DENVER’S GIFT TO TABOR
A ceremony took place the opening night, presenting this watch-fob to Tabor. It represents an ore bucket of nuggets, leading by gold ladders up to the Tabor Store at Oro, the Tabor Block, and last to the Tabor Grand Theatre; the whole depicting the recipient’s climb to fame and fortune. On the reverse side, were the date, monograms in enamel and legends, “Presented by the citizens of Denver to H. A. W. Tabor” and “Labor Omnia Vincet.” After Baby Doe was found dead, this gold ornament appeared among her things, rolled up in rags. Although she had sold most of her jewels to fulfill Tabor’s wish that she hang on to the Matchless, she saved the talisman.
GRANDEUR
Cherry wood from Japan and mahogany from Honduras made the interior of the Tabor subject matter for copious columns of newsprint. The shimmering, expensive crystal chandelier has not yet been hung in this photo; nor the chairs yet placed in the ornate boxes. On opening night they were filled with the cream of Denver society, and reporters’ pencils were busy recording the bustles and bangles that made each gown chic or very distinctive.
SCANDAL
Box A was empty on the opening night because Augusta was not invited by her husband. Tongues wagged freely about a Dresden figure, heavily veiled, at the rear. After Baby Doe married Tabor, the box was always decorated with white lilies when she was to be present. The box also bore a large silver plaque, inscribed with the name TABOR.
