The August 13, 1973 Golden Transcript provided this story about the Transcript's founder, George West.
George West teamed up with Mines students and printed posters announcing a balloon ascension from Castle Rock for April 1, 2:30 p.m. Classes were dismissed at Mines, as well as well as every other school, and almost everyone in town gathered down at what is now Brooks Field [now Marv Kay Stadium], staring up at Castle Rock. Sure enough, they could see figures running around up there, and hear the excited voices floating down.
At precisely 2:30 p.m., an unearthly blast shattered nearly every window in Golden, and serious faced Mines seniors passed out small, printed cards – "APRIL FOOL."
