1917
Red Cross activity began in Larimer County,
Colorado, when explosive growth of the Red
Cross was taking place as Americans rallied
to support World War I efforts. Over a
thousand Red Cross chapters were chartered
that year. March 20 -- A charter was issued
to a Larimer County Chapter with
headquarters in Fort Collins. This chapter
was responsible for all of Larimer County
except the city of Loveland (the chapter
would assume responsibility for Loveland as
well in 1932).1972
The chapter moved into its current
headquarters building. At that time the
location was approximately halfway between
Fort Collins and Loveland., and the mailing
address was a rural box number. In the years
since, both cities have crept up on the
site. Now, incorporated areas of both Fort
Collins and Loveland are visible from the
Chapter House at 120 Saturn Drive, Fort
Collins.
1992
The chapter celebrated its 75th anniversary
with a banquet and address by Gene Dyson of
Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the national
Red Cross Board of Governors.
1993
The Chapter House was expanded with the
addition of two large classrooms and
remodeling of existing areas. The new areas
were dedicated April 2nd.
1994 March 1
The next major step for the chapter occurred
this year when a merger with the North Park
Chapter and a name change took effect. The
North Park Chapter covering Jackson County,
Colorado (Walden, Rand, Gould, etc.)
requested a merger. Since it appeared unfair
to retain the name Larimer County while also
serving Jackson County, the Board of
Directors asked for the name Centennial
Chapter to be assigned. The name pays
tribute to the fact that Colorado is the
Centennial State -- having been granted
statehood on the 100th anniversary of the
United States, and because it is the area
about which author James Michener wrote in
his novel Centennial. (Michener once taught
at UNC in Greeley, and the television
mini-series adapted from the book was filmed
in the local area.) |
