In the 1920’s John C Rubright of 162 South Lincoln sponsored to build the substantial structure that was previously known as the Royal Market at 105 South Broadway. The Royal Market was a set of 42 stalls where small merchants could rent space. The space had separated meat, vegetable and fruit sections and was the precursor to the modern grocery store. (1) The building was home to such chain stores as Safeway, Gamples, and Skaggs before it emerged as the ‘People furniture” which sold furniture and general electric appliances. When it moved out in 1976, the landlord boarded up the architecturally distinguished structure. Soon after a new tenant renovated the interior into an elaborate bath house which was open 24 hours a day and called itself the “Ballpark Health Club”. Advertisements listed it having a rock-hewn lagoon, a hidden cave, and 30 foot high waterfall. It had several bars and lounges and private rooms. To provide discretion, you would enter in the alley. (1)
.
Though this little dilapidated building next to Kitties South was hated by most nearby residents, the owners of the Ballpark Health Club helped create a better tomorrow for those in the LBGTQ+ community. The Ballpark’s legacy? Consider today’s healthcare and support to research for AIDS. Thirty years ago, none of this existed until the Ballpark owners and grassroots activists nationwide raised a shattering ruckus. The queer community has won much since 1983, and the Ballpark’s contribution isn’t an inflated claim. Co-owner Paul Hunter, who died of AIDS in 1991, became Mayor Federico Pena’s liaison to city departments and legal counselor to the coalition. Since 1993, his namesake award for uncommon service to the LGBT community has been given by the Colorado Human Rights Campaign to several in the community. The Ballpark fought fear by urging citizens to lobby President Reagan, Gov. Richard Lamm, Sen. Gary Hart, and Rep. Pat Schroeder to vote for AIDS bills. Pre-printed postcards were included in a packet handed out at community events. Co-Owner Tim Miller said “When you're fighting for your life, you'd better know who your friends are. We promise to be leaders in providing a better understanding and to present the most up-to-date and honest information available regarding the AIDS crisis. There are some who will mistake our motives and speak against us. Together, we will win.”(2)
Sources: (1)'The Ghosts of South Broadway”- Phil Goodstein
(2)" The lost, last weekend of Denver’s legendary bathhouse, The Ballpark" Rick Kitzman, June 15, 2016, Site: https://www.outfrontmagazine.com/trending/culture/lifted-wings-fairies/
Image Source: The Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, Call Number Rh-745
