Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center
Sources
The Jewish Community Center of Denver opened in 1922 as part of a nationwide movement to provide cultural and athletic activities to local Jewish communities. The Rude family donated the land in Blumberg Park and the Guldman family donated the equipment. With the initiation of day camping and programs for young adults and seniors, the Guldman Center outgrew the building and moved to a large mansion at 1601 Irving Street in 1937. The Center served to bring cultural and educational opportunities to the Jewish community. There were English classes for immigrants as well as literary and musical programs. The Irving Street Center served as the west branch of the Jewish Community Center until 1967. The east branch opened in 1950 at the old B’nai B’rith building at Colfax and Williams. In 1962, a new Jewish Community Center opened on 10 acres of land at East Alameda and Dahlia Streets, the Center's current site. In 1995, after extensive renovation, the Center was dedicated as the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center.
Found in 7 Collections and/or Records:
Edward Simon Papers
Edward Elias Simon was a long-time board member and president of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) from 1967 to 1969. He initiated a development fund during his presidency of the JCC and the new facilities were dedicated in August of 1972. The collection includes material on the expansion project of the JCC, administrative materials, photographs, and newsclippings.
Jewish Community Center, 1992
Empty lot with the Jewish Community Center in the background in Denver, Colorado.
Jewish Community Center, 1992
Parking lot with the Jewish Community Center playground in the background in Denver, Colorado.
Jewish Community Center, 1992
Jewish Community Center in Denver, Colorado. Sign in front says: "Jewish Community Center of Denver [illegible]." "Shwayder Theatre." and "Enroll Now, 1992 Ranch Camp."
Mike Zelinger on Jewish Community Center, circa 1978
Mike Zelinger talks about the startup of the community in Denver as well as the Jewish Community Center (JCC) starting in the early 1920s.
Oral History Interview with Ben Blumberg, 1977 November 18
Topics covered: Family history, life in Denver, working for the Rocky Mountain News and starting the West End Press; B'nai B'rith and several other organizations: JCC, JCRS, Rose Medical Center, Allied Jewish Federation. Index in file B098.18.0022.0008.
Oral History Interview with Frayda Ornsten, 1978 July 17
Frayda Lynn Ornsten (née Blumberg) discusses her childhood, including the Jewish environment, schooling, and family gatherings. She also discusses her two marriages and her education and career in the field of special education. She talks about her father, Ben Blumberg, and her relationship with him. She reflects on changing attitudes, roles, goals of youth, and her philosophy of life. Went to the University of Denver.
Interview Index notes in Release file B098.01.0022.0003