Day 91: Looking Back 100 Years (National Straw Hat Day)

100 years! So much has changed since 1917, when The Baldpate Inn opened its doors to guests. It was also the year that Estes Park was incorporated as a town. 

So let’s imagine a visit to The Baldpate Inn in 1917! There would be some considerable differences. This August 1930 photo shows just how much our aspen and pine trees have grown to change our driveway view.

When you pack, remember to bring your straw hat. Today is National Straw Hat Day, and yes, in 1917, straw hats were striking the fashion scene.

How to get to The Baldpate Inn? Perhaps in your brand new Willys-Knight! Driving license optional. Coming from further away? A ride on the SantaFe Railroad may be your ticket.

Making those essential hotel reservations: a very different method than today’s easy online reservations.

Always important on vacation, remember to pack your cash. The buying power of $100 in 1917 would be $2,081.31 in 2017!

While there are many changes that have taken place over the last 100 years, what remains unchanged at The Baldpate Inn is the gracious hospitality, excellent food, stunning views, access to adventure, and cherished memories.

Written by Liz Rodgers

Sources:

antiqueimages.blogspot.com

Inflation Calculation from DollarTimes

Day 63: Speed Demons, Baldpate Vehicles

Photos from our scrapbooks document Baldpate vehicles over time, some basic transportation, others real workhorses, and even some celebrating leisure time!

  

  

Since I have always had a heavy duty Jeep I am always especially amazed looking at the snow photos, wondering how it was possible without 4 wheel drive to get along in those days.

Totally had to laugh when I found this postcard to “Mr. Speed Mace” in a scrapbook along with the car wreck photo, advising "Check speedometer readings regularly!"   I am certainly not picking fun at Mr. Mace, for unfortunately among my personal vices is a lead foot, and my kids tease me that I should never pay off a car loan, because that seems to mean some immediate trauma with my “7 keys” Jeep!

 

Sometimes it involves an unfortunate deer or elk, sometimes it is ice on the road, sometimes me driving, sometimes someone else! But never the less, safely negotiating Highway 7 it seems is historically a challenge for Baldpate owners!

Written by Lois Smith