Colfax Avenue Museum

Colfax Avenue, the Longest, Wickedest Main Street in America, has a colorful and vibrant history that must be preserved. This site is a gift to the people of Colorado and the World for historical archival purposes. All content can be found through the links in the right hand column or use the search feature in the top left. If you use any content, please credit the Colfax Avenue Museum.

 

Please visit the Colfax Avenue Museum exhibit currently on display at History Colorado entitled Forty Years on the 'Fax!

 

Thanks for visiting!

La Vista Motel

 

La Vista Motel, 5500 East Colfax, Denver, 1960

This motel, along with its sign, is still standing. New owners are in the process of renovating both the sign and the building, returning the property to a mid century aesthetic.

Aurora Printers

 

Aurora Printers and Aurora Blue Print & Supply Co, 9431 East Colfax Avenue (undated photo courtesy of the Shorty Hanger collection and scanned by Todd Matuszewicz)

The Golden Ox of Denver

 

Golden Ox, 3130 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, 1975

This restaurant was originally named Lande's, but was bought by new owners in 1960 who changed the name to Golden Ox. A newspaper article dated September 21, 1960 indicates that the former owner, Jack Lande, was declaring bankruptcy. Lande's name then appeared in 1961 ads declaring him the host of the restaurant and lounge at the Riviera Motel.

 

A sign for The Factory can also be seen in the background.

The Fabric Shop

 

The Fabric Shop, East Colfax, Aurora (undated photo courtesy of the Shorty Hanger collection and scanned by Todd Matuszewicz)

A newspaper ad celebrating the grand opening of The Fabric Shop in 1957 lists the address as 9823 East Colfax. Later ads from the 1960s list the address as 9831 East Colfax.

Blue Sky Motel

Postcard from the soon to be demolished Blue Sky Motel at 6205 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood. The sign was saved by the Lakewood Heritage Center.

Zephyr Lounge, 1975

Zephyr Lounge, 11940 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, Colorado, 1975

This longtime Aurora bar opened in the 1940s and closed in 2020. It was demolished a few years ago to make way for a large apartment complex which was nearing completion when it caught fire in December 2022.

Aurora Pet Shop

  

Aurora Pet Shop, 10620 East Colfax, Aurora, Colorado (undated photo courtesy of the Shorty Hanger collection and scanned by Todd Matuszewicz)

This photo was likely taken in 1955 when Aurora Pet Shop moved to their new location. Google Maps shows that 10620 East Colfax is currently occupied by Estilio's Salon.

Ted's Liquors

Ted's Liquors, 3525 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, 1975.

This was at least the third location of Ted's Liquors. In 1934, they opened at 3504 East Colfax and then moved to 3525 East Colfax 17 years later in 1951. By the time this photo was taken in 1975, they had relocated to 3101 East Colfax.

Mel Moore's Aurora Jewelry

Mel Moore's Aurora Jewelry, 10400(?) East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, Colorado (undated photo from the Shory Hanger Collection and scanned by Todd Matuszewicz)

Aurora Jewelry had a few East Colfax addresses through the years, incuding 10400 and 10325. Mel Moore was also the manager at Kortz and Sons Jewelers at 9805 East Colfax in the early 1950s.

Town and Country Market

 Town and Country Market, 4300 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, 1974