Turning Back the Pages

30 Years Ago - June 10-1983 County Commissioners designated Saturday, July 2, as free day at the three county trash compactors. The Central City public relations director should dress up in costume and meet every bus that enters the city. That is the opinion of a group of business people, mostly Lawrence Street shop owners, which was aired at the Central City Council meeting June 1. Calling themselves “The Merchants Committee:” the business people had formulated a three-part resolution asking that City Council assure that the city’s public relations director, Kris Murphy, be responsible to all the merchants of the city, not just a few. After months of negotiation, the RE-1 school board finally decided to offer the teachers a six percent raise in the base pay, which was $12,800 for the 1982-83 year. The 1983-84 base will be $13,594. When added to the regular step increases, the raise will amount to an overall increase of 10 percent in the total the board pays out in teachers’ salaries. A one-car accident Saturday afternoon left three injured people stranded in the middle of South Beaver Creek. The rescue was made by the High Country Fire Department with the assistance of Ray Steele of Rollinsville. Fran Etzkorn, Assistant High Country Chief, said there was about four to five feet of water in the creek, covering the car up to the hood. The car rolled over into the creek, coming to rest on its wheels. The woman who had been driving the car, and two small children passengers, managed to climb out through the opening where the windshield had been and onto the top of the car. Steele threw ropes out to the people so that they would be in tow in case the car was to slip any farther. High Country FD bridged the gap from the creek bank to the car with one of the long fire ladders. A Chevy pickup belonging to Central City candy store owners, Don and Debbie Olhausen, was stolen Wednesday from its parking place in front of Black Harry’s BBQ on Gregory Street. Central City police officer Dirk Vaughan reported the stolen truck to the sheriff’s dispatcher who announced the theft over the air. Black Hawk Marshal Sid Gent heard the dispatch, saw the vehicle go through Black Hawk and set out in pursuit. At approximately mile marker six on Highway 119, Gent brought the stolen vehicle to a stop and, with the aid of his sawed-off shotgun, arrested two Denver men who were charged with felony theft. There must be something about the Gilpin County Jail that makes the inmates lawsuit-happy, because another former prisoner has just filed another suit over jail conditions. Daniel Gross, 26, resident of Stewart Gulch, Gilpin County, filed the latest lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Denver. The wording of Gross’s suit is almost a verbatim copy of the lawsuit brought by John Henry Clark, which was itself similar to the one brought by Steven Lee Bradley. Gross is asking for $300,000 in damages, saying the conditions in the jail are inhumane and violate his civil rights. Charlie Wilkinson says she’s packed away her winter clothes and got out the bright summer articles. That was weeks ago, but she’s still wearing sweaters over the short-sleeved shirts. She’s noticed the local kids running around in theirs, and goose bumps, and says they are obviously made of hardier stock than she. Randall J. and Patrice Fortin of Thorn Lake are pleased to announce the birth of their first child. A girl, Liv Kristin was born on June 7, 1983. The 36 th annual Gilpin County Arts Association show and sale opened Saturday night in its showrooms next to and above City Hall in Central City. The reception was attended by 350 artists, patrons and friends of the gallery. Deputy Dave Martinez, after receiving a report from a county road worker, recovered two stolen pay phones that had been dumped off the side of Highway 119 near Lump Gulch. Bill Mooney, actor on the show “All My Children,” owns a place in the Corona Heights area and Merril Streep has relatives in Gilpin County. A run-away from the Golden Gate Youth Camp was apprehended by a counselor after the youth had jumped into a vehicle with his family near the exit of the camp on visitors’ day. The counselor gave chase and, after approximately five miles on Highway 119, caught up with the family. The youth and four individuals who allegedly aided in the escape were taken to the sheriff’s office. Frustrated because the school bus driver would not pick up their children in Aspen Springs, the parents got together to do something about it. They were concerned with their children’s safety because the bus stop they had been given by the school board was alongside busy Highway 46, which they felt was dangerous. They went to the school board which told them the turn into the subdivision off the highway was too sharp for the bus to make safely. So the parents took up a collection and purchased a culvert to improve the intersection. County Building Inspector David Grogan had a rash of phone calls after the post office announced last month that people on the rural routes should begin using street addresses instead of the old route and box numbers. In fact, he had so many calls at that time that he described the situation as “absolute pandemonium.” Postal Systems Examiner Russ Clark of Denver said recently that due to the address change, the change-of-address orders will be good for two years, instead of the usual one year. Route 4 people who live south of Black Hawk should continue to use “Golden” since a “Black Hawk” address would delay mail. People north of Black Hawk on Route 4 can use “Black Hawk” if they so desire. Sanitarian Eric Steinhaus investigated a report of a possible contaminated well at the RE-1 school. He was happy to report the well was not contaminated: green food coloring had been added to the water supply. 60 Years Ago - June 5, 1953 Central City, June 1 - Headlines from around the world: Coronation Eve - British Expedition conquers mighty Mount Everest; South Korean President Syngman Rhee expresses determination to continue fighting if the communists accept the latest Allied truce proposal. The old Eclipse Livery Stable was ignited on Sunday. It disappeared in a final burst of smoke and flame, to reappear in the form of a beautiful, modern community building and gymnasium. Somehow the new leaves which appear each spring seem so fragile. A word that would more aptly describe their delicate color could be coined – like “spreeng,” a combination of spring and green, and not quite so blunt as either of them. When a fellow talks about nothing he is generally telling all that he knows. Graduation exercises at St. James Methodist Church were well attended by friends and relatives of the three graduates, George Mcclure, Beverly Pallaro, and Barbara Knoll. George Magor informs that he, as chairman of the committee to raise funds for St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, collected over $1,300 from parishioners of the Catholic Church here in Gilpin County. There are only 45 members of the Catholic Church, and this collection is a most remarkable tribute. At a meeting last Tuesday evening at Earl’s Café attended by businessmen and others, it was decided that a celebration would be observed the opening day of the opera, June 27 th . It will be similar to those of the past two or three years, and will consist of the pony race from Idaho Springs, the rock drilling contest, firemen’s race with teams from both Black Hawk and Central, costumes and store decorations - all with cash prizes. If the present cost of federal government could be cut by $13 billion, it would amount to a saving of $73,585 for Gilpin County citizens. That’s $86.57 for every man, woman and child in the county. The tourist season is here. The road to East Portal is crowded with cars from everywhere. Paul Eccker of Black Hawk went to Scottsbluff, Nebraska last Saturday to try out for a place on a soft ball team, sponsored by Elcar Fence Co., of Denver. For Sale: Beds, mattresses, springs, dressers, tables, chairs, gas stoves, ice boxes, motors, show cases, oil stoves and many other items. We are converting rooms over to apartments; selling out everything cheap. See Earl C. Person, Val’s Kitchen, Central City. Mr. and Mrs. Robert White, East Portal, are the proud parents of a little daughter, Colleen Louise, born last week in Denver. Today’s forgotten man quit advertising yesterday. 90 Years Ago - June 8, 1923 The leasers on the Druid Mine, Russell District, shipped a car of mineral to Idaho Spring this week. Mrs. Joseph Katta is papering the living rooms back of the Apex Post Office, preparatory to move into the building where she and Mr. Katta will open a mercantile business. Mrs. Katta has been appointed Assistant Post Mistress. A premonition of disaster which impelled a mother, now in California, to brand her baby son in Turkey with a knife at the outbreak of the World war, has led to finding the boy among children rescued by near East relief workers. The brand was no simple mark, but a series of deep perpendicular slashes in two rows across the full width of the boy’s shoulders. The baby was stolen from the mother when two years old by a Turkish officer, during deportations of Armenians to the Arabian desert. The father died from privations, but the mother escaped to this country. She began a search for her child and enlisted the aid of the relief workers who watched the throngs of children as they passed through their hands. They had heard of the curious brand before seeing it, for the boy was famous for the brand. The youngster had escaped death at the hands of the Turkish captors because they considered the brand an ill omen so sold him for 50 cents to an Armenian family. The family had been killed and the boy became a wanderer, finally falling into the hands of the American relief workers. It’s been eight years but now mother and son are preparing for reunion. With this issue of the Register-Call, we commence Volume LXII, meaning that the paper commences the 62 nd year of publication in this city. It is the third oldest newspaper in the state and from files in this office almost since the first publication, there is no record of having missed a single publication during that time. The Central States Mining Company of Quincy, Illinois, who are operating the Pine Comb group of mines in Wide Awake District, came out for the purpose of laying plans for heavier operations in the near future and to decide on installing electric power to operate the compressor and hoisting plant, and adding the latest improved air drills, and other labor saving machinery. Mr. L. G. Cavnah, superintendent of the Denver Mining Pool, operating the Atlantic Mine at Hughesville, shipped 9 tons of high grade ore and 6 tons of concentrates to the sampling works at Idaho Springs on Wednesday. Messrs. A.M. Fairchild and Williiam Saunders have placed launders in the creek bed opposite the hardware store, which are equipped with carpet to catch the fine gold that comes down from the excavations being made in the Black Hawk flume. They are prospective millionaires, and we hope their greatest expectations may be realized. The state road from Apex to Tolland is now open for general traffic. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mosch were the first parties over the road since the snow drifts have been shoveled out, making the trip in their flivver. Automobile drivers are cautioned not to do reckless driving since it is not a macadamized road, and that an accident on that road is a short route to eternity. “Sky advertising” is probably the latest dodge to command the attention of the public. A pilot in an aeroplane goes up into the sky, makes twists and turns, and leaves a smoke screen behind him in the form of letters, these letters being weaved into words and sentences. But meantime local merchants can blaze a plainer trail through the advertising pages of this paper - without smoke and at less expense. There was a large crowd of people on Main Street in this city, Saturday evening, to witness the races which had been arranged for the children of the county by members of the fire department, and everything passed off in first class shape. It was such a successful affair that it will be repeated this Saturday evening and all the children of the county are requested to be present and contest for the prizes. Over in China they have a government that functions occasionally - when there is no one around to object. It takes a wise man to give a woman advice without receiving some in return. George K. Kimball commenced work proper on the Virginia Canyon Road on Monday and has had twenty odd men at work for the past few days. But George has resigned his road job, to take effect just as soon as they can find someone to take his place, and will start operations on the Becky Sharpe property, just as soon as he can get free from his present job. Severe electric storm on Monday in Apex, accompanied by hail and rain, followed by snow on Tuesday with thermometers at 28 above. Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, A flash of color beneath the sky; Hats off! The flag is passing by. After Memorial Day and before Independence Day, comes Flag Day. Thursday, June 14, Central Lodge No. 557, order of Elks, will properly celebrate the event with patriotic exercises at their lodge room in the evening, to be followed by a dance at Armory Hall. 120 Years Ago - June 9, 1893 Peter C. Hanson left Central on Friday morning last with a four-horse team, bound for Teller’s Lake, and Boulder Creek, where it flows through Mammoth Gulch. He had in the large cans that made his load, 7,000 mountain trout, which were deposited in Teller’s Lake, and 8,000 brook trout which were given their liberty in Boulder Creek. Mr. Mathias Mack has in contemplation the erection of booths to be constructed of pine boughs near his brewery premises in Eureka Gulch, which will make it a pleasant afternoon summer resort. On one of the pretty lawns in this city there is a spot in which four and even five-leaf clover grows. Nowhere else in this lawn can the most diligent search bring to light a single specimen of the lucky stems, yet in this one spot they grow. A few days ago in a very short time a 7-year-old miss gathered a half dozen five-leaf clover. An eastern gentleman, who, during a two weeks’ stay in Central, kept himself secluded at his hotel, holding the delusive view that there was no scenery about Central, was induced to venture out last Sunday for a drive. When he returned his praise was boundless. “Why,” said he, “What grand scenery you have when you get out where you can see it.” Sunday was a cold raw day, the snow storm in the afternoon moistening up the ground to such an extent as to do away with street sprinkling the day following. A woman never begins to fib about her age until she has passed 25 years. T. H. Bernard, the missing Caribou school teacher, has been traced to a deep gorge near Arapahoe Peak, west of that place. It is feared that he fell into the gorge. Men will be lowered with ropes, and every effort made to recover him. Mineral Prices this week: Silver = $83 ¼ per oz; Lead = $3.75 per oz. The contractors completed sinking on the discovery shaft of the new prospect, the Garden Lode, which is situated on the westerly slope of Observation Mountain immediately back of Mack’s Hall in Eureka Gulch. Quite a vein of galena intermixed with bright yellow copper iron is beginning to come in in the bottom of the shaft. Nevadaville parties are working the Spur Lode, driving a level west and have taken out some very fair looking stamp mill and smelting ore. At the Jane Eye See Lode, a vein that forms one of the group of the Hubert Company’s property, a prospect hole about 30 feet in depth has been cleaned out and sinking of the shaft has begun. The crevice is narrow, but for the depth down the showing is quite flattering. From Mr. Hugo Kruse, who visited Nederland, Boulder County, last Tuesday, the information is derived that Mr. Neil McKinzie has taken charge of the silver mill and reduction works erected years ago at his place by the old Caribou Company. He has refitted it and will have it in the best of running order next week. Mr. James A. Gilmour who visited the Independent and Hawkeye districts a few days ago, informs the mining reporter that the Blaine adit is now in 2,060 feet, and that a splendid body of pay ore has been drifted alongside, which hugs the hanging wall. Born: In Russell Gulch, June 5, 1893, to the wife of James Uren, a daughter. Born: In Nevadaville, June 3, 1893, to the wife of John Warren, a daughter. Died: In Gilson Gulch, June 2, 1893, Isaac Mitchell, native of England, aged 68 years. Died: In Central City, June 8, 1893, of dropsy, Richard Waters, native of England, aged 63 years. Clear Creek is carrying considerable water just at the present time, and the mill men, as a consequence, are happy. The race track west of Nevadaville is to be fitted up. Several of the sports of the place are talking up a trotting match to occur soon after the 4 th of July. The favorite trotter seems to be a blooded mare owned by Mr. Frank Mayhew. She is said to be a daisy either under saddle or when driven to a silky. Yesterday morning’s freight train brought to this city the new 80-horse power improved Hendrie & Bolthoff hoisters for the Hubert Mine, Nevada District, and the Concrete Mine in Eureka District. The prizes to be contested for in the 4 th of July drilling contest are as follows: Double-handed, first prize, $50; second prize, $20. Single-handed, first prize, $25; second prize, $10. The drilling committee will obtain the hardest rock possible. Mr. Walter Scott, superintendent of the Gilpin County L. H. & P. Co., yesterday was wiring the Presbyterian Church, where electric lights will take the place of kerosene lamps. Letter to Editor: Will you please insert in the next issue of your paper the following facts with regard to the burning of our school house at Hughesville: There has been a great deal of envy and jealousy concerning our school for a number of years. In 1889 I was one of the directors, and about that time had been informed that a person in the district had made threats at two different times to burn it down. We therefore insured it for three years, which insurance expired last June. The fiend that burned it must think it would burst our school and prevent us from educating our children, but he has been disappointed. We bought a small house and commenced school last Tuesday. The old one was valued at about $1,000, including all the valuable articles we had for the use of the school. (Patrick McD. Hughes) A Nevadaville girl is so prudish that she would rather tell a lie than the naked truth. Street Commissioner Keleher this week has had quite a force of laborers at work in placing macadam in the low places on West Lawrence Street opposite H. J. Kruse & Sons store. Dr. Ashbaugh, of this city, was summoned to Nevadaville yesterday to attend Mr. John Warren, a miner, working on the Keystone Mine, who met with an accident in the shaft Thursday morning by being caught between the bucket and some timbers near the bottom of the shaft. His side was badly crushed, and as he was bleeding from the lungs, the doctor thinks his injuries are quite serious. You should never judge a man by his appearance. A shabby coat may contain an editor, while the man wearing a high-toned plug hat and supporting a dude cane may be of one his delinquent subscribers.

Patrick Henry Sweeney

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