Special to the HT
MEEKER | Residents of Meeker closely followed the progress — and eventual failures — of the Marland Company. Although efforts to produce oil were unsuccessful, the hot-water byproduct inspired a new idea for revenue. Hot springs elsewhere in Colorado were already drawing tourists. Why not make Meeker the next Glenwood Springs?
Rio Blanco County commissioners quickly assembled a proposal and purchased the well casing and water rights for $1,250. Business leaders in Meeker pushed for development of a hot springs pool to help energize an economy struggling during the Great Depression.
The county contracted construction of a dam to collect the water and form a pool. The water soon became deep enough for swimming. The following spring, work began to remodel the site into a more formal warm-water swimming pool, complete with a wood-faced dam and flattened floor. Construction was completed by May 1, 1926. A pipe from the original well carried water into the pool, and a “vapor cave” was constructed over the pipe outlet. A dressing room was built nearby, and a diving board was added at the deep end.
The community now had the tourist attraction it hoped would boost the local economy.
In June 1926, a bathing beauty contest was held at the new pool. The Meeker Herald reported the results on June 19, 1926. Dora Dunn of Marvine won first place, while Dorothy Groves of Meeker earned second. Other contestants included Iva Bellville, Charlotte Pauls, Arlinda Woodward, Elfreda Hamilton, Barbara Sanderson, “Toots” Gentry, Beatrice Thomas and Miss Lockhart.
Dora Dunn was selected to represent Meeker at the Strawberry Days bathing beauty contest in Glenwood Springs.
The Meeker Lions Club sponsored a second bathing beauty contest July 4, 1926, modeled after similar events in Glenwood Springs and other resort communities. Atlantic City had established the national standard, and Meeker organizers adopted its rules and “ideal female measurements.” The contest was open to girls older than 15.
The June 26, 1926, edition of the Meeker Herald announced the winner would receive a silver loving cup. J.G. Miller and Meeker Garage, agents for Universal Lighting Company, provided power and lighting at the swimming pool on the Meeker Dome for three nights.
The Meeker Herald reported July 3, 1926, that three trained nurses — Mrs. Andy Lowe, Mrs. Ray Janes and Mrs. Joe Sexson — would privately measure contestants. The participant whose measurements most closely matched the Atlantic City standard would be declared the winner.
The Lions Club also encouraged local businesses to sponsor contestants.
Annabell Robertson won the July 4 contest, with Mrs. Frances Griffith placing second. Other participants included Barbara Sanderson, Alberta Withrow, Beatrice Thomas, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Groves, Virginia Watkins, Mildred Young, “Toots” Gentry and Elfreda Hamilton.
The “ideal” measurements reflected the beauty standards of the era. In April 1923, The New York Times described the “American Modern Venus” as an athletic woman standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with measurements of 34-22-34. During the flapper era, that figure was widely promoted as the model of American beauty and often appeared in silent films of early Hollywood.
The Dome Hot Springs pool operated for only two seasons before water flow diminished in the fall of 1927, forcing its closure. Attempts in late 1927 and 1928 to revive the well failed to produce enough water to keep the project viable.
Even after the pool closed, the area remained a popular gathering place for local young people. Local legend holds that the dome pipe was eventually filled with rocks by Meeker mothers concerned about after-dark activities involving their daughters.
Sources: Rio Blanco Historical Society; Meeker Herald archives; research by Kay Bivens; co-writer Ed Peck.