Turning Back the Pages

30 years ago - October 12, 1984 The Lace House is sporting a new paint job, thanks to the volunteer efforts of members of the Ghost Town Club of Colorado. Last weekend they were crawling all over the building, paint brushes in hand. Repainting the historic Black Hawk house became a project for the club after two of the members, Gary and Gloria Coffey, toured the house last spring. At that time, they met Peg Hendrickson, who is on the board of the Gilpin County Historical Society, which is in charge of the property. The Coffey’s suggested that Hendrickson contact Cyndi Shoenger who is chairman for the Ghost Town Club. Hendrickson did, and the club decided to paint the Lace House. Hendrickson stressed that the colors are registered and authentic. They match original colors established through paint analysis. Members of the Ghost Town Club work on restoration projects all over the state. Walking through the downtown Central City streets on a weekday in the early morning hours is enjoyable. The sun shining, the streets are quiet and calm, and few people, if any, are in sight. After all the noise and hustle of summer, fall days are a welcome relief for many locals. By David S. Grogan: Bill Luna is reported back in the hospital in Houston. Both the Lunas have repeatedly said how much the affection and support and concern of Gilpin County neighbors and friends have meant to them in the past weeks. Zoron has arrived. Zoron doesn't have to do anything - he just is. Zoron is an English mastiff pup going on 200 pounds. He is the house pet of Steve and Bernedette, recently arrived from the East Coast to live in Gilpin County. By Esther Campbell: Aha, it is Indian summer! The last of the aspen “gold” stands like yellow torches among the bare gray branches of the trees that have lost their leaves. Driving to the Golden Gate Park entrance I could see that winter is not far away. The Rocky Mountains are packed in the “white stuff.” They look so majestic all decked out in the white pristine cloak of snow. Chipmunks are scurrying back and forth preparing for the long cold months. On the roadbed of the Casey, I also spied one of our garden friends, a long (approximately 20 inches) slim snake slithering from the gulch side to the rock wall. When I approached to get a better look, he raised his head in defense and shook his tongue at me. When he could see I was only curious he proceeded on his way to the sun warm rocks and probably his den. He was mostly brown and green in color so I guess he was a garter snake. AD: Auditions for the upcoming season the Little Kingdom Players will be held during the week of October 15 through 21. The first production of the winter season will be the hilarious musical comedy, “Doctor, Doctor.” Anyone interested in trying out should call the Golden Rose for an appointment. The Emergency Medical Dispatch program went into effect in Gilpin County on Tuesday. The program was adopted at a special meeting of the board of county commissioners that day. Dispatchers in the sheriff's office have taken the course and can now help people over the telephone by using the prescribed programs for various medical emergencies. Last week, the program was put on hold while the county attorney checked into possible liability problems. He found that the county is insured for the program. The commissioners were enthusiastic about the program. Last week, Jerry Ward said it could be a terrific service. Tuesday, Van Cullar said, “Overall, it's a very worthwhile program. There could possibly be lapses in the service as new dispatchers are hired, because regular dispatching training will take priority over the medical part,” Cullar said. 60 years ago - October 15, 1954 Mr. Charles Botswick was up from Denver last Sunday looking over his mine, the Silver Cloud on Reservoir Hill. Mr. and Mrs. John McNeill, of Denver, were business visitors of the Ben Pardy's, last Saturday. Mrs. Ethel States is enjoying a two weeks’ vacation in Denver. Mrs. Jennie Zancannella returned home Tuesday after several weeks spent in the City receiving medical care. The Orville Gardners are having cement steps and a fence built around their lunch room which adds much to the appearance. Joe Larger is doing the work. Mrs. Perl Neff is staying in Denver this week with a granddaughter while the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cole Neff are in Grand Junction. Mrs. Lawrence T. Lehrer, of Englewood spent the weekend here, with her husband and son, Bob. While in Denver last Monday, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Evans called at the office of Senator Johnson, and also lunched at the Democratic club. Mrs. Rose Williams, of Denver, spent the weekend here visiting her brothers, Ray and Bud Klein and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Klein. Mrs. Henry Klein entertained the Alter and Rosary Society at a pasty luncheon, Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Dagenhart and children made a short visit at the Wagner and Heeren home this week. The Bohler family stopped here on their way to California. Mr. and Mrs. Petche and Mrs. Knoll were in Russell looking over some mining claims. Mrs. Petche is a granddaughter of Mr. Harsch, of Granby. Ernest Ress writes that his ship will dock in Seattle the first of the week, and he will be discharged in Camp Carson by the last of the week. He has been in Korea for a number of months. We wish to than the many friends and neighbors for their help and assistance given our Uncle Beryl Backus during his sickness, death and burial. Signed Jim, Charles and Jack Robins. The new fire truck for Central City arrived from Indiana on Monday amid shrieking of sirens and blowing through the main streets of the city. Fire Chief Paschal Quackenbush and Alderman George Ramstetter, who journeyed to Anderson, Indiana, to drive the truck here, were in the driver’s seat during the display to the citizens of the town. The cost of this truck is in the neighborhood of $11,000 which will be paid immediately now that the Opera House Association has sent the final payment on the Williams Stables, amounting to $7,500. Mr. J.N. Thouvenell has sold most of his mining interests in Gilpin County to the Central Uranium Corporation of which John A. Roosevelt, son of the late President, the purchase price being over $200,000. Thouvenell has been a resident of Gilpin County for almost half a century and had acquired considerable mining property, mostly on Quartz Hill and has always been a staunch boost for mining and Gilpin County and has personally operated many of his properties. The new company intends to do considerable research and development work on many of these properties. We wish the new company the most of success in their venture. The Auxilliary of the American Legion is planning a Bingo party at the Legion Hall, Saturday evening, Oct. 30, to which everyone is invited. 90 years ago - October 10, 1924 Regular Indian summer prevailed in the mountains of this section of Colorado until Last Thursday, when a little snow storm settled the dust, purified the air, and brought a change in the atmosphere that was most invigorating. Tuesday evening of this week rain fell which lasted until Wednesday afternoon, which again settled the dust, and made things generally unpleasant for a few days. There will be added to the regular picture show on Saturday evening, Oct. 25th, a musical treat of true merit. The High School Orchestra of the Denver Catholic Cathedral will render a short, varied program of instrumental gems. Through the courtesy of the superintendent of this school, Rev. Hugh L. McMerramin, we are delighted to extend this musical treat to our patrons free of charge. Show that evening will begin a half hour earlier than usual, which will be 7:30 o'clock. Another term of school has started and there are sixteen in the Freshman class, thirteen in the Sophomore, eleven in the Junior, and one in the Senior Class. We have one ex-Senior, Helen Richards, who is taking a Post-Graduate course. The social life of the school was opened by a party given by the Juniors the evening of Sept. 26. Owing to elaborate preparations made by the Juniors the party was a success. It was attended by all students and teachers of the High School and a few guests who were Mrs. Fitzmorris, Mrs. Travis Malcolm Green, Charles and George Wagner, Emma Partell, Lorane Bingham, and Hughretta Hughes. The Freshmen, their noble brows adorned with the green letters “1924” were a wondrous sight to behold. In spite of many wild adventures including a daring, death-defying ride most of the Freshmen are still alive. Revenge next year will be sweet, they say. Sheriff Oscar Williams was aroused from his slumbers at 2 o’clock Wednesday morning and asked to be on the lookout for an auto that was stolen from the McKenzie garage at Nederland, a few hours before, and was supposed to be heading for this city. The thief had taken the auto out of Mr. McKenzie's garage shortly after midnight and in doing so the back part of the machine struck the side of the building, making considerable noise, which aroused McKenzie, but before he could get into action the machine was gone, but it was not long before he was on the trail and caught the thief on Beaver Creek, where the car was stalled, the operator trying to find out what the trouble was. Mrs. Robert C. Johnson and sister, Mrs. Alice Moran, of San Diago, Calif., who had been visiting here for several weeks, left for Denver Saturday morning. After a few days visit in Denver Mrs. Moran will return to her home, and Mrs. Johnson will visit with her daughter, Mrs. Duke and family. Joseph Floyd, of Burlington, Colo., accompanied by Mr. King, an insurance agent in that city, made this office a pleasant call on Tuesday last, leaving during the afternoon for Denver via Boulder. Joe was looking fine and reports business conditions good. Having business matters to look after in Denver, he induced Mr. King to drive his auto to this city, and that gentleman had quite an experience in coming over the mountain roads. Messrs. Vincent M. Ryan and Jenk Davis motored over from Idaho Springs Saturday, and spent the day visiting with friends. Mr. Ryan is superintendent of the Silver Cycle Mining Company, in Clear Creek County, and Mrs. Davis also holds a position with the company. William Harvey and wife, son Earl, Alvin Reed, brother of Mrs. Harvey, of Beloit, Wis., and Mrs. Bertha Means, of Denver, came up from Denver Saturday evening by auto, on a short visit with friends, returning Sunday afternoon by way of Boulder. 120 years ago - October 12, 1894 The attention of mine owners and lessees is called to the advertisement in this issue of the new concentration mill at Idaho Springs, which has just been completed, and is now ready to handle concentration ores from this county. The mill is what was formerly known as the Mayflower Mill above Idaho Springs has a complete concentration plant of the latest designs, a capacity of 50 tons a day, and Mr. Chittenden, the gentleman who visited this city yesterday, will guarantee as good work as any other mill in the state. Miners should look in the matter and have a test run made on their ores. The new plant of machinery for the Crown Point-Virginia Mine, Virginia District, is in position, steam being raised for the first time last Wednesday. The output will be much larger now that a plant of larger capacity has been placed. An adjourned meeting of the Board of Education of this city was held last Monday evening, the principal business being that of considering the erection of two additional rooms to the school building. Plans were submitted and a contract led to Messrs. Sears & Brooks for the stone work at $3 per perch, they furnish the rock, lime and do the grading. McFarlane & Co. were awarded the contract for the wood work, they agreeing to do the same for actual cost. The addition will be 62 x 26 feet. The walls are to be two feet in thickness and none but the best quarry rock to be used. The building when completed will afford two additional rooms, something that is an imperative necessity. AD: Your Attention for a Moment is called to the fact that all can be supplied with the choicest groceries and canned goods, fresh fruits for preserving or table use, at the lowest prices, by placing your orders at C.C. Miller’s stores in Central or in Black Hawk. These are facts worthy of consideration if you desire to save money. Cyrus Davey, connected with the saloon under Forester’s Hall, this city, skipped out for Denver Tuesday morning, taking with him $300 in cash, besides valuables, leaving his partner and many creditors here to regret his sudden departure. Police in Denver were advised. Major Hal Sayr put in an appearance Tuesday. He has just returned from a visit through some of the western and southwestern parts of the state. He will leave soon for a visit with his family, who has been in the east for some length of time, his children attending school there. Mr. Charles F. Barker and Frank Kinney left last Sunday morning for Fraser and other points in Grand County. As they were well supplied with trusty rifles and fishing tackle it is safe to presume that they will return with “full honors” as capturers of game. Mr. A.J. Smith will fill the former's place at his jewelry store during his absence. Miss Katie Peers, who has been visiting Miss Franc Carpenter, in Golden, returned to Central City last Monday morning. Among other prospective bonanza kings from Pine Creek camp visiting Central this week, was our typographical friend Mr. Thomas Lucas. He and his partner Mr. Richard Jenkins have one of the finest prospects in that section of the Golden Queen. Born: In Lake Gulch, September 29, to the wife of James Robinson, a son. Born: In Denver, September 30, to the wife of G.W. Mabee, a son. This accounts for the smiling countenance of the father since the news was announced to him. Born: In Central City, October 9, to the wife of Louis Hoffmeister, a daughter. Mother and daughter are getting along nicely. The father has received congratulations from his friends and swears by the beard of the prophet that there’s nothing like being the father of a 10 pound baby daughter.

Patrick Henry Sweeney

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