Denver Kids in the 1970s

The 1970s in Denver was a continuation of the rising shift towards equality in public services, regardless of race, class, or gender.

While segregation was no longer legal in the 70s, racist sentiments were still heavily ingrained in society. Throughout the decade, district lines were redrawn and bussing systems changed, both facades of desegregation that most often favored white neighborhoods. Though the 1973 court case, Keyes v. School District #1, outlawed de facto segregation practices based on circumstance and planning, students endured constant changes based on decisions made outside of their power.

Denver Boys continued dedicating their work towards fighting these systems of oppression. During the 1970s, the Tom Ewing Fund was created in order to provide recreational opportunities for all boys, regardless of race. Specifically, the fund allowed boys to attend different camps, including the Outward Bound Wilderness experience and the Center for Research and Education at Estes Park.

In the year 1972 alone, Denver Boys provided opportunities to 4,472 boys. Their establishment in the community provided many exciting activities, including access to the Denver Wax Museum, The Western Stock Show, and fishing at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. In addition, Denver Boys partnered with the Denver Broncos in multiple capacities, giving students further understanding of the world of professional sports.

While the fight for racial equality continued, this decade was also heavily defined by the rise of second-wave feminism. Women across the country were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, realizing that change was possible. In 1972, Title IX laws made sex discrimination illegal in federally funded educational settings, setting a precedent for equality in classroom settings, but also giving girls the same access to sports, clubs, and activities that boys had been enjoying for years.

In Denver, this rising tide included the creation of Denver Girls. On November 18, 1970, Denver Girls obtained its first office space at Cheltenham School, and services began. Founded by Denver Public Schools, Junior League of Denver, and the Zonta Club of Denver, Denver Girls provided the same services as Denver Boys.

Denver Girls focused on building confidence, exploring new activities, and giving girls access to fun and challenging experiences that had been mostly reserved for boys: camping, skiing, special outings, and mentorship. The creation of Denver Girls was a real-world application of Title IX and second-wave feminism, giving girls the tools, exposure, and encouragement to thrive in a world that had assumed they couldn’t.

Staff Highlight: Mary Langhough

Upon the founding of Denver Girls, Mary Langhough stepped down from her position as the Dean of Girls at Skinner Junior High School to serve as the first Denver Girls Coordinator and Chief Counselor.

Mary Langhough dedicated her carer to Denver Girls, the same way Tom Ewing dedicated his career to Denver Boys. Langhough spent many years as the Denver Girls Coordinator and was committed to empowering girls in Denver to find their passions and fulfill their potential.

We're grateful for Mary's commitment to students and carry her legacy in the work we do each and every day.

‍

Be on the lookout each month as we highlight success stories of each decade!

‍Interested in learning more about Denver Kids history? Check out previous decade highlights at DenverKids.org/News, or find our 80 year timeline here: DenverKids.Org/80Years.