Colorado Gold Rush Centennial, July 1959 - Part 1

Let's take a detour away from Southern California, and head on up to the mile-high city; Denver, Colorado, circa 1959! I found a group of photos of a mysterious little western town that was set up right near the capitol building. I was baffled - until Patrick (aka Matterhorn1959) stepped in and helped; he knew that this was part of the celebration of the Colorado Gold Rush Centennial. Hey look! There's a bank...


... and a saloon; so far so good! I'll get me a redeye, in a dirty glass. (Gee, there sure are a lot of people gathered in front of those storefronts).


WHAT THU....?! At least, that's what that little girl is thinking, and I don't blame her. It's a cowboy clown. Or a clown cowboy.


Oh man, a gunfight? Can't we solve our differences with a dance-off, like in the movies?? Some dude in a calico shirt is moseying along with the payroll, and the sheriff (looking badass in all black) is not amused. Meanwhile, check out the rocket in front of the capitol building... in 1959, outer space was becoming all the rage.


Oooo, you winged him, sheriff! With your flawless aim, you've spared his sorry life. Just long enough to hang him from the nearest tree! I wonder if the actors got to switch roles? "It's MY turn to be the bad guy!".


I have some more photos from this little western town, so stay tuned.