Riviera Motel - "Denver's Smartest"

 

History of the Lion's Lair

The Playboy Lounge (photo courtesy Save the Signs)

The CBGB's of Denver, the Lion's Lair at 2022 E. Colfax Avenue, has a storied history. Upon further research through old Denver phone books and public records, this timeline emerged:

1926: Jno B Jr. Nellegar Autos (earliest available record)
1927-1928: Capital Motor Co.
1929: Capitol Motor Co.
1930: Vacant
1931: De Berry Garment Co.
1933: GF Johnson Women's Wear
1934: Alvin T. Johnson Women’s Wear
1935-1936: Chas Gibboney took over the building as a restaurateur; later operated by Frank Banta (business name unknown)
1937-1938: The Salad Bowl (restaurant)
1939: The Skol Inn
1940-1955: Aladdin Tavern
1956-1962: Playboy Lounge
1963-1967: The Playroom
1968-1971: Aladdin Lounge
1972-1973: Lyon’s Lair, after the new owner John Lyons.
1974: The Lion’s Lair

In the interest of historical accuracy, please send any additions or corrections to colfaxavenuemuseum@gmail.com.

Blue Onion Demolished

The Blue Onion in the 1980's, courtesy Reed Weimer

Photo of the Blue Onion today, courtesy Colfax Jack

The former Blue Onion Restaurant building on East Colfax has been demolished. The building has been vacant for a few years and the Blue Onion signage was removed decades ago, but it's still sad to see it go.

Colorado State Capitol

Photo by Captain Colorado

 

Less Fancy, More Fun

 

New China Cafe

 

Main Dining Room of New China Cafe, Denver’ most popular Chinese Restaurant, once located at 726 E. Colfax Avenue. Herbert Wong, Manager, caters to those who delight in the finest of Chinese and American dishes. His Chicken Almond, many varieties of Chow Mein and Chop Suey and other varieties of Tempting Chinese Foods would compel you to return.

Christmas Capitol of the World

City and County Building in Denver, Colorado

Denver is known to have one of the very first outdoor Christmas light displays because of Denver electrician David Sturgeon. In 1914, his son was too sick to celebrate Christmas with his family by their decorated tree but his father still wanted his son to be able to feel the holiday cheer! He dipped light bulbs in red and green paint, strung them with electrical wire, and placed them on a tree in his front yard in full view through his son’s window. Soon other Denver citizens began putting up outdoor holiday decorations like Sturgeon’s strand of lights.

 

By the 1920s many Denver homes glowed merry and bright with the spirit of Christmas, and the city proclaimed itself the “Christmas Capitol of the World.” In 1938, the city government began lighting up the City and County Building with Christmas lights, a tradition that continues to this day.