Bon-Ton Billiard Hall: The First Saloon in Fort Collins
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
In May of 1878, Thomas J. Wilson opened the first saloon in Fort Collins just west of Collins House on Jefferson Street. He named it Bon-Ton Billiard Hall. This establishment sold wines, liquors, cigars, and the choicest brands of beer. It also had 3 Brunswick and Balke billiards tables for the entertainment of its customers. Due to anti-saloon and anti-alcohol sentiment, Bon-Ton Billiard Hall eventually had to close its doors.
Images
Advertisement in the Fort Collins Courier for Bon-Ton Billiard Hall dated March 13, 1879.
Advertisement flier for Bon-Ton Billiard Hall, 1880.
