Built in 1908 as the Hupp Hotel and resort in this mountain town by Josephine Hupp, this establishment was bought two decades later by the Jay family.

In the 1920s and 30s the family cleverly brought in some of the best shows from Broadway as a way of attracting summer guests and making sure the Jay Hotel stood out from the competition. Productions were staged in the backroom theatre.

There was also a dance hall and, we assume, the Chez Jay restaurant and cocktail lounge where this handsome cowboy with his Stetson, bandana and silver spurs played guitar and sang for guests. And have a look at the height of the heels on his boots – very fashionable and cute.

Chez Jay closed some time in the 40s and has gone through many owners. Right now, an Irish bar called Lonigans is in the space – its sounds like a fun and lively place to grab a drink. If you’re ever in this part of Colorado.

Courtesy Private Collection.