Meeker Hotel and Cafe History

Town of Meeker History

A Little History on our Famous Guest of 1901...

With the assassination of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, 42, became the youngest President in the Nation's history. He brought new excitement and power to the Presidency, as he vigorously led Congress and the American public toward progressive reforms and a strong foreign policy.
He crusaded endlessly on matters big and small, exciting audiences with his high-pitched voice, jutting jaw, and pounding fist. "The life of strenuous endeavor" was a must for those around him.
Leaving the Presidency in 1909, Roosevelt went on an African safari, than jumped back into politics. In 1912 While campaigning he was shot in the chest by a fanatic. Roosevelt soon recovered, but his words at that time would have been applicable at the time of his death in 1919: "No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way."

Teddy Roosevelt Visits Meeker

January 12, 1901

"Gates Keenesburg left Tuesday afternoon for Rifle with a swell tallyho and fours handled by the prince of jehus Ed Wolcott, for the purpose of meeting a select party of gentlemen who had previously made arrangements to enjoy a few weeks’ vacation in this out-of-the-way place. It was nearly eight o’clock last evening when the rig returned to Meeker, and its occupants were none less than Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, of Oyster Bay, N.Y. Dr. Gerald C. Webb and Phillip B. Stewart, both of Colorado Springs. They were at once taken to St. James rectory, where the Rev. H.A. Handel had an elegant spread awaiting them.

In deference to the vice-president-elect’s wishes it was pre-arranged that there would be no public demonstration, but there was a general desire to meet and shake hands with the distinguished gentleman. However, it was near midnight before the party proceeded to the Meeker Hotel, where rooms were reserved for them, and but few had the pleasure of an introduction.

The ostensible purpose of the governor in visiting this section at this time was simply to take a rest, he having retired from one office on January 1st and will assume another March 4th. While taking this rest, however, Mr. Roosevelt, wanting a little recreation, has chosen to hunt mountain lion for a pastime.

With John Goff as guide and general manager, the party left this morning about nine o’clock, all on horseback, for the Keystone Ranch in Coyote Basin, which, for the present will be their headquarters.

That the famous “rough rider” will find plenty of sport in the next three weeks goes without saying.”

Courtesy of the Meeker Herald