The Denver Public Library has a great collection of historic photos, including more than 1,000 of Golden. The one above is one of my favorites. Taken in 1868 (nine years after the town's founding), this photo shows a few buildings that are still with us and several that are long gone.
The Loveland building (now the Old Capitol Grill) appears in this photo, as does the Astor House. The Harrison Block (Del's Tonsorial Parlor, Humble House Coffee, and Creekside Jewelers) may be a little harder to identify, but it is one of the oldest buildings in Golden's downtown.
As for buildings that are gone: Fitzpatrick's Mill was visible, in its location at the edge of Clear Creek. The wood frame store buildings, seen in many pioneer-era photos, were still there. I was intrigued to spot two wells and several probable outhouses--necessities in the pre-plumbing era. They were right there, where we now park our cars!
Many thanks to Esther Kettering for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of August.
