The Historic Delaware Hotel in Leadville, CO Celebrates 125 Years

Events planned for entire summer

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. May 18, 2011

Long known as the “Crown Jewel” of Leadville, Colorado, The Delaware Hotel turns 125 this year. This historic icon of Victorian elegance and architecture, which has housed guests such as Carrie Nation and Doc Holliday, will celebrate all summer with afternoon teas, storytelling, a Molly Brown weekend, prize giveaways, tours and entertainment.

Leadville, Colo. (May 17, 2011) — Long known as the “Crown Jewel” of Leadville, Colorado, The Delaware Hotel turns 125 this year. Built in 1886, this historic icon of Victorian elegance and architecture, located in the heart of historic Leadville's downtown district, has housed both the famous and the infamous, with guests such as Carrie Nation, “Baby Doe” Tabor and Doc Holliday. The Delaware Hotel is celebrating with Victorian teas, storytelling, a Molly Brown weekend, reenactment of a gunfight, prize giveaways, tours, entertainment and a two-night “Birthday Special” lodging package for just $125.

“It is with great honor that we invite our friends, our loyal guests and visitors to the area to help us celebrate the 125th anniversary of Leadville's 'Grand Dame,'” said Gail Dunning, owner of The Delaware Hotel. “Since 1886, The Delaware Hotel has been a social and an architectural icon in Leadville. We're proud to continue its tradition of Victorian graciousness by providing our visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience an important part of Colorado history.”

The Delaware Hotel re-opens for the season on May 20 and is hosting special events throughout the summer and into fall. Highlights include narrated hotel tours every Friday and Saturday at 4:30 p.m., a fast draw competition, children's storytelling, a Molly Brown weekend, a Model T Rally and portrayalists who animate the characters of Horace Tabor, “Soapy” Smith and “Big Nose Kate.” Other special presentations include the Madams of Colorado, a Night with architect George King, and Victorian Mourning Customs and Practices. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn how to make a Victorian hat, participate in sing-alongs, sip tea in high Victorian style and discuss the heydays of mining, railroading and even Leadville's red light district with local historians. A complete schedule of events is available in the hotel lobby and at http://www.delawarehotel.com/other-services/125th-birthday.

In honor of the 125th anniversary, The Delaware Hotel is offering a “Birthday Special” that includes two nights' lodging for just $125. Some restrictions apply; the offer is subject to availability and must be booked by phone at 719-486-1418. In addition, all Delaware Hotel lodging guests will be automatically entered into a drawing for a grand prize giveaway of lodging at a fellow Historic Hotels of the Rockies property, including the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico; the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the Nagle Warren Mansion in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Named in honor of their home state, The Delaware Hotel was built by William F., George F. and John W. Callaway at an estimated cost of $80,000. Leadville, which was one of America's biggest mining boomtowns, was the site where many brilliant financial careers began—and sometimes ended—including those of Horace, Augusta and “Baby Doe” Tabor, the Guggenheims, Charles Boettcher, David May and Marshall Fields. The “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, Doc Holliday, Oscar Wilde, Texas Jack, Buffalo Bill, “Chicken Bill” Lovell, “Broken Nose” Scotty and Soapy Smith are all part of Leadville's colorful past as well.

Today, through extensive renovation and restoration efforts, The Delaware Hotel features 36 rooms individually decorated with antique furniture and accessories, with private baths, televisions, telephones and free wireless internet service. Callaway's Restaurant provides a convenient spot for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, or an afternoon Victorian Tea. Guests can also enjoy the area's largest collection of American and European antiques, and a unique selection of gifts, jewelry, Victorian and Western clothing, home decor and souvenirs at the Delaware Mercantile. The Firehouse General Store, located next door, offers Native American jewelry, a pet boutique, baskets, spa gifts and more.

About The Delaware Hotel Located at 700 Harrison Avenue in the heart of historic Leadville, Colorado, The Delaware Hotel features 36 rooms individually decorated with antique furniture and accessories. Breakfast is included; packages are available. Callaway's Restaurant provides a convenient spot for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, or an afternoon Victorian Tea. Guests can also enjoy the area's largest collection of American and European antiques, and a unique selection of gifts, jewelry, Victorian and Western clothing, home decor and souvenirs at the Delaware Mercantile. For reservations, call 719-486-1418. More information can be found at http://www.delawarehotel.com.

Media Contacts:
Gail Dunning, Owner
The Delaware Hotel
719-486-1418
gail (at) delawarehotel (dot) com
or
Vicky Nash, Public Relations Representative
Resort Trends, Inc. - media communications for the travel & tourism industry
970-948-4923
Vicky (at) resorttrends (dot) com