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Denver Then & Now, Denver, CO (2026)

09/03/2026

Looking southwest from 6th Avenue and Bannock Street (1967) & (2026)

If you’re feeling sick and something don’t feel right, Who ya gonna call? Denver General!

If you’ve got a fever and you’re up all night, Who ya gonna call? Denver General!

This 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Deluxe Cotner-Bevington ambulance bears a striking resemblance to the famous Ghostbusters Ecto-1, a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex. Both are a combination of ambulance and hearse, making them excellent examples of the distinctive vehicles produced during this era.

This 1967 vehicle was custom-built with a distinctive rear-end styling that featured heavily integrated wrap around chrome bumper ends. It was powered by a 425 cubic inch Super Rocket V8 engine. The vehicle features a rear-loading door, extensive chrome body accents, traditional bullet-style roof lights, and a mechanical siren.

Unlike modern emergency vehicles, which are typically built on truck chassis, this ambulance retained the front-end styling of a passenger automobile while incorporating an extended, purpose-built body. Its long wheelbase and heavy-duty suspension provided a remarkably smooth and stable ride.

During this era, DGH operated its own municipal ambulance fleet directly from the facility, providing emergency transportation for patients in the community.

These elegant, low-slung ambulances vanished from American roads due to the federal Emergency Medical Services Systems Act of 1973. The legislation introduced strict new demands for interior space and headroom, ensuring medics had enough room to treat patients in transit. Unable to meet these standards, passenger-car platforms gave way to the high-capacity, truck-based box ambulances we recognize today.

The photo was taken outside a wing of the historical Denver General Hospital, originally established in this location in 1873. In 1997 it was renamed Denver Health Medical Center, to reflect its separation from city governance and creation as an independent political subdivision, the Denver Health and Hospital Authority.

09/03/2026

Looking southwest from 6th Avenue and Bannock Street (1967) & (2026)

If you’re feeling sick and something don’t feel right, Who ya gonna call? Denver General!

If you’ve got a fever and you’re up all night, Who ya gonna call? Denver General!

This 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Deluxe Cotner-Bevington ambulance bears a striking resemblance to the famous Ghostbusters Ecto-1, a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex. Both are a combination of ambulance and hearse, making them excellent examples of the distinctive vehicles produced during this era.

This 1967 vehicle was custom-built with a distinctive rear-end styling that featured heavily integrated wrap around chrome bumper ends. It was powered by a 425 cubic inch Super Rocket V8 engine. The vehicle features a rear-loading door, extensive chrome body accents, traditional bullet-style roof lights, and a mechanical siren.

Unlike modern emergency vehicles, which are typically built on truck chassis, this ambulance retained the front-end styling of a passenger automobile while incorporating an extended, purpose-built body. Its long wheelbase and heavy-duty suspension provided a remarkably smooth and stable ride.

During this era, DGH operated its own municipal ambulance fleet directly from the facility, providing emergency transportation for patients in the community.

These elegant, low-slung ambulances vanished from American roads due to the federal Emergency Medical Services Systems Act of 1973. The legislation introduced strict new demands for interior space and headroom, ensuring medics had enough room to treat patients in transit. Unable to meet these standards, passenger-car platforms gave way to the high-capacity, truck-based box ambulances we recognize today.

The photo was taken outside a wing of the historical Denver General Hospital, originally established in this location in 1873. In 1997 it was renamed Denver Health Medical Center, to reflect its separation from city governance and creation as an independent political subdivision, the Denver Health and Hospital Authority.

08/26/2026

Facing east on Colfax Avenue and Kendall Street (1983) & (2026)

Before the construction of Interstate 70, the main throughfare in Colorado was Colfax Avenue, also known as Highway 40. During the post World War II era in Denver, Colfax became the premier avenue for tourists heading west to the Rocky Mountains or east to the Great Plains. It was during this time that numerous motels, restaurants and stores began sprouting up along the avenue to accommodate the growing number of motorists.

One of these establishments was the Bugs Bunny Motel, opened in 1952 and located at 6218 West Colfax Avenue. The motel had no association with Warner Brothers Studios or Bugs Bunny himself, but that didn't stop the owners from naming it after the world's most famous wabbit. Business at the motel was conducted as usual for 45 years, until 1997 when Warner Brothers Studios finally caught wind of the copyright infringement. Rather than duel it out in a legal court battle with the media giant, the owners of the Bugs Bunny motel had a clever solution.

The "u" was partially painted over and turned into an "i" and the "s" was entirely covered. Thus, The Bugs Bunny was converted into The Big Bunny. After the "u" was painted over, there was a noticeable gap between the "B" and "i" that made the sign appear as the B ig Bunny Motel" The sign remained as so until 2015 when it was refurbished and repainted to the current look of today.

As of "now" the building still operates as a motel for short or extended stays.

08/26/2026

Facing east on Colfax Avenue and Kendall Street (1983) & (2026)

Before the construction of Interstate 70, the main throughfare in Colorado was Colfax Avenue, also known as Highway 40. During the post World War II era in Denver, Colfax became the premier avenue for tourists heading west to the Rocky Mountains or east to the Great Plains. It was during this time that numerous motels, restaurants and stores began sprouting up along the avenue to accommodate the growing number of motorists.

One of these establishments was the Bugs Bunny Motel, opened in 1952 and located at 6218 West Colfax Avenue. The motel had no association with Warner Brothers Studios or Bugs Bunny himself, but that didn't stop the owners from naming it after the world's most famous wabbit. Business at the motel was conducted as usual for 45 years, until 1997 when Warner Brothers Studios finally caught wind of the copyright infringement. Rather than duel it out in a legal court battle with the media giant, the owners of the Bugs Bunny motel had a clever solution.

The "u" was partially painted over and turned into an "i" and the "s" was entirely covered. Thus, The Bugs Bunny was converted into The Big Bunny. After the "u" was painted over, there was a noticeable gap between the "B" and "i" that made the sign appear as the B ig Bunny Motel" The sign remained as so until 2015 when it was refurbished and repainted to the current look of today.

As of "now" the building still operates as a motel for short or extended stays.

08/21/2026

Looking north at 1635 Court Place (2006) & (2026)

Did you know we have Duffy’s to thank for Denver’s modern St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and for preserving a piece of old Denver?

Although Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1889, it ended in 1921 due to economic strain, and the era's negative political climate.

Then came Duffy’s.

In 1950 Bernard Duffy opened Duffy’s Shamrock Bar, Irish Coffee House and Restaurant. It was originally at 1518 Champa St. In 1956 it outgrew its space and moved to 1645 Tremont Place.

In 1962 Duffy's regulars, known as the "Evil Companions Club", convinced the Coors Company to dye their beer green for St. Patrick’s Day. Legend has it that on March 17th, three men fueled by this green brew stepped out of Duffy’s holding a single tiny American flag, walked into the middle of the street and marched a single lap around the downtown block to the roaring cheers of bar patrons.

This single-block parade was so popular that the following year it kicked off what became the modern Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Joseph Lombardi bought Duffy’s in 1963. Because of downtown development it moved in 1974 to 1635 Court Pl.

In 1981, Duffy’s found itself in another path of development. The Oxford-AnsCo Development Corporation wanted the property for a major downtown expansion. Even though they offered $3.5 million, Lombardi refused.

An uncashed $1 million earnest-money check from the proposed transaction was kept inside Duffy's as a trophy. The Lombardi’s helped preserve a little piece of old Denver in the middle of one of the city's biggest downtown developments, the Republic Plaza, Denver's 56-story landmark skyscraper.

Duffy’s thrived until it closed in 2006. It has remained empty since.

Next time you raise a green beer on St. Patrick’s Day in Denver, remember the unlikely story behind the tradition: three men, one tiny flag, a lap around a downtown block, and Duffy’s.

08/21/2026

Looking north at 1635 Court Place (2006) & (2026)

Did you know we have Duffy’s to thank for Denver’s modern St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and for preserving a piece of old Denver?

Although Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1889, it ended in 1921 due to economic strain, and the era's negative political climate.

Then came Duffy’s.

In 1950 Bernard Duffy opened Duffy’s Shamrock Bar, Irish Coffee House and Restaurant. It was originally at 1518 Champa St. In 1956 it outgrew its space and moved to 1645 Tremont Place.

In 1962 Duffy's regulars, known as the "Evil Companions Club", convinced the Coors Company to dye their beer green for St. Patrick’s Day. Legend has it that on March 17th, three men fueled by this green brew stepped out of Duffy’s holding a single tiny American flag, walked into the middle of the street and marched a single lap around the downtown block to the roaring cheers of bar patrons.

This single-block parade was so popular that the following year it kicked off what became the modern Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Joseph Lombardi bought Duffy’s in 1963. Because of downtown development it moved in 1974 to 1635 Court Pl.

In 1981, Duffy’s found itself in another path of development. The Oxford-AnsCo Development Corporation wanted the property for a major downtown expansion. Even though they offered $3.5 million, Lombardi refused.

An uncashed $1 million earnest-money check from the proposed transaction was kept inside Duffy's as a trophy. The Lombardi’s helped preserve a little piece of old Denver in the middle of one of the city's biggest downtown developments, the Republic Plaza, Denver's 56-story landmark skyscraper.

Duffy’s thrived until it closed in 2006. It has remained empty since.

Next time you raise a green beer on St. Patrick’s Day in Denver, remember the unlikely story behind the tradition: three men, one tiny flag, a lap around a downtown block, and Duffy’s.

08/12/2026

Facing west at the intersection of 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street (1909) & (2024)

Elitch Gardens was officially opened on May 1, 1890 by John and Mary Elitch. The property housed botanical gardens, a zoo and spaces for live entertainment. Over the years, Eltich's became a premier entertainment destination for generations of Coloradans. As the years progressed the Gurtler family (the owners at the time) had envisioned a larger park of the future and needed space to expand. The park remained at the same location for 104 years until its relocation to downtown Denver along the Platte River. The final day of admission was October 1, 1994.

In the course of Elitch's history there had been three designs for the main entrance. The first was a rustic wood arch (1890-1909). The second was designed in Greek-Revival style (1909 until 1958). The third and final was designed in art deco style (1958-1994). Shown above is second version of the entrance.

The site is now a mixed use of a park, apartments and stores. Many of the trees from the park remain, and there are still remnants of the past that you can walk by. The surviving structures are the entrance walkway (shown in the picture), the theater and the carousel dome.

The original Elitch Theater was built in 1891 and has hosted world class performers throughout its history. The venue continues operations this day with live productions, and plays. The theater was added to the National register of historic places in 1978.

◾Notes From Tanner
One thing that I love about doing this page is the fact that I can stand in "historical" places. Whether a building or structure is still there or not, it's so much fun to vist and think about its history. Although I don't know who these men and women were, I do know that they were once alive and well at Elitch Gardens! I think about who they could have been, what their lives were like at the time and if they ever wondered about the year 2026. Walking in the footsteps of those who came before us and those who will come after us is something that I find so interesting and meaningful!

08/12/2026

Facing west at the intersection of 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street (1909) & (2024)

Elitch Gardens was officially opened on May 1, 1890 by John and Mary Elitch. The property housed botanical gardens, a zoo and spaces for live entertainment. Over the years, Eltich's became a premier entertainment destination for generations of Coloradans. As the years progressed the Gurtler family (the owners at the time) had envisioned a larger park of the future and needed space to expand. The park remained at the same location for 104 years until its relocation to downtown Denver along the Platte River. The final day of admission was October 1, 1994.

In the course of Elitch's history there had been three designs for the main entrance. The first was a rustic wood arch (1890-1909). The second was designed in Greek-Revival style (1909 until 1958). The third and final was designed in art deco style (1958-1994). Shown above is second version of the entrance.

The site is now a mixed use of a park, apartments and stores. Many of the trees from the park remain, and there are still remnants of the past that you can walk by. The surviving structures are the entrance walkway (shown in the picture), the theater and the carousel dome.

The original Elitch Theater was built in 1891 and has hosted world class performers throughout its history. The venue continues operations this day with live productions, and plays. The theater was added to the National register of historic places in 1978.

◾Notes From Tanner
One thing that I love about doing this page is the fact that I can stand in "historical" places. Whether a building or structure is still there or not, it's so much fun to vist and think about its history. Although I don't know who these men and women were, I do know that they were once alive and well at Elitch Gardens! I think about who they could have been, what their lives were like at the time and if they ever wondered about the year 2026. Walking in the footsteps of those who came before us and those who will come after us is something that I find so interesting and meaningful!

08/06/2026

Looking west at Sheridan Boulevard from West 46th Ave. (1969) & (2024)

In 1910, do you know what was in this building immediately south of Lakeside’s Tower of the Jewels?

What looks like a two story building, from this angle, was really the three story Casino
Theatre or simply known as "The Casino”, which served as a major social center.

The lower level was the Rathskeller, which was a German-style bar and restaurant. It also had a kitchen, ice cellar, and a storage area.

The middle level contained two large dining rooms, one of which was enclosed for year-round use.

The top level had a 1,700-seat theater. It hosted concerts, plays, and often featured live musical entertainment.

Currently, the building is used for the park’s administrative offices and storage space.
It’s been said that it still houses a functioning manual telephone switchboard used by the park staff.

A photo of the opposite side of the Casino Theatre is provided as the first comment, as well as what the dining area looked like.

08/06/2026

Looking west at Sheridan Boulevard from West 46th Ave. (1969) & (2024)

In 1910, do you know what was in this building immediately south of Lakeside’s Tower of the Jewels?

What looks like a two story building, from this angle, was really the three story Casino
Theatre or simply known as "The Casino”, which served as a major social center.

The lower level was the Rathskeller, which was a German-style bar and restaurant. It also had a kitchen, ice cellar, and a storage area.

The middle level contained two large dining rooms, one of which was enclosed for year-round use.

The top level had a 1,700-seat theater. It hosted concerts, plays, and often featured live musical entertainment.

Currently, the building is used for the park’s administrative offices and storage space.
It’s been said that it still houses a functioning manual telephone switchboard used by the park staff.

A photo of the opposite side of the Casino Theatre is provided as the first comment, as well as what the dining area looked like.

Denver Then & Now

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

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