History of the Rock Rest Lodge

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the mountains, the Rock Rest Lodge has a rich and intriguing history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a frontier trading post to its vibrant years as a bustling lodge and its subsequent periods of transformation and decline, the lodge has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls, reflecting the changing tides of the surrounding region.

Early Beginnings

While official records are scarce, local legends and fragmentary evidence suggest that the front section of the Rock Rest was erected around 1885, initially serving as a vital trading post and stagecoach stop along a rugged mountain route. Old mining maps from the era refer to the establishment as the “Rock House Rest,” a name that gradually shortened to simply “Rock Rest” by the time of the 1890 census. These early years were marked by the challenges and opportunities of frontier life, as the Rock Rest provided essential supplies and a brief respite for weary travelers and prospectors venturing into the untamed wilderness.

Expansion and Transformation

The fortunes of the Rock Rest were closely intertwined with those of the nearby Camp George West. As the camp expanded, so too did the lodge. Around 1907, under the ownership of the colorful local figure Len “Stump Puller” Johnson, the Rock Rest underwent a significant transformation. Johnson, known for his strength and entrepreneurial spirit, oversaw the construction of a grand ballroom and additional lodging facilities. However, Johnson’s ambitions extended beyond mere hospitality. He also established a “private” brothel on the premises, catering to the desires of the camp’s soldiers and other clientele. This expansion marked a turning point in the Rock Rest’s history, as it evolved into a multifaceted establishment that offered entertainment, lodging, and illicit pleasures.

Shady Dealings and Decline

Following Johnson’s retirement and return to his native Sweden, the Rock Rest fell into the hands of a more dubious character named Jimbo Thraken. Thraken, a shrewd and unscrupulous businessman, recognized the lucrative potential of the lodge’s less reputable offerings. He expanded the brothel and gambling operations, transforming the Rock Rest into a de facto officers’ club for the nearby camp. The lodge thrived under Thraken’s management, becoming a hub of revelry and clandestine activities. However, Thraken’s reign came to an abrupt end in 1923 when he was killed in a violent barroom brawl. Following his demise, the Rock Rest passed through a series of owners, gradually falling into disrepair and decline. The once-vibrant lodge became a shadow of its former self, its grandeur fading as the surrounding region underwent its own transformations.

1920s – The Boxer and the Caverns

The Rock Rest later came into the possession of Max Heeley, a local heavyweight boxer. According to contemporary newspaper reports, Heeley’s bulldog-boxer named “Dempsey” ventured into the cavern beneath the Rock Rest. Distressed, Heeley followed the dog inside, and neither was ever seen again. Since that incident, the cavern has been sealed for safety reasons. On particularly windy nights, it’s rumored that one can still hear the ghostly howls of old Dempsey!

Local folklore suggests that there are tales of treasure hidden in the cavern, left by early settlers or explorers who may have used it as a hideout. These stories have contributed to the cavern’s mystique and allure for adventurers and tourists alike.

Ghost of the Rock Rest – The Lady in Red

In the summer of 1923, amidst the throes of Prohibition, a vivacious young woman named Molly Barton, with her signature bob of fiery red hair, found herself employed at the infamous Rock Rest Lodge, a clandestine establishment that served as both a brothel and a speakeasy. The lodge’s proprietor, the astute Madam Peaches Malone, quickly recognized Molly’s potential as a “Flapper,” a symbol of the era’s rebellious spirit. With her captivating energy and charm, Molly soon became a favorite amongst the soldiers stationed at the nearby Camp George West.

One fateful night, as Molly entertained Lieutenant Williard, their rendezvous was interrupted by the boisterous Colonel Cotterson. Inebriated and emboldened by the revelry, Cotterson playfully snatched Molly’s clothes and, with a mischievous grin, tossed them into the rafters above the bustling dance floor. A wave of anger washed over Molly, and she impulsively chased after Cotterson, their playful banter escalating into a heated confrontation. The room fell silent as the patrons watched the spectacle unfold, their amusement tinged with anticipation.

Amidst the chaos, someone handed Molly a shot of whiskey, its fiery liquid mirroring her own simmering rage. Encouraged by the raucous cheers of the crowd, she resolutely climbed a nearby post, determined to retrieve her stolen garments. With a defiant flourish, she quickly donned her crimson dress and knickers, but her bra remained tantalizingly out of reach, dangling from the antlers of a stuffed moose mounted high above the dance floor. Stretching precariously, she reached for the elusive undergarment, but her balance faltered, and she tumbled from her perch. In a cruel twist of fate, the massive moose head plummeted alongside her, its sharp antlers piercing her heart in a macabre embrace.

The once-vibrant room was plunged into a stunned silence, the echoes of laughter and music replaced by the chilling realization of Molly’s tragic demise. In the wake of the incident, the Rock Rest Lodge was shrouded in an air of eerie mystery. Whispers of Molly’s ghost began to circulate, tales of a spectral figure eternally searching for her lost bra. As the legend grew, women from all corners of the globe started making pilgrimages to the lodge, leaving bras above the dance floor in the back room as offerings to Molly’s restless spirit, hoping to appease her and bring an end to her spectral quest.

DK Stanton; 1964
Ghosts of the Front Range
Reprinted with permission

Speakeasy, Dancehall, and the Ku Klux Klan

During the tumultuous era of the Great Depression, the once-famed Rock Rest found itself teetering on the brink of oblivion. Its fortunes took a dramatic turn when the renowned fiddle-playing bandleader, George Morrison, graced its stage with his presence. Morrison, a charismatic figure with a magnetic stage presence, breathed new life into the establishment. His band, the Rigadooners, a group known for their infectious energy and innovative blend of musical styles, quickly became the talk of the town. Their performances were legendary, drawing crowds from far and wide and transforming the Rock Rest into an epicenter of Denver’s vibrant nightlife.

Morrison’s influence on the Denver jazz scene was profound and enduring. His innovative musical style and captivating stage presence earned him comparisons to the legendary Louis Armstrong, who reigned supreme in New Orleans. Like Armstrong, Morrison was a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of jazz and captivating audiences with his virtuosity and charisma. His talent was undeniable, and his impact on the music scene was immeasurable. He was not only a gifted musician but also a pioneer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of black musicians.

Denver native Hattie McDaniel, an Academy Award winner, performed with the band before her international stardom in Hollywood. The roadhouse also hosted impromptu after-hours jam sessions by Jazz greats including Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.

However, the success of the Rock Rest in Golden was not without its perils. The club’s proximity to Table Mountain, a known gathering place for the Ku Klux Klan, placed Morrison and his patrons in grave danger. The Klan, a white supremacist hate group, viewed Morrison, an African American and Catholic, as a threat to their twisted ideology. Their hatred and bigotry culminated in threats to bomb the club, forcing Morrison to make the difficult decision to shut it down and embark on another tour. This encounter with the Klan was a stark reminder of the racism and prejudice that permeated society at the time and the constant threat of violence faced by black Americans.

Morrison’s run-in with the Klan in Golden would not be his last. Throughout his career, he would face numerous challenges and obstacles due to his race and religion. However, his unwavering spirit and passion for music allowed him to overcome these adversities and leave an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His legacy as a musical pioneer, a champion of equality, and a symbol of resilience continues to inspire and uplift generations to this day.

THE STORY OF MURRAY THE WORLD’S ONLY BEER SPITTING RHINO

The life of Murray the rhinoceros was nothing short of extraordinary, a captivating journey that spanned continents and intertwined with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. While the precise details of his origins remain shrouded in mystery, the story of Murray’s adventures, his unexpected friendship with a comedic legend, and his posthumous fame as a beloved Colorado fixture is as fascinating as it is bizarre.

From the Heart of Africa to the California Coast

Though it was once believed that Murray was born near the shores of Lake Tanganyika in the Belgian Congo, recent research has cast doubt on this theory, leaving his early years shrouded in uncertainty. What is known for certain is that in 1926, Murray was captured and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the sprawling California estate of William Randolph Hearst, the powerful newspaper magnate whose life was as colorful as the headlines he printed.

Hearst’s ranch was renowned for its lavish parties, where Hollywood’s elite would gather to indulge in revelry and excess. Among the star-studded guests were luminaries like Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and the iconic Charlie Chaplin, whose fateful encounter with Murray would forever alter the rhino’s destiny.

An Unlikely Friendship Forged in Ale

Legend has it that during one particularly wild night of celebration, Chaplin, fueled by a potent combination of alcohol and adrenaline, found himself in a compromising position – half-naked and disoriented in Hearst’s private zoo, an empty cask of ale in hand. It seems that while pursuing a young actress, the comedic genius had stumbled into Murray’s enclosure. In a desperate attempt to appease the formidable beast, Chaplin offered him the remaining contents of the ale cask. To his astonishment, Murray developed an immediate fondness for the hoppy beverage, and an unlikely bond was formed between the two.

A Tragic End and an Unusual Tribute

Years later, tragedy struck when Murray was killed in a freak boxcar accident. Hearst, recognizing the unique connection between the rhino and the comedic icon, had Murray’s head mounted and presented it to Chaplin as a macabre yet poignant memento of their peculiar friendship.

From Hollywood Relic to Colorado Landmark

In 1951, Murray’s mounted head found a new home at the Rock Rest, a popular establishment in the picturesque mountain town of Golden, Colorado. Today, Murray’s imposing presence can be found behind the main bar, where he continues to “enjoy” his favorite beverage, the locally brewed Colorado ales.

A Lasting Legacy

Murray’s tale is a testament to the unexpected twists and turns that life can offer, a reminder that even in the most unlikely of circumstances, connections can be forged and legends can be born. From the wilds of Africa to the heart of Hollywood and finally, to his resting place in the Colorado Rockies, Murray’s journey has captivated imaginations and solidified his status as one of the most peculiar and beloved icons in the Centennial State.