Diamond Jack Alterie

Diamond Jack Alterie A.K.A. Leland Varain was an early owner of the Sweetwater Resort. He purchased it in 1926, had frequent run-ins with the law.
He was finally sentenced to 5 years, but it was suspended if he left Colorado by February 1, 1933, and stayed gone 5 years.
He was also a Chicago mobster and was rubbed out Thursday, July 18, 1935, in Chicago. His assassins waited across the street from his residence, then shot him with a shotgun.
His wife standing with him was not touched. She asked him to get up off the ground to which he replied, "they got me."

 

Sweetwater Lodge Destroyed by Fire From Faulty Flue
Location & Timing
- The fire occurred at Sweetwater Lake Lodge, about 35 miles southwest of Eagle.
- The incident took place around 9 p.m. on Monday, and was reported in The Daily Sentinel, dated Tuesday, April 12, 1955.
Details of the Fire
- Caused by a faulty flue, intensified by gusty winds.
- Phil King, the lodge’s current owner, spotted the fire while returning from visiting a neighbor.
- Upon arrival with another neighbor, the roof had collapsed and sides were ablaze.
- The main lodge and a four-room rear cabin were destroyed, while seven nearby cabins survived.
Historical Ownership
Former owners include:
- Paul Gregg, a Denver artist
- Diamond Jack Alterie, a Chicago gangster
- Current owners at the time: Mr. and Mrs. Phil King, who had operated it for three years

     

Diamond Jack Alterie AKA Leland Varain

 

Parents

Mary Lincoln Brown Lane
1863–1948

Siblings

Sgt Charles Albert Varain
1883–1929


Ida Mae Devarain Losch
1888–1965


Nellie Mignonette Varain Ballard
1898–1942


Dorothy Edith Lane Hewston
1913–1964

         

---