103 Years Ago
The September 29, 1921 Colorado Transcript announced THE MOTOR GYPSY HAS COME TO STAY. Automobiles were still a novelty in 1921 and every new car was an exciting toy. People were discovering camping in a big way. Towns and cities were eager to entice this new tribe of “Motor Gypsies,” because they were seen as an affluent group who would spend money in local stores.
The article stated that towns were offering camps with shower facilities, kitchens, dining shelters, free firewood, and an attendant. “It’s all free. You pay nothing except your supplies, and you are welcome to stay as long as your like.” The article hastened to add that camping wasn’t popular because it was cheap. It said that the parks were full of “fine” (read that as “expensive”) automobiles, and quoted one camper as saying that he spent about $10/day.
Golden has taken some steps toward making things pleasant for these people, but this city, situated as it is at the gateway of the mountain parks,should do even more to induce the travelers that come to stay and the town that makes things most pleasant for the campers is the one that will keep them the longest. – Colorado Transcript, September 29, 1921
Golden’s tourist camp was located at 22nd and Jackson Streets. It offered stone cottages as well as tent spots. The City sold the property during the Depression. It eventually became a mobile home park and is now the site of Lewis Court apartments.
