Which historic hotel was the location of the first female-owned taxi company in Colorado? Hotel Boulderado (1909) Boulder, Colorado

Hotel Boulderado, a cornerstone of Boulder, Colorado's history, opened its doors in 1909. Designed with a blend of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival architectural styles, and with a striking stained-glass ceiling, which was imported from Italy, the Hotel Boulderado is an iconic structure in downtown Boulder. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the hotel stands as a testament to entrepreneurship, community engagement, and historic preservation—none of which would be complete without the fascinating story of Florence Molloy and Mabel MacLeay.

Hotel Boulderado was built to support the growing community of Boulder, Colorado, and to attract wealthy visitors to the area. The hotel quickly became a hub for social gatherings, business deals, and tourism. While it drew many notable guests and witnessed many significant events, Hotel Boulderado’s cultural significance extended far beyond its role as a landmark hotel.

The story of Florence Molloy and Mabel MacLeay began in the 1910s in Syracuse, New York. Both women had experienced personal trials as records indicate that they were either divorced or widowed by the time that they decided to embark on a new chapter in their lives. Their friendship blossomed in Upstate New York, and by 1918, the two women had moved westward to Colorado. Once they were settled, the women proved themselves to be innovators, leveraging their skills as excellent drivers to create a business that showcased the state of Colorado’s breathtaking scenery.

During the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, the women identified a community need for reliable transportation services. With their Cadillac V8, they transitioned from only offering scenic tours to operating a taxi service. This decision marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, and their business soon flourished. By 1922, the Molloy-MacLeay Taxicab Company had established its headquarters at the Hotel Boulderado, solidifying their connection to both this community establishment and their place in history, as the first female-owned taxi company in Colorado.

From their office in the Hotel Boulderado, Molloy and MacLeay’s taxi service provided a vital service for Boulder’s residents and visitors alike. For $0.25 per ride, they transported guests to destinations throughout the city, earning admiration for their professionalism and reliability. For a little bit more, they would still take guests on scenic trips to places like Estes Park, Colorado. As female taxi drivers, they were often specifically hired by the parents of female students attending the University of Colorado. Serving as both drivers and chaperones, the female drivers provided a level of security and peace of mind for both the young women and their families. Their reputation for dependability added a unique dimension to their taxi service, further establishing them as trusted figures in the Boulder community.

Their business thrived until 1927, when they decided to sell the taxi company and pursue a new venture. The duo went on to establish a dude ranch in nearby Gold Hill, Colorado. This venture later evolved into the Colorado Mountain Ranch, which remains a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Their portraits are now featured in the Hotel Boulderado, serving as a tribute to their lasting impact on the Boulder community.

Today, Hotel Boulderado continues to honor its rich history through history-focused tours. The stories of Florence Molloy and Mabel MacLeay are preserved as part of these tours, allowing visitors to appreciate the pioneering spirit of these remarkable women. Their story, intertwined with the history of the Hotel Boulderado, reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of resilience, innovation, and community-building that defines the Hotel Boulderado.

This has been a Historic Hotels History Mystery.

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