Iris Season
Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Tuesday, May. 20th
- ll day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 8-9AM - What's Brewing Golden @ The Golden Outpost
- 9-10AM - Women's Exercise and Bible Study
- 9AM - Golden Seniors - Coffee Klatch
- 9:15-9:45AM - Baby Time - Registration Required
- 10AM - Wagon Ride Through Golden History
- 10AM-12PM - DeLong Park Weedbusters
- 10-11AM - Story Time and Craft @ The Railroad Museum
- 10:15-10:45AM - Preschool Time - Registration Required
- 11:30AM-1:30PM - Senior Lunch Bunch
- 1-2:30PM - Beyond Garage Sales: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor
- 1-3PM - Hand Embroidery Stitchers
- 2:30PM - Local Licensing Authority Meeting
- 3-4PM - Golden StArt with Howard Paul
- 4:15-5:15PM - The Colorful World of Gardening
- 5:30-7PM - Heart of Golden Next Phase Community Meeting #7
- 5:30-7:30PM - Exploring the Elements of Art
- 6-7:45PM - Golden Beer Talks - OFF-SITE AT THE ASTOR HOUSE!
- 6:30-8:30PM - Team Trivia Tuesday
- 6:30-8:30PM - Trivia Tuesdays
- 6:30-8PM - Waterwise Yard Seminar - Bees! & Other Pollinators Too (Virtual)
- 6:30-8:30PM - Toad Trivia
- 6:30-8PM - Financial Education Event, But First Chocolate
- 6:30-8:30PM - Bar Bingo Night
- 7PM - Pub Trivia
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
6-7:45PM Golden Beer Talks @ Foothills Art Center - Astor House
We will NOT be at the Buffalo Rose this month!
Tonight's Location:
Foothills Art Center - Astor House
1133 Arapahoe St (Map)
We will be OUTSIDE (so bring a jacket!).
Tonight's Speakers:
Jasmine Saxon and Jessica Ericson - history of the building and what they unearthed during the archaeological dig of the property
Marcie Miller - how Golden Landmarks Association preserved the Astor House from becoming a parking lot
Maura Adamson - present and future of Foothills Art Center at the Astor House
Tonight's Beer:
Golden City Brewery - Firefly IPA and Interesting Times Corn-Lagered Ale.
There will be a free-will offering for FAC (so bring cash!).
Tonight's Food:
Atomic Cowboy/Fat Sully's will be selling pizza by the slice
(so bring your appetite!)
THE ASTOR HOUSE has been part of downtown Golden since 1867. It has served as an elegant hotel, a popular boarding house, a museum, and now an Arts Center. The building has had ups and downs along the way, including more than one fire. In 1972, it was nearly demolished to make room for a parking lot. In 2019 the City was looking to sell it to a private party. Finally, after an extensive remodeling and a big addition, the Astor House has been reborn as the newest part of Foothills Art Center.
Golden Beer Talks is our grassroots version of TED talks for the benefit of our own local community--and just for the fun of it. Golden Beer Talks is a nonprofit venture focused on three favorite local things--Golden and Beer and Talking!
Learn more at www.goldenbeertalks.org.
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Astor House
1133 Arapahoe St (Map)
When:
6-7:45PM on Tuesday, May. 20th
8-9AM What's Brewing Golden @ The Golden Outpost
This monthly meeting will be on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., hosted by the The Golden Outpost. Each month you will hear an update from City Council, DDA, City of Golden Police, and the Chamber, along with a business spotlight. We hope to see you there!
This meeting is open to all businesses within the Golden area but with a focus on small businesses and restaurants within the City limits of Golden. This meeting is provided as a service by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. Chamber membership is highly encouraged but is not required to attend. Guests are welcome.
More information
Location:
Golden Outpost
17695 S. Golden Road (Map)
When:
8-9AM on Tuesday, May. 20th
9AM Golden Seniors - Coffee Klatch @ Golden Welcome Center
Hey, Golden Seniors! Join your friends at the Visitors Center for coffee! We will meet in the GWC Heritage Community Boardroom Sponsored by Golden Pond Retirement Community and Golden Visitors & Information Center
Location:
Golden Welcome Center
1010 Washington Avenue (Map)
When:
9AM on Tuesday, May. 20th
9:45AM FIRST Arts & Culture Commission Meeting @ City Hall
Photo by Joyce Davell
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 9AM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Provide in-person comment during the meeting, at 9AM
- Send email comments to acc@cityofgolden.net
This is the first meeting for the City's newest commission--Arts & Culture. This group will replace and absorb the Public Art Commission and will be responsible for allotting the City's Thriving Communities grants. Today, they will discuss their draft work plan.
Location:
Golden City Hall
911 10th Street (Map)
10AM Wagon Ride Through Golden History @ Vasquez and Depot Streets
Ride along an award-winning historian and learn of Golden's 160 year history. Enjoy stories of the individuals who contributed to the town's success, the tides of the local economy through the decades, and enjoy a review of some of our most historic buildings around town.
The Clydesdale-drawn wagon comes with padded seats, and complimentary snacks and water for guests. Rides last approximately 90 minutes and are $55/ticket without standard taxes and fees.
Location:
Vasquez and Depot Streets
Golden (Map)
When:
10AM on Tuesday, May. 20th
10-11AM Story Time and Craft @ The Railroad Museum
Join staff and volunteers at the Colorado Railroad Museum as they share some of their favorite children’s stories with a decidedly railroad theme followed by a fun make and take.
Recommended ages 4-6 years old.
More information
Free for Museum Members and included with general admission.
Location:
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W. 44th Avenue (Map)
When:
10-11AM on Tuesday, May. 20th
11:30AM-1:30PM Senior Lunch Bunch @ Lions Park
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of good food and great company at our Senior Lunch Bunch at Lions Park! This is the perfect chance to enjoy the fresh air, reconnect with friends, and share some laughs over lunch.
Bring a dish to share, your stories, and your sunny smiles! All seniors are welcome.
Location:
Lions Park
1300 10th Street (Map)
When:
11:30AM-1:30PM on Tuesday, May. 20th
3-4PM Golden StArt with Howard Paul @ Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
Join us for a happy hour chat with Howard Paul, a respected Denver-based photographer and member of the American Society of Media Photographers Colorado.
Howard shares his experiences from his 2024 African safari and showcases stunning photographs of the animals he encountered. Plus, he offers valuable tips on how to prepare for your own safari adventure.
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
809 15th Street (Map)
When:
3-4PM on Tuesday, May. 20th
5:30-7PM Heart of Golden Next Phase Community Meeting #7 @ Golden Community Center
The Heart of Golden project aims to make the Clear Creek Corridor more useable and desirable for residents while providing needed space for Police and City services. This meeting will focus on the Police and Municipal Building beginning with a presentation at 5:30 p.m. followed by an opportunity to provide feedback following.
Learn more on Guiding Golden.
Location:
Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street (Map)
When:
5:30-7PM on Tuesday, May. 20th
Live Music for Tuesday, May. 20th
- More Live Music
6PM Karaoke with Linda @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
6PM Open Bluegrass Pick Night @ Over Yonder Brewing
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Double Murder
Photo by Barb Warden
Click to enlarge
82 Years Ago
In the spring of 1943, Golden was consumed with the murder of two young boys, who had been pushed off of Castle Rock by 16 year old William Wymer. On April 10th of that year, three groups of boys had come separately to Golden. The first group consisted of 8-year-old Donald Matta and 11-year-old Milo Flindt, children of defense workers at the Remington Arms Plant (now the Federal Center).
The two boys were climbing South Table Mountain, heading for Castle Rock, when they were overtaken by a group of three older boys from Denver. The oldest of the Denver group was 16-year-old Wymer. He demanded that Milo give up his shoes and stockings and that Donald relinquish his watch and cap. Wymer gave the shoes to his younger brother, who was part of the Denver Group. He kept the watch and cap for himself. He then pushed the two youngsters over the edge of Castle Rock–a 123 foot drop.
A third group of boys–from Lakewood–came to Golden to attend a movie at the Golden Gem. They arrived early and had a malted milk at Foss Drug, then decided to climb to Castle Rock. On the mountain, they encountered Wymer and his companions. Wymer extorted 10 cents each from the younger boys, telling them that his father owned the mountain. When one of the boys refused, Wymer told him he would push him off the cliff unless he paid.
Upon returning to Golden, Wymer tried to sell the watch to jeweler Clyde Gregory, who told him he didn’t buy watches from children.
Later that evening, the Lakewood boys saw Wymer and his friends at the Golden Gem Theater. The older boys spent the night at the LaRay Hotel (now the Table Mountain Inn) and returned to Denver the following day.
The next morning, a Golden child spotted the two bodies and alerted the Sheriff. The Sheriff was able to track down Wymer and his companions. They were still in possession of the murdered boys’ shoes and watch. Wymer confessed to the killings. The younger two were put in the Industrial School and Wymer was put in the Jefferson County Jail.
The funeral for 8-year-old Donald Matta was held at St. Joseph’s Church and the service for 11-year-old Milo Flint was at Woods Mortuary on Washington Avenue.
At his arraignment in May, Wyman pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was given a 15-day psychiatric evaluation and was deemed sane. A jury found him guilty at his July trial, and he was sentenced to life in prison. The verdict was upheld in subsequent appeals.
Wymer attempted to escape from the penitentiary at Canyon City in October 1944 but was thwarted. He was successful in breaking out in June of 1960, but was caught and returned.
After this, he disappears from the news, but I found two last interesting references to him on a blog called “Kidnapping Murder and Mayhem.”
On July 31, 2011, a young woman posted:
William Wymer got out of jail, later after he finnished parol, raised his great neice Lisa Wymer (my mom), I never got to know him because he died before 1996 (my birth year). William Wymer is my great-great uncle
On February 28, 2013, another woman posted:
I am the great niece of William “Lucky” Wymer. Please feel free to contact me by email to further discuss all this. I don’t know if my uncle Lucky ever said anything to the family of the two boys, but from me, I am truly sorry for what he had done. I know no amount of apologizing will ever rewrite history.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 43, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. West northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 68. West northwest wind 7 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. West wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly Clear, 46°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 74°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 47°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 77°F
Thursday Night: Mostly Clear, 53°F
Friday: Mostly Sunny, 82°F
Friday Night: Partly Cloudy, 53°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 78°F
Saturday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 52°F
Sunday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 71°F
Sunday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 49°F
Memorial Day: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 68°F
News About Golden - May 20, 2025
Construction underway for new mixed-use district in downtown Golden
By Maddie Rhodes
Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — The area that was home to the century-old CoorsTek building is under construction and will turn into a district in downtown Golden.
The Clayworks Project, brought on by AC Development and CoorsTek, Inc., is in its initial construction phase... Read more...
Golden’s Class of 2025 now faces ‘a wild frontier’
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
There may be “a wild frontier” ahead of them, as valedictorian Nathan Reynolds described, but who’s better prepared to face it than the young people who grew up “Where the West Lives”? 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 City Brewery, 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, Joy Brandt, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, and the Colorado Railroad Museum, 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, and Vic DeMaria
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, and Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch.
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
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Kim Linton, Steve Stevens
