Larry Maroney
Larry Maroney came to Cripple Creek sometime in 1893. He had been in the lumber and silver mining businesses in Aspen and came to Cripple as the silver market began to crash.
Maroney had a detailed knowledge of mining, lumber and finance, all of which would prove valuable. He was one of the great Cripple Creek entrepreneurs who, rather than prospecting, would use his brains and skills to scratch out a fortune. He built a huge lumberyard covering parts of two city blocks at Mine and Aspen Avenues in Hayden, which would eventually become part of the City of Cripple Creek. Within a year, Maroney had one of the most prosperous lumberyards in the District.
Maroney had a good friend and partner in Bert Carlton. His lumber business thrived with Carlton's help and influence. Perhaps the most important Carlton-Maroney venture was their purchase of control of the First National Bank of Cripple Creek. This investment would pay off handsomely for both men.
Maroney was quite active in the community as well. He was a member of the well-connected Elks Lodge and appears to have spent some time as a volunteer fireman in Cripple Creek. Maroney seems to have been a generous civic booster on top of it, and by all accounts, was quite an asset to the community.
Maroney's 40 mule team in the 4th of July parade, 1898.