Real World Events
8AM-1PM Golden Farmers Market@ Golden Library west parking lot
9:30AM-12PM Walk With a Geologist @ Dinosaur Ridge
10AM Saturday Train Rides@ Colorado Railroad Museum
10AM Homestead Open House @ Golden History Park
10AM-3PM Brunch at the Rose @ Buffalo Rose
10AM-3PM Mountaineering Books & Vintage Gear Sale @ American Mountaineering Center
10AM-2PM Abstract Colorado: Painting for Beginners @ Foothills Art Center
10AM Coffee With Councilors @ Golden Community Center Front Porch
11AM-6PM Pop Up Record Store @ Coda Brewing
1-2:30PM and 3:30-5PM Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners/Advanced Players
5-8:30PM Golden Super Cruise @ South Golden Road
7:30PM The Treasurer @ Miners Alley Playhouse
Live Music
12PM Fireball Band/Asha Blaine @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
2PM Austin Williams & The Storytellers @ Golden Mill
5PM Splendid Blend @ Goosetown Station
6PM Live Music on the Patio @ Ace Hi Tavern
7PM Will Whalen @ Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage – outdoor patio)
8PM Stephen Wesley @ Buffalo Rose (main venue)
9PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
Golden History Moment
51 Years Ago
After a week of furious earth moving, during which a substantial quantity of dirt was dumped along the south bank of Clear Creek, the activity appears now to have ceased. The dirt lines the bank from near Illinois Street to a point midway between Cheyenne and Arapahoe, a distance of about one and a half blocks.
Golden Transcript – August 7, 1970
The land in question belonged to real estate developer Cliff Evans. While Evans refused to say what he planned for the newly-expanded property, rumors had been circulating that he wanted to build an apartment complex along the Creek. Most of the land was zoned R3 (apartments), while about 1/2 block, between Cheyenne and Arapahoe, was zoned C1 (commercial).
A year earlier, Evans had approached the City and asked that they relinquish the right-of-way that would have allowed Cheyenne, Illinois, and Maple Streets to be extended all the way to the Creek. The City kept a 50′ right of way at Illinois, but relinquished the right of way at Cheyenne and Maple.
After these interesting developments…nothing happened. The land remained unoccupied and overgrown with weeks. It also became a popular dumping ground for unwanted junk. Ten years passed.
The August 7, 1980 Transcript described Golden’s ambitious plans to build parks. They were particularly interested in developing parks and trails along Clear Creek.
In 1981, the Jefferson County Open Space Council offered Evans $596,000 for the 4.49 acres. That amount was based on the City’s appraisal. Evans refused, saying that he intended to develop the property, and that the commercial value was $1.13 million.
In 1982, Council voted to condemn the property and purchase it through eminent domain. Evans objected to the price the City and Open Space were offering. Eventually, Evans and his lawyers took the matter to court. The judge appointed a 3-member commission to appraise the property, and they agreed with Evans’ price.
If the sale took place, Jeffco Open Space would pay 25% of the cost and the City of Golden would pay the remaining 75%. Golden had the funds available, but such a purchase would completely drain the parks fund.
Council discussed the issue at an emotional meeting in October of 1982. About 40 citizens spoke in favor of the purchase, but Council voted not to buy the property. After that, a citizens group led for Hal Leith circulated petitions to hold a special election, allowing citizens to vote on the purchase.
Those in favor of the purchase felt that, although the price was high, property along the Creek was incomparably valuable and should be purchased at any price. Those opposed thought Cliff Evans was rich enough and they just didn’t want to give him all that money.
The December 9, 1982 Golden Transcript asked City Councilors what they wanted from Santa, and most of them said they wanted Cliff Evans’ land. Councilor Dick Sargent noted that giving was good for the soul, and if Evans would only donate the property, the City would gladly name the park after him.
The citizens group was able to gather the required 901 signatures. (It’s worth noting that at that time people signing petitions did not need to be Golden voters.) The matter went to a vote in April of 1983, and the citizens voted it down, 764 to 363.
The online Transcripts end in 1984, so there’s a gap in my knowledge, but by the 1990s, the City owned the land and–with significant involvement by the Golden Landmarks Association–began developing it as a living history park. The Pearce and Reynolds cabins, threatened by development, were moved from Golden Gate Canyon and reconstructed in what became the “Clear Creek History Park.” The Guy Hill School house (which had also been rescued from Golden Gate Canyon) was added to the collection.
The park is now operated by the Golden History Museum. Every Saturday during the summer (including today!) they host a Homestead Open House, where visitors can see and participate in various pioneer-era activities.
Many thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and many thanks to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
