WESTMINSTER — Surrounded by strip malls, a residential neighborhood and busy streets, a small bit of Westminster’s agricultural history stands tucked away amid a community garden and small field of open space.
In a field of trees and native grass, the original farmhouse, restored barn and other structures are settled on a four-acre plot at the Charles and Julia Semper Farm at 9215 Pierce St.
Owned by the city of Westminster, Semper Farm is designated a local historic site. Westminster Historical Society board member Linda Graybeal said the farm offers a rich glimpse into Jefferson County history.
A typesetter by trade, Charles Semper arrived in Denver in 1859 and helped publish the first edition of the Rocky Mountain News.
After heading back east to serve in the Civil War, he and his wife, Julia, returned to the Rocky Mountain region, where they built a farmhouse on prairie land northwest of Denver in 1881.
Charles Semper continued his work typesetting for the Rocky Mountain News; he and Julia also built a successful farm and established a post office and grocery at their home.
“Charles Semper was not a farmer by trade but a classic gentleman farmer,” Graybeal said. “He was mild-mannered yet well known in downtown Denver; he was a mover-and-shaker in government, ran for office in the Greenback Party and was a decorated war hero.”
The couple became community leaders and the township of Semper grew around the train depot and general store located south of what is now west 92nd Avenue. In 1884, it had a population of 200.
The Sempers planted an orchard of apple, cherry and black walnut trees and the Colorado State Champion apple tree remains on the property.
The lush vegetation and tree growth allow a wide range of birds and wildlife to thrive on the property, including owls, foxes, rabbits and raccoons.
The Sempers sold the property to Greek immigrants John and George Allison in 1916. The brothers owned a successful candy-making business in Denver.
John Allison retired on the farm in 1930. His granddaughter Linda Allison sold the property to the city in 1988 but still has a strong bond to the land.
“My grandfather loved his farm, he loved his garden and loved his bees,” said Allison, now 70.
On a recent tour of the farmhouse and property, Laurie Brandt, the city’s secretary for community development, said the buildings had suffered years of neglect before restoration efforts began in 2008 with state and federal grants.
Since then, two Eagle Scout projects and other community-led efforts have restored two historic structures and the 1961 pumphouse.
The farmhouse still needs a lot of work before it could be habitable, but Brandt said the city has considered having a caretaker on the property.
“One of the ideas tossed around has been an artist in residence program,” Brandt said. “It’s just a matter of securing funding as to when we can finish restoration.”
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com
Semper farm
9215 Pierce St., Westminster
Get involved: Volunteer in the Allison Community Gardens by calling Denver Urban Gardens at 303-292-9900.
For more information: Visit bit.ly/1p7tFAN
