113 Years Ago
The November 30, 1911 Colorado Transcript reported that Golden’s Volunteer Fire Department was celebrating its 40th anniversary. Mayor Hoyt–himself a charter member of the fire department–was on hand to praise the firefighters for their hard work and efficiency. He also regaled the group about some of Golden’s notable early fires.
Golden originally had three fire companies: Excelsior Fire and Hose Company, W. A. H. Loveland Hose and Fire Company, and Everett Hook and Ladder Company. While there was friendly competition between the companies, they functioned together as the Golden Volunteer Fire Department.
Golden built a Central Fire Station in 1883–located on 12th Street, between the Astor House and the Loveland Building (Old Capitol Grill). The Excelsior and Everett companies met and kept their equipment there.
The Loveland Hose Company was based at 9th and East Street, near the railroad facilities. Their first station was built in 1880. In 1926, the firefighters moved the old building to the back part of their lot and began construction of a new one, made of stone. The firefighters hauled the stone and sand from the Creek and did most of the construction themselves. They celebrated the opening of the new fire station in 1927.
In 1961, the City built the current municipal center, which included police and fire stations, city offices, the library, and the museum. At that point, the Central Station on 12th St. was torn down to make room for off-street parking. The Loveland station was used for meetings.
In 1973, City Council decided to add a meeting room to the “new” fire station at City Hall and sell the Loveland station to help pay for it. They announced that there would be an auction, with the minimum acceptable price of $30,500. They held the auction and had no bidders, so they tried it a second time, with the same result.
In November of 1973, the American Legion offered $25,000 for the building, which the City accepted. They’re still there!
The Golden Volunteer Fire Department continues its long tradition of recruiting and training top-notch firefighters.
Thanks to Dan Abbott for his book, One Hundred Years and Counting – The History of Golden, Colorado’s Volunteer Fire Department.
Thank you to Wendy Weiman for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of November.
