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Back in Time | Aspen

This photo was taken during the filming of "Aspen Before Lifts" (aka "Why Aspen?") in 1946 and shows Percy Rideout, John and Jean Litchfield, and Friedl Pfeifer.
Aspen Historical Society, Grover Collection/Courtesy photo

“Aspen’s own home town movie, put up in strictly professional style, entitled ‘Why Aspen?’ will be shown at the Hotel Jerome Friday evening, March 15th, at 8:00 o’clock,” proclaimed The Aspen Times on March 14, 1946. 

“This movie is sponsored by Friedl Pfeifer and his associates, John Litchfield and Percy Rideout to advertise one of the most promising ski centers in the United States.  ‘Why Aspen?’ will most certainly see national distribution. About half of the 20 minute film is devoted to skiing as a sport and the wonderful terrain opened up by the proposed 19,000 foot chair lifts that will be built on Aspen Mountain from Aspen City to the section familiarly known as Annie Basin. The other half is used to show the city of Aspen and its citizens. Are you in it? See yourself or your neighbors by seeing this show at the Hotel Jerome Friday evening at 8 o’clock. Admission to this strictly Aspen show is only by holding one of the Lions Club Tickets that will entitle you to a chance on a $25, $50 or $100 savings bond. The proceeds of these tickets will be used to buy a 16mm sound projector that will be used by the Lions Club to show just such pictures as ‘Why Aspen?’ to people who might want to come to Aspen for a vacation either winter or summer. See a Lion club member for that ticket today.”

“Back in Time” is contributed by Aspen Historical Society and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives.

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