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Tuesday,
June 1, 2010
Karle Seydel - "Mr. Ballpark"
Wazee Street looking north from 17th Street and
construction
of Coors Field 1993
Back in 1982 in Lower
downtown Denver when I started to photograph the area -
I always saw this guy driving around in his old Volvo
grinning with pride of his neighborhood.
We wondered what our respective reasons were to bring us
together?
Those brief drive-bys by Karle started a friendship of
28 years of mutual interests and friendships.
Yesterday - I was told of the sad news of Karle's death,
and a tribute to him at his Funeral Service at St Luke's
Episcopal Church in Denver.
I have lost a true friend; he was always there in
spirit. We thought the same; Denver was in his veins...
The community has lost a wonderful soul, one with an easy and
quick, genuine smile, and a large laugh. His curious and
optimistic nature allowed him many dear friends in all
walks of life. We were blessed to have Karle
in our lives!
Karles service at St. Luke's Church were attended by
over 300 people. Friends and family of the
community — architects, city planners, newspaper media,
developers, and long time friends. We all knew we just lost a
great friend.
2047 Larimer Street, top floor was Karle's office
1989
When you view the images below, this is what Karle saw —
his vision for the future for the gentle and abandoned
area that needed his help. Karle's dream for
the resurrection of these buildings has happened.
Blake street looking west and 20th Street Viaduct on left.
Fireman's Grain Elevator and gas station. 1986
Karle wanted to save the
gas station in the foreground for relocation. Sadly it
met it's demise in the years to follow.
"Student Mover's" building on the right at 2145 Blake
Street.
Only building to remain for incorporation into Coors
Field design. 1986
Karle always loved that
Penguin atop the "Blake Street Studio" building on the
left. He was a kid at heart.
Herbs Hideout Bar at 2057 Larimer Street. 1987
This was Karle's view from
across the street from his business office of Urban
Options at 2048 Larimer Street.
21st Street West of Blake Street, looking West.
1988
Coors Field now occupies this location.
Blake
Street looking north from 22nd Street
1988
This was it - empty
alcohol bottles, a field and power lines, Karle dreamed
of a ball field.
Burlington Hotel at 2201 Larimer Street. The
Whiskey Bar now is on far left 1989
KARLE - A TOAST FROM ALL
OF US TO YOU !!
Note:
Donation of choice for Karle's life to Historic Denver Inc
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to
the Coors Field section.
I went to
the Vogue as a child, ages 7-10 years old with my
parents. We drove from our Harvey Park
neighborhood east to the Platte Park neighborhood on
South Pearl Street.
Popular movies of the early to mid 1960's were featured
and we saw Elvis movies and Disney films.
The Vogue was an absolutely small theatre outside and in. I remember
being handed a ticket by my parents and walking towards
the concession stand with excitement. The "Flicks"
chocolate,
the liquorice, popcorn and pop. Then, gleefully going
into the theatre. It was wonderful.
Years later, the still wonderful Pearl Street block had
changed some — the interest for contemporary artistic
movie presentations was emerging
These images below are a couple of very interesting
marquee images that represent that era of the Vogue.
"Great Directors Festival "- Vogue Theatre 1987
The man
at the bottom of the ladder is directing. It is great
shot, hand in pocket, surveying the marquee lettering
and his assistant. It is a funny photograph, it makes me
laugh.
"Decline of the American Empire" - Vogue Theatre 1987
This
image invokes strong dialog from very emotional views
and ideas on the cycles of civilizations.
Can we end?
Questions on nationalism and corruption?
Questions about greed or pollution?
Questions on religion?
I'll let you arrive at your own thoughts...
For additional images and
commentary, please refer
to my post on The Decline of the American Empire.
- Kim Allen |
