George Weirick was Glenwood Springs’ “Mr. Entertainment.” Whenever there was fun and amusement to be had, Weirick was sure to be at the forefront organizing the event.

Weirick was born in 1874 in Pennsylvania. Placed into adoptive care with the family of Dr. James Manley, George spent his childhood in many of Colorado’s mining towns. He learned that people worked hard for long hours and played equally hard in the short hours of rest.

Putting down roots in Glenwood Springs in 1906, George purchased a ranch along the Roaring Fork River.

His efforts, though, concentrated less on farming and more on entertainment. He organized the town baseball team, operated a nickel dance hall and sponsored boxing matches.

During Christmas Day 1924, he obtained the Charlie Chaplin film, “The Kid,” showing the matinee free to children at his Paramount-Orpheum Theater at 825 Grand Avenue.

Weirick was civic minded as well. He served on the Glenwood Springs City Council and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His building at 312 7th Street continues today to serve as the Eagles Lodge.

On Oct. 7, 1963, Weirick passed away. However, while he was here he insured we all had good times.

“Frontier Diary” is provided to the Glenwood Springs Post Independent by the Frontier Historical Society and Museum, 1001 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs. The museum’s summer hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 945-4448.