Do You Know This Building?
Answers: 1. c) Lakewood 2. c) 1957 3. d) stainless steel Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner is located along West Colfax Avenue, once the main east-west highway through the Denver metropolitan area. This well-preserved, streamlined, prefabricated, stainless steel diner is a type that enjoyed considerable popularity during the middle years of the 20th century. Historically found in greater numbers in the eastern United States, this is a rare western example of the type and is believed to be the only extant example in Colorado. The original owner of the 22' x 50' diner was William Lyman Davies, but the project engaged the entire Davis family. After thorough research, Davies ordered the prefabricated diner. Family members offered suggestions for a name and also designed the 36-foot high sign with its western theme--a huge cowboy with his apron on, ready to serve hungry folks. The sign was installed before the diner was even completed. The diner was one of the last produced by Mountain View Diners of Singac, New Jersey, a fabricator of "stylish and unusual diners" before and after World War II. From 1939 to 1957, the company aggressively marketed its products, often outsold other manufacturers, and shipped its prefabricated diners across the country. A diner of this type could be constructed in 15 weeks after final plans were approved. The diner was shipped from New Jersey by rail in two 11' x 50' sections; the vestibule was shipped separately. The sections were then loaded onto lowboy trailers and transported to the site where a large crane set them into place. The two sections were bolted together, utilities connected, and the finish work completed. The diner opened for business on June 21, 1957 with a maximum seating capacity of 57. Within two weeks, it was packed, especially at lunch time when lines formed around the building. The whole family took turns working there, allowing for the 24-hour service which continued for 14 years. Providing a personal touch, waitresses were required to learn customers' names after their second visit. Davies designed the menu which included a large T-bone steak dinner for $2.85, and the family was granted the first franchise in Colorado for Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the early 1960s, Davies, a lover of horses and a member of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Posse, acquired the life-size fiber glass horse that stands watch atop the vestibule of the diner. The horse and the neon sign became the focus of several lawsuits as they were in violation of the city's 1979 sign code. The public and city council members became involved in an effort to preserve the horse and sign, resulting in a special use permit issued in 1988 that designated the diner an historic place. Today the sign and horse remain as examples of urban art and a tribute to Americana and 1950s nostalgia. A prominent and well known landmark along the West Colfax Avenue commercial corridor, Davies Chuck Wagon Diner was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. |
