154 Years Ago
The September 21, 1870 Colorado Transcript shows that excitement was building to a fever pitch in anticipation of the Colorado Central Railroad reaching Golden. For weeks, the newspaper had been reporting on the progress of the line as it was built between Denver and Golden, and by the 21st it was nearly within shouting distance.
The grand celebration was scheduled for Friday the 23rd. It would include a free dinner, free dance, and free rides to Denver and back. A display of fireworks was promised, as well as a bonfire on “Table Rock” (castle rock) throughout the evening. The bonfire was intended to serve as a beacon to settlers throughout the region, to remind them that Golden was celebrating.
“By request of the ladies, the dance at the depot will be a calico ball.” I had to research that term. In eastern, more established cities, a “calico ball” meant that wealthy ladies would wear a dress made of calico–a sturdy, inexpensive fabric made of cotton–rather than an evening gown. The next day they were expected to donate the dress to charity. In a frontier town such as Golden, I suspect the term meant that the ball would be a non-dressy affair, where wearing calico was acceptable.
It was clear that the planners meant to keep the event respectable: “No liquor will be allowed to be sold on the grounds, but parties desiring to sell fruits and refreshments will be welcome to do so. An ample police force has been provided and all the improper characters will be cared for and all rowdyism suppressed.”
