"A Look Back"

The Stories presented here are about people and events during the early days when this corner of Colorado was first settled.

Craig Armory building an important part of history
By Shannan Koucherik for the Museum of NW CO

##image2## World War I, “The Great War,” was a wake up call to Americans that they needed to be prepared for future confrontations both within and without their borders.

In June 1920, the United States legislature recognized the need of an organized system of militia to replace the many independent militias that had been around since the days of the American Revolution.

The National Defense Act of 1920 provided for a comprehensive and well organized plan of national defense; “That the Army of the United States shall consist of the Regular Army, the National Guard while in the service of the United States, and the Organized Reserves, including the Officers’ Reserve Corps and the Enlisted Reserve Corps. The National Guard and Reserves being subject to the call of the President of the United States when needed for the National Defense.” (Craig Courier, 1928)

As part of the act, it was determined that the federal government “should furnish to the several states and territories sufficient clothing, arms and equipment to completely equip the National Guard units organized within their borders.” (ibid)

Uniforms and equipment were nice, but without a place to store the equipment and train the reserves, the plan would fall apart. It was determined that the states and territories should take on the responsibility of building armories to house the reserve units. The armories would also provide meeting places for American Legion units.

Colorado was quick to respond to the federal mandate and in its 23rd General Assembly a bill was introduced and passed to provide $500,000 to construct armories across the state.

George Pughe of Craig was a State Representative at that session and quickly brought the news back home. In March of 1921, the Commercial Club voted in favor of an armory and reserve unit in Craig and circulated a petition under the leadership of I.P. Beckett, Frank D. Miller and Dr. L.S. McCandless. It only took about a day to gather the required number of signatures and the petition was sent to the governor’s office.

The following week, Craig once again stepped up to the plate and broke a record for establishing a National Guard unit. At the request of locals, two officers arrived in Craig as a response to the petition sent earlier. Nearly 60 men signed up and were processed within 24 hours and were mustered into the Reserves on March 30, 1921. They received federal recognition on April 30, 1921. The newly formed unit received the designation Company A, 157th Infantry.

“All members of the new national guard, which is a reserve to the regular army and directly under the supervision of the United States War department, will be paid. The members will be paid at the same rate as the corresponding rank in the regular army for each drill period of 1 ½ hours. A private will receive $1 for each drill, a captain $8, and other ranks at the regular army pay scale.” (Craig Empire Courier March 30, 1921)

Nearly half of the enlistees were WWI veterans and all of the eligible high school senior students enlisted as well. They weren’t in it for the money, but for the service to their country.

By late fall, a site had been chosen for the new armory and construction began on the three-story building. In addition to a hardwood-floored drill floor – which was lined for basketball –, the building had a full stage with drop sceneries, a kitchen and mess hall, balconies and a swimming pool.

Construction continued as possible through the winter of 1921-1922 and was completed in June 1922. The brick work went up so quickly that the Masons were unable to lay a cornerstone until later when bricks were removed from the completed building to house the stone.

Craig would always have the distinction of receiving the first armory built in Colorado. Over time, a total of 16 armories were built around the state. 12 of those buildings were built with the same plan as the Craig building. John J. Huddart, architect for the state military department drew the plans and oversaw the construction.

There was a short interruption of the construction, when the Craig Fathers were informed that the town needed to provide $450 immediately to keep the construction going. Once again the Commercial Club stepped up and appointed a committee of Frank Miller, J.J. Toole and Ralph L. White. The men drew up a list of 45 potential donors and assessed each $10. Within an hour they were able to raise half the needed amount and the balance was raised later that day. (Craig Empire January 18, 1922)

The townspeople were understandably proud of the new building at the heart of their community where the reserves could train to protect and the citizens could gather for dances, plays and sports events.

Unfortunately, within a few months, the popular swimming pool had to be drained when it was discovered that the moisture from the pool was warping the drill floor above. Several attempts were made to remedy the problem, but ultimately the pool was filled in.

Company A and the community used the armory for a wide variety of activities until the mid 1970s. At that time, a new armory was built on the east end of Craig and the building was turned over to Moffat County for the sum of $1. In 1979, the county commissioners briefly entertained the prospect of selling the building to a businessman, but decided that the building needed to remain a public facility for community events and services.

In 1990, the commissioners decided that the best use for the building would be to house the growing collection of the Museum of Northwest Colorado. After some repair and renovation to the interior and exterior of the building, the new Museum opened its doors to the public on Memorial Day, 1991.

Today, the building has been added to the National Register of Historical Places and welcomes visitors from around the world as well as hosting meetings for Moffat County residents. The beautiful restoration suits its current purpose well and visitors frequently comment on the quality of the Museum and its home.

History continues to be made in the building that made history itself.