THOMAS WASHINGTON BEAN (1885-1987) A LIFE OF "FIRSTS"
Thomas Washington Bean was an astute African American business pioneer. He was considered one of the most successful businessmen in Denver. Bean was born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 17, 1885. He came to Denver in 1911, on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and worked as a dining car steward. Bean liked Denver and decided to stay. His life was full of "firsts," which included operating music vending machines in Denver's businesses, being the first African American to operate a taxicab service in Denver, and being the first African American to serve on the Denver Board of Adjustment Zoning, from 1957 until 1980. Read more
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