The most colorful building along the Main St. of Saguache is the one just north of the two story building, known as the “Means and Ashley” building. Above the plate glass windows are sections of stained glass panels, topped by light fixtures which at one time held round glass globes of different colored glass.  I can only imagine what a festive sight this offered when the lights were turned on at night. 

The building which I just described was the “Bon Ton Saloon” which was built by Johnnie O’Neil one of Saguache’s best known pioneer characters. Johnnie was the jockey aboard “Red Buck” when he was beaten by “Little Casino” in (the race that broke Saguache County). The inscription on Johnnie’s tombstone proudly says “Red Buck’s rider” even though most folks thought it was a crooked deal, and the little red-haired Irishman had thrown the race.

In later years, this property was used by people in the grocery business. Jack Belmard had a store at this location, then in later years, K. D. Saliba operated an I.G.A. grocery store. Later, Saliba’s moved to another location and the building was vacant for a while.

Following WWII, Garcia Post 110, American Legion, leased this building from Milo Means, and for several years this was known as “The Legion Club”.  Membership cards were issued to people who were not military veterans, and the Legion Club was one of the town’s most active establishments. Clarence and Vivian Bodley were hired as managers.  Along with having  a bar, slot machines, pool tables, card tables, there was also a bowling alley. As I remember it, we had about 8 bowling leagues and the 3 alleys were always in use.

At that time (1946) the town boasted a population of slightly over 1200 people and every business place was occupied. A short time later, families began moving away and the business district suffered.

It was after the Legion Club closed that Milo Means moved his liquor store to these larger quarters. Upon retirement, Milo sold the business and also the building to Richard and Pearl Lovato.  The Lovato’s ran the liquor store for several years. They leased part of the building to Bruce McMillen for his lawyer’s office.

It was about seven years ago that two artists, Doug and Kelsey, who had a studio in Taos, New Mexico were driving down our Main Street.  When this couple saw this vacant building, they
Made a few phone calls and soon were the new owners.  I helped with the repair and remodeling of this olde building which serves as living quarters and artist’s studio for these nice folks.