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Close-up of 12th and Washington, with the flagpole - Click to enlarge


96 Years Ago

The January 17, 1929 Colorado Transcript warned readers that they actually needed to STOP at stop signs.

For more than a year, Golden had been looking for ways to encourage safer driving habits. Automobiles were fairly new at that time, and the number of drivers on the road multiplied every day. There were few established safety rules, and no norms as to who needed to yield at intersections.

At that time, there was a flagpole in the center of the intersection at 12th and Washington. In an effort to curb exuberant drivers, City leaders had painted “SLOW” on the base of the flagpole. In January of 1928, they added the word “STOP” on the sides that faced 12th Street.

After a year of waiting (in vain) for the command to sink in, City Council voted to impose a fine of people who failed to stop. The January 17th, 1929 article described the violators being brought to court. “Several local offenders professed ignorance of the city’s “stop” signs, but it was pointed out to them that they have been in place almost a year.” The fine for a first offense was $6; second offense was $11, and third offense was $21.

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