Fairplay School
The Fairplay School, now known as Edith Teter Elementary School, stands as one of the oldest continuously operating school buildings in Colorado. Named in honor of Edith Teter, a beloved teacher and administrator who dedicated many years of her life to education, the school has played a vital role in shaping the learning experiences of generations of students in the South Park area of Park County. Originally constructed in 1880 at a cost of $5,000, the two-story red sandstone building was designed in the Italianate style, a popular architectural form of the late 19th century, characterized by decorative brackets, tall windows, and a symmetrical facade. When the school officially opened its doors in 1881, it quickly became a cornerstone of education in the region, a role it continues to fulfill to this day.[1]
As the community grew and educational demands increased, the school underwent multiple expansions to accommodate a larger student body and evolving academic needs. One of the most significant additions came in 1934, when a Modernist-style gymnasium and classroom wing was constructed, partially funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA), a New Deal program designed to support public infrastructure projects during the Great Depression. This addition, designed by prominent Denver architect Frank Frewen Jr., introduced new facilities that reflected the increasing importance of physical education and enhanced learning environments in public schools.[2]
Further expansions followed in 1947 and 1985, ensuring that the school remained functional and up-to-date with modern educational standards while preserving its historical character. Today, Edith Teter Elementary School not only continues to serve as an active learning institution but also houses the Park County Re-2 School District offices, maintaining its legacy as both an educational and administrative hub. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the school was designated on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties in 1999, securing its place as a cherished landmark.[3]
--------------------------------
[1] “District Information - Park County School District Re-2,” District Information - Park County School District Re-2, 2021, https://www.parkcountyre2.org/en-US/district-information-e2f3bea0#.
[2] “School Buildings Listed in the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties,” Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Colorado Historical Society, December 31, 2001, 1-36, https://www.historycolorado.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2019/1631.pdf.
[3] “Fairplay School | History Colorado,” Historycolorado.org, December 8, 1999, https://www.historycolorado.org/location/fairplay-school.