Turning Back the Pages

30 years ago – October 18, 1985

William Boone, 67, of Nevadaville was transported from Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge to the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday. He is being held in connection with the October shooting of Jerry Stringfellow. Sheriff Rosetta Anderle said this week that no one at the sheriff’s department had talked with Boone about the incident since he requested that his attorney be present. Anderle and Undersheriff David Martinez apprehended Boone near the Bald Mountain Cemetery a short time after an incident occurred between Boone and Stringfellow. Martinez said last week that according to Stringfellow, who is a resident of the Pisgah Lake area, Boone was allegedly trespassing on his property. Stringfellow alleged that Boone intended to cut down some trees in the area. The property Boone was allegedly on did not belong to Stringfellow. After Stringfellow confronted Boone, Boone allegedly wounded Stringfellow, who was shot once in the face and once in the shoulder with a .22 caliber revolver. Stringfellow, in turn, allegedly shot Boone once in the foot with a .357 Smith and Wesson rifle. Before leaving the Pisgah Lake area and driving to Central City, Stringfellow shot out two tires on the vehicle Boone was driving. Stringfellow was transported from Central City to Lutheran Medical Center after the shooting. He was released from the hospital the same day. Both of the bullets that entered his face and shoulder exited near the point of entry. Anderle said Boone is being held at the Gilpin County jail for investigation. The district attorney has until today to file charges in the case. Possible felony charges of first degree assault and “criminal attempt” may be filed against him, Anderle said. In Gilpin County Court on Tuesday, Boone was advised of his rights and advised that he is being held for an investigation. He will be represented by a public defender. Charges are not pending against Stringfellow at this time, Anderle said.

“I think it is excellent.” “I think it is wonderful.” “I think it is great.” “I think it is nice.” “I think it is fantastic.” “I think it is great for the town.” These are a few of the sentiments expressed by the majority of merchants in Central City since a portion of the miniseries “Dream West” began to be filmed on October 12. The town does not have the same appearance it had a month ago. The pavement has been covered with dirt on Main Street and Eureka Street. Modern day street lights and signs have been removed. New signs that are reminiscent of the mid-1800s can be seen on the storefronts and the sidewalks. Concrete sidewalks have been covered with boardwalks. Storefronts have been changed, as well as the business names. The minority of people who are opposed to the filming in Central have been criticized by other merchants in favor of the filming. Those that are in favor of it fear that other movies will not be filmed in Central because of the opposition. Russell said that those that are opposed are “trying to deprive the majority of the community of something that is good for the community.” Bill Gossard, president of the Opera House Association, is one of the people that has upset many local residents. Gossard said he wanted a performance bond of $20,000 for the interior filming of Williams Stables, the Penrose complex, and the Teller Law Office, all owned by the Opera Association. He said Wednesday that he “personally made the proposal” to Sunn Classics Productions, the movie company. He added that it was an “opportunity” for the movie company, but the movie people refused his offer and withdrew their request. Sunn Classics Productions will instead be filming the exterior of the three buildings owned by the Opera Association. Gossard declined to comment about how much money the association would be paid for filming of the exteriors.  Gossard said Wednesday, “I am just pleased as punch that Central City is getting these movies. It is a real bonus in my view.” He added, “Believe it or not, we have fond feelings for Central City.” The last day for filming in Central City will probably be tomorrow, Saturday. The film company will be leaving town on Monday. The City of Central most likely will return to the modern day town of 1985 and residents here will return to their daily lives.