1960s

In 1960 the first library opens in Thornton.
In 1960 the population is 11,353.
In 1961, the City moved forward with issues including the running of day-to-day City operations by adopting a City Manager form of government, and securing a City water supply.
In 1962, the Thornton Junior Football League was formed.
In April 1963, Thornton purchases the Northwest Utilities.
In July 1963, the City held the first Thornton Annual Festival Days celebration and an estimated 8,000 people attended.
In 1964, the City annexed approximately 920 acres on both sides of the Valley Highway (I-25) including the Heftler Hillcrest area and land between 88th and 92nd Avenues.
In 1964 Thornton considers a name change, but the idea fizzles.
In 1965, Thornton selected a city seal by holding a City Seal Contest that was open to all Thornton public school children. The winner was a 17-year-old Mapleton High School student. That May, the winning seal with the motto "City of Planned Progress" was adopted.
In 1966, a home-rule committee was formed.
On July 18, 1967, Thornton citizens overwhelmingly approved Home Rule for the City. A Home Rule city has its charter (constitution) written by local citizens and the voters must approve it. Home Rule gives local government more control over running the city.

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