| the LOST CITY of Colorado Springs PAGE 8 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Ruth Etting...."America's Sweetheart of Song" Ruth enjoyed a turbulent career in the 20s'&30's as a singer and movie star. She was originally married to a Chicago gangster, Moe "the Gimp" Snyder. He took exception to Ruth's boyfriend and shot him. Da Gimp goes to Joliet and Ruth marries her sweetheart, Merle Alderman. When her career ebbed in the late 30's they retired to Colorado Springs and built the hideaway that would become today's Omelette Parlor at 900 E. Fillmore. You can read more about her exciting life and the history of the building at www.ruthetting.com or the Omelette Parlor's website. |
 |
 |
 |
| "Shakey's....World's Best Pizza". Old enuf to remember Shakey's on East Fillmore??? |
| Shakey's, named after it's founder who got malaria in the Pacific in WW2, opened it's first in Sacramento in 1954. Shakey's featured an olde English pub atmosphere, live dixieland music and wholesome sing-alongs. The two sided layout allowed for a drinking( remember 3.2% beer???) and a family non-drinking side with the visible pizza ovens in between. It's now occupied by a box store and a labor pool. Try having a sing along with a frosty pitcher of Coors there now! |
 |
 |
 |
| SHAKEY'S TRIVIA.... |
| In Ferris Bueller, the upscale restaurant is known as "CHEZ QUIS"...a play on words. HA! In Wayne's World, Rob Lowe is seen ordering a pizza from Shakey's South Park mentions it in at least two episodes. |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| John Bonforte's Name Lives On............. |
| Immediately following WW2 and Korea the USA faced a serious housing shortage. The hillsides above Patty Jewett Golf Course were perfect for the plans of builder John Bonforte of Pueblo. From approximately Madison St north Bonforte built literally thousands of compact, sturdy ranch-style homes. Almost always stucco exteriors and upgraded building materials made these a lasting contribution to the Springs housing supply. Along with Bonforte homes came what was probably the Springs 2nd shopping center on Wahsatch Avenue--the BON Center. Across the street is what is generally known as "BONNY PARK", although the current sign reads "Bonforte Park', in honor of John Bonforte. |
 |
| A well-preserved example of a Bonforte home. Note the one-story concept, the stucco exterior, the recessed south facing entry. This basic plan was repeated many, many times successfully. |
 |
 |
| Corner Jackson & Wahsatch |
 |
 |
| Click Here To Return To P.1 |
 |
| Go to NEXT PAGE!!! |