Highlights
These Lakewood historic landmarks show what life was like in the past.
Lakewood’s history is rich, and the city is dotted with landmarks that tell about the area’s residents, businesses and culture. Although the city wasn’t incorporated until 1969, it includes 23 registered historic landmarks, according to the Lakewood Historical Society. These three places are of particular interest because they are still relevant.
Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner
Location: 9495 W. Colfax Ave.
The Scoop: Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner arrived in what is now Lakewood in 1957, sent by rail from a New Jersey manufacturer. The 46-ton, fully equipped, pre-fabricated stainless steel building was taken off a rail car and set on its foundation. It is an example of post-World War II ingenuity and architecture. The diner was especially popular with truckers driving along Colfax Avenue in its early years. Davies’ Chuck Wagon is open 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“Historically (diners) were found in greater numbers in the eastern United States. It is a very rare western example. I think it is significant not only for its construction, but for its significance to the development patterns of Lakewood.” — Holly Boehm, principal planner for the city of Lakewood
O’Kane Farm
Location: 6795 W. 1st Ave.
The Scoop: The O’Kane Farm was homesteaded by Bernard and Elizabeth O’Kane, who moved from Ireland in 1895. Bernard O’Kane dreamed of large successes in mining. The O’Kane’s Harp Dairy was an important business in the area for years, and the property was used for farming into the 1970s. The O’Kane family lived on the farm until 1998. The city purchased the property in 2001.
“It contains four main structures: the main house, bunk house, a bar and a well. Itap an example of a thriving development of what was going on in the late 1800s. Many people came out here to mine, and they didn’t have success mining, so they took up agriculture.” — Boehm
Washington Heights School
Location: 6375 W. 1st Ave.
The Scoop: Washington Heights School opened its doors to area children in 1898 and adapted in scope and size as the area’s population grew. The school’s first teachers earned $30 a month. The revitalized building is now the city-owned Washington Heights Arts Center and hosts a variety of arts and crafts classes.
“It is on the state register, and it expanded twice to accommodate the growing community of Lakewood. It is significant to Lakewood because it shows the early development and growth in the area.” — Boehm