139 Years Ago
The December 29, 1886 Colorado Transcript reported on “A Lively Blaze – Narrow Escape of the Astor House.” A fire had started in a privy behind the hotel and quickly spread to the wooden stable at the back of the lot.
Fortunately, the Astor House was close to the fire station where two of Golden’s three fire companies were based, so help came quickly. The stable was beyond saving, so the firefighters focused their efforts on other outbuildings and a wooden “annex” to the main building.
The Excelsior Hose Company attached a hose to the fireplug at “Mary and Second Streets” (now Illinois & 12th) and another to the plug at “Washington and Second” (now Washington & 12th). Soon after, the Loveland Hose Company arrived from their fire station in Goosetown. They were also able to attach a hose to the plug at 12th and Washington, and the combined streams of water brought the fire under control.
The Transcript commented that “Too much praise cannot be awarded to the gallant firemen for their almost superhuman efforts to stay the ravages of the flames at the Astor House fire. They did nobly.”
The Transcript also passed on a request from the firefighters to the “city dads,” asking for a new hose. “The fact is, there is but about 200 feet that will stand the pressure.”
