History Park Garden
Photo by Andi Pearson
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What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Aug. 25th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - First Day of Classes - Colorado School of Mines
- All day - Community Center CLOSED for Maintenance
- All day - Free Workout Week @ Unite Fitness
- 7-9AM - Clear Creek Corridor Cleanup
- 8AM - Municipal Court Criminal Arraignments
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-7PM - Rooftop Tango @ The Eddy
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
What’s Blooming in Golden … the Jefferson County Foothills? Cutleaf!
Figure 1. “Cutleaf” — Hymenothrix dissecta (A. Gray) B. G. Baldwin. Top left: Flowers. Top right: Deeply cut or dissected leaves. Bottom: Large colony of Cutleaf in a deep pool of granite sand in southern Jefferson County.
Jefferson County is somewhat long and narrow from north to south, and in its southern reaches becomes confined between the South Fork of the South Platte River and the high ridge of the Tarryall Mountains. One road crosses this area, the Pike-San Isabel Forest Road 211, sometimes also known as Matukat Road or Goose Creek Road. At roughly 8,000 feet elevation, the plants are more like the flora of Golden (roughly 6,000 feet) than the subalpine plants near Leadville at roughly 10,000 feet elevation.
Exploring the plants along Forest Road 211 road recently, I repeatedly came across Hymenothrix dissecta (A. Gray) B. G. Baldwin. Its numerous common names include “cutleaf,” “ragleaf bahia,” “ragged-leaf bahia,” and “yellow ragweed.” I use the common name of “cutleaf” that is published in our current Flora of Colorado (Ackerfield, 2022). You may also see it referred to by a different scientific name, Bahia dissecta (A. Gray) Britton, which was a previously accepted scientific name for the plant.
While digging through the online database records, I found that our plant was found one time in Golden. In 1981, Ronald & Judy Wittmann collected our plant where US Highway 6 crosses Clear Creek. Ronald Wittmann is an author of Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope (Weber & Wittmann, 2012). I have looked for our plant along Clear Creek several times but have not found it. Of course, there has been highway and other construction at that location since 1981, and it is entirely possible that our plant has been extirpated from Golden.
American botanist Asa Gray (1849) described our plant as Amauria? dissecta from fragmentary material collected by Agustus Fendler east of the Mora River, New Mexico. The Mora River crosses under US Interstate 25 at Watrous, New Mexico, between Las Vegas and Raton. Gray also had other fragmentary material collected by John C. Fremont on one of his expeditions through Colorado. The fragmentary plant parts left Gray with no choice but to take a guess, adding a question mark to his name Amauria?.
In the same publication, Gray (1849) published the generic name Hymenothrix for a different plant collected by Dr. Wislizenus at Ojo de Gallejo, between El Paso, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico. Hymenothrix comes from two Greek words: hymen (ὑμήν), meaning "membrane," and thrix (θρίξ), meaning "hair" or "bristle". This name refers to bristle-like structures in the flower head. Our plant bounced around between several genus names, such as Amauria?, Bahia, Villanova, and Amauriopsis, until recent analysis of genetic data showed it was most closely related to Hymenothrix (Baldwin & Wood, 2016).
The species name, usually called the “specific epithet,” of dissecta comes from the Latin word "dissectus" meaning "cut into pieces." This aptly describes the plant's leaves, which are finely divided or dissected into narrow segments.
Cutleaf is native to the western United States as far north as the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, south into northern Mexico, and from Texas west to California.
Like blue grama grass that we discussed last week, the oldest collection of cutleaf from Colorado was made by Charles C. Parry in 1861, somewhere between the headwaters of Clear Creek and Middle Park.
References
Ackerfield, Jennifer. 2022. Flora of Colorado, Second Edition. Botanical Miscellany No. 60. Fort Worth, Texas: BRIT Press, Fort Worth Botanical Garden, 2022.
Baldwin, Bruce G., and Kenneth R. Wood. 2016. Origin of the Rapa endemic Apostates: Revisiting major disjunctions and evolutionary conservatism in the Bahia alliance (Compositae: Bahieae). Taxon. 66(5):1064-1080. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309708655_Origin_of_the_Rapa_endemic_genus_Apostates_Revisiting_major_disjunctions_and_evolutionary_conservatism_in_the_Bahia_alliance_Compositae_Bahieae/
Gray, Asa. 1849. Plantae Fendlerianae Novi-Mexicanae [Fendler’s New Mexican Plants]; An Account of a Collection of Plants made chiefly in the Vicinity of Santa Fe, New Mexico, by Augustus Fendler; with Descriptions of the New Species, Critical Remarks, and Characters of other undescribed or little-known Plants from surrounding Regions. Memoirs of the American Academy. IV(I):1-116. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/55373
Weber, William A., and Ronald C. Wittmann. 2012. Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope. 4th Edition. Boulder, Colorado: University Press of Colorado, 2012.
Wittmann, Ronald C. and Judy Wittmann. 1981. Collection No. 1881, Bahia dissecta (A. Gray) Britt. [=Hymenothrix dissecta (A. Gray) B. G. Baldwin]. Biodiversity occurrence data published by: SEINet - AZ/NM Node (accessed through https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet, 2025-08-21). COLO00049536 RM358663
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
At Jefferson County Public Library, we foster continuous learning and connections. Keep your minds engaged every Monday! Be sure to explore our website for additional weekly event options, including call-ins and livestreams.
Today’s theme: Greenland
At over 836,000 square miles (25% larger than Alaska), Greenland is a massive land located in the North Atlantic. Its small population (just about 50,000) rule themselves as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland, however, has come to the world’s attention since President Trump has expressed his desire to acquire the territory, saying “We need Greenland for national security purposes.” Join Active Minds as we discuss the history of this remote but strategically placed part of the global story.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
Parfet and Vanover and Points In Between
Google satellite image of Parfet and three possible alternatives.
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The City is planning to remodel Parfet and Vanover Parks, and they are currently seeking public comment on the plans.
There is a survey on Guiding Golden that shows various things they could build on the land--an amphitheater, a dog park, a bike pump track ("continuous dirt track with features that let riders practice balance and control"), a splash pad, a boardwalk, etc.
To provide comment, you must be logged into Guiding Golden. Here's a PDF showing the questions you will be asked to answer:
The link to the survey appears on this page.
Golden History: The Ill-Fated Jarvis Hall
Colorado University Schools: Matthews Hall, Javis Hall, and the School of Mines – Golden History Museum collection
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156 Years Ago – Cornerstone for Jarvis Hall
The August 25, 1869 – Colorado Transcript commemorated the cornerstone-laying ceremony for Jarvis Hall. This was the first of a trio of buildings called the “Colorado University Schools.” Jarvis Hall was a boys school, teaching liberal arts and military science. Matthews Hall was an Episcopalian seminary, and the third building was called “the School of Mines.” All three were started by Episcopalian Bishop Randall.
Collapse of Jarvis Hall
By mid-October, the brickwork of Jarvis Hall was done and the roof was on, but the windows had not yet been installed. A windstorm occurred in early November and sent the nearly-completed building tumbling to the ground. The building was re-started, finished, and operated until it burned down on April 4, 1978. The fire was believed to have resulted from a faulty flue.
Burning of Jarvis Hall
About mid-day on Thursday last the thrilling fire-alarm rang out, the first one for many a month. The occasion for the alarm proved to be the burning of Jarvis Hall, the Episcopal school for boys located one mile south of town. The fire department was quickly en route for the scene of conflagration, but owing to the distance given over, and the total absence of water within working distance of the building, nothing could be done by the members of the department except to render efficient aid in saving articles of value.
Colorado Transcript – April 10, 1878
Burning of Matthews Hall
Four days later, Matthews Hall was also burned down. That fire was considered to be arson. The Principal for both Jarvis and Matthews decided to combine the two schools into one. For a time, classes were held in the Loveland building at 12th & Washington (now the Old Capitol Grill).
The New Jarvis Hall
By July, the Principal had begun construction of a new Jarvis Hall. The new building was much smaller, suitable only for lodging the principal and his family and providing school rooms on the first floor.
The school room proper occupies the east half of the lower floor of the building, is 10 feet high, and well-lighted by two windows on the side, one in the rear, and a large bay window in the front.
Colorado Transcript, September 4, 1878.
The plan was to construct more buildings around the first as funding became available. However, a new Episcopalian Bishop (successor to Bishop Randall) decided to move the school to Denver in 1882. The Transcript commented on this move in an impressively petulant article:
When Jarvis Hall college was established here in Golden many years ago by the good Bishop Randall, through the generosity of Dr. Jarvis, of Brooklyn, all Denver with its proverbial big-headativeness began kick and squirming, but to no purpose. When Bishop Spaulding succeeded to the diocese, was their opportunity, and the hounding commenced. The building that had been erected were opportunely destroyed by fire and the bishop thought he had a big thing before him by removing the establishment to Denver, and he certainly would have had the biggest kind of a thing had the majority of the promises been fulfilled. Like many another similar case, however, when the prize had been secured, it was allowed to struggle for itself, and finally dwindled away until now the announcement is made that Jarvis Hall is busted! Well, who cares? They got it away from Golden and that ought to be glory enough for Denver, whether it lived or died.
Colorado Transcript – June 20, 1883
The School of Mines Building
Although the School of Mines building did not burn, the students joined the Matthews and Jarvis pupils in moving to downtown Golden for classes. The school acquired land at 15th and Cheyenne as the school’s permanent home. There were various attempts to “steal” the school over the years, but Golden held fast and it has remained here.
Weather
Overnight: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 59, with temperatures rising to around 61 overnight. North wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday: A chance of rain showers before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 9am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 70 in the afternoon. North northeast wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 58°F
Tuesday: Showers And Thunderstorms, 76°F
Tuesday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 59°F
Wednesday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 78°F
Wednesday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 59°F
Thursday: Chance Rain Showers then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 77°F
Thursday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 59°F
Friday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 79°F
Friday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 57°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 79°F
Saturday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear, 57°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 80°F
Supporters
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!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Goosetown Station
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, and Centennial State Wealth Advisors
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, and Mary Rains, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, and Kate Olivier
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, and Peyton Gibson
