The Kingston Trio: Rick's Pics -Cripple Creeek

Cripple Creek, CO June 2006

Way up in the mountains about an hour above Colorado Springs lies the old mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Named after a horse that turned its ankle, this town is a combination of restored storefronts, historical sights, casinos and some of the most profitable mines ever dug.

Cripple Creek had been famous in its day - the site of a huge gold strike in 1890 that spawned two cities of prospectors and businesses. It had its own railroad taking gold down to Colorado Springs and bringing people back up for stays at the fabulous hotels, or perhaps a visit to one of the houses of ill repute.

It burned down twice, the last time in 1896, after which an ordinance was passed requiring all future building to be built of brick or stone. It went through a slump in the mid-forties, but came back to life with the coming of the casinos and is now a gambling resort as well as a historical attraction. We were picked up by none other than Santa, who gave us a wonderful history of the town (some of which may have been true), and pointed out some of the beautiful architecture.

Santa Claus At Cripple Creek, Colorado

We stayed at the Gold Rush Hotel, where the rooms were outfitted in 1890s grandeur with huge four-poster beds and carved tables. Fortunately the plumbing was modern.

Gold Rush Hotel -Cripple Creek, Colorado

One of the first things we did was take a ride on the narrow-gauge railroad. It has a fully restored puffer-belly pulling the cars and takes you on a ride through some of the original mining sites.

Train At Cripple Creek, Colorado

Mines At Cripple Creek, Colorado

We had overslept the first morning and missed the donkey races. Yep, donkey races, right down the center of the main street. Their descendants had been let loose by the old miners and are now a living part of the town history. There is even a statue of them by the train station.

Donkey Statue At Cripple Creek, Colorado

Of course, strictly from a historical interest, we had to visit the most famous gentleman’s parlor of all, The Homestead Parlor. Prostitution was legal in Cripple Creek and the ladies were certified to be in good health, with monthly licenses from the police department to prove it.

Customers would wait in the downstairs rooms to choose from the women who were presented to them. The rooms were small but decorated with hand-painted wallpaper and beautiful porcelain figures and other artwork, all to put the distinguished customers at ease. The back parlor had lounging chairs and a card table where the women could entertain themselves during the day.

Homestead Parlor At Cripple Creek, Colorado

The bedrooms were also small and usually contained nothing more than a bed and dresser. A beautiful scarf or a framed picture on the wall was considered a treasure.

Homestead Parlor Room, Cripple Creek, Colorado

On to the Concert: It was an outdoor gig and it started drizzling just enough that we thought we might have to cancel, but the fans had their waterproof ponchos on and braved the weather to stay for the show. David Peel was in the audience as well and came up to say hello and let us know that his new CD would be coming out soon. Something to keep an eye out for.

After the show we met David Fractman, an old friend of George, who had been playing music through the years. We ate too much, had a grand time, and left with an invitation to come back again soon. With such nice people there, it will be pleasure to return.