Turning Back the Pages

30 years ago - December 26, 1986 A Year that will be Remembered by Everyone: Ten students from Gilpin County RE-1 were selected to perform in the Union Pacific League Honor Band. They were: Rixa Dunn, Tracy Summers, Jay Joslin, Richie Sanchez, Shane Shields, Eric Murphy, Christine Crawley, Jonlee Anderle, Terri Ortiz, and Marie Jones. Twenty bighorn sheep were placed in Gilpin County by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The sheep were spotted by locals and tourists alike throughout the summer. The Gilpin County Sheriff’s Department confiscated 77 marijuana plants, estimated to be worth $20,000 in September. Judge Krodshen announced that after 18 years as the Gilpin County Court judge, he was being forced to retire. The Dorothy Lee Placer Park was renamed the William C. Russell, Jr. Park by unanimous decision of the Central City Council. Old Engine No. 71 was returned home to Gilpin County to the delight of many locals and especially a tearful Angelo diBenedetto who worked so hard to raise money for the train’s return and its restoration. Central City had its 10th annual Jazz Festival. It featured over 100 musicians. Died: George H. Merchant III: George H. Merchant III died on December 20, 1986 following an extended illness. He was born in the old town of Gilpin, August 16, 1925. His parents, George and Maurine Merchant, met and married in Gilpin County where he was a mining engineer and she was a teacher at the Gilpin School. George married Bonnie Carter, September 14, 1947 in Evergreen, Colorado. The couple had three sons; George IV, Glenn Patrick and Grant Michael. During his years of employment, George worked for the U.S. Forest Service, was a radio announcer for KSOK and did arc welding at the time he was forced by illness to retire. George was very active in community affairs. He belonged to Gilpin County Search and Rescue and worked on the ambulance for several years. He was at one time on the Republican Central Committee, was associated with the formation of the Gilpin Clinic and was a chairman of the Gilpin County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also a life member of the Gilpin County Historical Society.Many will remember many evenings of his folk singing. He is survived by his wife, his sons, two granddaughters, two grandsons, and a great granddaughter. At George’s request here will be no funeral service. After cremation, his remains will be placed into the Gilpin Pioneer Cemetery. Died: Evelyn Jackie Smith: Evelyn Jackie Smith, better known as Jackie to many locals, quietly passed away at her home, December 23, 1986. She was 74 years old. Smith was well known for her Pearl Bailey’s “howdy” to everyone, along with her oil paintings. She was born on December 18, 1912, in Swan, Iowa, to Seth Agard and Rose Lagebartels. She married Jasper D. Smith on November 8, 1947. In September of 1962, they moved to Gilpin County where she worked for many years as a waitress and as a cook for Eddie Morgan at the Red Bandanna, now known as The Diggins Restaurant. No services were held by request. She was cremated. She is survived by her husband, Jasper Smith of Central City; her son, Howard Smith of Denver, who is currently living in Central City; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 60 years ago - December 28, 1956 Central City Nuggets: The Central Cafe has arranged a New Year’s Eve party, and Lou Cohen personally and vociferously asks your attendance. You are assured of a most pleasant evening, with music and entertainment to help you usher in the New Year. Last Friday evening at this popular emporium, “Billy” Hamilton was presented with a new wheelchair, donated by many of the citizens of the city, and his wife, Mary, with an electric blanket. This is the only time on record that Billy did not have a story apropos to the occasion, and as he had related stories of imaginary happenings to the many thousands of tourists who visited the Teller and Opera Houses during his term as custodian, it appears that he is losing his knack and reputation as being the greatest story teller in the country. However, Billy, it is hoped you enjoyed your gift, as it was a decided pleasure to give it to you, as a gesture of friendship and admiration. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Gray and Mrs. Mabel Hunt entertained Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Quiller and daughter, Miss Marjorie, at a traditional dinner Christmas Eve. We are extremely grateful this week for the added help that George McClure has given us. George was an employee of the Register Call during the time he was attending high school and was most efficient in the arts of the printing trade. However, he decided to be an engineer, and will graduate next year from the University of Boulder, with the degree of civil engineer. We feel sure that he will have much success in his chosen profession. Close to one hundred children and parents were present at the annual Christmas party at the Elks Club last Monday evening, where a beautiful tree was illuminated and presents given to each and every child. This is a beautiful gesture the Order of Elks has practiced for many years and is most commendable. Santa Claus, the good looking guy who lives on Spring Street, namely Art Petro, was most proficient in his portrayal of St. Nick, and received favorable comment from adults and children. However, he did not have to be padded with pillows as of years past. The Christmas Observance of the tenets of the Knights Templar was celebrated Christmas morning at the Masonic Lodge room in this city. This meeting is an annual occasion, when Knights of the Order gather to offer toasts, meet in fellowship and observe the traditions of the Yuletide Season. Present, were Sir Knights, Gaylord Lippencott, William Holand, Frank J. Gray, Clifford I. Parsons, Richard Farrell, Don Jardine, Albert Malgren, Kenneth Brown, Bertrand Braecher, Emory Schlick, Henry Ress, and R.L. Laird. Black Hawk Gold Dust: The Christmas tree erected on the town square by the members of the Fire Department is a lovely sight at night and those doing the work deserve much credit. Mrs. Emma Eccker and Miss Kathryn Eccker entertained at a Christmas party Saturday night at which twelve guests enjoyed games of pinochle and exchanged gifts. Mrs. Mary Blake returned home Sunday from a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, and also spent several days in Los Angeles with Velma Niccum Barba and had a wonderful time. While in Denver last week, Mrs. Thurman Leach stopped in for a chat with Wm. Mason. He is 87 years of age and lives at the Davis Nursing Home. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were hosts at a family gathering on Christmas Day. Their guests were Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Belcher, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Johnson and daughter Gail, of Denver, Mrs. Hilda Belcher, Grans and Arthur Skankee of Golden, and a neighbor, Mr. Joe Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Branecki received a precious Christmas gift in the form of a baby daughter, which arrived December 24th, at St. Luke’s Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and has been named Jeanne Carol. 90 years ago - December 31, 1926 Tom Mix in “No Man’s Gold,” in six reels, and a Fox News reel will be the moving picture program at the Opera House Saturday evening, January 1st. Found a Small Fortune: Attorney Leroy J. Williams, Eugene Cessario, and James Bailey came up from Denver last week to file the will of the late Antone Cessario, who died in Denver at the home of his brother, on Tuesday, December 21, in the probate court, which left his estate to his brother. The court appointed Mr. Daley as administrator of the estate, after which the trio went down to the bank to ascertain if Mr. Cessario had any funds there. When informed that there was only a nominal sum to his credit, which was a surprise to Mr. Cessario and Daley, as it was known by both of them that the late Antone was possessed of funds which he had saved and accumulated while in the saloon business, which has closed under the Volstead Act. Their next move was to visit the old building on Lawrence Street, adjoining the hardware store, where the fixtures and holdings of Mr. Cessario had been stored, in the hope that they might find some trace of the money and valuables which they believed had been hidden there. In one corner of the room was an old safe, covered with dust, which was locked and piled high with chairs and other articles of furniture. As no record had been left of the combination for opening the same, a sledge hammer was brought into use, the knob of the door was broken off and the bar of steel which controlled the bolts was also broken, when the door was opened and the parties found in one of the drawers $900 in $20 bills, several hundreds of dollars in $20 gold pieces, an envelope containing Liberty bonds, and a small sack of Canadian coins, all amounting to over $1,800. They also found in the safe a quart bottle of champagne and a quart of Hennessey, famous brandy. The money was turned over to Mr. Daley, the administrator, who deposited the same in the bank to the credit of the estate, and it is presumed that the Volstead law was fully complied with by dumping the liquor into the gulch to mingle with the waters of Clear Creek. From the Georgetown Courier : Early Frontier Event: The only known instance of severe punishment being meted out to a lawbreaker in the days of the Miners’ Court in Georgetown was in the case of a man who had stolen mining tools. There was no summons served on him, nor did any attorney come in and file a stipulation for time to plead, or have a chance to talk about kleptomania, nor was the young scamp pedigreed back to Adam to find out if he had a stain of diseased blood. Not in a Miners’ Court. He was hauled up before Judge Jas. Burrell, witnesses sworn and sentence pronounced. The Sheriff caught up with his whip and gave him a number of judicial as well as judicious lashes across his bare back, rubbed a little salt into the cuts, and warned him to git, which he did without delay and without leaving an address as to where his mail should be sent. From the Denver Post : Died: Miss Minnie Osbourne. Funeral services for Miss Minnie M. Osborne, 53 years old, who died at her home on West Thirty-fifth street, early Thursday after a long illness, will be held at the Rogers Mortuary Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock. Interment will be in the family plot at Fairmount Cemetery. Death again diminished the ranks of the Colorado pioneers with the death of Miss Osborne. She was well known in Gilpin County. Born in the state of New York she came with her parents in an overland wagon to Black Hawk when a child 1 year old. The family lived there more than thirty years, and Miss Osborne became prominent in community activities, notably in musical circles. After leaving Black Hawk she moved to Denver with members of her family and was well known here in connection with musical activities. She was considered a singer of note. Miss Osborne is survived by her mother, Mrs. Lydia Osborne; two brothers, Richards S., and John H. Osborne, and a sister, Mrs. W.A. Elvy, all of Denver. 120 years ago - December 25, 1896 Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Kemp were in Denver on Saturday. J.I. Perkins, manager of the Jan Juan Mine, went to Denver on Sunday. Manager John Best of the Saratoga Mine, returned from Denver on Monday morning’s train. Messrs. L. Hanchett and W.L. Bush, two well-known businessmen of Idaho Springs, registered at the Teller House on Monday. Engineer Bristol was in receipt this week of a barrel of shell oysters all the way from Connecticut. Jim remembered several of his friends this week, to whom a shell oyster was a decided treat. Mesdames Ebert and Gonzales of Yankee Hill were in Central on Tuesday doing their Christmas shopping. Miss Emma Schafft of Denver came up on Sunday last and has been the guests of Miss Dora Rachofsky during her visit. William Gilbert celebrated his 41st birthday on Tuesday evening, with a birthday party at his residence. A large number of friends and neighbors were invited, and a right jolly anniversary was spent. Dr. Bonesteel, Wednesday morning left for New York State, where he will spend Christmas and the holidays with his grandparents in the good old fashioned style. The Dr. will visit New York City and many places of interest, especially the hospitals, returned about the 12th of January, 1897. Born: In Central City, December 22nd, 1896, to the wife of Joseph Dennis, a daughter. The new arrival was a 9 pounder and both mother and child are doing well, and congratulations to the happy father are in order. Died: In Central City, December 18th, 1896, Mrs. Jane Trathen, aged 84 years. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church of this city on Monday afternoon, interment taking place in the Foresters burying ground. The funeral was largely attended, deceased being well-known and having a large circle of friends. The deceased lady left England at the advanced age of 67, and came to Gilpin County seventeen years ago to spend her declining days with her children. She leaves behind her to mourn her loss four daughters and one son, 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in this county. Died: In Central City, December 21st, 1896, of heart disease, Thomas J. Kelly, aged 69 years. Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Church of Assumption, Rev. Father Raber officiating, on Wednesday at 8:30 o’clock, interment being made in the Catholic buying grounds. The funeral was large attended, the deceased having a large circle of friends. Deceased came to this county in 1864 from Minnesota, and has been engaged in mining most of the time since then, in this and other camps throughout this state. He was largely interested in mining properties in Eureka, Pine Creek, and Tip Top districts. Deceased was well known throughout this county and had a host of acquaintances by whom he was highly esteemed. He leaves a widow, three daughters and two sons, to whom the sympathy of the county is extended.

Patrick Henry Sweeney

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