Our History

The edifice situated at 100 1st Street in Ault has undergone numerous transformations throughout its existence. The construction of this structure was finalized in 1906, with its dedication occurring on July 13 of that same year. Funded by the State of Colorado, the building was originally established as an Armory intended to accommodate Company C of the First National Guard of Colorado. The State entered into a ten-year lease for the premises.

Following the conclusion of World War I, the Armory's utility diminished, leading to its acquisition by the Ault Armory Co., Inc., which repurposed the facility as an  "amusement hall." Subsequently, the building was procured by the local school district and utilized as both an auditorium and gymnasium. In 1952, the property was sold to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

The VFW continues to possess the building, which now includes a restaurant situated on the eastern side of the original structure, currently known as the Bison Breath Saloon.

Over the years, numerous modifications have been implemented to the edifice. Initially, the southern portion of the building served as a stable for military mounts. When the necessity for a stable ceased, this area was transformed into a stage. Historical photographs indicate that a balcony once encircled three sides of the structure; however, this balcony has since been removed, and a lowered ceiling has been installed.

What follows are newspaper articles and picture from the past.