Nick Koenig's Mercantile

101 Years Ago
The May 7, 1925 Colorado Transcript announced the death of Nicholas Koenig, the long-time owner of the Koenig Mercantile. Nick Koenig was born in Switzerland, grew up in Pennsylvania, and arrived in Golden in 1878. He was a partner in a dry goods store in the Opera House Block (now the Ace Hi Tavern) before buying the grocery business in 1884.

2-story 4 square Victorian house with a sun porch in front and a balcony over the porch. 1968 Chevy wagon in front — *The Koenig home at 915th 12th St. (**map**) has since been demolished*

Mr. Koenig did well as a grocer. He was a leading citizen, serving as school board member, alderman, and Mayor. He suffered a stroke in his office at the store in 1925 and died at his home on 12th Street a few days later.

man with mustache, gray hair, and wire-rimmed glasses wearing a suit with tie tac and lapel pin — *Nicholas Koenig, 1849-1925 - Golden History Museum Collection*

His funeral was held at the Woods Chapel (11th and Washington). He is buried in the Golden Cemetery.

2-story brick commercial building the arched windows and a third-floor dormer. Sign says N. KOENIG — *Koenig Mercantile (1884-1941) in 1903 - Golden History Museum Collection*

The Koenig family continued to run the store until 1941. At that time, the new owner (Cliff Schoech) renamed the store from "Koenig Mercantile" to “Golden Mercantile.”

first floor view of the corner of the store, now painted, with sign saying FROZEN FOOD LOCKERS — *Golden Mercantile, 1941 - same store under new ownership at 12th and Washington - Golden History Museum Collection*

Mr. Schoech ran the store until his retirement in 1977. The next owners kept it as a grocery store but lasted only one year in the business.

*Advertisement for the Mercantile as a meat market and deli - Golden Transcript, 01/31/79*

In 1978, the former grocery store became a meat market and delicatessen but retained the "Mercantile" part of the name.

*The building was empty, but "The Merc" sign was still in place during the streetscape project, in the summer of 1992. Photo by Sam Baron.*

The next owner opened a Mexican restaurant in 1988. He too kept the name "Mercantile..." or at least part of it. The restaurant was generally called "The Merc." That business lasted until about 1990, after which the building was empty for some time.

*The former Mercantile is now the Old Capitol Grill and Smokehouse - Photo by Richard Luckin*

When the building reopened as a southwestern restaurant in about 1992, the Mercantile name was finally retired. The new restaurant was called "Silverheels." The venerable building has been home to the Old Capitol Grill for nearly 30 years.