Big T History

The first building that was built to be used as a school in the area was a small log building on the land of the Weldon family.  It was built in 1871, just southwest of where Big T sits today.  It was given the name, Weldon School.  The parents on the board decided it was time to build a new larger school for their students in 1883.  This school was built out of stone on the same Weldon property.

After 37 years in that stone Weldon School, Philip Boothroyd and his family donated three acres where Big T was to be built.  The company Young and Sons started the digging and building of the new brick school in March of 1921.  By September 12th of that year, the new beautiful school opened its doors to 104 new and excited students that would be enrolled in 1st through 9th grade.

The new home of Big Thompson School was built with 16" - 18" thick walls and started out with four classrooms, central hall and the basement.  A small gym, stage and living quarters for the head teacher was housed in the basement until 1938 when a kitchen was added.

In 1952, two classrooms were added to the east side of the building and in 1962, two classrooms were added on the west side for the first kindergarten class and a new first grade classroom.  The final addition to the school making it the Big T building we know now was completed in 1966.  A new hallway, gym, kitchen and more classrooms were included in this addition.

In September of 2021, Big T celebrated our beloved school turning 100 years old with a community wide open house.

The history of Big Thompson Elementary is imprinted in the hearts of so many past students, staff members and families and our wish is for her to continue to grow strong for many more years to come.  We take great pride in our Big Thompson School.

Big T - 103 years strong and counting!