This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The St. Vrain Historical Society, Inc. (SVHS) is committed to the mission of “assuring a future for our community’s past” by working to preserve the heritage and history of Longmont. Historic Hoverhome (located at 1309 Hover Street) is one of three historic properties that SVHS currently owns. Constructed in 1913-1914 this elegant, English Tudor building was home to Charles, Katherine, and Beatrice Hover. This 6000 square foot house was built according to 56 pages of detailed blueprints. In 1997 SVHS purchased Hoverhome for the community’s enjoyment and education. SVHS is committed to the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this home for future generations and is seeking funding to help with the operational and preservation costs of this historic asset.
“It [is] a great thing to work for oneself, but it [is] glorious to work for the good of others” ~Charles Lewis Hover
Historic Hoverhome was purchased by The St. Vrain Historical Society (SVHS) in 1997, so that this historic home could be preserved for the community’s continued enjoyment and education. Currently, SVHS utilizes Hoverhome as a house museum providing interpretative historic programming, public tours, and events.
Central to the programming are the authentically dressed Hoverhome docents/volunteers, a few of whom portray the Hovers, in first person character portrayal; sharing the story about the Hovers and Longmont’s early history.
Hoverhome still holds many of the Hover’s original furnishings that Beatrice bequeathed to SVHS, including the Hover’s extensive library and many other personal effects. On tours, rather than being roped off, or guided in on designated pathways, visitors are invited to enjoy the house like they were a guest of the Hovers.
Hoverhome currently represents the largest expenditure on SVHS’ annual budget requiring significant expense to keep this historic property operational for public use and enjoyment. Additionally, there are other costly expenses required for it continued preservation and to mitigate the natural deterioration of this one hundred year home.
Funds donated will be used toward the continued preservation, care, and management of this important historic site so that current and future citizens can continue to enjoy the home and learn about this important Longmont family.
The St. Vrain Historical Society is grateful to all our donors, members, and supporters who help us in our vital work in “assuring a future for our community’s past.” Our vital work could not be done without the support of our community.
The Hover Family
Charles Lewis Hover left the successful wholesale drug business he had operated with his brother in Denver in search of a less stressful rural lifestyle. In 1902 Hover found and purchased the 160-acre Williamson farm on a dusty, country lane a few miles west of the then little town Longmont.
Through his leadership in county, state and national agricultural organizations, Mr. Hover’s influence on agricultural development extended far beyond his 160-acre farm. Hover became instrumental in the development of local agriculture-related industry and a respected and active community leader, contributing to the economic, social, and cultural development of Longmont.
In 1913, Charles turned his attention to the construction of a new country residence for himself, his wife Katherine, and their adopted daughter, Beatrice. Construction started in 1913 and their home was completed in 1914 using the best of everything that Charles could find. Many called it a mansion but the Hovers, adamant that this was their home affectionately gave it the name “Hoverhome.”
The Hovers lived in, and lovingly maintained their home for more than 70 years. It was Beatrice who expressed the wish and desire that Hoverhome be preserved for the community. Hoverhome has been owned and operated by SVHS for now two decades, and we are honored to keep the Hover’s story alive by maintaining Hoverhome as community asset for the public’s enjoyment and historical education.
Today, Hoverhome and the adjacent Farmstead (both now surrounded by residential development) stand as a testament to the dramatic changes that a shifting economic base and rapid growth have brought to Longmont.
The Hover’s Legacy
While the stately house is what we see today, what makes this house truly special were the people who called it home. Undoubtedly, the Hovers were a family with great means, but most importantly they were a family with great generosity and carried tremendous hope for their then small-town of Longmont. Consequently, all three were active within the Longmont community and various causes.
Charles Hover, was a significant player in the agricultural, economic, social and civic development of Longmont during the early decades of the twentieth century. As a visionary, he saw great potential in the prosperity that technology and innovation could bring to Longmont, and today is a cornerstone of Longmont’ s economy and success.
Katherine dreamed of a place where senior citizens could spend their later years with peace and dignity. Katherine never saw this dream come true, but it was her daughter, Beatrice, who made her mother’s dream a reality with the construction Hover Community on the land that was once her family’s farm.
An avid reader and lover of literature, Beatrice wanted to share the pleasure of a book, even if they could not visually read the words on a page. Beatrice learned to and later, worked to transcribe braille for the blind.
Hoverhome serves as a reminder of one family, but their shared hopes and dreams for this now bustling and growing City of Longmont that many of us today carry.
SVHS is honored to keep the Hover’s history and legacy alive for future generations to come, and is eternally grateful for the community’s continued support of this historic site. Thank you for your support!
About the Live & Give Program:
Help shape Longmont’s future in a single day.
On September 26th, Live & Give Longmont brings our community together for 24 hours of generosity. With everyone in the community giving whatever they can, we hope to raise start up funds for a few projects in our community. It’s about working together to accentuate the place we love—so it will continue to thrive today and for generations to come.
