Skip to content

Search the site
Sign In Subscribe

What's Happening in Golden - Monday, Nov. 18th, 2024

News and events in Golden, Colorado. Monday, Nov. 18th, 2024

,   and  Barb Warden
12 min read
Click to enlarge

Grant Terry Trail in Fall

Photo by Chris Davell
Click to enlarge

What's happening in Golden today?

Events for Monday, Nov. 18th

Golden History Tours
Let's Dance - Registration Required

For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar

Where are the City of Golden’s Open Spaces? Tucker Gulch and Cressman Gulch

Top Left: Castle Rock seen from Tucker Gulch. Top Right: Tucker Gulch just above 1st street. Bottom Left: Cressman Gulch enters Tucker Gulch. Bottom Right: Tucker Gulch Trail below 1st Street. 


By Tom Schweich

This is the fourth installment in a series about the City of Golden’s Open Spaces while the city staff, citizens, and consultants work on our first Open Space Master Plan.  (See: PDF Map of Golden’s Open Space.) The first three were North Golden Hogback, North Table Mountain, and Schweich Hill.   Today’s potential open spaces, Tucker Gulch and Cressman Gulch, are a little different. They are narrow, linear spaces with important Public Works functions that may not actually qualify as “Open Space.”

Tucker Gulch is named after Alfred Tucker who moved with his wife to Golden in 1859 from Illinois.  It originally included a toll road and a railroad, but now it is reduced to a long narrow linear space between Golden neighborhoods. The city-owned portion of Tucker Gulch from Clear Creek up to Colorado Highway 93 is about a mile and a quarter in length, while the width varies from 50 to 275 feet.   The total area is about 21 acres in 18 to 29 separate parcels of land, depending on how one counts.

Tucker Gulch has an important Public Works function as a flood channel draining Golden Gate Canyon and, to a lesser extent, Cressman Gulch.   It has been the scene of eighteen recorded floods between August 1, 1869, and most recently May 7, 1973 (Anonymous, n.d.; White and Chapman, 2014). Tucker Gulch is also a convenient place for utilities serving adjacent neighborhoods, such as water and sewer lines, and it contains both, though they are well disguised. 

Cressman Gulch is about 5.9 acres in size and made up of 8 parcels of land that are typically 50 to 75 feet in width. Primarily used for flood control, utilities, and drainage, there is also a city-owned concrete trail along part of Cressman Gulch. 

Tucker Gulch, especially, also has some attractive recreational values. The Tucker Gulch Trail winds alongside a perennial stream aligned with groves of established trees, shrubs and grasses. There are numerous access points: 7th Street, 1st Street, North Ford Street (at Norman D. Park) and Mesa Drive. There is little traffic noise providing trail users with a peaceful nature experience. The wider parts of Tucker Gulch have places for peace and solitude. Birds and wildlife are common in Tucker Gulch.  Bears, moose and, sometimes, mountain lions are reported in Tucker Gulch on social media. On a recent morning, a friend and I saw an 8-point buck just north of 1st Street, and a pair of flickers feeding on the ground beside the trail. 

Like a lot of places in Golden, Tucker Gulch and Cressman Gulch have their problems with weeds, yard waste disposal, and social trails, which do not negate the recreational value of the gulches.

At North Ford Street, the Tucker Gulch Trail passes through Norman D. Park where there is water and a restroom (OK … a Port-A-Potty).  As it happens, the city’s land also includes a strip on the north side of the creek that is 50 to 100 feet wide. This strip was originally planned for a street connecting Golden Gate Drive to Mesa Drive.  Since this connecting street has never been constructed, perhaps it could be added to the open space in Tucker Gulch.

Neither Tucker Gulch nor Cressman Gulch are typical plots of land that one thinks of as “open space.” Neither are they parks. But they both have significant recreational values in addition to Public Works purposes.  It seems to me that our Open Space Master Plan needs to acknowledge these linear open spaces and define how our Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments jointly manage them for our present and future enjoyment. What do you think? Please tell the city on the Path to Play page of Guiding Golden.   

References

Anonymous. n.d. Golden, Colorado Flood History: Tucker Gulch & Kenneys Run (Excerpts from 1983 Flood Hazard Area Delineation report). Mile High Flood District. Date retrieved: November 15, 2024. https://www.udfcd.org/FWP/floodhistory/golden.html  Includes a link to a printer-friendly version at the bottom of the page.

White, Sally L., and Margaret Chapman, editors. 2014. Floods of Jefferson County, et seq. Historically Jeffco. Issue 35. Jefferson County Historical Commission. Date retrieved: November 15, 2024.   https://historicjeffco.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2014histjeffco35.pdf

2-3PM Virtual/Call In: Active Minds Mondays - Mayans


Explore an overview of Mayan history, culture, art and science with Active Minds! This program will provide attendees with a solid understanding of Mayan civilization. Attendees will leave with a greater appreciation for one of the great civilizations in the history of the world.

Learn more and register

5:30PM Film at Mines: Israelism


The documentary, "Israelism" will be shown on Monday, November 18th at the School of Mines.  It is sponsored by SDS Mines and Orediggers Against Apartheid.  A synopsis:  "When two young American Jews witness the way Israel treats Palestinians, their thoughts become conflicted. They are raised to unconditionally love Israel, but a deepening generational divide grows over modern Jewish identity."   RSVPs via the QR code in the flyer are encouraged.

School of Mines Campus
Coolbaugh - 209
1012 14th St. (map)

5:30PM Downtown Development Authority Meeting @ City Hall

The board will consider a Capital Improvement Grant request for 1418 Ford Street (map). This vacant house is zoned commercial and the owner is requesting assistance to replace the furnace and add central air conditioning. The owner is also requesting a professional services grant to remove trees. DDA may pay 50% of each of those costs,which would be $7360 (capital improvement) and $4855 (professional services). Learn more on pages 2-3 and10-22 of the meeting packet.

FoothillsArt Center at the Astor House is applying for a Capital Improvement Grant to repair damage to their HVAC system caused by a rat infestation in Miners Alley. The grant would cover HVAC repair, a new fence to protect the HVAC system, and drywall repair. The drywall repair cost is unknown until the HVAC repairs are complete. They also request a sign grant. Total projected costs are $14,768, so the 50% DDA reimbursement would total $7384. They also requested $5-6K to install permanent benches, since their back yard is a City Park. The DDA refused that request. Learn more on pp 5 and 23-29 of the meeting packet.

Habitat for Humanity has applied for a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) agreement for their project to replace a single family home at 817 14th Street (map) with 40 townhome and condominium units. These homes will be sold to households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Learn more in the meeting packet (pp. 5 and 32-48) or on Guiding Golden.

Miners Alley Performing Arts Center is requesting a $75,000 contribution to their Phase 2 capital campaign. They would use this to hire a Development Director. Learn more on pp 5 and 30-31 of the meeting packet.

DDA will hold a public hearing on their 2025 budget. They have added $35,000 to cover "smaller design investigations," $40,000 for event support, and $1 million to contribute to City projects in the downtown area. They also budgeted $450,000 for a "Signature Project Investment." Learn more on pp 5-6 and 49-53 of the meeting packet.

Golden History: Flashback to 2012

Click to enlarge


12 Years Ago
Last night, I was reading through my “What’s Happening in Golden?” posts from 2012–an enjoyable walk down memory lane! Some of the events and businesses are still around, and some aren’t.

  • The Kiwanis Club was hosting the 29th annual Den Galbraith wine tasting, to raise money for scholarships for Golden High School graduating seniors. (I don’t think they do that anymore.)
  • The Mountaineering Museum was hosting Thirsty Third Thursday, with beer donated by Golden City Brewery. (I know they don't do this, since the museum is currently closed.)
  • Heritage Square Music Hall was performing their holiday play, “Our Christmas Carol.” (They’re gone.) Miners Alley Playhouse was performing a play titled “Greetings.” (They’re thriving and growing!)
  • The Golden Urban Renewal Authority was still operating downtown, focusing on making it a glamorous, pretty, upscale destination.
  • Spirits in the Wind Gallery was celebrating their 20th anniversary.
  • City Council was discussing building a trail on the south side of the Creek.
  • Golden Bowl was still in business.
  • The Astor House, operated by the History Museum at that time, hosted a morning lecture—part of a series called “Freshly Brewed History,” featuring Dr. Tom Noel.
  • Dave Powers and his quartet, the Jazz Cats, were playing at several places around town.
  • The Railroad Museum hadn’t started doing the Polar Express at that time. Instead, they offered train rides on weekends with Santa Claus receiving visitors in a caboose.

Golden History: The Fair

West side of the 1100 block of Washington Avenue, including sign for The Fair 5 & 10 Store - Golden History Museum collection
Click to enlarge


100 Years Ago
Ralph and Dorothy Middlemiss arrived in Golden in November of 1924. He was 29, she was 27, and they had both grown up in Canyon City. They opened a variety store at 1106 Washington Avenue and called it The Fair. Three years later, the Fetterman Variety Store closed, so Ralph and Dorothy bought the entire building and moved their store a few doors down the street. In later years, they lived on the second floor, above the store.

Various Transcript ads over many years from The Fair - enlarge

The term “variety store” isn’t used much anymore, but they tended to be small town stores that sold a wide variety of inexpensive items. In later years, they were called dime stores. Today’s Dollar Stores fill a similar niche, though those are generally national chains.

The Middlemiss family settled happily into the Golden community. They had three children who attended Golden’s schools and they were active members of the Methodist church. Ralph was a member of the Oddfellows Club, and Dorothy was in the “Good Neighbors Club.” Ralph played the violin, Dorothy played the piano, and they both enjoyed providing music for church services or weddings.

Their oldest son, Ken, began helping in the store when he was 11. By all accounts, he was a bright kid, making regular appearances in the Transcript’s honor roll lists. (He also made a school record for his typing speed.) Ken received a scholarship to attend CU Boulder. His academic career was interrupted by World War II, and after the War he transferred to DU. Then he returned to help his parents expand the store.

The Fair expansion while under construction in 1949 – click to enlarge

In 1949, they built an addition to the store in the formerly vacant lot next door. In 1955, they became part of the national Ben Franklin chain, but in 1967, they went back to being “The Fair.” (The Transcript commented that “all of us old-timers are happy to go back to calling the store by its right name again….”)

Later sign from the store, spread over 3 photographic images - Golden History Museum collection

Ralph died in 1986 and Dorothy followed him in 1988. Both are buried in the Golden Cemetery. Their son, Ken, ran the store until he retired in 1997. He sold the building to a company that made children’s clothing, so the Fair ceased to exist.

It was a delightful store–creaky wooden floors, toys, sewing supplies, hardware, school supplies, and a huge display of old-fashioned candy.

Thank you to Wendy Weiman for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of November.

Weather

Overnight's Weather

Overnight: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. West wind around 7 mph.

Monday's Weather

Monday: Sunny. High near 55, with temperatures falling to around 48 in the afternoon. West wind 7 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Monday Night's Weather

Monday Night: A slight chance of snow showers after 3am. Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday Night: Mostly Clear then Slight Chance Snow Showers, 29°F

Tuesday: Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny, 37°F

Tuesday Night: Mostly Clear, 26°F

Wednesday: Sunny, 50°F

Wednesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 37°F

Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 61°F

Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 42°F

Friday: Mostly Sunny, 62°F

Friday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 41°F

Saturday: Partly Sunny, 60°F

Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 41°F

Sunday: Mostly Sunny, 57°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 City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Hayride Outpost, Kona Bowls, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, and Michael Mason

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, and The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

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, AC Development, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, and Bud Rockhill

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, Casey & Gina Brown, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Carol Abel, 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, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, 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, and Kermit Shields.

Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser

Highlights