The Briggle House: A history of community

Peaks and valleys. Beyond making up our landscape, they also represent our growth as a town. What started with “hundreds” of people moving to Breckenridge during the 1859 Gold Rush, dwindled to just 51 souls in town by 1870. Another boom moved us to 1,657 people by 1880, and another bust dropped us to 714 by 1890.

When the Briggle House was constructed in 1896, the town around it was rising from that valley of 714 people to a peak of 976 in 1900. The town was changing. The silver bust had forced people from the area only for the dredge boats to bring them back. Mining was still king, but society was growing up around it. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 brought societal norms and fads along with it. Immigrants from Western Europe made their home here in Colorado – so many that the state laws were printed in English, German, and Spanish until 1899. Shops and businesses outside the mining industry dotted the streets, newspapers took root, changed names, and rivalled with one another. Fraternal and church organizations bound society together and created a life outside of industry.

The Briggle family flourished in this atmosphere. Mr. Briggle, a cashier at the Engle Bros. Bank, became mayor, a board of trustees member, and even a county commissioner for two years. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Gold Nugget Lodge No. 89, and treasurer for the Blue River Hook and Ladder Company and Red, White and Blue Fire Department. Mrs. Briggle became a centerpiece of society, known for her musical performances and teaching. She was involved with many organizations, including the Women of Woodcraft, Order of the Eastern Star, and the St. John’s Guild. Both Mr. and Mrs. Briggle were also active in many euchre clubs and numerous other organizations. Their house came to life with friends, music, and gatherings. From church socials to fundraisers to society dinners, there was always a buzz at the Briggle house. Even family members from as far away as England enjoyed the hospitality of the Briggles.

The home itself was described in newspaper articles as “a mansion” with “one of the most charming” interiors in town. It was meticulously decorated for each occasion, and special attractions like fortune tellers reading tea leaves added to the enjoyment of different social gatherings. Nearly every Jan. 14, the home came to life with the celebration of the Briggles’ wedding anniversary and Mrs. Briggle’s birthday. It is a home that has festivities sewn into its woodwork.

The historical home has recently undergone some renovation work, and Breckenridge History is pleased to start bringing life back into this gathering house. This space will once again echo with the sounds of teaching and festivities. The collections inside the home will be designed to allow our educational groups to make full use of the space. From lunches on snowy field trip days to lessons on the Victorian era in which the home was born, this welcoming abode will once again be a space for students.

We are excited to see what all this space will become in its future given the wealth of its past. But for now, it will also start in a way Mrs. Briggle would hopefully be thrilled by: a social tea. On Feb. 15, from 2 -4 pm, Breckenridge History will host our first tea of the year in the Briggle home. For a house so filled with merriment, it only makes sense to start things off with a Valentine’s Day theme. Guests will enjoy locally crafted goodies from Ridge Street Kitchen, tea, and learn about the Victorian traditions that once inhabited this home.

In the Victorian era, the walls might not have talked, but the flowers certainly did. During this tea, we’ll be decoding this secret language of flowers. Today, we might use emojis to tell the stories our words can’t, but at the turn of the 20th century, an intentionally crafted bouquet could speak volumes. Roses are red, violets are blue, but will your heart always be true?

Come join in the fun, the history, and the comradery to learn what stories the Briggle house has to tell!