With over 100 years of history, we have collected some unique treasures that are on display in the Hotel Denver lobby here in Glenwood Springs. These are our favorites:
Train Picture
Shortly after the turn of the century, fifty mother-of-pearl pictures were given to hotels as a railroad promotion.
The hand-crafted pictures were made by Western Sand Blast Company in Chicago. Other known locations for the pictures are the Broadmoor Hotel and the Smithsonian Institute.
Piano
This rosewood Weber piano was built in 1885 in New York. Before the turn of the century, it was transported by riverboat up the Missouri River, down the Yellowstone to Montana, and then to Sheridan, Wyoming via mule train.
In 1987, the piano was restored and is on loan to the hotel.
Bottles
The bottles on display in the lobby were uncovered when the most recent addition was made. Apparently, they were in the trash dump site used at the turn of the century. Included is a bottle from Glenwood’s own Parkinson Drug, and many with unusual rounded bottoms.
Clock
This clock has been in the hotel since the early 1930s, when the hotel was owned by Art Kendrick. Art acquired the clock from a downtown jeweler, J.W. Rawles. Mr. Rawles’ father brought the clock in a wagon over Independence Pass to Aspen. The age of the clock is unknown.
Organ
We are given generous gifts from time to time. On March 1st, 2013, a beautiful organ came to rest at The Hotel Denver courtesy of Larry Brooks. The organ was originally purchased from Sears Roebuck for a reported $29.95, and it was a wedding gift to Nellie Reagle in 1908 from her parents. The organ survived a long journey from Nebraska and lived about 46 years on a ranch in Ryan’s gulch between Rifle and Meeker Colorado. We at The Hotel Denver thank Larry Brooks and his family for this historic treasure and proudly display it for all to enjoy its beauty!