The Pueblo City Directory was not published in 1928, so it is unknown what families actually lived in the house in 1928. One thing is for sure, and that is the residence became a boarding house for the next few years. It was on September 6, 1928, that Judge Frank G. Mirick ordered that Carrie Thompson, Francis Channing, and Utica Wells Beecham should have gained ownership of the house upon the death of Katherine Miles. It is suspected that during their ownership of the house, from September 6, 1928, through February 1, 1929, the house was on the market. The house was finally sold to Associates Realty on February 1, 1929. Associates Realty kept the house as an investment property for serveral years.
The 1929 City Directory shows two families living in the home. Walter and Helen Curtis, and Roy and Hazel Adams shared the house.
Adams Family:
Roy B. Adams was a trainman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. It is unknown what occupation, if any, that Hazel had. This couple is shown in the house for just the one year. In 1930, they are listed as living at 741 W. Abriendo Avenue. In 1930, Roy's wife is also listed as Mae. It is unknown if this is the same person as Hazel. Neither are showing in the 1930 U.S. Census. Other than what is listed in the City Directory, nothing is known by us about this family.
Curtis Family:
Walter G. Curtis is showing as being a watchman and an orderly with the Minnequa Hospital (now known as St. Mary Corwin Hospital). His wife Helen G. Curtis was not listed as having a job. Most likely she was a housewife, and a mom. The 1930 Directory shows the family living down the street at 1503 Lake Avenue, but the 1930 U.S. Census summary reports them renting the house at 937 Palmer Avenue for $20 a month. The summary also shows six children (4 girls and 2 boys).
Father : Walter G.
Born: September 6, 1874
Birthplace: Michigan
Died: July 1967, Pueblo
Note: Both of his parents were also born in Michigan. In 1900, he lived with his grandparents, George and Jane McCormick, in Salem, Michigan. He was listed as a farm laborer.
1940 U.S. Census, (Line 49). Just Walter, as he is listed as being divorced. Walter and Helen divorced in Pueblo on October 6, 1934 (Certificate number 662997). Walter was previously married to Martha May Curtis, and divorced on February 27, 1922 (Certificate number 663022).
Mother : Helen Gladys
Born: 1896
Birthplace: Michigan
Note: Both of her parents were also born in Michigan
Daughter : Elberta
Born: 1918
Birthplace: Colorado
Note: In 1966, Terry Mendenhall (a resident of Lake Avenue) pulled up some of the floor boards in the attic. Among several items he found was a letter written from Elberta Curtis to someone named Von, on December 5, 1927. View this letter. A search of the 1930 U.S. Census summaries found two individuals living in Pueblo with Von in their name. It is unknown if Von is either LaVona Henderson or LaVonne Robinson, another person with Von in their name. A search of address mentioned in the letter of 1337 Orman Avenue did not result in a family named Curtis. It was most likely that the Curtis family simply boarded for a short period of time at this address. Hopefully more research will provide additional information.
Son : Florian
Born: 1920
Birthplace: Michigan
Daughter : Helen
Born: 1921
Birthplace: Colorado
Daughter : Virginia
Born: 1924
Birthplace: Michigan
Son : Bernard
Born: 1927
Birthplace: Colorado
Daughter : Mary J.
Born: 1930
Birthplace: Colorado
U.S. Census Reports
1900 U.S. Census Walter Curtis (Line 17)
Summary of the 1930 U.S. Census Curtis Family (Lines 71 to 78), Henderson Family (Lines 93 to 99), Robinson Family (Lines 52 to 58)
1920 U.S. Census Henderson Family (Lines 81 to 83)
1930 U.S. Census Henderson Family (Lines 93 to 97)
1930 U.S. Census Robinson Family (Lines 2 to 8)
Pueblo City Directories
1929, Adams
1929, Curtis
1929, House
1930, Adams
1930, Curtis
Continue to the next set of families