Emily's Dream

In 1915, as Emily helped with the Denver Post's annual distribution of clothing to the poor, she shared her dream with the Post's feature writer, Frances "Pinky" Wayne." I want the age limit for admission lifted and classes so organized that a boy or girl working in a bakery, store, laundry, or any kind or shop, who has an hour or two to spare, may come to my school and study what he or she wants to learn to make life more useful. The same rule goes for older folks, too. I already have a name for the school. It is 'Opportunity'." Frances Wayne was excited by Emily's idea and began to write about it in The Denver Post. Soon talk of an Opportunity School was sweeping through Denver. The Denver Board of Education gave Emily the old, condemned Longfellow School located at 13th and Welton Streets.

For All Who Wish To Learn

On September 9, 1916, Emily's dream became reality. On the first day of classes, Emily personally greeted each student from the old rolltop desk by the front door. She hoped for a few students; more than 1,400 registered the first week! The school was open 13 hours a day, five days a week. Subjects included telegraphy, industrial millinery, typing, academic subjects, and English for those not born in the U.S. Emily's philosophy, "for all who wish to learn", remains as alive today as when she first opened the doors of the school which bears her name.