This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
A Silver Creek Leadership Academy Senior Capstone Project that focuses on drawing interest to Longmont’s history by compiling a book on stories from the Sugar Beet Factory.
Emma Lilly, the project manager for Loco for LoCo, decided she wanted to have a Senior Capstone Project based on Longmont’s history.
“I really love Longmont, and I wanted to learn more about our roots,” said Lilly. Silver Creek High School is in the newer part of Longmont, and “We don’t often realize that the history of our town goes back centuries.”
The Longmont Sugar Beet Factory, which was in operation from 1903-1977, was very influential in our history. There have been books written about the Sugar Beet Factory, but it is Emma’s goal to have a book that is more anecdotal in nature, so the average Longmontian could appreciate it without additional background information.
Emma will be collecting audio-interviews for the book. She was at Pumpkin Pie Days (an
antique show that benefits the St. Vrain Historical Society) where she met some people who have stories to share. She is looking for more people to interview, so if you have a connection to the Longmont Sugar Beet Factory and are interested in being interviewed, please contact her at the following:
Emma Lilly
Silver Creek Leadership Academy
720-772-8950
All interviews should be scheduled by November 15, 2017. Emma plans to complete all the interviews by January of 2018. After completing the interview process, Emma will compile the book and see it through to publishing. She is guided by her mentor, Elektra Greer of the Longmont Public Library.
(Information written and provided by Emma Lilly)
