WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?
8-9AM What’s Brewing Golden @ Golden Hotel
9-10AM Women’s Exercise and Bible Study @ First United Methodist Church
9AM Golden Seniors – Coffee Klatch @ Golden Visitors Center
9:15-9:45AM Baby Time @ Golden Library
10-11AM Story Time and Craft @ Colorado Railroad Museum
10:15-10:45AM Preschool Time @ Golden Library
1-3PM Hand Embroidery Stitchers @ Rocky Mountain Quilt
1PM and 4PM Wild West Walking Tour
1PM and 4PM Wild West Short Tour
5:30-8PM The Principles of Artistic Expression @ Foothills Art Center
6-7PM Book Discussion Group @ Golden Library
6-7:45PM Golden Beer Talks @ Buffalo Rose
6-8PM Sunflower Painting @ Over Yonder
6:30-8:30PM Bar Bingo Night @ VFW Post 4171
9:06PM Vernal Equinox (1st Day of Spring)
SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
TRIVIA
6PM Trivia Tuesdays @ Golden Mill
6:30-8:30PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Buffalo Rose
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WANT TO BE A TESTER?
As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I’ve been working on a new website. It’s getting close to completion. Get a sneak preview of the new site at its temporary address: goldentoday.ghost.io.
The new website will make articles easier to find for both readers and search engines. It will also be more accessible for vision-impaired readers. And its search engine is much better.
The new website also sends its own emails, so your emails will no longer come from MailChimp.
I’ve had a small group of friends and family testing the new emails for the past couple of weeks, and now I’d like to expand that group. Would you like to be one of my testers? At this point, I really just want to verify that the new email isn’t going to your spam folder. If you decide to be a tester, you’ll receive both the new and old versions of the email for about a week. At that point, I’ll move all subscribers to the new site.
To subscribe to the new site, click the blue button in the top-left corner.
Enter your name and email address. (I recommend that you use the same address you use right now; otherwise, you’ll wind up with two accounts on the new site.)
You can click the Free option on the left. (Of course, I would greatly appreciate your investment in local news.)
If you already support GoldenToday through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or bill pay through you bank, you can keep using your chosen method–just sign up for a free account on the new site.
LIVE MUSIC
6PM Karaoke with Linda @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
6PM Open Bluegrass Pick Night @ Over Yonder Brewing
GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT
In its earlier years, the School of Mines had a strong tradition of hazing underclassmen. Rocky Mountains to the World: A History of the Colorado School of Mines quotes a 1949 graduate:
Hazing started when we set foot on campus and continued through the all-school gauntlet just before Christmas vacation. Fraternity pledges received additional hazing that culminated in Hell Week at the end of the first semester….
Sophomores ran us through two gauntlets a week, one when the class emerged from Doc Ward’s chemistry lecture and another when we left the Armory after stacking our rifles following ROTC drill. There was only one exit from each of these. Buttocks were to be swatted with belts; however, some sadists used the buckle end.
One of the “cherished traditions” held that only seniors were allowed to wear beards. Underclassmen who violated the tradition were seized, held down, and shaved by roving bands of seniors.
65 Years Ago
Golden was celebrating its Centennial year in 1959, and the Chamber was encouraging men to grow beards, to make them look like pioneers. This created a conundrum for Mines underclassmen, who were forbidden to wear beards and subject to attack and forcible shaving if they failed to comply.
“Shooting in Defense of Beard Occurs on CSM Campus Mar. 12.”
The March 19, 1959 Colorado Transcript reported that junior classman Alexander Forbes Bissett II had shot a senior. The victim, Philip Howell, had been one of a group of seniors who had been waiting for him as he left his math class.
Bissett had received an anonymous call the night before, telling him to “shape up or ship out.” In response, he decided to come to class armed.
As the group of about 25 seniors approached Bissett, he warned them that he was armed. One claimed that his gun must be unloaded, so he shot two rounds into the ground.
He was about to enter his car, Bisset said, when the seniors moved in on him. Bisset claimed that he fired two more shots low into the group and “accidentally” hit Howell in the lower abdomen.
Bisset was arrested. “Undersheriff Lew Hawley said some of Bisset’s instructors have visited him at the jail and have encouraged him to continue his studies at Mines.” He was released on bail and suspended for the remainder of the term.
Howell went into surgery “in which his right kidney was removed and a bullet wound in his liver was closed to prevent bleeding.” Two of the other seniors (including the Senior Class President) were charged with aggravated assault and six were put on “strict probation” for the rest of the term.
Bisset’s trial took place on April 14th.
After deliberating for a very short time Wednesday afternoon the jury returned a “not guilty” verdict on all counts. – Colorado Transcript – April 16, 1959
Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Golden Super Cruise, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, and Ruth Hund
Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil
Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, and Frank & Marsha Hanou
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?
Spring Break Begins – see our Camps and Classes page
8:30-9:30AM Power Training (Virtual)
10-10:55AM All Levels Yoga (Virtual)
10:15-10:45AM Let’s Dance @ Golden Library
12-12:30PM Mondays with Mayor Weinberg (Virtual)
3-5PM Tween Gaming Guild: No Thank You, Evil! ™ @ Golden Library
6-9PM Teach Me to Play @ Golden Game Guild
6-8PM Sunflower Painting @ Over Yonder Brewing
SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
TRIVIA
7-8PM Colorado Trivia League @ Morris & Mae
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CITY MEETINGS
6:30PM Downtown Development Authority Meeting @ City Hall
Jackson Street
They will review the City’s plans to remodel Jackson Street and other parts of east downtown. The City has scheduled an open house for the community on March 25th.
Money
The DDA has had a 10-year tax-sharing agreement with the City that will end in December of this year. The amount they have accued has increased each year: in 2015, DDA’s share was $68,147; in 2023, their share was $494,747.
They plan to ask the City to extend tax-sharing beyond this year, at a lower level–ideally, enough to fund the holiday lights, power washing the sidewalks, maintenance work, and grant requests–about $125K/year.
In the meantime, they’re sitting on a lot of money. Tonight, they will discuss how to spend it. The biggest pots are:
DDA Capital funds – $110,000
The funds could be used for a DDA capital project, or re-allocated if other opportunities arise (or carried over to next year).
Contribution to City Capital Projects – $400,000
Heart of Golden (parks upgrades and the former Coors property). $85,000 of this has been committed to the Jackson Street project and refacing the Welcome Arch, but $315,000 has not been allocated.
Contingency – $400,000
They have earmarked $375K to contribute to the Visitors Center’s planned remodel, but that project may not start this year.
GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT
Jefferson County was rife with illegal stills during the Prohibition years. The March 18, 1920 Jefferson County Republican featured an article entitled “AT LAST! GOLDEN IS JUST LIKE OTHER PLACES; HAS STILL.”
Through the efforts of Sheriff Burt Jones and Deputy Gary Kerr Golden can now take place of honor with other cities about the state that can point proudly to the fact that they have men, within their corporate limits that are brave enough to defy the laws of the land as regards what a man shall or shall not make in the way of a thirst quencher.
Monday night the two officers raided the W.S. Seeley home, just around the corner from the Bella Vista Hotel, on Eleventh street. The raid did not result in any large capture of bug juice but the works were all there and the number of callers at the place while it had been under observation attested to the fact that a good trade had been enjoyed. About a pint of the home brew was found. A quantity of mash and the coils and other things that go to make up a still were found and Seeley confessed that he had been in the business a little. The outfit was taken in tow by the officers and the facts in the case turned over to the district attorney who has not yet decided just what to do. In the mean time Seeley is allowed his freedom.
Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Golden Super Cruise, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, and Ruth Hund
Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil
Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, and Frank & Marsha Hanou
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Thanks to Randy Duncan and Frank Hanou, who also spotted the rabbit (but Lee Ann sent it first)!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?
10AM-3PM Brunch at the Rose @ Buffalo Rose
12-2PM Full Walking Tour @ Dinosaur Ridge
2PM A Jukebox for the Algonquin @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
2:30-4:30PM Textile Society @ Golden Library
6PM Connolly Irish Dancers @ Buffalo Rose
Buffalo Rose is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today with Proper No. Twelve drinks and giveaways from 3-5PM, corned beef & cabbage special, and the Connolly Irish Dancers performing at 6PM.
SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
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LIVE MUSIC
12-3PM Amanda Hawkins @ Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage)
2PM Fuzzheads @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
2-5PM Kevin Daniel @ Goosetown Station
2:30-3:30PM The Alcapones @ New Terrain Brewing
4-5PM The Alcapones @ New Terrain Brewing
5-8PM Kory Montgomery @ Golden Mill
8PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT
During the 19th and early 20th century, mining and smelting polluted Clear Creek to the point where it was undrinkable, killed the fish, and killed crops when it was used for irrigation. The Argo Tunnel, built in 1893, allowed water to drain out of the mines of Central City and Blackhawk into Clear Creek at Idaho Springs. Golden itself had several smelters, conveniently built along Clear Creek for ease of waste disposal. In 1983, Central City, Clear Creek, and Idaho Springs were declared a Superfund site. Clean up began in 1987.
The Colorado School of Mines Research Institute was also a source of pollution. That became particularly clear when a City water main broke in January of 1992, flooding the CSMRI site and flushing toxic waste into Clear Creek.
32 Years Ago
The March 17, 1992 Golden Transcript announced an exciting new project on Clear Creek. As part of a settlement with the Sierra Club, Coors planned to fund restoration of a section of Clear Creek. The work would recreate the Creek’s original aquatic habitat, including native vegetation.
Pools and channels will be created to improve fish habitat; banks will be stabilized; the creek’s flow will be concentrated to improve recreational opportunities and vegetation, which in turn will create a healthier ecosystem, lower flooding hazards and improve the creek’s appearance, said Jack Hibbert of Coors. – Golden Transcript, March 17, 1992
At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency was beginning cleanup of the CSMI site. Several years later, those buildings–originally constructed in 1912–were demolished. The Mines athletic complex now occupies for former Superfund site.
The cleanup took longer than anyone had hoped, but in 2009, the West Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited decided that the Creek had recovered sufficiently to support trout. They led the stream restoration project and called the section the Clear Creek Golden Mile.
Thanks to the cleanup efforts that began in the late 1980s, Golden now has a trout stream, kayak park, and tourist attraction instead of an industrial sewer running through town.
All of this was gleefully anticipated in the Transcript of 32 years ago:
With the restoration project, coupled with the CSMRI cleanup and amenities like Vanover Park, the jewel we know as Clear Creek is starting to shine. – Golden Transcript, March 17, 1992
Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Golden Super Cruise, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, and Ruth Hund
Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil
Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, and Frank & Marsha Hanou
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THE SNOWSTORM
Frank Hanou reported that both ABC’s Good Morning America and the CBS Morning Show were also in town.
Golden meteorologist Greg Poulos took the following measurements in his yard:
27.6” storm total
21.5” on the level Friday morning on grass
3.17” liquid (rain plus melted snow)
Last 13” of snow fell at 13:1 (13″ snow per 1″ liquid).
Jeremy Keller and Liz Erickson both noticed a skier on Castle Rock.
Thank you to all the photographers who sent me photos of the storm! As I pointed out to Joyce Davell, I’m still using photos from the 1913 blizzard, so documentary evidence is always welcome.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?
8AM Saturday Morning Run and Social Walk @ Golden History Park
9-9:55AM Tai Chi (Virtual)
9AM-12PM Blacksmithing @ Golden History Museum
10AM-4PM Watercolor Small Books @ Foothills Art Center
10AM-3PM Brunch at the Rose @ Buffalo Rose
10AM-3PM Saturday Train Rides @ Colorado Railroad Museum
10AM Wild West Walking Tour
10AM Wild West Short Tour
10:15AM Family Time @ Golden Library
10:30AM-3PM Sewing Bee @ First Presbyterian Church of Golden
11AM and 1PM Children’s Theater – Amelia’s Big Idea @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
11:30AM and 12:30PM Connolley’s Irish Dancers @ Golden Mill
12-2PM Full Walking Tour @ Dinosaur Ridge
12-12:45PM Snacking Can Be good4u! @ Natural Grocers
12-4PM St. Puppies Day @ the Eddy
1PM Wild West Pub Crawl
6:30-7:30PM Soundbath @ PranaTonic
7:30PM A Jukebox for the Algonquin @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
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LIVE MUSIC
12-3PM Rob Wivchar @ Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage)
1-5PM Band of Brothers @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
5-9PM Live Music @ Bridgewater Grill
5-8PM Live Music @ Eddy Taproom
5:30-8:30PM Wylie Jones @ Barrels and Bottles @ Camp George West
5:30-8:30PM Maya Ogea @ Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage)
6PM Vampire Rodeo @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
6-9PM Puma Borracha @ Goosetown Station
6PM Annie in the Water @ Over Yonder
7PM Sons of Genesis & Message in a Bottle @ Buffalo Rose (main venue)
7PM Dirty Flamenco @ Golden Moon Speakeasy
9PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT
46 Years Ago
The March 16, 1978 Golden Transcript included this ad for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Holiday Inn. This hardly seems like history, but it occurs to me that many current residents never saw the Holiday Inn and don’t know where it was.
The Holiday Inn was built at Colfax and Indiana (map) in 1964, opening in 1965. It was planned as part of a much larger development scheme that included a new shopping center. The “Wide Acres Center” was to have a major dry goods store, supermarkets, services businesses, retail outlets, a home center, automotive and recreation center.
The shopping components took much longer than anticipated. The Denver West stores (north side of Colfax) opened in 1999 and Colorado Mills Mall (south side of Colfax) opened in 2002.
When it opened, the Holiday Inn had an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and cocktail lounge. According to the company’s website, the Holiday Inn chain was relatively new at that time (having been founded in 1952), but was growing quickly. By 1965, there were 500 Holiday Inn motels in North America.
The chain began enclosing their swimming pools and introducing Holidomes (glassed-covered areas with pools, plants, and miniature golf) in the 1970s, and the Golden Holiday Inn got one too. This enhanced their appeal as a year-round destination for families.
I can’t remember precisely when “our” Holiday Inn closed, but in the oldest available Google Street View image (2007), it looks recently closed. There’s a chain link fence blocking the main entrance, but the sign is still up.
Empire Nissan now occupies that space.
Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!
GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Golden Super Cruise, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, and Ruth Hund
Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil
Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, and Frank & Marsha Hanou
PREVIOUS ARTICLES – SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN