Whatever happened to the temple of fashion dry goods and carpets

[ROMO]

Greetings, this is my final message for tonight. I am inquiring about the fate of the Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets located in Central City, Colorado. Was it demolished? If so, what now occupies that site? If it still stands, where can it be found? Additionally, if it was relocated for safety reasons due to the excavation machinery, commonly referred to as the reckon machine, where was it moved to? Furthermore, I would like to know both the new and old addresses of the Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets building. Sincerely, Andrew Wolf.

[Dave Eggleston]

The building was present before the Colorado Central RR arrived in 1878, it may have been built after the 1874 fire, I don't recall. It survived throughout the railroad period and was still standing when the C&S track was pulled up in the early 1930s. I don't know when/if it was torn down, but if it survived it was incorporated into a large casino, probably as just a facade mid-block. There are several new additions made to look like 1870s brick buildings on that block, all part of the casino.

Per the Sanborn maps it appears to have had the address 119 Main Street, not quite halfway between Gregory to the east and the junction of Main and Spring to the west.

There are many photos of the building over the years in the Denver Public Library Collection that is available online (http://digital.denverlibrary.org) and in the various books on the Colorado Central RR and the C&S. When first built it had no mural but by 1878 it had the Temple of Fashion mural which on the west wall lasted into the 1880s, replaced by Blackwell's Durham circa 1890. Over the years the west side mural was overpainted with other large advertising murals, typically gum or tobacco companies (Owl, Beeman's, Bros. Pouch, Dry Climate, etc.). On the east side the Temple of Fashion may have lasted a bit longer, possibly into the early 1890s.

[ROMO]

Is there anyone else who is aware of what transpired with the Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets? What has taken the place of the original Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets building? Additionally, what currently exists there as of December 2025 and January 2026?

[Chris Walker]

I've been busy.....but you can ponder these for awhile, Andrew.

[ROMO]

I am still trying to uncover the fate of the Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets, and what has replaced it since. I know for certain that it existed during the Roaring Twenties, as I’ve come across an old picture from that era.

In that vintage photograph, the Temple of Fashion Dry Goods and Carpets was the most prominent feature. Although I cannot locate that photograph right now, I sincerely hope we all can discover what happened to it and where it currently stands.

Additionally, I would like to know what occupies that building now. I still require everyone's assistance. Signed, Andrew Wolf.

[Chris Walker]

Andrew,
looking at my previous post of google images...the building today, appears to have been rebuilt as a similar looking facade; supposedly was rebuilt in 1992 as a Casino.

DPL X-11606 (cropped)


DPL X-2546 (cropped)


The ornamental facade atop the parapet, wasn't always there, seems to have been added when the building became the Forester's Hall.
A 1902 photo doesn't have that visible; "Forester's Hall:always ask for Beemans Gum" billboard.
The corbel's supporting the facade on the "Dry Goods & Carpets" lettering era are different to that of DPL X-11600.
The brick chimney(South-side parapet in "Dry Goods & Carpets" lettering era) is also consistant with this image.
DPL WHJ-10143

A comparison Postcard view posted by Ken Martin; see: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Vehicles-tp2435p2996.html
DPL  X-2550 (cropped)


DPL X-2507 (cropped)


The Temple of Fashion billboard sign remained on the North side into the thirties as shown in that  X-2546 photo, confirmed by the Chain o' Mines mill tailings.

DPL photo X-2573 contradicts this with a notation "Temple of Fashion" and was torn down and replaced by the Parteli blocks in the late 1890s." which led me to look a little closer at the building details.

Examining some of the photos in Dave's great thread again; see: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Central-City-photo-chronology-exercise-tp10258p10380.html

It seems to either have had a major facade rebuild rather than being replaced(as per X-2573), given the size comparison..

DPL X-11600


DPL X-11600 (cropped)


DPL X-2587


DPL X-78607


DPL X-2604 (cropped)

Lots of food for thought, eh!