Recently I enjoyed a story called The Baltimore Colts, the Team That Helped Shape the NFL on Our American Stories.
It reminded me of the time my folks came to visit us in Aurora, Colorado, driving their first car with air conditioning. By the time they arrived, Dad had come down with a cold.
Dad sure perked up in a hurry, though, when he learned that his favorite Johnny Unitas and the Colts were practicing in Golden, another Denver suburb. He and my Favorite Guy drove to Golden to get to see them. August 7, 1972.
What were the Baltimore Colts doing in Colorado in August, 1972? They held their 1972 preseason training camp in Golden, Colorado, at the Colorado School of Mines campus. They were in Golden from August 5-20, with practices and preseason games during that time.
Grandma Leora was with Dad and Mom on this trip, along with Iowa vine-ripened tomatoes and sweetcorn. (Grandma recorded in her diary that I drove her and Mom to the Denver Botanic Gardens in our VW while the men were drove to Golden to watch the Colts.)
They all drove on to Uncle Don and Aunt Rose Wilson’s in Raymond, Washington. Oldest brother, Delbert and Evelyn, drove up from California so Grandma had a little reunion with her three oldest children. They did some sight-seeing a few days before Grandma traveled on home with Delberts to spend time with her California grandchildren and great grandchildren.
My folks drove back to Iowa, taking a more northern route. I don’t know whether Dad’s cold got cured by getting to watch the great Johnny Unitas practice with the Colts, but he sure had a great story for regular coffee drinkers at the cafe when he got home.
Johnny Unitas could do almost anything. I’m sure he helped cure that cold.
He sure perked up. Thanks, Dan!
Fun story, Joy. I remember Johnny Unitas well. One of my brothers lives in Aurora.
Pete, we lived in Aurora more than 5 years, but the heart-tugs for Iowa began when the grandparents met their only grandchild. We moved back here when Dan was 2. . .
Like Dan, I’m sure that cold was gone the minute he hit the Golden city limits.
Good one, John!
Love this, dear Joy! I hadn’t thought of Johnny Unitas for years…he was a favorite of my dad’s, too. Thank you for this sweet post. I know I’ve missed a few of yours recently. Sending hugs and love to you and Guy. 💝
Blessings to you and your family, Vicki. Our son just left for the north country (Twin Cities) after a welcome 24 hours here!
Ohhhh! I’m so glad you had time together! We’ve had a wonderful time with friends and family this holiday season. Sending hugs and blessings back to you. ❤️🥰❤️
What a great family story!
Thank you, Liz. All set in action because of listening to the story on Our American Stories and wanting to know why they’d be in Colorado. The internet is just amazing! Well, I guess keeping a diary helped as well. ha
You’re welcome, Joy. Yes, keeping a diary would have helped. 😉
What an amazing experience your dad had! Seeing a legendary player like Unitas throwing the pigskin around with his teammates definitely would have given him bragging rights. 🙂
It sure did, Nancy!
Seeing his favorite quarterback sure made your dad feel better, Joy.
Thank you, Tim. It made us all feel better!