was not necessary, as there was a sufficient number of staff members to serve students, Ewing found it fulfilling to continue working in a student-facing capacity.

Outside of Denver Boys, Ewing was just as invested in student success. He was a teacher at Baker Junior High School and taught for a total of 41 years until he retired in 1972. Ewing spent the last 6 years of his life solely focused on Denver Boys.

Denver Kids is grateful to carry on the legacy of Tom Ewing in our work today.