Celebrating Growth

124 Years Ago
The April 3, 1901 Colorado Transcript was celebrating many new buildings “in this initial year of the XXth century.”

The Geijsbeek Pottery company have nearly completed their buildings, placed their machinery, and are now manufacturing ware for the market. The buildings alone, which are of brick, have cost about $4,000, while the furnaces, engines, dynamos, machinery etc., figure up about $12,000, making a total expenditure in cash of $17,000 in round numbers.

*This version of St. Joseph’s Catholic church was located at 14th and East Streets (now the Coors’ visitor parking lot) –* *enlarge*

The Catholic church, built since the year opened, is a handsome and important addition to the town. It is constructed of Golden pressed brick, and when the inside is finished will compare favorably with any house of worship in the state outside of the larger cities. Fully $9,000 has already been expended and probably another thousand will complete the edifice.

*The assay plant is still on the Mines campus, now part of Chauvenet* *Hall –* *enlarge*

A most important improvement is the new assaying plant for the School of Mines, a long building of brick one story in height, containing sixteen assay furnaces for use by students. This has entailed an expenditure of some $15,000, made possible by the generous donation of Hon. W.S. Stratton, president of the board of trustees.

*Coors still has a railroad bridge over the creek!* – Denver Public Library Western History Collection – enlarge

*Railroad bridge shown on Google Satellite images –* *enlarge*

Another important public enterprise is the construction of a spur of the Colorado & Southern Railroad from the company’s yards to Coors’ brewery, requiring the construction of a substantial bridge across Clear creek. This spur is now nearly ready for use.

*The Unger house is still intact, at 1510 Washington –* *enlarge*

P. O. Unger is building another handsome brick cottage on the avenue opposite the court house, modern, for sale or rent. Mr. Unger is to be commended for his enterprise in helping us out. This will cost about $2,000.

*Collum building, now a single family home, 12th and Cheyenne – Google Street images –* *enlarge*

John Collum has purchased two lots on Second [now 12th] street, corner of Cheyenne, and has contracted with W. H. Curry for two double houses, four apartments. These will be of pressed brick, modern in all particulars, and will be for rent.

*Rubey Bank building at 12th and Washington, before and after the addition – Dan Abbott collection –* *enlarge*

The additions and improvements to Woods and Rubey’s bank building will add greatly to the appearance of the locality. It will make the block the handsomest in town.