Sweet-Miller Mansion

This home was built for William Ellery Sweet, the governor of Colorado from 1922 to 1924. Sweet lost his campaign for re-election, in part because of his strident opposition to the Ku Klux Klan in an era when the Klan had significant political power. During his single term, this home was the official governor's residence. In 1933, Sweet joined President Roosevelt's administration as a public relations officer. The Sweet family lived in the house until 1962. Attorney Kent Miller acquired the home in 1984 and painstakingly restored the historic home. Today, the house serves an example of the Georgian Revival style and is located in the center of the Humboldt Historic District.

This mansion was commissioned by then Governor William Ellery Sweet who served as Governor of Colorado for one term and the home served as the de facto governor's mansion for that year. Kent Miller acquired the property in 1984 and worked to restore the home. William Ellery Sweet was born in 1869. Sweet attended college in Philadelphia and after he graduated in 1890, he moved to Denver where he eventually spearheaded a successful investment banking company. Sweet retired in 1922 and then turned to politics as a member of the Democratic Party. Sweet was a strong advocate against the Ku Klux Klan. He was the 23rd Governor, and lost in his bid for re-election, in 1924. It was believed that he lost because of his opposition to the white supremacist organization in an era when they had significant political power. In 1933 he became a public relations officer for President Theodore Roosevelt.

There is a known squabble between Sweet and Harry Tammen. Tammen, one of the original owners of the Denver Post was moving in next door. In 1907 the Tammen Home was being built next Governor William Ellery Sweet’s Mansion. Sweet, was not a fan of The Denver Post and he tried hard to keep Tammen out of the neighborhood. Tammen, who also owned a circus, supposedly threatened to build an elephant barn next to the governor instead before constructing the home at 1060 Humboldt.

The Sweet-Miller Mansion was built in the Georgian Revival architectural style. The home and the unattached garage expand over almost the entire lot. There is barely a yard. There is a second story porch that is supported by ornate columns. Palladian windows adorn the exterior. Joyeuse Sweet lived here until she passed in 1962. Kent Miller, and attorney purchased the home in 1984. He performed a major renovation. This helped restore the columns arches, and red brick.

The House is part of the Humboldt Historic District aka Humboldt Island. This district is made up of 24 homes, in a two block area. It runs along Humboldt Street from 12th Ave to 10th Ave. These homes are nestled right along the edge of the park. The area is completely free of high rises. There has been no new construction in the district since 1920. It was listed on the Historic Register in 1978.

1. Barnhouse, Mark A . A History Lover's Guide to Denver. Arcadia Publishing, 2020.
2. William Ellery Sweet, Geni. Accessed July 3rd 2020. https://www.geni.com/people/William-E-Sweet-Governor/6000000021011677989.
3. Nomination Form, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed July 3rd 2020. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/fa298fae-2f62-41e1-a3bc-4fde1dc5bd12.
4. Noel, Thomas J. Denver Landmarks and Historic Districts. University Press of Colorado, 2016.