Hoist a Cold One

“Hoist a Cold One”, written by Melody Groves with great photos by Myke Groves, is a gem of a book my wife discovered. It covers historic bars of the Southwest. This couple traveled around Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and of course Colorado looking for old historic bars from days of old. What a great idea. I wish I had thought of it. By “bars”, I mean the pieces of furniture that make up the “front” bar, over which the drinks and beers are served to sitting or standing patrons, the “back” bar which was usually adorned by a mirror or two, shelving for the various bottles of liquor and racks for the glasses. Often there was also a liquor cabinet at one end which housed extra bottles of booze.

Most of these pieces of furniture were hand crafted in the mid to late 1800’s. While some were imported from Europe, many were made here in the US. All of them were handcrafted by wood working artisans in cherry, walnut or mahogany, with a lot of hand carved detail. Wonderful pieces of “art”. It is difficult to imagine these fine pieces of furniture and accompanying mirrors, traveling over hundreds and even thousands of miles by whatever means of conveyance that was available at the time. It’s a wonder that any of them arrived safely.

As a result of Prohibition, during which establishments in the business of selling and serving alcohol were closed down, these beautiful bars were removed and hidden from the Ladies of Temperance, saving them from destruction. Many were “stored” in Old Mexico. When Prohibition was lifted, they began to resurface and once again found homes in saloons, bars and taverns.

Interestingly, in my travels searching out material for paintings and looking for old classic signage and gold letters on window glass, I have found myself in the same room as some of these historic pieces of furniture…strictly for purposes of research you understand. In our neck of the woods, the book lists The Diamond Belle in the Strater Hotel, Durango; Grumpy’s Saloon in the Grand Imperial, Silverton; The Brown Bear Café in Silverton, and the Silver Eagle Saloon in Ouray.

Recently I was in the Lone Cone Saloon in Norwood, which was overlooked by the author. They have one of these classic old bars that was made in the late 1800’s and shipped from the Midwest. A beautiful piece of furniture. The carvings and woodwork are outstanding. You ought to check it out. The green chile burger, with a cold draught is recommended.

I believe I might have to look for other similar pieces of “art” the author may have missed and hoist a cold one in salute to the craftsmen.

ABQ

For those of you in the Northern Latitudes and back East, ABQ is short for Albuquerque, as in New Mexico, Land of Enchantment. I remember when I was a kid I was just absolutely fascinated with New Mexico and their “Land of Enchantment” slogan. Still am I suppose.

Daughter Mandy lives in Albuquerque. She’s the Assistant Manger of Guest Services for the Sheraton Hotel there. We took a load of Olathe Sweet Corn down to her and her SO, Daniel. Been pretty busy at the shop here doing framing, painting, lettering and gilding. It's nice to have the work. I don't know what to attribute the change to but I'm trying real hard not to over-analyze it and just run with it for as long as it will last. Consequently I've been working longer hours so it was nice to to get away for a couple days this past weekend. Jumped on the Harley for some quality R&R and headed south.

As you all know by now, if I’m going somewhere, I prefer to ride my Harley. That’s why I got it and these days, it sure is easy on the gas bill when traveling about. So I’ve got 3 cases of sweet corn to deliver. No problem. I borrowed brother-in-law Tim’s motorcycle trailer, the same one we’ve been camping out of all summer on our rides. Worked out swell. Traded sweet corn for Hatch Green chilies. A good trade, if you ask me.

I really like Albuquerque. It doesn’t feel like a very big town. Central Avenue, old Rt.66 is a really cool place to hang out. Kathy and I spent Sunday morning riding up and down Central, stopping and taking pictures of the old neon signs, murals and hand painted signage that still adorn some of the buildings. Unfortunately a few of the old landmarks have been torn down as part of an urban renewal effort. The old Kia Lodge is gone but I got a shot of the old neon sign. Same for the Aztec Motel. It’s gone but the sign is still there. Got that one also.

A number of the old stores from back in the day have been remade into some pretty nice eateries and bars. Some of the businesses from the heyday are still operating right alongside the new ones. Lots of murals on the walls and classic hand painted signs and old architecture. Of course there are a lot of characters on the streets which makes it really interesting.

Had lunch in Old Town at the Church Street Café which is housed in the oldest residence in Albuquerque. Built in 1706 so they say. Old Town is about a 10 block area surrounding the plaza consisting of the old original buildings which are still occupied as residences or businesses. Much the same as in Taos or Santa Fe. Albuquerque sits at the foot of the Sandia Mountains which are just to the east of town. The Rio Grande River, the same one with headwaters right here in Colorado, runs right through town.

Another great ride and a great time too. If you haven’t been there, it’s not far, 350 miles and well worth the trip. Spend a day or two.