After Sunset
Photo by Chris Davell
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Nov. 25th
- All day - Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
- All day - Foothills Art Center - Holiday Art Market
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 9AM-4PM - Clear Creek Discovery Days
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 5-6PM - Bell Middle School PTA Meeting
- 5:30PM - Board Game & Euchre Night
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
Where are the City of Golden’s Open Spaces? South Table Mountain and Lubahn Trail
Top Left: Star Lily and Missouri Foxtail Cactus. Top Right: River sedimentary deposits in Denver Formation. Bottom Left: Hiking on the Lubahn Trail. Bottom Right: South Table Mountain from Windy Saddle with approximate boundaries of Golden open space.
By Tom Schweich
One of the most heavily used open spaces in Golden contains the Lubahn Trail on South Table Mountain (See: PDF Map of Golden’s Open Space). The City of Golden owns 26.5 acres on the western slope of South Table Mountain. This acreage, along with adjoining Jefferson County Open Space land (about 1,500 acres) creates a striking scenic backdrop for the Golden community.
Like some of our other open spaces, the South Table Mountain open space is pieced together from multiple sources. There are nine pieces; seven are real estate parcels that were acquired by the city between 1991 and 2000. Two pieces are designated Right of Way, but they are on a very steep hillside, and it seems doubtful they would ever be developed as a street. The largest parcel, about 15 acres, was acquired in 2000 from Jefferson County, and is deeded for “public open space, park or recreational purposes.”
There is one trailhead for the city-owned land and an adjacent trailhead for Jefferson County Open Space land. The Lubahn Trail on city land was constructed in 1965-1971 by Jack Lubahn, a metallurgical engineering professor at Colorado School of Mines. It may follow earlier routes used by students of Professor Arthur Lakes, the first professor of geology at the Colorado School of Mines. The Lubahn Trail is still used for geology field trips. While the trail may be rated moderately difficult because it is narrow and gains altitude rapidly, I prefer it to other nearby trails because it is less exposed. With the assistance of Jefferson County Open Space trail staff, the original Lubahn Trail was reconstructed in 2022 to reduce erosion and provide a better trail experience. Castle Rock is private property, but … well … I’m not going to say anything about trespassing.
The geology of South Table Mountain is a continuation of that of North Table Mountain, with the Denver formation composed of basalt flows over sedimentary rocks of river and floodplain deposits. These floodplains were vegetated with palm trees and broad-leaved deciduous tropical species, and fossils of them can be found in the deposits. A tyrannosaurus tooth was once found on South Table Mountain, though the location was on Jefferson County Open Space land near Rimrock Drive.
There is no plant inventory specific to the city-owned South Table Mountain open space, since botanists focus instead on the entire mesa. However, some common plants a visitor might see include: Roundleaf Snowberry, Foothill Death Camas, Net-Leaved Hackberry, Stemless Indian Parsley, Western Prickly Pear, Asparagus, Star Lily, and Missouri Foxtail Cactus.
Trail users typically won’t see wildlife because of the proximity to civilization and heavy trail use, but residents report occasional sightings of mountain lions, deer, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. Birders also report various local species.
The City of Golden’s open space on both North and South Table Mountains are right next to much larger parcels of Jefferson County Open Space. Sometimes I wonder why the City of Golden would manage our little bit of open space differently than Jefferson County manages their adjacent and much larger open space. Just something to think about as Golden develops it first Open Space Master Plan.
References
Anderson, Donna S., and Paul B. Haseman (2021), Golden Rocks: The Geology and Mining History of Golden, Colorado. https://repository.mines.edu/handle/11124/14162
Stewards of Golden Open Space. 2019-2024. South Table Mountain open space/lubahn trail. Date retrieved: 23 November 2024. https://stewardsofgolden.org/south-table-mountain%2Flu The history of the Lubahn Trail was written by Preston Driggers from Golden Transcript articles.
2-3PM Virtual/Call In: Active Minds Mondays - The Mississippi River
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: The Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi River is the third largest watershed in the world, starting at Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota and winding some 2,340 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico not far from New Orleans. Historically home to over a dozen Native American tribes who lived near its banks, the Mississippi river has been both a vital transportation artery and a fertile agricultural region throughout the entire history of North America, up to and including the United States.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
Log-in instructions will be emailed out approximately 30 minutes before the start of the program. For your security, please do not include your last name or only use your last initial when you register. If you are 13 years old or younger, please be sure you have a guardian’s permission to participate in this online program.
Call 1-669-254-5252 or 646-828-7666 to join by phone.
Meeting ID: 160 283 9630
Password: 268826
Golden History: Remembering 2019
5 Years Ago
By November of 2019, the Buffalo Rose had reopened. They started hosting Swing Night Supper Club once a month, with big band music.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center was hosting a monthly “Coffee with a Ranger” session.
Golden High School performed Into the Woods. Mines Little Theater presented the comedy The Norse Mythology Ragnasplosion Miners Alley Playhouse reimagined A Christmas Carol.
Downtown got a new restaurant–Bella Colibri.
The City demolished the house on the DeLong Property and held a planning meeting to see what kind of park the public wanted.
The Historic Preservation Board was approached with a plan to replace the one story insurance office at 21st and Ford with a two story office building and five townhouses.
Stephanie Gilmore hosted a Train Talk about the Collections and Archives at the Railroad Museum.
There was a City Council election, and the winners were Laura Weinberg, JJ Trout, and Casey Brown.
City Council discussed the future of the newly-purchased Coors office building. Staff reported that to make the building habitable would cost $6 to 6.5 million. Remodeling it to include the Police Department, City Council Chambers, and the History Museum would cost over $40 million. Turning it into affordable housing would cost $30 million.
The School of Mines held a community meeting to share their new Master Plan.
Seniors protested budget cuts to the Front Porch.
Golden library hosted “Craft-a-Palooza” during the Thanksgiving break.
The City held an open house to discuss how to accommodate parking and traffic from the Eddy and the new apartments on 8th Street.
Meyer Hardware celebrated Small Business Saturday by offering a one day only coupon for 20% off anything in the store.
Golden History: Genealogy of a Menswear Store
The Jefferson Coal and Mining Company, shown in this photo belonging to the Golden Landmarks Association, and in the advertisement from the February 28, 1872 Colorado Transcript
Click to enlarge
Jefferson Coal and Mining Company (1871-1872) – 1 Year
The Jefferson Coal and Mining Company store carried a wide variety of merchandise–from groceries, to clothing, to housewares–as was typical of a frontier store. Thomas Ward was working in this store when he decided to buy it.
The store of the Jefferson Coal and Mining Company has this day been sold to Mr. Thomas Ward, who will from this time conduct it on his own account.
Colorado Transcript - July 3, 1872
Thomas Ward Clothing (1872-1882) – 10 Years
Ward must have decided that clothing was the most profitable part of the business, because he soon made that the store's focus and renamed it to "Thomas Ward Clothing."
By reference to local advertisements in this issue, it will be seen that one of our oldest and most successful merchants, Mr. Thomas Ward, has disposed of his business to Mr. Charles H. Wade, who continues to carry it on in the same place.
Colorado Transcript - April 5, 1882
Wade Clothing (1882-1906) – 24 Years
Ward's Clothing became Wade's Clothing in 1882. Charlie Wade had worked for Mr. Ward before starting his own clothing store in Georgetown. When Ward was ready to sell, Wade bought the business from his former boss.
Luther Hertel, who has just purchased the business of Chas. H. Wade, in this city, is a very pleasant gentleman and appears to have the right ideas about business.
Colorado Transcript - March 1, 1906
Hertel Clothing (1906-1943)
Luther Hertel purchased the Wade Clothing Store in 1906. The business was at that time operating in the Opera House Block (map). Mr. Hertel was a gifted merchandiser, and by 1917, he needed a bigger space. Nick Koenig, who ran the grocery store in the Loveland Block (map) built a new building, specifically designed to rent to Hertel Clothing, at 1222 Washington–immediately south of the Opera House Block.
Mr. and Mrs. W.A. McKeehen arrived here Monday from Van Nuys, Calif., and will make their home here for the present. Mr. McKeehen has taken over the management of the Hertel store."
Colorado Transcript - March 19, 1942
McKeehen’s (1943-1964) – 21 Years
Mr. and Mrs. McKeehen were originally from Golden, and after Mr. McKeehen finished his military service, were eager to return home. They soon bought the Hertel business, and, some months later, gave it their own name. They expanded their offerings, and for the first time, the former men's store offered women's and children's clothing.
Hereafter the Hertel Clothing Co. will be officially known as the McKeehen Clothing Co.--same owner, same high-grade merchandise and same excellent service--nothing changed but the name.
Colorado Transcript - February 25, 1943
In January of 1964, the McKeehens closed the store and liquidated everything, from merchandise to fixtures, thus ending the 93 year life of the clothing business.
The following October, new owners opened Golden Squire in that same location. Showing a surprising lack of historical awareness, they proclaimed it to be "Golden's first exclusive men's store."
Thank you to Wendy Weiman for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of November.
Weather
Overnight: A chance of snow before 5am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 28, with temperatures rising to around 31 overnight. East wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.
Monday: Sunny. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night: A chance of snow after 5am. Partly cloudy. Low around 31, with temperatures rising to around 35 overnight. West southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Night: Partly Cloudy then Chance Light Snow, 31°F
Tuesday: Chance Light Snow then Rain And Snow Likely, 51°F
Tuesday Night: Rain And Snow, 34°F
Wednesday: Light Snow Likely, 37°F
Wednesday Night: Chance Light Snow, 21°F
Thanksgiving Day: Sunny, 39°F
Thursday Night: Mostly Clear, 22°F
Friday: Sunny, 44°F
Friday Night: Partly Cloudy, 24°F
Saturday: Sunny, 40°F
Saturday Night: Mostly Clear, 22°F
Sunday: Sunny, 41°F
News About Golden - November 25, 2024
Golden police officer recovering from injury in line of duty receiving nationwide support
By Nate Belt
Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — The Golden police officer who was hospitalized after a crash earlier this month has the support of not only her local community but people around the country as she recovers from her injuries... Read more...
Supporters
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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:
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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
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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
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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, 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, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, and Vicki Olson.
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Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser
