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Denver Then & Now, Denver, CO (2025)

08/11/2025

Looking southwest from 38th Avenue on Tennyson Street (1990) & (2024)

"Not to See Elitch's is Not to See Denver."

Elitch Gardens was opened in 1890 when Denver was only 32 years old.
It was during the 1920’s when this slogan was created, and it still endures today.

Besides being an amusement park, Elitch Gardens has a lot of claim to fame.

It had lions, bears, camels, wolves, and monkeys that were donated by P.T. Barnum, it was the first zoo west of Chicago.

It was Denver’s first botanic gardens. Later on The Elitch Floral Company became the largest supplier of carnations in the country shipping 750,000 dyed carnations annually.

Mary Elitch hosted a Children’s Day every Tuesdays and brought in additional educational and entertainment for children, making it Colorado’s first ‘Children’s Museum’.

There was a summer stock theater venue located there, and in 1896 it showcased the first moving picture shown in the city.

Opened in 1917 the Trocadero Ballroom was where most of Denver danced and romanced.
During the swing era The “Troc,” hosted big bands of the day including, Benny Goodman, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, and Lawrence Welk.

In 1928 the carousel was installed, and is still operational at the current Elitch Gardens.

At a time when amusement parks catered almost exclusively to adults, inspired by the plans of Disneyland, a section of the park called Kiddieland was opened in 1954.

In 1954 The Glenn Miller story was filmed there starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson.

In 1958 38th Avenue was widened, the entrance was replaced with a modern aluminum arch in an Art Deco style. This was the third and final main entrance, and was there until it closed in 1994.

They relocated to downtown Denver, and Elitch Gardens Theme Park opened on May 25, 1995. It is currently one of the few downtown amusement parks in the United States.

I am lucky to have experienced both parks. They hold a tremendous amount of memories for me. When I was a child I rode Mr. Twister 6 times in a row. My favorite ride now is the Mind Eraser.

What is your favorite memory of Elitch Gardens?

08/11/2025

Looking southwest from 38th Avenue on Tennyson Street (1990) & (2024)

"Not to See Elitch's is Not to See Denver."

Elitch Gardens was opened in 1890 when Denver was only 32 years old.
It was during the 1920’s when this slogan was created, and it still endures today.

Besides being an amusement park, Elitch Gardens has a lot of claim to fame.

It had lions, bears, camels, wolves, and monkeys that were donated by P.T. Barnum, it was the first zoo west of Chicago.

It was Denver’s first botanic gardens. Later on The Elitch Floral Company became the largest supplier of carnations in the country shipping 750,000 dyed carnations annually.

Mary Elitch hosted a Children’s Day every Tuesdays and brought in additional educational and entertainment for children, making it Colorado’s first ‘Children’s Museum’.

There was a summer stock theater venue located there, and in 1896 it showcased the first moving picture shown in the city.

Opened in 1917 the Trocadero Ballroom was where most of Denver danced and romanced.
During the swing era The “Troc,” hosted big bands of the day including, Benny Goodman, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, and Lawrence Welk.

In 1928 the carousel was installed, and is still operational at the current Elitch Gardens.

At a time when amusement parks catered almost exclusively to adults, inspired by the plans of Disneyland, a section of the park called Kiddieland was opened in 1954.

In 1954 The Glenn Miller story was filmed there starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson.

In 1958 38th Avenue was widened, the entrance was replaced with a modern aluminum arch in an Art Deco style. This was the third and final main entrance, and was there until it closed in 1994.

They relocated to downtown Denver, and Elitch Gardens Theme Park opened on May 25, 1995. It is currently one of the few downtown amusement parks in the United States.

I am lucky to have experienced both parks. They hold a tremendous amount of memories for me. When I was a child I rode Mr. Twister 6 times in a row. My favorite ride now is the Mind Eraser.

What is your favorite memory of Elitch Gardens?

08/04/2025

Looking west on 44th Street and McFarland Drive (1952) and (2025)

For 74 years the Denver Coliseum has hosted some of the greatest events in Denver. Located at 4600 Humboldt Street, this indoor arena is owned by the City and County of Denver and operated by Denver Arts & Venues. It was built on the same land where the 1868 Denver Pacific Railway's Cheyenne line once stood; construction was from 1949 to 1951, it took nearly $3 million to complete, and has a capacity of 10,200 people.

So many events have happened here, it would take a whole book to cover its history. Opening day was November 8, 1951, with a six-day run of Shipstads & Johnson Ice Follies. On January 10, 1952, the official dedication of the Coliseum was held on the eve of the National Western Stock Show. In 1952 General Dwight D. Eisenhower held a ‘talk’ there, and again as President in 1962.

The Denver Nuggets played there (when they were named The Rockets) from 1967 to 1975.
Hockey; Denver Mavericks, Denver Invaders, Denver Spurs, Denver/Colorado Rangers, University of Denver Pioneers, and Denver Cutthroats.
Football: Colorado Wildcats, Denver Aviators, Colorado Blizzard, and Colorado Spartans.

Notable concerts:Elvis Presley 56’ 70’ 73’, Johnny Cash 56’, Harry Belafonte 60’, Chubby Checker 62’, The Rolling Stones 65’ 72’, The Beach Boys 66’ 74’, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 69’ 70’, Santana 69’ 71’ 73’ 75’ 80’, The Osmond Brothers 69’ 72, Led Zeppelin, ’70’ 72’ 73’, The Who 71’, The Jackson5 71’ 74’, Black Sabbath 71’, Neil Diamond 71’, Chicago 71’, Eagles 72’, Stevie Wonder 72’ 74’, Alice Cooper 72’ 73’, Rod Stewart 72’, Fleetwood Mac 69’ 73’ 74’, Yes 72’, The Grateful Dead 73’, Elton John 73’, Bob Dylan 74’, Frank Sinatra 75’, Pink Floyd 75’, Lynyrd Skynrd 75’, Aerosmith 75’, Nirvana, 93’, Rage Against the Machine 99’, 08’.

I spent many years going to see the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, I had my High School (GW) graduation ceremony there, I’ve watched my daughters perform at the CHSSA Poms competition, took my son to WWE RAW, and I have so many more memories of being there.

What memories do you have?

08/04/2025

Looking west on 44th Street and McFarland Drive (1952) and (2025)

For 74 years the Denver Coliseum has hosted some of the greatest events in Denver. Located at 4600 Humboldt Street, this indoor arena is owned by the City and County of Denver and operated by Denver Arts & Venues. It was built on the same land where the 1868 Denver Pacific Railway's Cheyenne line once stood; construction was from 1949 to 1951, it took nearly $3 million to complete, and has a capacity of 10,200 people.

So many events have happened here, it would take a whole book to cover its history. Opening day was November 8, 1951, with a six-day run of Shipstads & Johnson Ice Follies. On January 10, 1952, the official dedication of the Coliseum was held on the eve of the National Western Stock Show. In 1952 General Dwight D. Eisenhower held a ‘talk’ there, and again as President in 1962.

The Denver Nuggets played there (when they were named The Rockets) from 1967 to 1975.
Hockey; Denver Mavericks, Denver Invaders, Denver Spurs, Denver/Colorado Rangers, University of Denver Pioneers, and Denver Cutthroats.
Football: Colorado Wildcats, Denver Aviators, Colorado Blizzard, and Colorado Spartans.

Notable concerts:Elvis Presley 56’ 70’ 73’, Johnny Cash 56’, Harry Belafonte 60’, Chubby Checker 62’, The Rolling Stones 65’ 72’, The Beach Boys 66’ 74’, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 69’ 70’, Santana 69’ 71’ 73’ 75’ 80’, The Osmond Brothers 69’ 72, Led Zeppelin, ’70’ 72’ 73’, The Who 71’, The Jackson5 71’ 74’, Black Sabbath 71’, Neil Diamond 71’, Chicago 71’, Eagles 72’, Stevie Wonder 72’ 74’, Alice Cooper 72’ 73’, Rod Stewart 72’, Fleetwood Mac 69’ 73’ 74’, Yes 72’, The Grateful Dead 73’, Elton John 73’, Bob Dylan 74’, Frank Sinatra 75’, Pink Floyd 75’, Lynyrd Skynrd 75’, Aerosmith 75’, Nirvana, 93’, Rage Against the Machine 99’, 08’.

I spent many years going to see the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, I had my High School (GW) graduation ceremony there, I’ve watched my daughters perform at the CHSSA Poms competition, took my son to WWE RAW, and I have so many more memories of being there.

What memories do you have?

08/01/2025

Happy (149th) Colorado Day!

On August 1st, 1876 Colorado was admitted to America as its 38th United State.

To celebrate the occasion, exactly one year ago we created this page to explore the history of Denver as it appears "Then" & "Now".

Since then, we've had so much fun sharing these pictures and information with you all. Interacting with everyone's comments about their personal connections to the posts has been so important to us.

We would like thank every one of our followers for joining along on this journey through history with us.

Here's to the next year ahead in Colorful Colorado! 🥳🎉🍾

08/01/2025

Facing east on Broadway between Colfax Avenue and 14th Avenue (1914) & (2024)

Shown in the "then" photograph are men known as The Overland Westerners. The group included George Beck, Charles Beck, Raymond Rayne, and Jay Ransom. Their purpose was to visit every State Capitol in America on horseback in one continuous trip. For 3 years they rode 20,352 and completed the longest documented horseback ride of the 20th century. Their journey began in Olympia, Washington on May 1st, 1912 and concluded in Sacramento, California on May 24th, 1915. They arrived in Denver on December 29th, 1914 which marked their 43rd stop out the 48 states.

Here is some information about the Colorado State Capitol.

◾Architect: Elijah E. Myers

◾Houses the Senate, the House of Representatives, the office of the Governor, the office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of The Treasury.

◾Built from 1886 - 1908. But due to lengthy construction, some state officials moved into the partially finished Capitol in 1894.

◾Located at 200 East Colfax Avenue

◾Designed in neoclassical style

◾Built from granite, rose onyx, and yule marble. All of which were excavated from surrounding Colorado towns.

◾The dome is capped with a thin layer of 24 karat gold leaf to represent the states close ties to the westward gold rush.

◾Engraved on the steps to the entrance is the number 5,280, representing the exact one mile mark above sea level. This pays homage to Denver's nickname as the mile high city.

08/01/2025

Facing east on Broadway between Colfax Avenue and 14th Avenue (1914) & (2024)

Shown in the "then" photograph are men known as The Overland Westerners. The group included George Beck, Charles Beck, Raymond Rayne, and Jay Ransom. Their purpose was to visit every State Capitol in America on horseback in one continuous trip. For 3 years they rode 20,352 and completed the longest documented horseback ride of the 20th century. Their journey began in Olympia, Washington on May 1st, 1912 and concluded in Sacramento, California on May 24th, 1915. They arrived in Denver on December 29th, 1914 which marked their 43rd stop out the 48 states.

Here is some information about the Colorado State Capitol.

◾Architect: Elijah E. Myers

◾Houses the Senate, the House of Representatives, the office of the Governor, the office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Department of The Treasury.

◾Built from 1886 - 1908. But due to lengthy construction, some state officials moved into the partially finished Capitol in 1894.

◾Located at 200 East Colfax Avenue

◾Designed in neoclassical style

◾Built from granite, rose onyx, and yule marble. All of which were excavated from surrounding Colorado towns.

◾The dome is capped with a thin layer of 24 karat gold leaf to represent the states close ties to the westward gold rush.

◾Engraved on the steps to the entrance is the number 5,280, representing the exact one mile mark above sea level. This pays homage to Denver's nickname as the mile high city.

07/28/2025

Facing northwest within Civic Center Park near Colfax Avenue and 14th Street (1950s) & (2024)

A library on wheels, the traveling branch, or the bookmobile are all names used to describe this service offered by the Denver Public Library. The concept of the vehicle since its foundation in 1930 is to distribute books to those who are unable to venture into the library themselves. In this photo we see a well dressed young man and fashionable young lady in back of the "then" main library. The bookmobile continues to operate to this day, proudly serving the community for nearly nearly 100 years!

Now for a bit of History...

The Denver Public Library got its start on November 1st, 1886 when the Chamber of Commerce opened the Mercantile Library, located within the Old Times Building at Lawrence Street and 16th Street. Just two years later in 1898 the City Council approved construction for a new main library at 15th Street and Court Place. As the city grew, so did the collection of public literature, and after a short period of time the library was looking to expand once again.

Around this time, American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated a portion of his wealth for the construction of thousands of public libraries throughout the world. Colorado would be the recipient of 36 such libraries with the largest and most grand location being the new Denver main library. Located at 144 West Colfax Avenue within Civic Center Park, the library was designed by architect Albert Ross in Greek revival/neoclassical style using Turkey Creek sandstone. Construction on the site began in 1906 with the official opening day held on February 15th, 1910. The library served as the city's main location for the next 45 years until the expanding book collection once again called for a new main library (Burnham Hoyt) that would be constructed nearby on Broadway and 14th street in 1955.

Today, the "old main library" operates as the McNichols Civic Center building which is used as an event venue for both public and private use.

Denver Public Library

07/28/2025

Facing northwest within Civic Center Park near Colfax Avenue and 14th Street (1950s) & (2024)

A library on wheels, the traveling branch, or the bookmobile are all names used to describe this service offered by the Denver Public Library. The concept of the vehicle since its foundation in 1930 is to distribute books to those who are unable to venture into the library themselves. In this photo we see a well dressed young man and fashionable young lady in back of the "then" main library. The bookmobile continues to operate to this day, proudly serving the community for nearly nearly 100 years!

Now for a bit of History...

The Denver Public Library got its start on November 1st, 1886 when the Chamber of Commerce opened the Mercantile Library, located within the Old Times Building at Lawrence Street and 16th Street. Just two years later in 1898 the City Council approved construction for a new main library at 15th Street and Court Place. As the city grew, so did the collection of public literature, and after a short period of time the library was looking to expand once again.

Around this time, American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated a portion of his wealth for the construction of thousands of public libraries throughout the world. Colorado would be the recipient of 36 such libraries with the largest and most grand location being the new Denver main library. Located at 144 West Colfax Avenue within Civic Center Park, the library was designed by architect Albert Ross in Greek revival/neoclassical style using Turkey Creek sandstone. Construction on the site began in 1906 with the official opening day held on February 15th, 1910. The library served as the city's main location for the next 45 years until the expanding book collection once again called for a new main library (Burnham Hoyt) that would be constructed nearby on Broadway and 14th street in 1955.

Today, the "old main library" operates as the McNichols Civic Center building which is used as an event venue for both public and private use.

Denver Public Library

07/21/2025

Looking east at Wolff Street on Colfax Avenue (1950) & (2025)

In 1924 boxer Eddie Bohn opened a Texaco gas station and a restaurant on West Colfax. He named it Pig ‘N Whistle, after a restaurant he loved in California.

In the 1930's he added four motel units, making it Denver's second motel. He then added cottages, a swimming pool, and a sports bar, before anybody ever heard of one. The bar’s walls were covered with photos of famous people who visited there. The Pig 'N Whistle became a mecca for boxers, many of whom used the motel as a base during training. (For more information on the Pig ‘N Whistle please visit a previous post on our page.)

In 1950, this 50 foot sign was installed. The neon lights summoned travelers to the Pig ‘N Whistle Motel and Restaurant. On the corner of the sign it read: H Motel. The "H" and "M" alternated being lit, spelling out "Hotel" or "Motel". The big powder blue arrow was sequentially lit, pointing at the motel.

Colfax was a major thoroughfare connecting travelers to the mountains; it was known as the “Gateway to the Rockies”. During the mid-century, neon signs were prominent and helped define Colfax. Later nicknamed “the longest, wickedest street in America” these signs represented an era for Colfax Avenue that has long since passed.

Sadly in 1990 Eddie Bohn passed away and the following year, after being open for over 65 years, the Pig ‘N Whistle closed. In 2010 the restaurant burned down, and a part of West Colfax history ended. The only thing that remains of the complex is this sign. Thankfully for us, local Corky Scholl (who founded Save the Signs in 2012) protected this sign and hopefully it will be on Colfax for a long time.

In 2019, a new store located on the corner was named Pig 'N' Whistle and they funded the restoration of the sign. It was patched, sanded, and repainted on-site by Morry's Neon. The reader board and dancing pig acrylic inserts were replicated, new neon was installed, and the sign was relit in 2020. Due to current city sign codes, the animated features of the Hotel and Motel lights could not be restored, but its history remains.

07/21/2025

Looking east at Wolff Street on Colfax Avenue (1950) & (2025)

In 1924 boxer Eddie Bohn opened a Texaco gas station and a restaurant on West Colfax. He named it Pig ‘N Whistle, after a restaurant he loved in California.

In the 1930's he added four motel units, making it Denver's second motel. He then added cottages, a swimming pool, and a sports bar, before anybody ever heard of one. The bar’s walls were covered with photos of famous people who visited there. The Pig 'N Whistle became a mecca for boxers, many of whom used the motel as a base during training. (For more information on the Pig ‘N Whistle please visit a previous post on our page.)

In 1950, this 50 foot sign was installed. The neon lights summoned travelers to the Pig ‘N Whistle Motel and Restaurant. On the corner of the sign it read: H Motel. The "H" and "M" alternated being lit, spelling out "Hotel" or "Motel". The big powder blue arrow was sequentially lit, pointing at the motel.

Colfax was a major thoroughfare connecting travelers to the mountains; it was known as the “Gateway to the Rockies”. During the mid-century, neon signs were prominent and helped define Colfax. Later nicknamed “the longest, wickedest street in America” these signs represented an era for Colfax Avenue that has long since passed.

Sadly in 1990 Eddie Bohn passed away and the following year, after being open for over 65 years, the Pig ‘N Whistle closed. In 2010 the restaurant burned down, and a part of West Colfax history ended. The only thing that remains of the complex is this sign. Thankfully for us, local Corky Scholl (who founded Save the Signs in 2012) protected this sign and hopefully it will be on Colfax for a long time.

In 2019, a new store located on the corner was named Pig 'N' Whistle and they funded the restoration of the sign. It was patched, sanded, and repainted on-site by Morry's Neon. The reader board and dancing pig acrylic inserts were replicated, new neon was installed, and the sign was relit in 2020. Due to current city sign codes, the animated features of the Hotel and Motel lights could not be restored, but its history remains.

07/15/2025

Looking northwest on Alcott Street and Speer Boulevard (1958) & (2025)

“We Don’t Make Our Sandwiches WE BUILD ‘EM!” Louis Ballast, owner of the Humpty Dumpty Barrel Inn.

Leo Miller was the original owner of the building in 1930. In 1933, when Louis “Lou” Ballast was just 22 years old, he took over the business. It was located at 2776 North Speer Blvd in Denver, and it was Colorado's first fast-food drive-in restaurant. Cars would park around the building, and customers placed their orders at the window. When orders were ready the ‘curb girls’ delivered the food. The restaurant expanded twice, the first time adding indoor seating in 1936.

Locals would call it "The Barrel" or the "Barrel House" because of the huge barrel on the roof.

During his time as owner, Lou experimented with different ways he could serve hamburgers. He even tried Hershey’s chocolate and peanut butter as toppings. Neither of those toppings stuck, but a slice of melted cheese did - and the cheeseburger from Denver was born! Ballast officially acquired a trademark for "The Cheeseburger" on March 5, 1935.

Lou first met his wife Dorothy at Elitch Gardens in 1936, they married the next year. She worked at the Humpty Dumpty and was lovingly regarded as Mrs. Cheeseburger. Eventually all five of their children also worked at the drive-in.

The Humpty Dumpty served many items including: Root Beer kegs, Orange Crush, milk shakes, malted milk, Coors, barbecue, and fried chicken sandwiches - which they claim were the first in the world to serve them. In 1945 their cheeseburger was .20¢ and their most expense item that year was ham hocks n’ beans priced at a whopping .30¢.

The Ballast’s retired and closed the restaurant in 1973. Brandi’s Bar opened in its place, but in 1976 the building was lost due to a fire. In 1987 a local dairy association erected a granite monument that honors the Humpty Dumpty Barrel Inn as Colorado’s first drive-in and as the birthplace of the cheeseburger. The monument is located in a garden near the front corner of the KeyBank branch building near Speer which is located there now.

Denver Then & Now

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

08/04/2025

08/04/2025

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

07/28/2025

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07/21/2025

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07/15/2025

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