A Digital Walking Tour of Salida

: 129 W. 1st Street; Real estate appraisal card. 129 W. 1st Street, lots 5-7, block 21, in Salida, Colorado. Salida's original Craig Opera House was destroyed by fire in January 1888. Concerned with the loss to the community, in June 1888 a group of local businessmen organized the Salida Opera House Association with $30,000 in authorized capital stock. The directors of the group were: E.W. Corbin, G.W. McGovern, M.J. Collins, Peter Mulvany, J.W. O'Connor, J.W. Wood, and W.W. Roller. Edward W. Corbin, a wholesale grocer and mayor, was the leader of the opera house effort. This building was constructed on a 75'X150' parcel purchased from Kate Bender. Construction took place during the latter half of 1888 and the building was dedicated on January 1, 1889. The opening evening featured twenty four musical numbers by the Leadville string band, dancing, and a catered supper. The Salida News opined that the drop curtain was "a beautiful piece of work of art" and boasted that the $30,000 Salida Opera House was "in every way superior to any in Colorado except the Tabor Grand in Denver." The Masonic Hall was located on the second floor of the building. W.W.Roller, an active and prominent Salida businessman, was shown as the manager of the theater In the 1903-04 and 1905-06 city directories. In 1909, the facility was renamed the Osos Grand. The new lessees (N.J. Brewer, manager, and Frank R. Powell, business manager) had operated the Osos picture show for the previous year. They rewired the building, redecorated, and improved the picture show quality. The theater featured nightly picture shows with an orchestra except when pre-empted by special attractions; each show was ten cents. At the end of 1909, the Salida Mail applauded the advance of the theater: "As a place of amusement, instruction and innocent pastime, the Osos Grand furnishes entertainment beyond question. Its value to the community as a place of entertainment can scarcely be estimated." Over the years, the facility was used for traveling road shows, lectures, musical performances, parties, and dances. John Cunningham was the proprietor of the Osos Grand in 1911-12. By 1922-23, the Empress and Photo Play theaters were listed in the building (at 121 and 131 W. 1st Street, respectively). F.R. Kelly was the proprietor of both. Only the Empress Theater was listed in the 1930-31 city directory, with Orrin H. Goodenough, manager. The facility was known as the Salida Theatre by January 1942, when a fire struck the building: "The flames swept through the theater floor, destroyed the sound screen and gutted all the rear of the building. Heat and smoke severely damaged the rest of the interior." The building was then owned by Frank Kelley ( a former state senator) and was operated by the Atlas Theater corporation of Denver. The 1951 and 1961 city directories listed the Salida Theatre here. with James Sweeney, manager. The facility was known as the Unique Theater at the time of the 1981 historic buildings survey. In addition to the Masonic Hall on the second floor of the building, offices and shops were also located on the first floor flanking the entrance to the theater. The 1890 Sanborn fire 1nsurance map showed a tailor, an office, and two stores flanking the entrance to the Opera House on the first floor of the building. William W. Roller, who managed the theater, also operated a real estate, loan, and insurance company from the building and was president of the Salida Board of Trade (also located here) in the 1903-06 period. Roller, identified as a conveyancer, was still listed in the building in 1909. In 1905-06, Samuel J. Spray, a civil engineer and the U.S. Deputy Mineral Surveyor, had an office here. The 1904 and 1909 Sanborn maps showed a "mineral exhibit hall" west of the entrance and offices to the east. The building encompassed numbers 125 through 133 W. 1st Street on 1904 through 1945 Sanborns. The 1930-31 city directory showed the following businesses on the first floor: George Gaul shoe repair, Charles and Lester Zingone, tailors, and the Singer Sewing Machine Co. (Bernard B. Bellwood, manager). In 1951 and 1961, occupants included Cookie's Place (Leo Cook, owner), Helen's Beauty Shop (Helen Mazzuca, owner), and the Marchesa Accordian Sclwol (Mickey Marchesa, owner). History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 130 E. 2nd Street; Real estate appraisal card. 130 E. 2nd Street, lots 21 & 22, block 22, in Salida, Colorado. This building was erected between 1898 and 1904, according to Sanborn fire insurance maps. The Assessor's 1900 year of construction could be correct. The building was addressed as 132 E. 2nd Street on 1904 through 1945 Sanborn maps. The 1903-04 and 1905-06 city directories indicate that Mrs. Josephine Hill offered furnished rooms in this building. Mrs. Catherine Fagan, a forty-nine year old widow was keeping this rooming house according to 1920 manuscript Census returns. She had immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland and was a naturalized citizen. She had four lodgers at the time of the Census: two railroad workers, a baker, and a grocery store salesman. Mrs. Amalia Pauly (the widow of Harry M. Pauly) operated the house in 1922-23. The 1927-28 and 1930-31 city directories stated that William C. Keim owned and resided in this building. Mr. Keim operated the wall paper and paint store across the street at today's 131 E. 2nd Street. Members of the Keim family continued to live here and rent out lodgings through at least 1961: in 1951 W.C. Keim was listed, while in 1961, Mabel M. Keim was here. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 130 Lower D Street; Real estate appraisal card. 130 Lower (or North) D Street, lots 1-3, block 3, in Salida, Colorado.

: 130 W. Sackett Avenue; Real estate appraisal card. 130 W. Sackett Avenue, pt. SE 1/4, Sec. 32 T 50N R 9E, in Salida, Colorado. This building was constructed about 1906. The 1909 and 1914 Sanborn maps show this building divided into six units and labeled "female boarding," a Sanborn Map Company euphemism for a place of prostitution. This building is visible on 1926 and late 1930s overview photographs of Salida taken from Tenderfoot Hill. These "cribs" were operated by Salida's most famous madam, Laura Evans, and she may have been the original owner. Accounts of her life indicate she acquired this building in 1906. This block of W. Sackett Avenue (then known as W. Front Street) was the town's Red Light District and contained a number of houses of prostitution. Railroad workers and travelers provided a large client base for the district. In the 1905-06 city directory, units in this building were numbered 1 through 6 W. Sackett Avenue, with each unit occupied by a single woman who listed no occupation. Laura Evans operated brothels at 113 and 129 W. Sackett Avenue during the twentieth century. According to an account in One Hundred Years in the Heart of the Rockies, Ms. Evans married young, deserted her family, changed her name, and became a prostitute. She came west to Denver's Market Street and spent three years in Leadville, before settling in Salida in the late 1890s. She continued to operate her business until 1950, when the local District Attorney finally forced her to close. Accounts of Ms. Evans' life in Salida are replete with numerous good works. During the influenza epidemic of 1918, she reportedly suspended operations and provided rooms for the sick and sent her girls to aid in nursing flu victims. During the Depression, food baskets and coal were provided to needy families. Abused women were given shelter. One Salida politician remarked: "I doubt if anybody will ever know how many people Laura helped. She was an entire Department of Social Services long before there was such a thing." Laura Evans listed her occupation on census returns and in city directories as the keeper of a lodging house. After her operations were closed down in 1950, she rented rooms to railroad workers. Ms. Evans died at 129 W. Sackett Avenue on 6 April 1953.

: 131 E. 2nd Street; Real estate appraisal card. 131 E. 2nd Street, lot 5, block 31, in Salida, Colorado. The oldest part of this building was constructed between 1883 and 1886 as a dwelling set back from E. 2nd Street. Sanborn maps for 1886 through 1898 continue to identify it as a dwelling. The northern (front) part of the building was erected between 1898 and 1904. Sanborn maps for 1904 through 1945 show this building addressed as 133 E. 2nd Street. The 1903-04 city directory reported that Mrs. Lula E. Spencer resided here and pursued her trade as a milliner. Amos P. Slater operated a blacksmith shop in the rear portion of the building. The 1904 Sanborn map shows the northern portion of this building in use as a harness shop and the south serving as a dwelling. In 1909 the Christian Science Hall and Reading Room was housed in the building. The 1914 Sanborn map shows a cobbler in the building. The 1922-23 through 1930-31 city directories list the wall paper business of William C. Keim at this address. The 1945 Sanborn map indicates that a wall paper and paint store was located in the building. The 1951 and 1961 city directories list Martin's Shoe Repair here. Virgil W. Martin was the owner. At the time of the 1981 historic buildings survey, a "Shoe Service" occupied the building. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 132 E. 1st Street; Real estate appraisal card. 132 E. 1st Street, lot 21, block 4, in Salida, Colorado. This building was erected between 1898 and 1904, based on Sanborn maps. The 1904 map shows the present building, which is labeled "restaurant." The 1903-04 city directory lists the Welch House, operated by Mrs. Mary Welch, at this address. The Welch House advertised furnished rooms and a restaurant. Mrs. Welch's family also lived here, including Kate (a student), Owen (a student), and Mrs. Pearl Welch. Mrs. Welch's boarding house was listed in the 1905-06 city directory at this address. The 1909 city directory listed the Salida Cafe at this address, together with furnished rooms offered by Mabel Button. The Salida Cafe advertised "Strictly Home Cooking," and offered single meals for 25 cents and 21 meals for $5. The 1911-12 city directory indicates that Mary Welch was managing furnished rooms upstairs. By 1914, the building housed a wallpaper and paint firm on the ground floor. The 1922-23 city directory indicated that Charles A. and Lena Morris lived here and had a wallpaper and paint store in the building. The same business was listed here in 1927 and 1930-31. The 1945 Sanborn map indicates a wallpaper and paint business here. By 1951, the first story housed Reekers & Son (wallpaper and paint), which included G.A. and W.D. Reekers. The same business was still here in 1961, owned by Dale G. Reekers. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 132 Lower E Street; Real estate appraisal card. 132 Lower E Street, lots 1-5, block 4, in Salida, Colorado.

: 132 W. 1st Street; Real estate appraisal card. 132 W. 1st Street, lot 20, block 5, in Salida, Colorado. First Story. The building was constructed between 1888 and 1890 as the eastern portion of the Union Block. The ground floor of this building housed a grocery s!ore in 1890, a furniture store in 1893, and a second hand store during the 1898 to 1914 period. The 1903 through 1922-23 city directories showed a furniture and second hand goods store run by Charles F. Calvin. In 1905-06, Calvin advertised that he was a dealer in new and second hand furniture, crockery, Queensware, stoves, tinware, and so forth. The 1929 and 1945 Sanborn fire insurance maps show an unspecified store in this location. Second Story. The second story of the Union Block was originally used for lodging, according to 1890 and 1893 Sanborn fire insurance maps. The 1898 map labeled it as the Union Hotel, as did the 1903-4 and 1905-05 city directories. Both directories list Mr. and Mrs. T.N.B. Snyder as the operators of the hotel. An advertisement in the latter directory indicated that the establishment had twenty-four rooms, a large parlor with fire, books, and daily papers, hot and cold water, and electric lights. At that time, beds went for 25 cents a night, and rooms from 35 to 75 cents. In August 1906, the Salida Mail described the Snyders' Union House Rooms: "Their rooms are light, cheery, clean and airy, and the place throughout bears a homelike appearance that meets the hearty approval of all their patrons." In 1909, the Union House furnished rooms were managed by Mabel Button. The 1911-12 city directory listed this as the Union Rooming House, Sylvester Pollock, proprietor. The pattern continued into the 1920s, with furnished rooms maintained by Mrs. Gertrude Van Camp (1922-23) and Mrs. O.C. Holly (1927-28). By the time of the 1951 city directory, it appears that the second floor had been divided into two separate lodging facilities. The eastern section was known as the Linza Hotel, operated by Mrs. Delia Linza. The western portion was the Denver Rooms, owned by Ralph Spina. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 133 E. 1st Street; Real estate appraisal card. 133 E. 1st Street, lots 5 & 6, block 22, in Salida, Colorado. This building was erected between 1888 and 1890, according to Sanborn maps. Small frame buildings are shown on this parcel on the 1888 map. The present building is shown on the 1890 map, divided into a grocery (131) and a clothing store (133). The upstairs was labeled "rooms." The 1893 Sanborn map indicates that a pawn shop and office had replaced the clothing store. In 1898, the pawn shop had been replaced by a bicycle and repairing business. At the rear of the grocery was a warehouse. In the 1903-04 city directory Harry J. Williams, grocer, was listed at this address. Williams advertised "an up-to-date grocery house." The second storefront was occupied by M.J. Gannon, merchant tailor. Gannon specialized in "cleaning and repairing promptly and neatly done." Also listed at this address in 1903-04 was the Salida Wall Paper Co., William E. Orton, proprietor. Mrs. Katherine Crockett, dressmaker, had a shop upstairs, and furnished rooms were managed by Marie Woods. By 1905-06, Joseph D. Randol, grocer, had replaced Harry J. Williams. J.D. Randol, a pioneer grocer, settled in the Salida area in 1879 and was considered "among those men who helped to build here on such a solid foundation for posterity." He started his grocery store in 1901. His son, J.W. Randol took over the business, and was also considered a respected citizen and booster of Salida. By 1911-12, the grocery had moved to 113 E. 1st St., and had been replaced by the W.F. James & Son grocery. Samuel and Joseph Axford, who sold cigars and tobacco, books, and bicycles, were listed here in the 1909 city directory. Samuel Axford operated the Salida Novelty Works at this address. The 1914 Sanborn map showed the building divided into a cigar store and a grocery. By 1922, this was the location of the Burns' Cafe, operated by William F. Burns. The 1927-28 city directory listed the Burns' Cafe and the Burns' Market at this address. The upstairs was the residence of William F. and Maude Burns and William F., Jr., and Eloide Burns. William Burns, Jr., was a meat cutter with Burns' Market. By 1951 the Star Grocery and Market was located in 133 E. 1st St., while Deluxe Cleaners operated in 131 E. 1st St. The Star Grocery and Market was also listed here in 1961. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 133 E. Sackett Avenue; Real estate appraisal card. 133 E. Sackett Avenue, 100' lots 4 & 5, block 4, in Salida, Colorado. A Salida Record article reports that the building was erected in 1902 by J.W. DeWeese. James Watt DeWeese, a native of Ohio, grew up in Ohio and Indiana and apprenticed in the shops of the Lake Shore Railroad as a machinist. In 1887, he came to Salida to work as a machinist for the D&RG Railroad. He worked for the D&RG three years in Salida and three years in Gunnison, studied freehand drawing in Cincinnati, traveled to California, and returned to Salida In 1894. DeWeese formed a partnership in the real estate and loan business with W.S. "Shamus" O'Brien. He bought out O'Brien in 1898. DeWeese also served as secretary of the Salida Building and Loan Association and as secretary of School District Number 7. In 1900, he was described as "doing an excellent business and is one of the most popular young business men in the county." Ground was broken for this building in January 1902. It was 50'X30', twelve room, "two department terrace on Front street on the lots located between the Kinney building and the corner of E street." The impact of the building was described at the time of its construction: "This building will fill up a very conspicuous gap in the otherwise solid and attractive front that the town presents from the depot and will be appreciated accordingly by the public. It is likely that the owners of the other lots adjoining will in the near future build similar buildings on their ground and fill the space to the corner." The building's foundation was in by late February 1902, and the Salida Mail commented that "the plans provide for arrangements which will make it a very handsome and desirable residence. A large force of hands is at work, and the building will be completed in the very near future." The 1903-04 city directory indicated that Amanda B. Creswell was operating a boarding house in this building. The 1909 city directory referred to this building as the DeWeese Terrace and listed its address as 121 E. Front. The Sanborn maps for 1904 through 1929 show the building in use as a two-unit dwelling. It was addressed as 135-37 in 1904 and 133-35 subsequently. The 1945 Sanborn map identified this building as the New Haven Hotel.

: 133 Lower D Street; Real estate appraisal card. 133 Lower (or North) D Street, lots 10-13, block 2, in Salida, Colorado. This house was built before 1886, based on Sanborn Insurance maps. In 1903, Salida citizen Charles Lines lived here with his wife, Josephine, and two children. Born in Nashville, Illinois, in 1861, he came to Salida in 1890, after living in St. Louis for four years. He was employed by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad during his entire time in Salida, working over the years as coal chute foreman, manager of the oil house, and checker in the warehouse. He married Josephine Waldorf (b.1868), originally of Missouri, in St. Louis on 24 October 1888. Both of Josephine's parents were born in Germany. The couple had two sons, one of whom was killed in battle in World War I. They also had a daughter, who died at the age of five in 1904, when the D Street hanging bridge collapsed over the Arkansas River. Their son, Lance, also lived here. Living with the Lines in 1903 were the following roomers: S.J. Carter, Stephen E. Merrill, and O.N. Smith, all of whom were employed as firemen with the railroad. Charles died in July 1925, after a nine-day illness resulting from when a splinter in his finger became infected. Henry L. Batkin, an employee of the Denver & Rio Grande, lived here with his wife Lena J Batkin. Mr. Batkin was born in Kansas in 1879. Mrs. Batkin was born in Georgia in 1881. The Batkins had a daughter, Helen, who was born in 1907 in Oklahoma. Also living here was Claude R. Bassham, a helper with the railroad. In 1922, Amarante and Celestina Garcia lived here. Both of the Garcias were born in New Mexico, Amarante in 1888 and Celestina in 1874. Mr. Garcia was employed by the railroad as car repairer. The Garcias had five children, all of whom were born in New Mexico: Marandy, Rosie, Joe, Roseata, and Rosneta. The family still lived in Salida in 1930, although on West Front Street. The 1930 U.S. Census listed several people living here, including David Hand (b.1863), originally of Indiana, and eight year old Harry lreball who was rooming with Mr. Hand. No indication is given of their relationship to each other. Also living here were Fred. D. and Della Leason. Fred, originally born in Kansas in 1885, worked as a locomotive engineer with the steam railroad. His wife Della was born in Missouri in 1885. Their son Emory A. Leason, who was born in Colorado, lived with them as well. The 1951 city directory indicated that John F. and Laura Maestas were the owners and residents of the house. Mr. Maestas was an employee at a marble quarry in that year. The 1965 city directory listed John and Desideria Maestas as the owners of the house. John F. Maestas was born in 1900 in Vallecitos, New Mexico. At the time of his death in 1979 he was identified as a retired D&RGW employee. Mr. Maestas was survived by eight children, twenty-two grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. An Assessor's appraisal card indicates that Laura V. Maestas was a subsequent owner of the house. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

: 134 D Street; Real estate appraisal card. 134 D Street, lots 23-26, block 23, in Salida, Colorado. This house was built between 1898 and 1902. Henry Wise (1862-1933), an engineer with D&RG lived here beginning in 1903-04 until at least 1906. Charles C. Burkhart lived here in 1911-12 and was employed as a fireman with D&RG. In 1922, David Clarence and Eva W. Kern lived here. David was a railroad carman, and later engaged in an express business. Born in 1867, David died in September 1947 while doing yard work at his home. Eva died a few years later in October 1950. She was born in 1868 in Jasper County, Missouri. In Salida she was a member of the G.A.R. and the Methodist Church. Her daughter, Crystal Mae Wells, became the next owner of the property, along with her husband, George Washington Wells. George was an engineer with Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. He was born in Southwest City, Missouri, in 1892. His parents were Ira and Josephine Wells. Mr. Wells moved to Salida in 1911 and lived here the rest of his life. Mr. Wells died in 1944 in Salida. Mr. and Mrs. Wells had no children surviving them. The house had changed occupants by 1951, when Kenneth Lee and Maude Woods lived here. Maude was born in 1900. Kenneth was born in 1895 in Salida, and attended Valley View School and Salida High School. He was described as an outstanding athlete. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Woods, who were ranchers in the Salida area, and he helped his father on his ranch. Later, he worked as the assistant steward at the Salida Elks Lodge 808, of which he was a member. A veteran of World War I, he was also a member of the American Legion. Mr. and Mrs. Woods had no children. Kenneth Woods died in 1963 while residing at this address. In 1965, the city directory listed Mrs. Ethel M. Reese, a school teacher, at this address. Mrs. Reese was the widow of L.G. Reese. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.

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A Digital Walking Tour of Salida

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