Winks Panorama, former hotel in Colorado catering to African-Americans
Winks Panorama is a hotel in Pinecliffe, Colorado that operated from 1925 to 1965 and served as an important destination for African American leisure and relaxation. The building features wood and stone construction with simple, sturdy architecture, while the interior spaces contain period furnishings and retain their original modest character.
The hotel was founded in 1925 by Obrey Wendall Winks Hamlet and remained a gathering place for African Americans from across the country even during the Great Depression. After the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it gradually lost visitors as Black Americans could visit integrated establishments, marking the end of the segregated retreat era.
Winks Panorama served as a refuge where African Americans could enjoy leisure and recreation without facing discrimination during segregation. The place embodies how communities created their own safe spaces for relaxation and cultural expression during a restricted era.
The site is located in Colorado mountains and offers views of hills, forests, and open landscape surrounding the building. The grounds invite walking in fresh air and can be visited today, though advance notice is recommended before planning a trip.
According to accounts, famous musicians like Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and Count Basie stayed here because they could not find suitable lodging in Denver due to segregation. The place was also advertised in Ebony magazine, highlighting its importance as a destination for African American travelers.
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