109 Years Ago
The March 9, 1916 Colorado Transcript touched on several interesting topics. Council was determined to “do away, once for all with the disagreeable odors and taste which has permeated the city water at times.” The article said that the odor was caused by algae in the City’s reservoir. “Last year vitrol was used but the war in Europe has placed this chemical at an almost prohibitive price.”
Really? “Vitrol?” More commonly spelled “vitriol,” it refers to sulfuric acid. I’m not surprised that it kills algae, and I’m glad it didn’t kill the population. With vitriol in short supply, council was looking at a variety of options, including trying to create more circulation in the reservoir to discourage algae growth.
Roy Hartzell, a Golden-born professional baseball player, was going to play for the New York Yankees.
The Golden Mill was releasing a new brand of flour: Golden Queen.
The Williams Transportation Company (Agent for The FORD–“The Universal Car”) was advertising a 5 passenger touring car for $478.20 and a Roadster for $428.20. Their ad said “You need one–You want one–EVENTUALLY You will buy one.”
Woods & Rubey Bank was paying 4% interest.
J.H. Linder Hardware Company was advertising garden, field, and flower seeds as well as berry boxes and crates.
Woods & Sanders Mortuary ran their standing ad because–well, you never know when you might need a mortuary.
The Tramway was planning to run an express theater car from Denver to Golden on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Golden residents could attend plays and movies and catch the express back to Golden at 11:30PM.
Calvary Church had ordered a new pipe organ and they expected to have it in time for Easter services. They planned to hold a series of recitals by well-known organists to celebrate the new instrument.
An article explained that–because of the war in Europe–the United States had lost its supplier of laboratory glass and porcelain. We had been accustomed to buying such things from Germany, but we were no longer trading with them. The article stated that the U.S. would need to start manufacturing laboratory wares ourselves. This article is of interest because it was this very need that brought Coors Porcelain (now CoorsTek) into existence.
