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Ricks Center for Gifted Children (Denver, Colo.)

 Organization

Biography

University of Denver. 2040 South York Street, Denver, Colorado 80208. Date built: 1991. Major renovation: 1997. Gross square feet: 30,225. "A major fundraising drive in 1990 resulted in funding for a new facility. The parent body alone raised more than $100,000 for this project. The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, Mrs. Ruth 0.W. Johnson, and several anonymous major donors were also essential to the success of the drive. In November 1991, Ricks Center for Gifted Children was dedicated and named after Alta Merle Ricks, our major benefactress. The new addition was completed in 1996 adding ten classrooms. An early childhood wing and a middle school wing now house the youngest and oldest students. A science lab, music recording studio, art lab, media and technology center are new, special features of the Ricks Center facility. The new facility was designed by architects who encouraged the children to contribute their ideas, and today it stands as a reflection of the unique learning needs of its students. Classrooms, a science and visual arts laboratory, media services, a foreign language lab, a multi-purpose room (for physical education, drama, music), and administrative office space are all housed in one building. Outdoor playgrounds are located on the site, and students also have access to many University of Denver facilities." Brick with copper roof and limestone trim?

Found in 17 Collections and/or Records:

Alta Merle Ricks Papers

 Collection
Identifier: M454
Abstract

Alta Merle Ricks (1905-2005) was a benefactress for the Ricks School of Gifted Children.Her generosity supported the Ricks Center building project and an endowment fund. She was a regular visitor to the school and attended many events. This collection contains items collected and created by Ricks, unconnected to the school, including family photographs, personal paintings, and various trophies and awards.

Dates: 1882-2005

Box 1, Family Photos, 1882 - 2005

 File — Box M454.0001: Series M454.01 [Barcode: U186023276133]
Identifier: M454.01.0001
Abstract

Box 1 contains several photographs, some from the sixties and seventies, and several of Alta Merle Ricks' family. Some of these photographs are very old, and fragile. Also inlcuded is a few old documents and one (1) program from a Ricks' Center memorial of her death. One of the folders is full of photographs of Alta's son Jerry. Some photos are labeled, most are not.

Dates: 1882 - 2005

Box 2, Photos, 1910 - 1946

 File — Box M454.0002: Series M454.01 [Barcode: U186023276141]
Identifier: M454.01.0002
Abstract

Box 2 contains a framed photograph of Alta's son Jerry, a large photograph of Alta as a child, and a group photograph inside a restaurant folder.

Dates: 1910 - 1946

Box 5, Decorative Items and Souvenirs

 File — Box M454.04.0005: Series M454.04 [Barcode: U186023285085]
Identifier: M454.04.0005
Abstract

Box 5 contains items owned and collected by Alta Merle Ricks. Items include decorative vase and bowl, a selective service medal for her husband, jewelry made by students of Ricks Center, a VHS from televangelist Robert Schuller, and decorative Chinese souvenirs.

Dates: 1882-2005

Box 6, Trophies, 1917 - 1966

 File — Box M454.0006: Series M454.03 [Barcode: U186023284429]
Identifier: M454.03.0006
Abstract

Box 6 contains trophies of Alta Merle Ricks and/or her family. This includes bowling trophies, a Lads 'n Lassies trophy for Alta and her husband, and a W.F. Williams Award given to Ethel McMahan (Alta's mother) in 1917.

Dates: 1917 - 1966

Box 9, Basket and KU Belt, bulk: 1976 - 1987

 File — Box M454.0009: Series M454.04 [Barcode: U186023285051]
Identifier: M454.04.0009
Abstract

Box 9 contains a basket embroidered with "AMR." Within this basket are items collected by Ricks including port of call pins for her and her husband, a bottle opener, and a belt with a Kansas University buckle.

Dates: Majority of material found within 1976 - 1987

Box 10, Pins, bulk: 1965

 File — Box M454.0010: Series M454.04 [Barcode: U186021793896]
Identifier: M454.04.0010
Abstract

Box 10 contains a shadow box in which are several pins and memorabilia collected by Alta Merle Ricks. This includes several golfing pins, a Daughters of the American Revolution pin, and others.

Dates: Majority of material found within 1965

Box 35, 1982 - 2003

 File — Box U338.0035: Series U338.07 [Barcode: U186023283465]
Identifier: U338.07.0035
Abstract

Photographs from disassembled scrapbooks. Photos in well-labeled folders in chronological order of student activities from years 1985-2003; labels correspond with scrapbooks from which photos were removed. Box also contains photos of groundbreaking, construction, and move-in of the Ricks Center building, 1991. Many of the photos are identified; most are not.

Dates: 1982 - 2003

Box 36, 2003 - 2012

 File — Box M338.0036: Series U338.07 [Barcode: U186023283473]
Identifier: U338.07.0036
Abstract

Box 36 contains photos disassembled from scrapbook of student activities dated 2003-2012; labels correspond with scrapbooks from which photos were removed. Many photos are identified, most are not.

Dates: 2003 - 2012

Box 37, 1993 - 2010

 File — Box U338.0037: Series U338.08 [Barcode: U186023284411]
Identifier: U338.08.0037
Abstract

Box 37 contains trophies and plaques for competitions including Mathematics, 2010 World Affairs Challenge, Chess, and DU Homecoming. Also included is one (1) framed dedication of the building to Alta Merle Ricks.

Dates: 1993 - 2010

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 14
Collection 3
 
Subject
Trophies 7
Photographs 5
Awards 4
Souvenirs (Keepsakes) 4
Memorabilia 3