Saguache has always been the county seat of Saguache County. The original courthouse was located nearly half mile west of the present courthouse (also on Christy Ave.) The first courthouse was built in 1881 on land belonging to Nathan Russell, one of the founders of our town. Otto Mears was in favor of having the courthouse built on the Main St. of Saguache, which was rapidly becoming the business district.

When the first courthouse was gutted by fire on March 2, 1910, Mr. Mears had his say, when the new courthouse was built later in 1910 on property which he owned at the corner of 4th (Main St.) and Christy Ave. Early day pictures show Otto Mears’ home and store on what is now the yard on the north side of the courthouse.

A picture taken in 1909 shows an adobe building with a sign showing it to be the Saguache Hotel.  It was located just South of the present day Saguache Hotel.  From the Feb. 14, 1967 issue of “Smoke Signals” — “The first store in town was owned by Mears and Gotthelf and was located where the present hotel is.”

The present  Saguache Hotel was built by the same contractors who built the courthouse.  I have a picture taken in 1912 of about 40 local citizens, some with musical instruments, for the opening of the new hotel. It originally had 12 rooms, and a dining room, and in 1922 the north wing was added, expanding  the capacity to 22 rooms and a dining room.

Horace “Boss” Means was the first owner of this new business along Main Street. Horace’s brother, Roll Means, along with his son, Milo, managed the business for several years.  In later years Mrs. Frank Means, Zoe Hazard, Ella Cooper, Linda Brumfield, Marilyn Ross and several others have been in the hotel business.

Many old time residents remember when the Saguache Hotel was a thriving business. Most of the rooms were occupied by local residents, such as Oscar Marold, sheriff, “Slim” Paul and several school teachers. The dining room served good meals and in later years there was a bar.

It seems a shame to see the old place closed! Lots of memories of the way things used to be in a great little town.