SUCCESS OF BUSINESS ASSURED
99 Years Ago
The March 3, 1927 Colorado Transcript reported that the Golden Plunge had celebrated their grand opening the previous Sunday. This indoor swimming pool was located at 1117 Washington Avenue (map). It was 100 feet long and 30 feet wide and ranged from 3 to 9 feet deep.
The previous week's Transcript had provided detailed information about the water supply and the heating, filtering, and chlorination equipment. They emphasized that “You will actually ‘Swim in Drinking Water.'”
The March 3rd Transcript reported that more than 4,000 people had attended the opening of the pool and several famous swimmers were on hand to demonstrate their skills and provide their collective seals of approval.
The pool was popular with locals and a regional attraction. The School of Mines formed a swimming team and held their practices and meets at the Plunge. The business community was pleased because it was a solid tourist attraction. Denver people often came out on the trolley to swim in the Plunge.
Unfortunately, the Depression was a bad time to be opening a recreational business requiring discretionary income. The initial owner lost the pool to the bank in 1933. Other owners and managers tried to make the pool pay, but it closed in 1939.
Now here’s the intriguing part: the Golden Plunge pool is still there, below the floor of the Buffalo Rose events center. It is accessed by a steep set of stairs behind the stage.
Invitation for GoldenToday subscribers:
The owner of the Buffalo Rose has agreed to host a group of GoldenToday readers for a visit to the famous underground pool. I suggest we visit the pool and then stay for dinner at the restaurant! Let me know if you're interested, then we'll look for a date: barb@goldentoday.com.
