Coronavirus Update
Public Health References
CDC * Colorado * Jefferson County * City of Golden
Jefferson County’s case count page says that as of 3PM yesterday, there were 1,473 cases in Jefferson County (up from 1,435). There have been 82 deaths (up from 80) and 285 are hospitalized (up from 284). There are 113 known cases in Golden (up from 109).
Jefferson County has extended our Stay-at-Home order through May 8th. Everyone is asked to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth when leaving the house. City and County fire restrictions are in place. Clear Creek is closed to all recreational activities.
Virtual Golden
It’s Sunday again! The following Golden churches have information about virtual services and/or sermons on their websites:
Calvary Episcopal Church
Golden Presbyterian
Faith Lutheran Church
First United Methodist Church
First Presbyterian Church
Flatirons Community Church
Hillside Community Church
Jefferson Unitarian Church
Rockland Community Church
St. Joseph Catholic Church
If your Golden church/mosque/temple is providing online worship, please let us know, and we will add you.
4PM Climbing Clinic with Golden Mountain Guides
Golden Mountain Guides is doing free mini-clinics every Sunday until the stay-at-home orders are lifted. Taught by Ben, owner and @amga1979 certified rock guide! Access here.
Golden Business News
Mothers Day is one week away, and the Buffalo Rose is offering some delectable-sounding takeout brunch options, including build-your-own mimosas. Order by next Saturday at noon and pick it up Sunday from 10AM-noon.
A Golden History Moment
While researching the 1950s housing boom, I came across an October 31, 1957 article about Golden Liquors moving from Washington Avenue to the corner of 13th and Ford.
Golden Liquors started its life in “the new building next door to the LaRay Hotel” (now the Table Mountain Inn) in 1946. By 1949, it had relocated to Washington Avenue, right by the Welcome Arch. I know this because their neon sign appears in this photo, showing the opening day of the Jolly Rancher sweet shop:
The Jolly Rancher store was destroyed by fire in 1956. Paul Howard, the owner of Golden Liquors, lived in a small apartment behind the Jolly Rancher store, but escaped unharmed–as did his liquor store, next door.
Mr. Howard built a new home for both the store and himself in 1957. The new location, at 13th and Ford, had air conditioning, more retail space, a full basement, and a second floor apartment for Mr. Howard. Most importantly, it had onsite customer parking. Parking was scarce in downtown in the ’50s. The Grand Opening for the new location took place on November 7, 1957. There were favors for all–flowers for the ladies and cigars for the men.
In 1958, Mr. Howard added on to rear of the building. The new footage was custom built for a dry cleaner, which remained there for about 50 years. That space is now occupied by Bob’s Atomic Burgers.
By 2009, the building was looking a little tired, and the neon sign no longer worked. The Golden Urban Renewal Authority provided the owner with a facade grant, which helped him spruce up the place and have the old sign repaired. After 74 years, Golden Liquors is still thriving.
Bob’s Atomic Burgers moved into the south end of that building in about 2012, and the business owners bought the building in 2015. Bob’s has been a huge success, and there is no doubt that the current era has brought the most traffic that the building has ever seen.
The Golden Transcript (originally called the Colorado Transcript) has been publishing since 1866. The Golden History Museum has been working on digitizing the historic issues. You’ll find old Transcripts online at coloradohistoricnewspapers.org.
