Historic Elitch Theater — Attraction in Denver

A few years ago, while working contract labor I was assigned to the Elitch Gardens demolition. When we got there we were detailed to clean up the Theater site. We soon discovered a veritable treasure trove in a closet, long forgotten. The contents were a collection of event posters of shows at the concert hall. Some of the biggest names in show business came through here, we held the past in our hands, and revisited the events as we discovered them. The ones that I remember; Jimmy Durand, Bob Hope, Billie Holiday, Lena Horn. Though I could be wrong with some of the names, there were too many to remember. . I don't recall what was done with the posters, we didn't take them, nobody else was around. No one from Elitch's was there either. But I wish I had grabbed them then. It was a sad day, we did not enjoy the work. Those buildings contained the memory of our city and people, and linked them to the national identity of America's pre-war past. Torn up, stacked in a dumpster, and hauled to a landfill. All in the mighty name of progress. I saw the rides and amusements that in my youth were where I took my first date, the Farris wheel where I stole my first kiss, and the roller coaster, where I threw up with her riding next to me; ( Good thing I had already kissed her.) All in the same night, for $15.00. . Oh,...

I’ve had the pleasure of observing Tracy Frickey and the staff of Historical Elitch Theatre commit their endless time, energy, and heart into the monumental task of restoring this theatre. The completion of this project is not only for our Berkeley community but for the decades of memories for folks, nationwide. Tracy does not take her responsibilities lightly, nor does the incredible staff that supports HET’s vision.

I cannot imagine all the complexities it takes to make all the parts of a commercial restoration fit into place. I know that this project is in the best of hands because of Tracy Frickey. She is highly respected in this community. In the five years that I have known her, her first concern has always been to keep the history of Berkeley District, Tennyson Street and HET alive and well and relevant. In full disclosure, I am a tenant in her Tennyson Street commercial building. I have never met a Landlord with such a high level of integrity. How often do you come across a Landlord that asks you, “What can I do for you to help make your business more successful?” She wants all of her tenants to succeed and thrive in her charming...

I really wish I could give this more stars because the atmosphere is really great, and the outdoor movies are such a treat. The problem is that they state for the outdoor movies that blankets and low back chairs are allowed, but they did not enforce that rule, and those of us on blankets near the back were stuck behind regular lawn chairs and couldn't see over them. It was incredibly disappointing. If they want to allow regular lawn chairs instead of low back chairs, they should mark of the front half of the lawn for blankets so that everyone can see, not just those sitting in regular...