Promoting Denver's image through the DNC

July 30, 9:27 AMScam ExaminerKarin Malchow

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Lou Blonger (www.blongerbros.com) 

As Denver busies itself preparing for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, including giving homeless residents free zoo, museum and movie passes so delegates, protesters and media won't bother them (and the reverse), the city nostalgically looks back at its previous democratic convention hosted one hundred years ago:  Shipping down mountain snow for a delegate snowball fight; a spontaneous raucous demonstration celebrating nominee William Jennings Bryan lasting an hour and a half; Indians in traditional garb greeting visitors; citizens sporting "I Live in Denver.  Ask Me." buttons.
 

Still, despite putting its best face forward, every city has its seamy side.  In 1908, 50-year-old Denver was reputed to be the country's scamming capital, the Big Store.  Not only did gambling and con man boss Lou Blonger reportedly have local police and politicians in his pocket, visiting con men regularly found refuge in Denver when their chosen careers commanded too much attention elsewhere.  Under Blonger's twenty-five year reign, grifters ran both short and long-term cons, including the Magic Wallet.

One hustler "found" a money-stuffed wallet with the designated sucker, typically an out-of-towner.  A second con artist played the wallet's owner, rewarding the mark by bringing him to a stock office.  As the recommended stock price climbed on phony ticker tape, the stooge committed to purchase.  The con man advised selling, but sealing the deal required the original purchase price to reap the profit.  Too bad when the mark returned with cash, the stock collapsed and he owed the money.

Historical reports indicate little more than a pickpocket problem during the 1908 Democratic Convention, although embarrassed victims of bucket shop investment schemes infrequently reported the crime.  Or did Denver officials broker a deal with the ubiquitous grifters to lay off conventioneers for the sake of the city's image?  Perhaps someone gave them free passes.