After the old theater was sold to Albert Petry, things began to change for Pagosa's rowdy teenagers. The Saturday afternoon double feature matinees that used to be so much fun and could become an adventure of pure bravery. Just when all attention would be focused on the screen action or smelling the perfume on the girl sitting next to you,you just might feel a tap on the shoulder or on a shin if your feet rested on the seat in front. Mr Petry took on the job as the town moral Marshall and anyone attending had better tow the line or feel his walking cane. He didn't mind pulling an ear lobe either if he thought boys were getting fresh with the girls.
Buying a soda was nothing like today's concession stands. Ten cents bought a bottle of soda which was then poured into a paper cup to make sure the bottles never entered the seating area.
Janitorial duties after shows were done by those lucky enough to hold a job as collecting tickets or working the concession stand. Sometimes the loose change found under seats was more than an hourly wage, but then you might find other treasures, like half consumed wine bottles,coats,wallets,diapers etc.
Being the only source of entertainment, no matter what picture was showing there was always a gathering for the weekend shows. I'm sure many high school romances blossomed before intermission of the double feature. The little stage in front of the screen served as a treasure trove of gifts during Saturday raffles promoted by local merchants. I came real close to winning a bicycle but came in second to Johnny Madrid.
I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Petry and his family, he never failed to greet me with a smile as he stood leaning on his cane in front the Liberty. He was always willing to give a young boy a job and teach the value of honest days labor. As a young man returning home on military leave Mr. Petry was always the first to greet me as I stepped off the the Trailways bus in front of the Theatre.
I would only hope that one day the city will find it worthwhile to honor these old buildings with some sort of historical marker of importance.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
If Walls Could Talk
In comparing views of photos taken of downtown Pagosa Springs in a span of fifty plus years the thought occurred of marvelous stories these buildings could tell. Lets look at the Metropolitan hotel est. in 1919 with it newly decorated face to attract fun loving tourist.
The Liberty Theater, previously known as the Mesa was a beacon of hope to the Willett family when they moved there in 1944. This little theater served as a place of employment for every member of that family from time to time. Herman with his background in motion picture operations became the projectionist and passed on his trade to the eldest son. Every member of this family worked every facet of this operation from tickets to janitorial duties.
The Hotel itself has seen so many changes over the years, if only those walls could talk. The Lobby has served as a post office, a Trailways Bus Station, a restaurant, a ice cream parlor, and once housed a local physician.
When the post office moved out an ice cream parlor opened and a serving window was cut into the wall adjoining the theater so patrons could be served at either concession area. The restaurant was once proudly operated by a fellow every knew a "fuzzy Guzzy."
the prices for the time period must have been reasonable, this was my first recollection eating in a restaurant.
Dr. Anderson had a room on the 2nd floor that served as his quarters and office. I recall an episode as a young boy developing hemorrhoids from lifting bales of hay too heavy for my size. My father took me see Doc Anderson, he took one look at problem and told my dad to go get a couple men down it pool hall. It took all them to hold me down he gave me in injection and sent me home with a pillow to sit on. I don't know what his remedy was but the problem never reoccurred!
As one would approach the hotel entrance from the street and looked to the left a metal railing and staircase led to local billiards hall,a place mother called the devils den. Along with all the games played on pool tables there was also a table tennis section where tournaments in the art of ping pong were held. One room was for card games and games of rummy could last until wee hours of the morning. Every young high school er had dreams of becoming a great billiard player like Minnesota Fats. The proprietor "Curly O'neal" was willing to teach but only if parents gave permission, other wise a person had to be eighteen years of age.
The Liberty Theater, previously known as the Mesa was a beacon of hope to the Willett family when they moved there in 1944. This little theater served as a place of employment for every member of that family from time to time. Herman with his background in motion picture operations became the projectionist and passed on his trade to the eldest son. Every member of this family worked every facet of this operation from tickets to janitorial duties.
The Hotel itself has seen so many changes over the years, if only those walls could talk. The Lobby has served as a post office, a Trailways Bus Station, a restaurant, a ice cream parlor, and once housed a local physician.
When the post office moved out an ice cream parlor opened and a serving window was cut into the wall adjoining the theater so patrons could be served at either concession area. The restaurant was once proudly operated by a fellow every knew a "fuzzy Guzzy."
the prices for the time period must have been reasonable, this was my first recollection eating in a restaurant.
Dr. Anderson had a room on the 2nd floor that served as his quarters and office. I recall an episode as a young boy developing hemorrhoids from lifting bales of hay too heavy for my size. My father took me see Doc Anderson, he took one look at problem and told my dad to go get a couple men down it pool hall. It took all them to hold me down he gave me in injection and sent me home with a pillow to sit on. I don't know what his remedy was but the problem never reoccurred!
As one would approach the hotel entrance from the street and looked to the left a metal railing and staircase led to local billiards hall,a place mother called the devils den. Along with all the games played on pool tables there was also a table tennis section where tournaments in the art of ping pong were held. One room was for card games and games of rummy could last until wee hours of the morning. Every young high school er had dreams of becoming a great billiard player like Minnesota Fats. The proprietor "Curly O'neal" was willing to teach but only if parents gave permission, other wise a person had to be eighteen years of age.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
obsolete
Seems like every thing in time becomes obsolete even these old vessels that house our souls. I have a difficult time dealing with this modern technology that changes more often than the weather.
My favorite thing to pass the time of day is trying to be creative with photos and scrap booking. I recently decided to upgrade and get a new computer with more memory and one of those slim monitors that is comparable to a flat screen TV. Little did I know that by doing this some of my programs would not be compatible with the windows 7 operating system. My favorite program was Microsoft Picture It Publishing, It seems that Microsoft does not deem it necessary to upgrade this one the new operating system. Oh, sure lots of extra goodies are added to Windows 7 but I have yet to find a photo publishing program as good as what I was used to. All the extra goodies added to Windows 7 are on a trial basis so you like them be ready to whip out that old credit card.
My favorite thing to pass the time of day is trying to be creative with photos and scrap booking. I recently decided to upgrade and get a new computer with more memory and one of those slim monitors that is comparable to a flat screen TV. Little did I know that by doing this some of my programs would not be compatible with the windows 7 operating system. My favorite program was Microsoft Picture It Publishing, It seems that Microsoft does not deem it necessary to upgrade this one the new operating system. Oh, sure lots of extra goodies are added to Windows 7 but I have yet to find a photo publishing program as good as what I was used to. All the extra goodies added to Windows 7 are on a trial basis so you like them be ready to whip out that old credit card.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Random Thoughts
While preparing to enjoy the winter Olympics and seeing the taping of "We are the world" I couldn't help but wonder if these words really have true meaning in this messed up world we live in today. Not a day goes by when some headlines are depicting how either political party is hurting this country. Its always easier to point fingers and play the blame came than to say "lets put our ideas together and work things out."
At least for a period of time now we can all focus on something in common, the greatness of athletes around the world and then look forward to spring training of the MLB while still cheering for our favorite teams of basketball, soccer etc.
There seems to be enough turmoil and strife throughout the world, earthquakes, freezing snow storms,rain, drought,wars and the worst enemy of all GREED, so if there is a higher power as I believe we better all try to learn to get along.
Congrats to all the athlete's of the winter Olympics, I must say my heart was filled with pride every time I cheered on Team USA.
The older I get the more sentimental I get. Being away for half a century from the little place in Colorado that I proudly call my home town, I keep searching for some resemblance to the past. Thanks to today's technology I can turn on a piece of electronics and view movies or still pictures that the present day residents love to share with the world. I must say though, the beauty that these modern day devices display makes me wonder if I really lived in the same place. Its amazing how many videos are posted online promoting tourist and developers to come bring your life's savings, big city ideas, kill the game, cut the trees, change the rivers, its no wonder that the senior population now consists of retires from other parts of the world. They came with loaded wallets and like a magician made the real historians disappear.
At least for a period of time now we can all focus on something in common, the greatness of athletes around the world and then look forward to spring training of the MLB while still cheering for our favorite teams of basketball, soccer etc.
There seems to be enough turmoil and strife throughout the world, earthquakes, freezing snow storms,rain, drought,wars and the worst enemy of all GREED, so if there is a higher power as I believe we better all try to learn to get along.
Congrats to all the athlete's of the winter Olympics, I must say my heart was filled with pride every time I cheered on Team USA.
The older I get the more sentimental I get. Being away for half a century from the little place in Colorado that I proudly call my home town, I keep searching for some resemblance to the past. Thanks to today's technology I can turn on a piece of electronics and view movies or still pictures that the present day residents love to share with the world. I must say though, the beauty that these modern day devices display makes me wonder if I really lived in the same place. Its amazing how many videos are posted online promoting tourist and developers to come bring your life's savings, big city ideas, kill the game, cut the trees, change the rivers, its no wonder that the senior population now consists of retires from other parts of the world. They came with loaded wallets and like a magician made the real historians disappear.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Time Changes Everything
While trying to keep from feeling like an old bear in hibernation during the past deluge of rain, I decided to drag out some old photo albums and put together a memory slide show to share with the up coming generations.
Being a sentimental old fool, the blood shot eyes began to tear up when I ran across a photo of one of my favorite places to hang out as a young boy, my grandmothers house. This was the place where the aroma of old fashioned home cooking was always an open invitation. A young boy could always expect a handout when asking "Mom, can I do some chores for spending money?" knowing that a quarter would slip into my pocket without having to do anything.
This photo is the property where my grandparents home was in the 1950s. It was located on the north side of US 160 at McCabe creek. The auto parts store is where the garage was and a two story apartment was behind. The house was approx. 50 yds east of the present store. The hill in the background once housed the local school until it burned down in early 1900s. The land on top of the hill belonged to Buck and Nellie O'Neal who had two boys. Many adventures were enjoyed playing with those boys on the hill.
The water from McCabe creek ran under a bridge on US 160 and behind a big red barn across the street belonging to an early pioneer "Ed Speelman." The place where he cleaned his horse stalls near the creek was a perfect place to find feisty little red worms in the manure to lure a rainbow trout onto my fishing hook. It was under that bridge that I caught me 14 inch trout and proudly took it my grandmother who made sure I got my share for supper.
Yes its true time changes everything and now all that is left is memories and faded photos.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Where's The Ark??
Be careful what you pray for you just might get it! This golden state of sunshine has been in a drought and people were being fined for watering their yards, now it looks like someones prayers were answered but who ever is charge up there forgot to turn off the faucet. I"m just real grateful to be an old timer who don't have to get out in the rain to punch a clock anymore.
Being shut in has given me time to tackle a project on computer. Many attempts at capturing my old family photos into a slide show I could share or hand down to grand kids was getting the best of nerves but I think I finally mastered it. After recently acquiring a new computer and printer I thought my problems would be solved until I discovered my favorite photo program was not compatible with the new operating system. After using up all the colorful language I could muster I decided maybe I better just learn to deal with the programs that came bundled. Being a stubborn old fool has now brought forth good fruit, I now have a slide show with background music that brings tears to these old eyes.
Being shut in has given me time to tackle a project on computer. Many attempts at capturing my old family photos into a slide show I could share or hand down to grand kids was getting the best of nerves but I think I finally mastered it. After recently acquiring a new computer and printer I thought my problems would be solved until I discovered my favorite photo program was not compatible with the new operating system. After using up all the colorful language I could muster I decided maybe I better just learn to deal with the programs that came bundled. Being a stubborn old fool has now brought forth good fruit, I now have a slide show with background music that brings tears to these old eyes.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
By The Numbers
Well, old father time has turned the page on yesterday and now we can all wonder just what changes the new year will see.
As for me I'll just wait and see if I can add up more failures to my life span. I remember growing up and hearing my grandfather say, "get your hands out of your pocket"," or you're never goin' to amount to a hill of beans." After surviving for over half a century and looking back at my past failures, I see maybe he had the foresight into my future.
Back in my early teen years living in Pagosa Springs, my attempts to be accepted along with my peers found me only getting into trouble. Maybe the hormones were growing faster than the brain and looking for that magic bullet to strengthen the nerves lead me straight to the liquor bottle.
If only I could turn back the years and have the courage to say no to tobacco and beer, I would not have broken my Mother's heart or embarrassed my family. Many adventures found me letting the beer do my thinking for me, like the time I must have made some remark to a fellow on crutches that he didn't like. We were at the wildest night spot in Pagosa, a place by the name of "Pine Grove Inn," standing in the parking lot. I had no Idea what I was being accused of saying so when I denied it , I got beat to a bloody pulp by a cripple on crutches. I wouldn't fight back because he was crippled., big failure! My face was such a mess none of my so called friends wanted to be around me. All I have is memories of the the place called the bloody bucket or "Pine Grove', like many other landmarks it has disappeared. That was also the sight of a terrible auto accident that took the lives of four of my high school friends.
The last episode was at the age of 16. Both brothers had gone off and joined the Navy. Feeling lonely and sorry for myself I got into a car with some older boys who were celebrating a huge Elk Kill and the car was filled with all kinds of booze. After consuming so much, I got sick and ask them to pull over at a place called the "Y" where US160 and US89 merge. While heaving my guts out a car pulled behind and I thought it was more high school kids but it turned out to be the highway patrol. After a short pursuit we all ended up in the local jail for a few hours but the episode ended with a court hearing and fines issued. My punishment was to pay off my fine by sweeping the streets in "Jail" overalls after school and cleaning the drunk tank in the jail on the week-ends. Seeing all my school friends watch as I swept the street was bad enough but my Mother bless her heart worked at the bank and could see me from her desk. I couldn't wait to see my birthday roll around and talked my Dad into signing for me to join the navy. I missed walking down the isle to graduate with my classmates.
Military leaves and vacations always found me making it back to good old Pagosa, mostly during the summer months to attend the 4th of July celebrations. The "Red Ryder Roundup" was not only a favorite of mine but all of my in-laws. My parents never mentioned my troublesome teen years but I have always felt ashamed for what they went through.
I was really blessed when I fell in love and started a family as a young man, loosing the Mother of my children after only 18years left a big void in my heart. I've had many failures in my life since but the good Lord has been good to me and helped me steer this old ship on a much straighter course with extended families, so for those who read this, Happy Trails and many more Happy New Years.
As for me I'll just wait and see if I can add up more failures to my life span. I remember growing up and hearing my grandfather say, "get your hands out of your pocket"," or you're never goin' to amount to a hill of beans." After surviving for over half a century and looking back at my past failures, I see maybe he had the foresight into my future.
Back in my early teen years living in Pagosa Springs, my attempts to be accepted along with my peers found me only getting into trouble. Maybe the hormones were growing faster than the brain and looking for that magic bullet to strengthen the nerves lead me straight to the liquor bottle.
If only I could turn back the years and have the courage to say no to tobacco and beer, I would not have broken my Mother's heart or embarrassed my family. Many adventures found me letting the beer do my thinking for me, like the time I must have made some remark to a fellow on crutches that he didn't like. We were at the wildest night spot in Pagosa, a place by the name of "Pine Grove Inn," standing in the parking lot. I had no Idea what I was being accused of saying so when I denied it , I got beat to a bloody pulp by a cripple on crutches. I wouldn't fight back because he was crippled., big failure! My face was such a mess none of my so called friends wanted to be around me. All I have is memories of the the place called the bloody bucket or "Pine Grove', like many other landmarks it has disappeared. That was also the sight of a terrible auto accident that took the lives of four of my high school friends.
The last episode was at the age of 16. Both brothers had gone off and joined the Navy. Feeling lonely and sorry for myself I got into a car with some older boys who were celebrating a huge Elk Kill and the car was filled with all kinds of booze. After consuming so much, I got sick and ask them to pull over at a place called the "Y" where US160 and US89 merge. While heaving my guts out a car pulled behind and I thought it was more high school kids but it turned out to be the highway patrol. After a short pursuit we all ended up in the local jail for a few hours but the episode ended with a court hearing and fines issued. My punishment was to pay off my fine by sweeping the streets in "Jail" overalls after school and cleaning the drunk tank in the jail on the week-ends. Seeing all my school friends watch as I swept the street was bad enough but my Mother bless her heart worked at the bank and could see me from her desk. I couldn't wait to see my birthday roll around and talked my Dad into signing for me to join the navy. I missed walking down the isle to graduate with my classmates.
Military leaves and vacations always found me making it back to good old Pagosa, mostly during the summer months to attend the 4th of July celebrations. The "Red Ryder Roundup" was not only a favorite of mine but all of my in-laws. My parents never mentioned my troublesome teen years but I have always felt ashamed for what they went through.
I was really blessed when I fell in love and started a family as a young man, loosing the Mother of my children after only 18years left a big void in my heart. I've had many failures in my life since but the good Lord has been good to me and helped me steer this old ship on a much straighter course with extended families, so for those who read this, Happy Trails and many more Happy New Years.
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