Between 1946 and 1949 Hubert Appleby built a restaurant across the river from the Appleby Motel called Appleby’s Cafe. The restaurant sat beside the highway between the motel convenience store to the east and the restaurant washroom to the west.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1949 - Postcard of the Appleby Motel Complex

The Appleby Motel c. 1949 as depicted on a postcard. Ed Wild’s stone cottage is located at left, the motel is located on the right, Appleby’s Cafe located bottom left, and washroom facilities bottom right.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1949s - Appleby Motel

Another view of the Appleby Motel and Cafe. The motel is located on the far side of the river and the cafe on the near side, c. 1940s.

Appleby would sell the motel, store, and restaurant to Boyd Jones in February 1949. That summer the Joneses hired Charles Hundley and his family to manage the restaurant.1The Estes Park Trail, 8 Apr. 1949. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1949-04-08 - The Estes Park Trail - Boyd Jones Appleby Cafe

New Cafe Operator

Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Jones, owners of the Appleby Motel, in Big Thompson Canyon, were in the village Saturday. They report that Charles Hundley of Kansas City, will operate the cafe at the Appleby Motel this season. He is a cafe operator of long experience. Mrs. Hundley and son, Leo, have come here with him.2The Estes Park Trail, 8 Apr. 1949. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – April 8, 1949

Boyd Jones would own the Appleby resort for three years before selling to Ben Feddersen in 1952.3The Estes Park Trail, 7 Mar. 1952. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. In 1953 the Feddersons hired Madge Crawford and Hazel Boyer to manage the restaurant, while Nancy Huffsmith, Leslie Dauth, and Jerry Dauth were waiting tables.4The Estes Park Trail, 10 Apr. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.5The Estes Park Trail, 22 May. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.6The Estes Park Trail, 28 Aug. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

In 1954 Ben Fedderson’s son Leon would take over management and Bessie Jones would become the head cook.7The Estes Park Trail, 16 Apr. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Also working that year were Leona Fedderson, Carolyn Fedderson, Leslie Dauth, Jerry Dauth, Lawrence Brammerlo, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Buckingham, Bernice Buckingham, and Mrs. Wayne Bailey.8The Estes Park Trail, 25 Jun. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.9The Estes Park Trail, 30 Jul. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.10The Estes Park Trail, 10 Sep. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1955 - Staff at the Appleby Cafe

Staff at the Appleby Cafe c. 1955. Front row left to right: Madge Crawford, Bessie Jones (Jonesy), Leona Fedderson (wife of Ben Feddersson), Carolyn Fedderson (daughter of Ben Fedderson). Back row left to right: Jimmy Allen, Jerry Dauth (grandson of George Dauth), Leon Fedderson (son of Ben Fedderson), Richard Allen “Bud” Smith.

After Leon took over management, the Appleby Cafe started to become a gathering place for the community. The Drake Home Demonstration Club began hosting events there including officer elections, general meetings and their annual Halloween Party.11The Estes Park Trail, 8 Oct. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.12The Estes Park Trail, 29 Oct. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. The Big Thompson School District would hold their annual Teacher Dinner there. In 1955 Leon’s fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, at Colorado A&M (CSU) began to hold parties with games, dancing, and hamburger fries.13The Estes Park Trail, 2 Dec 1955. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1955 - Staff of the Appleby Cafe

Staff of the Appleby Cafe standing behind the twelve stool bar counter summer of 1955. From left to right: Richard Allen “Bud” Smith, Jerry Dauth, Bessie Jones (Jonesy), Leon Fedderson, Jimmy Allen.

In January 1956 Ben Fedderson began remodeling the Appleby Cafe.14The Estes Park Trail, 20 Jan 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. An outdoor dining terrace was put in by the riverfront west of the cafe and a full sized covered wagon was placed on the roof.15The Estes Park Trail, 11 May 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. The Feddersons also built a two bedroom cottage on the land west of the of restaurant’s outdoor washroom. That May the restaurant would reopen under the name “Appleby’s Covered Wagon Restaurant”.16The Estes Park Trail, 11 May 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Leon would continue to manage that year with the help of Joyce Lamphear and Jean Hohn.17The Estes Park Trail, 3 Aug 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1956-05-11 - The Estes Park Trail - Renaming to Covered Wagon Restaurant

The Appleby Cafe is now named Appleby’s Covered Wagon Restaurant and has a covered wagon atop the roof. The building has been remodeled and has an outdoor dining terrace on the bank of the river . . .18The Estes Park Trail, 11 May 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – May 11, 1956

Covered Wagon Restaurant Advertisement:

Vacation time is precious and even such a habit as eating can be an “occasion.” For example, dinner on the bank of the Big Thompson River, on the outdoor terrace of Appleby’s Covered Wagon Restaurant can be an event long to remember. Good food, a gentle breeze, tall pines, the dashing river, a mountain view! Home was never like this!19The Estes Park Trail, 22 Jun 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – June 22, 1956

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1956-06-22 - The Estes Park Trail - Covered Wagon Advertisement
Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1956-06-29 - The Estes Park Trail - Covered Wagon Restaurant Advertisement

Covered Wagon Restaurant Advertisement:

Twas a Great Day last Sunday at the Appleby Covered Wagon Restaurant. Folks really loved having dinner on the outdoor terrace on the bank of the Big Thompson River. The terrace is new this year and has definitely made dining an “occasion’’ to be enjoyed by all visitors to this area. There’s a family special every weekend at the restaurant and this Saturday and Sunday will mark the introduction of a Covered Wagon steak specialty. Of course, that delicious trout and chicken are always on the menu, as well as T-bones.20The Estes Park Trail, 29 Jun 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – June 29, 1956

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1956-08-17 - The Estes Park Trail - Covered Wagon Advertisement

Advertisement for “Appleby’s Covered Wagon Restaurant” from August 17, 1956.21The Estes Park Trail, 17 Aug 1956. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. The remodeled restaurant is drawn in the upper left corner showing the signature covered wagon over the restaurant’s northeast corner.

Over time the name “Appleby’s Covered Wagon Restaurant” was used less and less, in favor of simply “The Covered Wagon Restaurant.”

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - Circa 1956 - Breakfast Menu for the Covered Wagon Restaurant

The breakfast menu for the Covered Wagon Restaurant, c. 1956.

Leon would continue managing the restaurant up until it was sold by his family in 1960 to Oscar Hinds.22The Estes Park Trail, 12 Apr. 1960. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. Madge Crawford would come back that year to mange the restaurant with help from Edith Van Eman.23The Estes Park Trail, 15 Apr. 1960. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1960-04-15 - The Estes Park Trail - Oscar Hinds buys Covered Wagon

The covered Wagon Restaurant reports a very successful opening day last Sunday when it was open the first time this season. The Covered Wagon is under the management of Mrs. Madge Crawford and Mrs. Edith Van Eman this year. Mr. Oscar Hinds of Denver is the new owner, having purchased the restaurant from Ben Feddersen.

The Estes Park Trail – April 15, 1960

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1960-09 - Covered Wagon Restaurant in the Big Thompson Canyon

The Covered Wagon Restaurant, September 1960, under the ownership of Oscar Hinds. On the left is the “Curio” shop owned and operated by Glen and Helen Floyd.

Oscar Hinds would own the restaurant for one season before selling to the John Allen family in 1961.24The Estes Park Trail, 21 Mar. 1961. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. The Allens moved into the cottage beside the restaurant and did some renovations before opening in April 1961.25The Estes Park Trail, 31 Mar. 1961. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Newcomers to the Canyon are Mr. and Mrs. John Allen and son, Johnny, who have moved to their new home, adjoining the Covered Wagon restaurant. The Allens, having been associated with the restaurant business 25 years, recently purchased the Covered Wagon restaurant and home nearby from Oscar Hinds. They moved here from Greeley where they operated the Bake-O-Nut Cafe which they recently sold. They are now in the process of rearranging, painting, doing minor remodeling, changing equipment in the Covered Wagon with April 15 in mind for their opening date. Before moving into their new home, the Allens also did some remodeling. Johnny has enrolled in the 4th grade at the Big Thompson school. Welcome to the Allens to Big Thompson Canyon.26The Estes Park Trail, 31 Mar. 1961. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – March 31, 1961

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1961-03-31 - The Estes Park Trail - John Allen buys Covered Wagon

Sometime between 1961 and 1963 Oscar Hinds had reacquired ownership of the Covered Wagon and would lease management of the restaurant. By July 1963 Glen and Helen Floyd, who were the current owners of the Appleby Motel, were leasing the Covered Wagon.27The Estes Park Trail, 19 Jul. 1963. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. The Floyds would initially hire Leona Fedderson as the head cook and Mrs. James Crawford as head baker. The following year Ann Townsend was head cook, and Linda Lindlief, Diane Creek, Joan Stillens, Anita Conover, Roseann Floyd and Mrs. James Crawford would assist.28The Estes Park Trail, 29 May. 1964. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1964-05-29 - The Estes Park Trail - Glen and Helen Leasing Covered Wagon

The Covered Wagon Restaurant has opened for business under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Floyd. Assisting them in operation of the restaurant this summer will be Mrs- Ann Townsend of Fort Collins who will be the cook; Linda Lindlief and Diane Creek of the Canyon, Joan Stillens of Onarga, Illinois, Anita Conover of Grant, Nebraska, Roseann Floyd as waitresses, and Mrs. James Crawford who will assist with the baking.29The Estes Park Trail, 29 May. 1964. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – May 29, 1964

In 1965 Mr and Mrs Clyde Reynolds would lease the Covered Wagon.30The Estes Park Trail, 14 May. 1965. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Newcomers to the Canyon are Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Reynolds who have leased the Covered Wagon Restaurant and opened their business on Mother’s day last Sunday after extensive redecorating. The Reynolds are from Oskaloosa, Iowa, and moved to Loveland in December. They are experienced restaurant people having had eating establishments in Oskaloosa and other places in Iowa. The Covered Wagon has been operated by Mr. and Mrs. Glen Floyd who also have the Appleby Motel in the canyon and will devote their entire time to the motel operation, The Covered Wagon is owned by Oscar Hinds of Denver.31The Estes Park Trail, 14 May. 1965. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – May 14, 1965

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1965-05-14 - The Estes Park Trail - Reynolds Lease Covered Wagon

The following year The Covered Wagon would be renamed to the “Red Patio”, while being leased by Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Hall.32The Estes Park Trail, 29 Jul. 1966. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1966-07-29 - The Estes Park Trail - Covered Wagon Renamed Red Patio

Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Hall have leased the Red Patio Cafe, formerly the Covered Wagon, from Oscar Hines of Denver Assisting in the Red Patio’s operation are Dennis and Janet Hall. The Halls come to the Canyon from Greeley and Loveland where Mrs. Hall has taught the first grade at the Washington School for the past five years. Others assisting at the Red Patio are Betty and Clair Chappell and Charlene Fox.33The Estes Park Trail, 29 Jul. 1966. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – July 29, 1966

Despite the name change, publications would continue to refer to the restaurant with variations of the familiar Covered Wagon moniker, such as the “Covered Wagon Patio” or “Covered Wagon Red Patio.”34The Estes Park Trail, 21 May. 1971. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.35The Estes Park Trail, 3 Sep. 1971. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library. By 1972 the restaurant was again referred to as “The Covered Wagon” and now owned by Mr and Mrs George Mangold.36The Estes Park Trail, 16 Jun. 1972. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

Immediately following the ceremony, the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Mangold, owners of the Covered Wagon Restaurant in the Canyon, hosted a reception in their dining room and on the Patio.37The Estes Park Trail, 16 Jun. 1972. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.

The Estes Park Trail – June 16, 1972

Idlewild Lodge - idlewildlodge.github.io - 1972-06-16 - The Estes Park Trail - Mangold owner of Covered Wagon

In 1976 Charles Atkins was the owner of The Covered Wagon. Martin and Frances Remsing and their youngest son Adam, friends of Charles Atkins, were managing it that summer. They had moved from Las Vegas to find that “small town” life, which they could not get in the city. While living here they told their friends and family that “they lived in the most beautiful place, the people were wonderful, and they were so happy.” Their other son, Mike Morgan, was a marine recruiter would who would visit them often at the restaurant. Also working that summer were Debora Moore and Stanis Bashford who were waitresses going into their senior year at Thompson Valley High School.38Wamsley, Sharlynn. Reflection on the River: The Big Thompson Canyon Flood. Drake Club Press, 2001.

On July 31st 1976 the Big Thompson flood would occur. It would take the Covered Wagon Restaurant along with the lives of ten people who were seeking refuge there from the flood waters.

  • The Estes Park Trail, 8 Apr. 1949. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 7 Mar. 1952. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 10 Apr. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 22 May. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 28 Aug. 1953. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 16 Apr. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 25 Jun. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 30 Jul. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 10 Sep. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 8 Oct. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 29 Oct. 1954. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 27 May 1955. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 17 Jun 1955. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 5 Aug 1955. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 9 Sep 1955. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
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  • The Estes Park Trail, 12 Apr. 1960. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
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  • The Estes Park Trail, 19 Jul. 1963. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 29 May. 1964. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 26 Jun. 1964. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
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  • The Estes Park Trail, 29 Jul. 1966. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
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  • The Estes Park Trail, 21 May. 1971. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 3 Sep. 1971. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • The Estes Park Trail, 16 Jun. 1972. Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Colorado State Library.
  • Wamsley, Sharlynn. Reflection on the River: The Big Thompson Canyon Flood. Drake Club Press, 2001.