The Blue Goose Saloon Still Exists in Monticello, Utah.

Since moving to Monticello, I have heard three versions concerning The Blue Goose Saloon; the first that it burned down, the second that it had been moved, the third that it had been rebuilt and then torn down once again.  Well the mystery seems to have been solved when Jim Brandt purchased the old Bar TN property and renamed it Old West RV.  Also for sale was a small home at the northern corner of their property which was rumored to be the Blue Goose.  After purchase, deconstruction was begun and was found treasure beneath the modern layers of plaster and shingles...The Blue Goose Saloon.  With the help of Jim McCarthy, owner of Abajo Trading Post, this cabin of hand hewed logs and planks will be restored and moved to a new location near the Trading Post.

This finding of a historical site and its preservation is exciting news to many in the community.  I went over to the site and took several photos, before when it was for sale, and after the uncovering.  First a little history lesson...

William E. (Latigo) Gordon was the foreman of the Carlisle Ranch located north of Monticello.  The cowboys who worked the ranch often got themselves into mischief, so Latigo built the first Blue Goose Saloon in 1896, grand opening September 10th.  It's location was where the current Main Street is, between Wagon Wheel Pizza and the second hand shop known as Mimi's Thrift Store.  Latigo's intent was to give the cowboys a place to hang out, instead of causing havoc in Monticello due to boredom. After a few drinks, those cowboys either took a long nap, or caused havoc anyway. He closed it less than a year later when the city raised the price of the license to $1,000.00.

Now the cabin which was found, currently located on 300 South, half a block west of Main Street, was built by Ramon Gonsalez after moving here from Colorado with his wife, Guadeloupe, "Lupe". He died in 1902 and she married Bartolo Jaramillo in 1904. He made whiskey, or White Mule, as he called it, and they sold it from the cabin, calling it the Blue Goose. He was arrested for bootlegging in 1920 during prohibition, as part of a federal sting between Monticello and Thompson (Springs).

I have to give another thank you to Jim McCarthy for providing me with the above historical date on the Blue Goose Saloon.

Before Photos After it was Covered Over with Modern Day Materials.

August 02, 2015

There were obvious signs of water and fire damages in the attic.

Chimney



Wonder whose license plate that had belonged to?

Wood Burning Stove

Modern Interior with Wood Beans Showing.

After Deconstruction and Cabin Revealed.

September 28, 2015

Front



Interior (1).

Hand Hewed Logs and Planks.



Interior (2)

Rear and Left Side

Rear and Right Side
 

Right Side - Front

Right Side - Rear

So there you have it, a historical site in Monticello still exists, will be restored and moved to a prominent location on Main Street for all to visit.  History - 1, Naysayers - 0.

Mary Cokenour