Chemical & Scientific Porcelain
Photo by Linda Cobb
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Aug. 4th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 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
- 4-5:30PM - Artmaking 101
- 5-8PM - Monday Market
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6PM - Arts & Culture Commission Meeting
- 6-7PM - Rooftop Tango @ The Eddy
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
- 6:30-8:30PM - Free Jazz on the Lawn
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
The Original and Native Vegetation of Golden
North Golden in 1870 – Denver Public Library Western History Collection
By Tom Schweich
The native vegetation of Golden was a mixed-grass prairie with cottonwoods and willows along the creeks and watercourses, and mountain brush on the slopes of the mesas and adjacent mountains. The photo of north Golden taken from Castle Rock by William G. Chamberlain on September 26, 1870 probably best illustrates the original conditions. A very similar view today will be included in Part 2 of this article (next week).
Tucker Gulch is in the center of the photo, while Clear Creek crosses the bottom of the photo from left to right. On the left are the slopes of Mount Galbraith and on the right are the lower slopes of North Table Mountain. Cemetery Hill, now Gregory Drive, is the small hill in the left middle ground.
The landscape between those features is the mixed-grass prairie. It looks smooth and featureless, but it was really a vibrant biological community highly adapted to our harsh winters, hot summers, and inconsistent rainfall. “Prairie” is a French word that translates to the English “meadow.” A mixed-grass prairie has a mixture of short and tall grasses ranging from 4-inch tall Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) to the 3 to 5-foot Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). A prairie is not just grasses, though, because it also has many forbs, i.e., perennials that are not woody, a few shrubs, and maybe a few small trees. Native prairie forbs that you may grow in your garden as wildflowers are Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristida), Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), Rocky Mountain Beeplant (Peritoma serrulata), or Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea). Whole-Leaf Paintbrush (Castilleja integra) is difficult to grow in a garden, but often seen in the prairie around Golden.
The best place to see a remnant of Golden’s mixed-grass prairie is on Schweich Hill. This 4 acre City of Golden-owned parcel has about 1½ acres of nearly intact mixed-grass prairie at the top of the hill. Kinney Run North and Kinney Run South are other places to see native Golden vegetation. They have more diversity of habitat ranging from riparian (streamside) to mountain brush with Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus). North Table Mountain is also an excellent place to see Golden’s native vegetation. Early in April large patches on the mountain will turn white, not from snow, but from the flowers of American Plum (Prunus americana). The fragrant flowers of this plant open before the leaves come out.
About 670 different plant species have been identified in Golden and vicinity, of which about 500 are native here. There are also about 170 non-native species of plants; 37 of them are listed Colorado noxious weeds.
The second part of this article will appear in next Monday's post.
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday - UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Established in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency within the UN with a mission of promote peace through education. As part of that mission, UNESCO oversees the selection and legal protection of World Heritage Sites, locales judged to “be of outstanding value to humanity”. Join Active Minds as we
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
Birdseye View of Construction in Golden - Early August, 2025
Drone footage of several construction projects currently in Golden - watch it
Pat Klein has produced a video update of our several construction projects around town. He's been doing this periodically, and it's fun to watch the buildings progress. He's been documenting the new Mines apartments (west of Hwy 6), the new undergrad dorm (19th & Illnois), "The Col" (17270 Colfax), Ulysses Park, Lena Gulch, Canyon View Apartments (off Golden Gate Canyon Road), and Clayworks (9th and Ford).
View the previous videos here: March | April | June
In Marjorie's Honor
Marjorie Sloan at the Golden Bike Cruise
When a friend dies, we're always left with things we wanted to tell them. Knowing Marjorie Sloan's devotion to public transit, I had been looking forward to telling her about the trip my friend and I took last week. It's too late to tell Marjorie, but in her honor, I'm sharing my recent experience with public transportation, in hopes that my Golden-based audience will want to try it themselves.
The state has been advertising its "Bustang" service, which offers bus transportation to many of the most popular destinations in the state. Tracy (who maintains GoldenToday's calendar) and I decided to try it, taking Bustang to Glenwood Springs and Amtrak (the train) back to Denver. The entire trip was an unqualified success.
Westbound by Bus: 3.5 hours - $28
We boarded Bustang at the Denver Federal Center (map), which is about 4 miles from Golden. We could have boarded at Denver's Union Station, but the price was the same from either stop, and the Federal Center is very convenient for Golden people. In fact, we could have taken the W Line from the Jeffco courthouse to the Federal Center station...maybe next time.
The bus was clean, comfortable, and had AC outlets and WIFI. The Glenwood Springs stop was a bit remote to our destination (Hotel Colorado), so we had planned to call an Uber. Instead, we discovered that the city offered free bus service. We waited a few minutes for the bus, and it took us to a stop near our hotel.
Eastbound by Train: 5.75 hours - $112
We walked a couple blocks from the hotel to the train station. The train too was clean and comfortable. It did not offer AC outlets at each seat (but we didn't need them on such a relatively short trip). We were able to walk around on the train, so we visited the observation car and the snack bar, and we had lunch in the dining car. The views were wonderful, the food was good, and the ride was smooth. It delivered us to Denver's Union Station, on time and very pleased with the experience.
Conclusion
I am a fan of train travel, and I will continue to ride trains when possible, but I am also a new fan of Bustang. It was faster and cheaper than the train and was certainly easier than driving.
Tracy and I agreed that we would be happy to do it again. Next time we might try Durango, Steamboat Springs, or any of about 70 other destinations around the state.
5:30-7:30PM The Fundamental Principles of Art @ Foothills Art Center
Whether you’re beginning your artistic journey, returning to your art after some time off, or simply interested in refreshing your basic skills, you’ll find our group of artists welcoming and supportive. We enjoy experimenting in a personal way with the tools of the trade such as color, line, composition, values, shapes, and other essential skills. All levels of experience are welcome. Acrylic, oil paint, watercolor, gouache, and any drawing medium are welcome. We meet on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Explorer & Creator Members $40 / Catalyst Members $80 / Non Members $110
Location:
Foothills Art Center
809 15th Street (Map)
6PM Arts & Culture Commission Meeting @ Golden City Hall
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 6PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to acc@cityofgolden.net
- Provide in-person comment during the meeting, at 6PM.
The newly constituted Arts & Culture Committee will hear from Tim Nimz, Director of the Littleton Museum and Littleton Arts & Culture. They will discuss their still-evolving strategic plan. They will appoint members to serve on subcommittees. (The agenda doesn't specify the subcommittees, but I think they are Public Art and Arts & Culture grants.) Staff will give a 15-minute report on current business and the committee will spend 15 minutes on new business.
Location:
Golden City Hall
911 10th Street (Map)
6:30-8:30PM Free Jazz on the Lawn @ First United Methodist Church
The Kevin Lufkin Trio will return for another night of “Jazz on the Lawn." Please come and join the fun on the lawn outside the church entrance. Bring a chair or blanket, picnics, snacks, and beverages are welcome. We will have supervision on the playground for the kids.
There is no charge for the concert. Please invite your family and friends, as the concert is a great way to reach out into our community. More information
Location:
First United Methodist Church
1500 Ford Street (Map)
4-5:30PM Artmaking 101 @ Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
Introductory Artmaking:
Basic Materials and Techniques of Painting and Drawing.
Join artist educator, John Passaro, as he guides artists who are just beginning or restarting their art practice. John will focus on painting and drawing techniques. All mediums are welcome: oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pencil, ink, and charcoal. The class size is kept small so that John is able to provide individual support and help participants meet their goals. Register
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
809 15th Street (Map)
Running out of time for peaches
This year's Rotary peach sale closes one week from today (August 11th). Don't miss your chance...click here to buy your peaches!
Golden History: Enough is Enough
Sheriff James H. Biggins, Jr. and confiscated stills next to the county jail – Golden History Museum collection
Click to enlarge
Prohibition took effect in Colorado in 1916. Often called “the noble experiment,” it had unintended consequences, such as the rise of organized crime. Many also felt that Prohibition encouraged over-zealous policing against small-time offenders.
By 1932, The Transcript fell into that camp. In 1930, Jefferson County had elected as sheriff James Biggins, who had no experience in law enforcement. His sole campaign promise had been to enforce Prohibition laws. By 1932, the Transcript had had enough. They published an editorial slamming the sheriff’s tactics.
As a snooper and raider the present sheriff has been unexcelled. People with a few pints of home brew in their cellars have lived in mortal fear of the local officers. Men with a drink or two on their hips have been pursued and prosecuted relentlessly. Business men have been harassed to a point which amounts almost to persecution.
Sheriff Biggins and his deputies have seemingly devoted all their energies to the enforcement of one law and no one can say they have not been efficient.
How about the other side of the picture? How about the enforcement of other laws? How about the discharge of the ordinary duties of the sheriff’s office? Here the record is not so outstanding.
The editorial went on to decry the mounting expenses of the sheriff’s office in their “fanatical attempt to make Jefferson county a prohibition Sahara…not only to pay dozens of breathsmelling deputies but to prosecute minor violators and support them while in jail.”
More importantly, two men had died under Biggins’ administration. One man had been shot by officers while resisting arrest and the other had smuggled a weapon into jail and taken his own life.
The Transcript was encouraging reelection of the previous sheriff, Democrat Walter Johnson. They said he would “keep his feet on the ground, his nose out of people’s cellars and his finger off the trigger.”
Prohibition had passed with bi-partisan support, but by 1932, the Democrats–led by Franklin Delano Roosevelt–were showing more support for ending it.
The following November, Biggins won re-election by a narrow margin, but nationwide, the tide was turning against Prohibition. Congress repealed Prohibition on December 5, 1933.
Weather
Overnight: Clear. Low around 60, with temperatures rising to around 62 overnight. West wind around 6 mph.
Monday: Sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 91 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South southwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Monday Night: Partly Cloudy, 66°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny, 94°F
Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 66°F
Wednesday: Mostly Sunny, 95°F
Wednesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 67°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 95°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 66°F
Friday: Mostly Sunny, 95°F
Friday Night: Partly Cloudy, 65°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 90°F
Saturday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 61°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 84°F
News About Golden - August 4, 2025
GLO Park Update: We Need Your Help!
By Laura Cardon
Pleasant View Colorado Updates
Federal funding has been withdrawn for the GLO Park. But now the state of Colorado wants to fast-track an eight-story apartment building in its place. The new project proposal would not only destroy Camp George West as it is today, but has no benefit to the people of Pleasant View and is only being fast-tracked because the Governor wants it done before he leaves office.
The metro district board just learned about the project this week, and it’s being presented to county commissioners on Tuesday... Read more...
Road rage suspects allegedly shoot at driver, toss guns in Colorado pond
By Austen Erblat
CBS Colorado
Colorado law enforcement responded to a road rage incident that started in Clear Creek Canyon. At least one suspect shot at another driver and then tossed guns into a pond before two people were arrested... Read more...
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, Beth Bidwell, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Vic DeMaria, 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, and Robert Thresher.
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, Cherryln Parker, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, and Eileen Masterson
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Kim Linton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, and Peyton Gibson.
