Back in Time | Aspen

“A robbery occurred at Hotel Jerome about 6 o’clock Sunday morning by which one of the bellboys was relieved of his cash,” the Aspen Daily Chronicle proclaimed on Sept. 1, 1890.

“Jimmy Pitts was the victim. He had put his money, amounting to $4.55, under his pillow. When he awoke, he found that someone had been in his room and robbed him. An investigation unearthed the facts, which indicated that Frank Hill, formerly third cook at the hotel, was the thief, and he was arrested. The help at the house determined to ‘chip in’ and reimburse Jimmy for his loss. This is a highly credible resolution on their part. Hill was discharged from custody, as there was not sufficient evidence to warrant the officers holding him.”

“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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