In the late 1890s and early 1900s, Peter F. Welch had an interest in the Rio Blanco Sampling Room. A euphemism for a Meeker saloon and gambling establishment. I believe this one was located at Sixth and Main where Steamline Realty has its present offices. The location is a little fuzzy because Peter didn’t own the building at that time, he leased it from the Baer Brothers.
With Meeker surrounded by ranches, single cowboys and…