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The Micci Grocery, owned by Westsider Dale
Schroeder's grandparents on his mother's side, operated at 2031 W. Colorado Ave.
from at least 1942 and into the late '50s.
Meet a Westside Pioneer!
Dale Schroeder
What kind of career have you had?
While attending college at Northern Illinois, I was a club gymnastics coach. During summers away from college, I was able to learn the trade of plumbing. After college, I began
Dale Schroeder.
Westside Pioneer photo
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Marriage?
My wife Melissa, and I have been married for 21 years. We met at Rogers Bar, which was a popular place then in Old Colorado City.
Any of your family members still here?
Four of my five brothers still live on the Westside: Bill – retired business owner; Jim – works at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store; Frank – semi-retired contractor; and Ernie – small tool repair business owner. Kenneth (Butch) died in 2017. He had served in the military, including the Vietnam War, and drove for Schmidt Trucking. In addition to my brothers, I have a very large, extended family on the Westside.
When did your parents/grandparents move to the Westside? What were their names? Where did they come from? What did they do here?
My grandparents, Frank and Rosa Micci, came to the United States from Italy in 1895. While some records are missing, it is known that by 1942 they were
The six Schroeder brothers: (back, from left) Butch and Bill; (front, from left)
Jim, Frank, Ernie and Dale.
Westside Pioneer photo
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Any offspring of your own?
I have two daughters. Both live on the Westside! Kayla, my oldest, is a library technology technician at West Middle School; and Kourtney, my youngest, is a sales representative at Jared Jewelers.
What are your best memories of growing up on the Westside?
The Park and Rec programs offered at Bott Park and Thorndale Park (arts and crafts)... Old Timers Little League baseball… (not park and rec). Sandlot softball
LEFT: Glen and Frances Schroeder raised Dale
and his five brothers on the Westside. RIGHT: Frances' parents, Frank and Rose
Micci, who owned the Micci Grocery at 2031 W. Colorado Ave. (See photo at top
of page.)
Courtesy of Dale Schroeder
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What is gone from the Westside now that you wish had stayed?
The St. Patrick's Day Parade, Rogers Bar, Sky View Drive-In Theater, Zeb's Restaurant, Schoch's Hardware and the "World's Largest Pendulum Clock," which was right behind the liquor store on 21st.
What has stayed that you wish had gone?
The above-ground power lines. We have an especially big power pole in our neighborhood.
How about the way things have changed?
I think the Westside has changed for the good with all the "mom and pop" shops and independently owned restaurants and stores. They bring a sense of community to the Westside and Old Colorado City.
Overall, is the Westside better or worse than when you were a kid here?
I believe the Westside is better… The revitalization efforts transformed Old Colorado City from an adult district to more of a family district. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the Westside, there is now traffic congestion.
From Westside Pioneer interviews
(Opinion:
Meet a Westside Pioneer)
“Meet a Westside Pioneer” is tailored for people with long family histories on the Westside. If you know someone meeting that description (including yourself!), call the Pioneer at 471-6776..
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