Charles Garbareno was a prominent and successful businessman in 19th century Golden. He was born in Italy in 1836, emigrated to the United States and lived in Illinois for several years. He served in the 11th Illinois cavalry during the Civil War, and moved to Colorado in the mid-1860s.
He owned restaurants and saloons in several locations in downtown Golden. He was operating the old Chicago Saloon in 1866. By 1868 he was running a saloon in the Harrison Block (where Creekside Jewelry is now).
In 1870, he constructed a new building on the east side of Washington Avenue and there he operated a restaurant, hotel, and saloon. Unlike many of the earlier establishments in town, the City Restaurant was a respectable place to take a woman for meal. In fact, the place was frequented by Golden’s young people, as the restaurant also served as an ice cream parlor.
Mr. Garbareno died in 1884 at the age of 47. He is buried in the Golden Cemetery.
He leaves a wife and a large circle of friends to mourn hs loss. His death was caused by a general breaking down of the system, starting with a severe attack of the dyspepsia some four years ago, and from which he never fully recovered. Charley Garbareno will be long remembered by his neighbors who have known him long and well for his cheery disposition and open-hearted generosity.Colorado Transcript, February 13, 1884
In subsequent years, the hotel passed through various owners and was named the Poe, Crawford House and Avenue Hotel. In 1931, the building underwent substantial remodeling to give it a modern storefront. Spirits in the Wind Gallery has occupied the building for many years now.
