1409 Courtesy Rd History - Laserfiche WebLink

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It is believed that it was at this time, soon after James sold Lot 5 to Frank Poiret, that the house would have been constructed. Frank and Elise Poiret were first listed as being residents of Louisville in the 1898 directory for the town (and there was no directory for 1897). Also, the 1900 federal census not only lists this couple, but shows that their neighbors were families who lived in Little Italy. This evidence strongly suggests that they were living in this location, particularly as they are listed as owning their house, and other records indicate that this was the only real property that they owned. The 1909 Drumm's Wall Map of Louisville shows a house in the correct location on Lot 5, so it was certainly constructed by 1909. For these reasons, "circa 1898" is believed to be the most accurate date of construction for this house that can be identified. This is also close to the estimated construction date of 1900 given by the County. The 1900 census records show that Frank had been born in France, came to the US in 1880, and was a miner. He was either 44 or 54 in 1900. Elise had been born in Belgium, came to the US in 1890 (it appears), and was 38. They had been married in 1890 and did not have children. In 1901, Frank and Elise "Poret" also purchased Lot 4, and in 1903, they sold both Lots 4 and 5 to P.A. and Rachel Summers, who would become longtime Louisville residents; however, it is not known whether they actually lived at 1409 Courtesy. The property records indicate that they may have owned it only a matter of months before selling it to Henry Waneka. Henry and Caroline Waneka Ownership, 1903-1921 Henry Waneka purchased this Lot 5 in 1903 from P.A. and Rachel Summers. He also acquired Lot 4 in a separate transaction. In 1904, he sold Lot 4 and retained ownership of Lot 5. Henry Waneka was born in Connecticut in 1857, the son of German-born Adolf "Waenecka" and Anna Snyder Waenecka. Henry was called "Boye." According to the Waneka family, Adolf came to Boulder County, Colorado in 1860 as one of the original pioneer farmers of this area. He was joined by Anna and their three children in 1861. The Waneka family has had a long history in the Lafayette and Louisville area. Henry Waneka married Caroline Wheeler, who had been born in 1877, in 1896. Her name is given as both "Lena" and "Carrie" in the records. They made 1409 Courtesy Rd. their residence, as shown in directories and census records. They were listed in the 1904 directory as living in Caledonia Place, which is where Lot 5 is located, and Henry was described as being a farmer. The 1910 federal census records show that they were living in this location at that time, and the family consisted of Henry, age 52; Carolyn, age given as 30; and their sons Henry, age 12, and George, age 6. Also living with them was Henry Waneka's mother, Annie "Snider," age 87, who was listed as being a widow. Henry's occupation at the time was "laborer."