HAND OVER THE KEYS, PLEASE

The 1913 novel by American Earl Derr Biggers Seven Keys to Baldpate inspired several film adaptations, a Broadway play — and at least one hotel to create a world-record-setting tribute room. The novel tells the story of a writer who attempts to finish a book within 24 hours. Seeking some peace and quiet for the task, he travels to a remote mountain resort named Baldpate Inn, in the dead of winter, and locks himself in, believing he has the only key. But all through the night, visitors keep barging in — and each one has a key. The story inspired the owners of this mountain hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, to borrow the name, as well as start a key collection, mostly from guest donations. Today at 20 000, it is the world’s largest collection of keys, including to such illustrious places as Westminster Abbey, Mozart’s wine cellar, a White House bathroom, and Hitler’s bunker. ● baldpateinn.com