This week in Aspen history

“Ski Inn Burns Wednesday Afternoon,” declared The Aspen Times on Feb. 26, 1953. “The refreshment hut formerly known as the Ski Inn and located midway between the lower terminal of the chair lift and Holland House was completely destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon about 4 o’clock. The small house was renovated by Chuck Worth and Jerry Koska into a short order restaurant. They sold their interest in the place to Howard and Jaen Awrey last summer and the new owners have operated the business in connection with their lease at the Sun Deck. The blaze is thought to have started from grease on an overheated grill. The house is located about 60 feet from the lift line. The Holland House now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jack de Pagter was formerly owned by Miss Eleanor Mikkelsen.”