Municipal Facts

Although not technically a guidebook, this periodical is included here because of its unrestrained boosterism. Its first incarnation (1909-1912 - Denver Municipal Facts) was conceived and published by Mayor Robert Speer's administration in response to a series of newspaper exposes. Its stated purpose was "furnishing information concerning municipal affairs." The second incarnation (1912-1914) was titled The City of Denver. Revived in 1918 as Municipal Facts, during Speer's second term, it was edited by Edgar C. McMechen. It has a chatty editorial voice, still echoing the City Beautiful movement. From the beginning it was filled with fabulous photographic illustrations. The Sept.-Oct. 1921 issue (above) carries an article, "Denver's greatest manufacturing plant," by Arthur H. Carhart, Recreation Engineer, U.S. Forest Service, in which he discusses the mountain park idea and suggests a systematic plan for the manufacture of recreation as a commodity. The cover illustration shows Bear Creek in the mountain parks from an "aeroplane." Edith Sampson became the editor in 1925 and the tone changed slightly. Sampson's voice seemed less like a city government insider and more like a paid marketer. There were still pages of civic improvements, wonderful photographs, and every issue (except the very last which introduced new Mayor George D. Begole (1931)) printed the city government organization chart. Among the changes under Sampson were less emphasis on business and industry, and more on art and cultural activities, with some issues being designated as "travel" or "tourist" issues.