Downtown Tulips
Photo by Richard Luckin
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Wednesday, May. 8th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
- All day - Spring Yard Waste Collection
- 7-9AM - Bike Walk Golden Trail Etiquette Booth
- 9-10:15AM - Golden Walks: Wednesday Morning Celebrating Life
- 9AM - Golden Startup Coffee
- 10:15-11:15AM - Discovery Play
- 10:15-10:45AM - Toddler Time
- 3-5PM - Virtual/Call In: Hard Times Writing Workshop
- 5-7PM - 2024 State of the City
- 6-7:30PM - Tenderfoot Trekkers - Hiking Basics
- 6-7:30PM - Bingo Night
- 6-7PM - Recharge & Renew: Boundaries and Self-Care
- 6:30PM - Trivia Night
- 6:30PM - Historic Preservation Board Meeting
- 7:30PM - SCRIPTprov
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
6:30PM Historic Preservation Board
916-918 9th Street in the 8th & 9th Street Historic District
The Historic Preservation Board will consider two cases and will hear a status report on an on-going project in the 12th Street Historic District.
916-918 9th Street (map)
The owner of 916-918 9th Street has requested that those properties be withdrawn from the 8th & 9th Street Historic District. His request is based on several recent decisions made by the HPB that "supported an environment of scrape and development into larger suburban-type dwellings that are not in character with the historic character of the historic neighborhoods." Two of these changes (one scrape and one large remodel) are located across the street from his properties. His letter states that the City "has demonstrated incompetence in its oversight and administration of Municipal Code Municipal Code 18.58.010 by asserting regulation in a haphazard and inconsistent manner." He concludes that "Inclusion in the Historic District negatively impacts the potential sale value of the property." His letter begins on p. 15 of the meeting packet.
822 12th Street - The Astor House (map)
Foothills Art Center is requesting approval to change the sign painted on the side of the Astor House to indicate its new status as part of Foothills Art Center. The painted sign does not date back to the hotel/boarding house uses of the building. It was added by Golden Landmarks Association while they were fixing up the property in an effort to convince the citizens of Golden to save it.
THE ASTOR HOUSE is now distinguished by an attractive new sign painted in appropriate letter style of the 1800’s on the east wall of the building at 12th and Arapahoe Sts. The blue lettering on the white wall is very distinctive. The Astor House is open to visitors at various hours. Perhaps you will want to visit this historic house before the election concerning it in June so you can make up your own mind as to how you will vote.
Avenue Flashes - Golden Transcript - May 17, 1972
1014 12th Street (map)
This house, built in 1893, was a contributing structure to the 12th Street Historic District. In 2022, HPB approved a plan to modify the home, retaining the front porch, front wall, and front rooms, going back 13 feet. The owner and contractor will explain why they demolished everything behind the front wall and how they plan to restore and reconstruct it.
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (map)
5-7PM State of the City
State of the City, presented by the City of Golden and the Golden Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity for City of Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg, along with Golden City Manager Scott Vargo, to give their Address to Chamber members, the Golden community, and guests. Appetizers, light snacks, and beverages will be provided.
Golden Community Center
1470 10th Street (map)
You may submit questions for the Mayor & City Manager using this form:
https://form.jotform.com/241116425529049
To ensure the questions get through, please send by noon.
Horses & History
A Wagon Ride Through Golden History - Photo by Chris Davell
A reader once commented that she enjoys my history articles because "they're so random!" It's true—I skip all over the place in time and topic, inspired mostly by the question, "What happened in Golden on this date in any year?"
If you've ever wanted to hear Golden's story from beginning to end (or more accurately from Native Americans to the 21st Century downtown renaissance), here's a perfect opportunity:
My daughter Margaret and I will be doing our first Wagon Ride Through History of the season this Saturday at 10AM. Margaret—with her Clydesdales, Wallace and Todd—will drive us through Golden's oldest commercial and residential neighborhoods while I tell the tales of Golden's past.
I hope you’ll join us this Saturday, May 11th, at 10AM. Tickets are available at ClearCreekCarriages.com.
7:30PM SCRIPTprov @ Miners Alley
What happens when a scene from a "legit" play gets hijacked by improvisers?HILARITY ENSUES! Come join us for all of the action!
Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
1103 Arapahoe Street (map)
Live Music for Wednesday, May. 8th
- 6-9PM: Chris Koltak @ Miners Saloon @ Miners Saloon
Miners Saloon - More Live Music
6PM Live Music @ Rock Rest Lodge
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Golden Chautauqua
I’m not sure of the year, but I can’t help but wonder if the big tent was there for a Chautauqua program. The era seems about right–unpaved Washington Avenue, only one car in sight…should be the mid- to late-teens. Photo courtesy of Dan Abbott – Enlarge.
105 Years Ago
The May 8, 1919 Colorado Transcript announced that Golden would soon be hosting its first-ever Chautauqua.
The Chautauqua movement began in the 1870s. It originated at a resort on Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York. The organizers offered lectures, concerts, and plays for the guests. It was popular with well-heeled families, intellectuals, and progressives. Over time, similar institutions were built in other parts of the country. Boulder’s Chautauqua, which was built in 1898, is a good example of these “permanent” Chautauquas.
Eventually, traveling Chautauquas developed, which moved from town to town. Several towns in Colorado hosted these traveling shows, including Greeley, Montrose, Salida, Loveland, and Rocky Ford. In late November of 1918, the Colorado Transcript announced that Golden would host its own Chautauqua the following June.
The traveling company arrived in June of 1919, setting up a tent to serve as their performance space. The Transcript promoted the events in advance and featured some advertising, but said little about them afterwards. The paper did say that several local citizens had guaranteed the contract, and announced that this year, unlike last, “cheap season tickets” would not be sold.
The Transcript never mentions ticket prices for the Golden Chautauqua, but an article by their Morrison correspondent mentions that season tickets would be $2.50 for the Morrison Chautauqua.
At the conclusion of the 1920 season, the paper reported that the season had been very successful and a return next year had been assured with a contract signed by 50 Golden people.
Apparently those 50 high-minded citizens were left holding the bag for any costs not covered by ticket sales. A May 1921 article said “Denver guarantors for the Chicago grand opera went in the hole to the tune of $17,000. Hope the Golden Chautauqua doesn’t go that far behind.”
At the end of the third summer event (in 1921) the paper said, “Golden’s third Chautauqua season closed last Friday night, after a series of fair entertainments. Indications are this city will not be on a Chautauqua circuit next year, as those who have had to dig up each year to make up the guarantee did not feel like signing again.”
In October, they were approached again by the promoter, and he persuaded several people to sign on again for the following year.
The 1922 Golden Chautauqua was held in the Golden Opera House, rather than a big tent. Once again, there were musicians, lecturers, and plays. The Transcript made no comments after the event, but the next spring (June 28, 1923) there was a brief comment in the paper saying only “Anyway, we don’t have to bother going to Chautauqua this summer.”
The bad taste must have lingered, because in 1925 the paper commented, “This is the time of year when guarantors of Chautauquas hold meetings and decide how much they will have to dig up to make up deficits. Chautauqua managements always work on a sure-thing basis, and a few public spirited citizens are always the sure things. However, it seems that every town and city falls for the plan at least once in a lifetime.”
Wikipedia has a good article that traces the history of the Chautauqua movement. It implies that the traveling shows were a significant step down from the higher-toned permanent ones.
When the Chautauqua program was at its peak of popularity, there were few forms of cultural enrichment available in small towns and rural communities. Radios were new and rare, as were gramophones. Most towns didn’t even have libraries. The chance to hear some new thoughts or professional musicians, or to see a play, must have been appealing.
Nowadays, a normal week in Golden includes opportunities to hear lectures, visit museums, see a play, visit an art exhibition, or hear live music. Then of course, there’s the library, the internet, Netflix, etc. Modern life is a perpetual Chautauqua.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. West northwest wind 16 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 51 mph.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 37°F
Thursday: Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 49°F
Thursday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 39°F
Friday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 57°F
Friday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy, 43°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 66°F
Saturday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 47°F
Sunday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 68°F
Sunday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 48°F
Monday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 71°F
Monday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 49°F
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 73°F
News Relating to Golden - May 8, 2024
Bell Middle School musicians showcase talents at Golden Library
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
From “Choose Your Fighter” from the “Barbie” soundtrack to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” the Golden Library was alive with the sound of music May 3 as it hosted a public recital for Bell Middle School’s orchestra club... Read more...
Friends of Dinosaur Ridge celebrates 35 years as a part of Good for Jeffco Explorers Weekend
By Jo Davis
Golden Transcript
Members of the nonprofit Friends of Dinosaur Ridge joined the Colorado Gives Foundation April 28 to celebrate the group’s 35th anniversary... Read more...
Record throws by Lafore, Strickland at Jeffco League track & field championships
By Dennis Pleuss
Golden Transcript
There was definitely some extra interest during the boys shot-put and discus events at the Class 5A/4A Jeffco League track and field championships last week at Jeffco Stadium... Read more...
Mines baseball celebrates 12 seniors, beats UCCS 3-1 in weekend series
By Corrine Westeman
Golden Transcript
While their younger teammates are like TV shows that have been renewed for another season, 12 Orediggers faced the reality of their series’ penultimate episodes May 3-4... Read more...
Interchangeable electric vehicle powertrain wins top honors at Spring 2024 Capstone Design Showcase
By Jasmine Leonas
Colorado School of Mines Newsroom
A team that developed an electric vehicle powertrain that can be quickly interchanged with an internal combustion engine for an automotive lab class at Mines won the top prize at the Spring 2024 Capstone Design Showcase... Read more...
Two Mines Peer Educators honored for work to promote student well-being
By Cassidy Hannon
Colorado School of Mines Newsroom
Two Colorado School of Mines students have been honored with 2024 Peer Educator Awards.
Robert Delmark and Natalia McEvoy were recognized at a banquet last month for their work and dedication to the Betsy’s Friends Peer Education Program, which was established in 2021 by Mines alum Steve ‘63 and Carolyn McCandless... Read more...
Mines team places first overall in ASCE regional competition
By Jasmine Leonas
Colorado School of Mines Newsroom
Colorado School of Mines students excelled at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) regional competition, and the team was named overall symposium champions.
Leading the way was Mines’ Concrete Canoe team and the Surveying team, both of which won first place and a bid to nationals in their respective events... Read more...
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($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Colorado Railroad Museum, Tom Reiley, Bud Rockhill, Michael Mason, Lisa DeCaro and Len Matheo, John and Andi Pearson
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $500/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Beth Bidwell, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ed and Carol Freza, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, AC Development, and Cynthia Merrill Tamny
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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, Carol & Don Cameron, 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, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, and the Golden Transcript
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Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson
