Latino Histories of Lafayette

Our goal with this subcollection was to expand on the record of primary sources of the rich Latino heritage within Lafayette. Our team quickly realized that the voices captured in our archival collection excluded Latino voices. This subcollection highlights the experiences, frustrations, joys, and immense contributions members of our community made and continue to make to Lafayette. Included in our collection are interviews with Tony and Elanor Montour, Pancho Hansen, and Carol Abeyta Sadler. Their stories demonstrate contributions to the city such as the foundation of Clinica Family Health, generational soccer mentorship, the beautification of Lafayette, and much more. This subcollection contains testimony of discrimination and acceptance, the diversity of which are invaluable additions to a more complete and honorific historical narrative.

Oral History with Carol Abeyta Sadler
In this oral history interview conducted on August 12, 2024, Carol Abeyta Sadler recounts her family’s history in Colorado, which dates back to the mid-1800s. Her father and grandfather both worked in the mines and she discusses what this job was like for them and her family. Carol was employed by Western Girls, which then lead to a job at IBM, where she met her husband, Jay Sadler. They were married on December 16, 1967. Jay was a member of the Lafayette Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years, which played an integral role in their social life. Carol also discuses Lafayette Days and the good memories of her youth growing up in Lafayette. The interview ends with Carol recounting what she has been told about the swimming pool incident when Latino children were not allowed to swim in the newly built pool despite that many Latino families had donated supplies for the pool to be built. Carol’s father was one of the men who testified against the Lafayette volunteer fire department for discrimination. Ultimately, the pool was filled in despite the case going to the courts.
Oral History with Pancho Hansen
Pancho Hansen is a beloved soccer coach in Lafayette, Colorado. In his oral history interview conducted on August 8th, 2024, Pancho shared stories from his distinguished career coaching and playing soccer. Born in Chiapas, Mexico, Hansen played professionally in Mexico and has coached soccer in various capacities throughout his life. After moving to Lafayette in 1991, Pancho quickly integrated himself into Lafayette’s sports community and spoke at length about his efforts to engage youth in sports. Also present during his interview were Leslie Davis, Pancho’s wife, and their grandson Elias. Hansen was able to share many anecdotes about his coaching’s impact on the individuals he worked with. Hansen continues to be recognized formally and informally by community members. For example, in August 2024, the City of Lafayette made a declaration honoring Pancho’s many years of service to the community’s youth. Stories of his dedicated coaching made his interview a poignant example of sport's impact on young people. Lastly, thank you to Ilana Amaria, library associate, for her assistance in conducting and transcribing this interview.
Oral History with Tony and Eleanor Montour
In this joint interview with Tony and Eleanor Montour, the two spoke about their experiences growing up and living in Lafayette, CO. Eleanor has a degree in accounting and spoke about her time working for her mother at Clinica Family Health. Tony discusses his career with the telephone company and he also assisted Clinica with writing their grants. Tony and Eleanor also discuss They discuss racism in Lafayette in the 60s and 70s and the more covert racism that still exists in the city today.