Golden’s Favorite News Source!
A few weeks ago, the City released a survey to see how Golden’s residents felt about tourism, whether they would support a lodging tax, and where they learned about things to do in Golden. I am happy to report that–according to the City’s survey–Goldentoday is the #1 source of events information for Golden’s residents!
The complete survey results are available here.
Virtual Events
6-6:55AM Dynamic Circuit
8:30-9:30AM Power Training
11AM-12PM All Levels Yoga
2-3PM Active Minds Mondays – The Olympics
4-4:30PM Kids Martial Arts Class
5-6PM Young Readers Book Club – It’s Hot
Real World Events
10AM – Foss Market @ 13th and Arapahoe
5-9 Golden Game Guild Meet-Up Mondays @ Golden Game Guild
12-1PM Golden United – Business Discussion on Affordable Housing at Calvary Episcopal Church (map)
The Golden business community is invited to a discussion of actions that the business community can take together with the city and community groups to address the urgent challenge of affordable housing for our workforces. This will include a review of recommendations for such actions identified by a local 12 member Affordable Housing Action Team (AHAT) convened by Golden United. Please join us for this timely discussion. Please respond to benioffron@gmail.com if you are able to attend and with any questions.
Golden History Moment
Golden was a young, small town in the 1880s, with a population of about 2,500. The railroad had arrived in 1870. Golden High School was established in 1873, and the School of Mines in 1874. There were several active church congregations, and the Masons and G.A.R. were popular organizations for men.
Fortnightly in the 19th Century
Few people attended college in that era, and of those, fewer women than men. In 1886, a group of eleven Golden women decided to form a study group to undertake a correspondence course through the national Chautauqua organization. They pursued a course of study that included “geology, chemistry, astronomy, history, literature, physics, physiology, Roman History, Greek History, and political economy.” After four years of studying, seven of the original members received diplomas and graduated from the program. They then began a second course of study, this one designed by an eminent British historian. These subjects occupied the first several years of the Golden Fortnightly Club. They limited their number to fifteen members.
The group continued through the years, but they became more confident in their choice of topics and began charting their own educational path. They studied Greek philosophers, ancient Rome, the Renaissance, Medieval theology, feudalism, and the Crusades.
Fortnightly in the 20th Century
With the dawn of the 20th century, they relaxed their academic rigor and focused on literature. They also began working on civic improvement projects, such as organizing a “Golden Music Week” in the 1920s, sponsoring the Camp Fire Girls, and working with other women’s organizations to form the Golden Library.
After World War II, they expanded the membership to 25 and left the choice of topic to the presenter. Meetings were held twice a month at members’ homes. Ladies dressed up for the meetings, and the hostess served coffee and dessert. Most programs involved book reviews, though travel logs were also popular. Every other year, they hosted a Guest Day luncheon where members invited friends and a special speaker was invited.
Fortnightly in the 21st Century
Fortnightly remained a thriving organization well into the 21st century, but the past few years has seen the deaths of several women who had been members for decades. The pandemic of the past 18 months has put additional pressure on the organization, as members have been unable to meet in person and some dislike online meetings. As the virus wanes, the scattered group, diminished in size, is left to decide whether to regroup, reform, and rebuild the membership or to let the 135 year tradition end.
Fortnightly in the Future
I am the current President of the Golden Fortnightly Club. During my years with the organization, I have enjoyed learning about new books and authors, hearing about trips to China, South America, Africa, and Cuba. Many of my presentations, of course, have focused on Golden history. The best part of my Fortnightly membership has been getting to know some extraordinary Golden women.
If Golden Fortnightly sounds like something that might interest you, please send me an email or give me a call at 303-278-2701. I’ll be glad to tell you more about it!
Barb Warden – Goldentoday.com and Golden Fortnightly Club
