Former Gambles building stirs memories as possible demolition nears

Bonnie Campbell reflects on family’s legacy, history of structure now deemed ‘dangerous building’

  • This photo, shared by Bonnie Campbell, shows the Campbell's Gambles building in its prime in the 1960s.
    This photo, shared by Bonnie Campbell, shows the Campbell's Gambles building in its prime in the 1960s.
  • Dale and Gertrude, who owned Campbell's Gambles from 1964 to 1977, moved to the east side of the square in 1967 to provide more space.
    Dale and Gertrude, who owned Campbell's Gambles from 1964 to 1977, moved to the east side of the square in 1967 to provide more space.
  • This photo shows products lined up for sale outside the downtown business.
    This photo shows products lined up for sale outside the downtown business.
  • As was common in that era, advertising messages were painted on the wall of the Campbell's Gambles building. Shown here are advertisements for Hedlund Groceries and Johnson's -- The Home of Good Clothes.
    As was common in that era, advertising messages were painted on the wall of the Campbell's Gambles building. Shown here are advertisements for Hedlund Groceries and Johnson's -- The Home of Good Clothes.

    Hearing the latest news on the status of the downtown Gambles building in Aurora stirs a lot of memories and emotions for Bonnie Campbell.Though the building was deemed unsafe by the Aurora City Council July 8 and may be demolished for safety reasons as early as this week, Campbell said the structure was a source of pride and joy for her family years ago, when it was home to Campbell’s Gambles in …