Cementing the Lyle and Laura Stone Legacy

By Lyndi Huelskamp

Laura and Lyle Stone left their legacy not only in Flagler, but wherever their family went—one way being through their endless dedication to the Flagler Historical Society.

On September 8, 2025, “The Lyle and Laura Stone Memorial Second Central School Museum Resolution” was presented to the Town of Flagler Board of Trustees, proposing to rename the Second Central School Museum the “Lyle and Laura Stone Memorial Second Central School Museum.” The resolution was affirmed.

Lyle and Laura Stone were not just my great-grandparents—they were longtime residents and business owners in Flagler, deeply involved in preserving and celebrating the town’s history. They led numerous historical projects, including work on the Town Hall, the Hal Borland Collection, and the Second Central School Museum, which Lyle attended as a young boy.

Our family is honored that so many value the contributions these two individuals made to the history of Flagler, Colorado, and chose this special way to acknowledge them. Second Central was truly a labor of love for Lyle, and its preservation and continued relevance later became a passion for Laura.

Always a forward-thinking individual, Lyle documented much of the town’s and school’s history in his writings, including “A Brief History of Second Central School,” from his Stories by Lyle W. Stone book.

The schoolhouse was originally built in 1915 following the consolidation of Sunny Slope (Conarty), Albright, Ackerman, and Loco—schools within District 19. The elegant 32’x34’ frame building was divided at its center by accordion doors, creating two classrooms that could be opened up into one large room for community meetings.

According to Lyle, “Like 1951, consolidation in 1915 was not popular, but created better classrooms and teaching methods.” Enrollment grew quickly, and the desire to offer ninth and tenth grade instruction led to a basement being constructed under the building in 1916.

Over the years, the school educated many students and hosted community gatherings and church services. However, the consolidation of 1951 shuttered the doors of Second Central. For years, the school sat unused and began to decay—but Lyle, who had once sat in those very desks, fought to see its physical beauty and history preserved.

Due to the inaccessibility of the original site and the difficulty of maintaining the remote building, it was eventually decided to move the school to Flagler. This project became a true labor of love for many, but especially for Lyle. He spent countless hours securing funding, restoring the structure, and preparing it for relocation.

After a decade of dedication, the building finally made its way across the I-70 overpass and was set in its current location at 4th and Ruffner in 1993. Since then, many community members have worked to preserve and celebrate the museum.

For newer generations in Flagler, it has become a central part of the town’s Fourth of July festivities—with patriotic bike parades, free watermelon, the clanging of horseshoes, and children enjoying snow cones.

When I was born on June 20, 2008, Laura and Lyle Stone welcomed me as their seventh great-grandchild. Many great-grandchildren followed, all of us growing up on stories about “Grandpa Lyle.” I’ve been told he had a great sense of humor and was definitely the good cop to Grandma Laura’s bad cop—every family needs one of each!

Although I never had the chance to meet Grandpa Lyle, who passed away in April 2009 at age 82, I’m thankful I had Grandma Laura in my life for 17 years before we said goodbye this past June. She was a strong, determined woman who always worked for the betterment of her family and community. She was even blessed to meet her great-great-grandchild, Sophia.

Lyle and Laura Stone left behind an incredible legacy—one built on service, love, and pride for their community. Their descendants, still living throughout the Flagler area, proudly carry on their memory and their story. Whenever someone asks, “Are you related to Lyle and Laura Stone?” it’s an honor to say, “Yes—I’m their great-granddaughter.”