 Westside Pioneer photo
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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 plumbing full time and now am co-owner of Springs Custom Plumbing.
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.
 The six Schroeder brothers: (back, from left) Butch and Bill; (front, from left) Jim, Frank, Ernie and Dale. Courtesy of Dale Schroeder
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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 running a grocery store at 2031 W. Colorado Ave. My mom Frances (née Micci) was born here. She was introduced to my dad through his brother. My dad, Glen Schroeder, was born in Kansas but moved here because of the military (Peterson Field). He was the dispatch officer for Newton Lumber, and a professional truck driver for Miller High Life and Schmidt Trucking. My mom worked at Walks Motel and also at the grocery store. My brothers remembered stocking apples at the store (as young kids). Both my parents have passed on.
 Frank and Rose Micci, who emigrated to America in 1895, eventually moving to the Westside, where they ran the Micci Grocery at 2031 W. Colorado Ave. for a number of years. Courtesy of Dale Schroeder
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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.
Grandchildren?
My granddaughter, Lakyn, was born 11 weeks premature, in October 2016, at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver. She lived for 45 days in 4D NICU before earning her Angel Wings. Then, in September 2017, my grandson Emitt was born asleep at 16 weeks. Both grandchildren brought our close-knit family even closer and we continue to look forward to welcoming healthy grandchildren into our family!
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 games... Lunch hikes to Bath Tub Rock and Pigeon Cave (along the Hogbacks)... And drinking wassail while Christmas shopping in Old Colorado City.
 The store. 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 Hard-ware and the “World's Largest Pendulum Clock,” which was right behind the liquor store on 21st Street.
What has stayed that you wish had gone?
The above-ground power lines. We have an especially big power pole in our neighborhood.
 Glen and Frances Schroeder, who raised Dale and his five brothers on the Westside, are shown. Courtesy of Dale Schroeder
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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? How?
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. “Meet a Westside Pioneer” interviews people who have lived all (or most of) their lives on the Colo-rado Springs Westside. If you know someone who meets that criteria, please give us a call at 471-6776.
Would you like to respond to this feature? The Westside Pioneer welcomes letters at editor@westsidepioneer.com. (Click here for letter-writing criteria.)