A New Federal Holiday And An Old Courthouse

*Golden Eye Candy – Frank Hanou – Summer Flowers on Washington Avenue – enlarge*

Virtual Events

6-6:55AM Virtual Dynamic Circuit
10-10:55AM All Levels Yoga Virtual
11-11:55AM Find Your Balance
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday: Buddhism
4-4:30PM Kids Martial Arts Class
6-7:30PM Virtual: Teen Short Story Writing Camp

Real World Events

Juneteenth, our newest Federal holiday, is celebrated today. City offices are closed and there will be no mail delivery. The library is open.

9:15-9:45AM Toddler Time @ Golden Library
10:15-10:45AM Let’s Dance @ Golden Library
12-3PM Wide Checkers Scarf – Crochet Class @ Golden Quilt Company
3-4PM Dive Into Magic with Magic Rob @ Golden Library
6-10PM Meet-Up Mondays @ Golden Game Guild

Golden History Moment

*The 1878 Jefferson County Courthouse – Click to enlarge*

Jefferson County built its first courthouse in 1878. It was located on Washington Avenue, between 15th and 16th Streets. As that was one of the highest points in town, the courthouse was a focal point for the community.

By the early 1950s, the County needed a new courthouse. The population of the Jefferson County was growing rapidly, and they needed increased capacity for records, courtrooms, and county offices. They also wanted more parking space. The new courthouse opened on the west side of Washington Avenue in 1953. For a few years, the 1878 building housed the Jefferson County Museum (later the Golden Pioneer Museum, and now the Golden History Museum).

*Views of the courthouse over time, through the 1963 demolition – enlarge*

59 Years Ago
The old courthouse was demolished in 1963. As the June 20, 1963 Transcript commented, “Completed in Feb. 27, 1878, the two-story brick and stone building served over 75 years as Jefferson County Courthouse until the new $900,000 structure was occupied in 1953. Nostalgia aside, the courthouse and adjacent jail are yielding to modern practicality.”

*The 1878 Jefferson County Courthouse, across the street from Foothills Art Center* – enlarge

To visualize the location of the old courthouse, stand in front of Foothills Art Center or the Sherpa House and look toward Castle Rock.

Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!