Historically Jeffco 1991 Winter
Winter, I 99 I
Jistoricalle ----tffco
PUBLISHED BY THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Jefferson County, Colorado Volume 4, Number 2, Winter 1991
CATHERINE P. DITIMAN Photo Courtesy of jefferson County Historical Society VOLUME FOUR NUMBER TWO WINTER 1991 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Historically Jeffco is published bian The Jefferson County Historical Commission is once again encouraging everyone to nually in the summer and winter by submit an historical essay regarding factual historical references on Jefferson County to the Jefferson County Historical the Commission prior to April1, 1992. Each submission is evaluated for historical Commission, Golden, Colorado. content, references, style and value by an objective review and winners are announced each summer. Winners receive prize money: $750.00 for first place adult; $250.00 for second place adult; and $250.00 for the best youth entry. It is the intent of the Chairman George Kenry Historical Commission to collect the best possible historical papers depicting Jefferson Vice Chairman Marcetta Lutz County history. In order to do so the Commission is ready to pay for quality. Secretary Erlene Hulsey Interested persons can contact any Commission member to obtain a copy of the Corresponding rules as well as the entry form that must accompany each submission. Or Susie Paulson Secretary Marie Fox at the Jefferson County Courthouse can be notified and the rules and entry form can be Treasurer Dennis Potter L. mailed to interested persons. The deadline for 1992 awards is April 1, 1992. Historian Esther Harkness Jefferson County is one of the few governmental agencies in the United States that has a Historical Commission! This Commission is made up of volunteers, appointed Jefferson County by the County Commissioners. The majority of the commission members are also Commissioners representatives of their local historical societies. These are people that are interested in District One Rich Ferdinandsen documenting and preserving the history of Jefferson County. This means not only District Two Marjorie Clement what has happened in the past but what is happening now! If we are aware of not only District Three John Stone the past but also current events we can make it much easier for future generations to understand what has happened in the past and maybe make it easier for them to plan for the future. Jefferson County Today history is being made daily. Just look at a world map which was current in Historical Commission January of 1991. What a change in history! While Jefferson County is not seeing the District One large scale changes of other parts of the world, it is indeed seeing changes that we Jane Gardner should attempt to document and preserve. Esther B. Harkness Many people believe that historical is only something that happened a long time ago, Dorothy Lombard but we should all be aware that HISTORY IS ALSO WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED! Marcetta Lutz The members of the Jefferson County Historical Commission would like to encour Ruth Richardson age all Jefferson County residents to take part in the preservation of County history by District Two taking an active role in the activities of their local historical societies. Marie Fox Vi Hader Erlene Hulsey Irma Wyhs Donald Ebner ON THE COVER: Sharon Carr District Three Catherine P. Dittman Mary Bindner Artlst-Ubrarlan-Wrlter-Homemaker George C. Kenry &th Pratt Catherine Dittman was born in Connecticut on March 4, 1904 and had her business Norm Meyer career as an interior and architectural designer in New York and North Carolina. Rita Peterson She met Vance R. Dittman when he was attending Yale University and carne to Jamee R. Chambers Colorado in 1941 when they were married. He was a professor oflaw at the University Dennis L. Potter of Denver. They have been residents of Jefferson County since 1946, and Catherine has contributed in many areas of service to her adopted state. She has been a painter and sculptor, and, with Vance, she helped to found a very active environmental group Editor in the foothills area. Dennis L. Potter She co-authored {with Helen N. Brush) a book entitled Indian Hills: The Place, the Times, the People, which was published in 1976. After her research of original sources Publisher for the book, she continued her work as an historian. Catherine does extensive and Brook Trout Press thorough research, preferring to use primary sources. Among others, she has traced Golden, Colorado (continued on page 2)
1 ON THE COVER (continued from page r) the families of John Brisben Walker, researched all the historical information Catherine Dittman has added many George Morrison, and Thomas Bergen. for the Mount Falcon Open Space Park original materials to the collections in the Her writings have been published in The and researched the history of the van Western History Department of the Canyon Courier and High Timber Times ished town of Mt. Vernon, the site of the Denver Public Library and the Jefferson newspapers, as well as in the magazines first Territorial Capital, where stands the County Historical Society. She was chosen Evergreen and Corridor West. home of Terri to rial Governor R. W . for the Jefferson County Hall of Fame in For Jefferson County, Catherine Steele. 1980.
THE BLUE HOUSE REMEMBERS
BY: Dorothy]. Donovan ( 1991 First Place Winner in the Robert Clement History Writer's Awards)
((Welcome to The Blue House. Your As settlers arrived, wheat became their and rightfully; for dry air, equable tem table in the parlor dining room is ready. principal crop in this rolling land which perature, and continuous sunshine are as Enjoy your lunch." had a ridge extending from Table Moun yet the most reliable factors in the cure of A hostess dressed in a calico pinafore tain to Denver. Travelers on the Overland that disease."3 Such articles caused a escorts luncheon guests to one of the Trail spoke of going through uwheat migration of consumptives to Colorado small, charming dining rooms. Thus begins ridges". Henry Lee, who later became a as great as a gold rush. By the decade a visit to a beautiful and historic Victorian state senator, owned a large parcel of land 1880-90 it is estimated one-third of all home: The Blue House Tea Room and which included the area where Lutheran Colorado settlers could be classified as Consignment Shoppe located on the Sanitarium was later built. Senator Lee ((health seekers". 4 grounds of the Lutheran Medical Center logically named the town ((Wheat Ridge". As reported by Marcia T. Goldstein in in Wheat Ridge. The food is scrumptious. Apples, strawberries, truck gardens and uHomelessness in Denver", a special group The ambiance is warm and pleasant, nurseries which featured carnations and susceptible to homelessness in the 1890's generating a happy feeling that all is well dahlias, appeared in the 1870's when was the stream of indigent health seekers with the world-at least here, at this time. larger land tracts were subdivided and victims of tuberculosis in search of a clean After lunch the guests are invited to wheat was no longer grown.1 explore all the rooms to enjoy the In the 1870's Colorado was particularly charming and unique handmade items, affected by the massive influx of people 'Jefferson County Historical Commission. From Scratch , collectibles, and antiques which are for with tuberculosis in search of a healthy A History of Jefferson County. Golden: 1985, pp. 69-70. sale. climate, primarily in response to articles The Overland Trail is normally considered to be the northern route off the mountain branch of the Sante Fe Picture the same house in 1905. Nurses and papers published back east. In a paper Trail. From Bent's Old Fort the first gold seekers headed in long skirts are bustling about. Three presented to the American Medical north and west to Cherry Creek and to its confluence with the South Platte River. Following the South Platte River more patients with consumption have Association in Philadelphia in 1876, northward, the traveler comes to the juncture of Clear arrived. They hope to get well by breath Denver physician Charles Denison claimed Creek. Clear Creek can be followed westward through what is now Wheat Ridge and through the city of Golden. ing the cold, clear, pure, high-altitude air that uno part of the globe promises more Or a traveler could follow the Oregon Trail through of Colorado, and by soaking up its warm help to cure tuberculosis than Colorado Nebraska and take another " Overland Route" down the Platte River to Denver from the northeast. Table Moun rays of sunshine. because of the purity and dryness of the tain·forms a double plateau on either side of Clear Creek We will go back even further, before atmosphere, and its diminished pressure on the east edge of Golden and the west edge of Wheat Ridge. Editor's Note. the Blue House was built. The area where by which the chest is expanded due to the 2Harper, Fred, M.D .. The Story of Tuberculosis and the it stands, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, was high altitude. " 2 A pamphlet published in Evangelical Lutheran Sanitarium. Wheat Ridge: Lutheran first known as Vasquez Precinct when Jef 1886 by the Denver Chamber of Com Medical Center, 1980, P. 7. 3Denver Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade. ferson County Commissioners divided merce and Board of Trade stated, Denver: Plaque at Colorado History Museum, first floor. the County into ten townships in 1863. ((Colorado is the Mecca of Consumptives, 4Harper, Fred. p . 7.
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The Blue House when it was a farm in 1902. Photo Courtesy of the Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary. and sometimes gratis bill of health.5 rives because they were willing to work be infected with tuberculosis before they Scores of destitute people spent their last for a pittance. Other people, fearful of were twenty years of age. In Colorado, dollars just to reach the "cureall" climate catching tuberculosis themselves, tried to 5Goldstein, Marcia. T. "Homelessness in Denver" of Colorado. Nevertheless, as late as stop the invasion of "lungers" .. .law, University of Colorado at Denver, Historical Stuaies jour nal, Vol. VI, 1989, P. 9. 1895, Denver still advertised to the world makers even considered requiring con, 6Dorsett, Lyle W . and Michael McCarthy. The Queen that the "balmy climate and pure air sumptives to wear a warning bell.7 City. &ulder: Pruett Publishing Company, 1986. endows people with nearly perpetual Of Americans born around the turn of 7Leonard, Stephen]. and Thomas]. Noel. Dent~er, Min ing Camp to Merropolis. Niwot, CO: University Press of youth. "6 Many employers liked consump, the century, at least eighty percent would Colorado, 1990, p. 122.
3 where many tuberculars came from other of the individual who had been exposed.12 been used to grow grain and corn, and parts of the country, this disease accounted After solving the problem of supplying Lutheran Sanitarium continued to grow for more deaths than the next three causes clean milk from healthy cows, and the field corn where the big parking lot east of combined. Other patients survived and pasteurization of milk, the effort was the hospital and south of The Blue House are remembered for their accomplish~ devoted to breaking the human chain of is now located. The corn was used to feed ments. These include Governor Frederick infection. Coughing and spitting were the the TB tested cows that supplied healthful Pitkin, Denver Mayor Robert Speer, poets most obvious signs of tuberculosis, so milk for the patients. Helen Hunt and Charles Kingsley, and usually the first step by most cities was The Blue House was put to good use. community leaders Lawrence Phipps and the prohibition of public expectoration. The main floor housed the doctor's and J. Jay Joslin. It was not until1899 with the Denver cracked down on spitters by using superintendent's offices and reception opening of Denver's National Jewish plainclothesmen to arrest them, by im~ room. The upper floor served as a hospi~ Hospital that the sanitarium movement posing fines, and by inserting names of tal for eight of the most seriously ill appeared in Colorado.8 The Missions and the guilty parties in the newspaper. The patients. Churches did what they could, and it is common drinking cup was also abolished For additional tuberculosis patients the said that the half open, half closed street~ and replaced by bubble fountains. 13 Sanitarium Board purchased the best cars were devised by the Denver City On May 5, 1903, twelve men and three "health tent" on the market. It was called Tramway Company because the tubercu~ women, all members of St. John's Luthe~ the Tucker Tent, a combination of wood lars needed fresh air .9 ran Church of Denver, met to discuss the and canvas, which was used by other lead~ "No plague, war, or natural disaster possibility of providing care to tubercula~ ing sanitariums. Equipped with a stove, can compare with tuberculosis in death sis patients. They organized the Evangeli~ comfortable bed, rocking chair, and table, rates, suffering, or the alteration of human cal Lutheran Sanitarium Association, and it was "home" to the tuberculosis patient. lives. Tuberculosis is the oldest, most immediately appointed a committee to The tent was so constructed that fresh air widespread disease known to man", stated report on the condition of tuberculosis in continually passed through it, both in Dr. Fred Harper in his book, The Story of the area. The findings were dramatic. winter and summer. Tents were used not Tuberculosis and the Evangelical Lutheran Afflicted people were arriving in Colo~ to save money, but because they were Sanitarium. 10 Tubercular mummies have rado by train daily, were on the streets or considered the best way to house patients been found in Egypt. Vivid accounts of riding in street cars, and were sitting on and provide fresh air for them. During the tuberculosis of the lungs date back to verandas in public buildings. first decades of this century it became an Hippocrates (460~377 BC). The Greek "Sunken cheeks, tottering steps, expres~ obsession to prevent tuberculosis by word "phthisis", which means to shrivel sionless eyes-all clearly showed the dis~ breathing fresh air. Many backyards in up and waste away compared with its ease had taken its toll", the committee the Denver metro area had a tent for English counterpart "consumption", reported. This report was no exaggera~ which until recently was used as the tion. The situation in Denver and the sur~ common lay term for tuberculosis. Hip~ rounding area was drastic.14 pocrates taught that if the tubercular The Lutheran Sanitarium committee 8Shikes, Robert H.,M.D .. Rocky Mountain Medicine patient was treated early before the wasted no time in their efforts to help Doctors, Drugs, and Disease in Early Colorado. Boulder: Johnson Books, 1986, pp. 157-163. hemorrhage was excessive and the body people suffering from the dreaded tuber~ When tubercular bacilli invade the body tissues they too emaciated, the patient could be cured culosis. Later in 1903 the committee increase very rapidly, and cause the formation of groups of cells called tubercles. When a person can resist the by fresh air and rest in bed. This was the found a suitable location for their pro~ germs, his body forms a hard tissue around them. When method of treatment until well into the posed health farm. Two ten acre tracts, the disease is more serious, the tubercle cells begin to die and become infected. Then they rapidly form ulcers and 11 twentieth century . one and a half miles from the end of the cavities that are signs of the disease. In most cases the In 1882, Robert Koch, a country doc~ 38th Avenue Electric Street Car Line, bacilli attack the lungs causing pulmonary tuberculosis. ln most cases the patient suffers from a constant tired feel tor in Germany, announced to the world were purchased for $17,150.00. The ing, poor appetite or steady loss of weight. Later there is a that he had discovered a "small germ" as property included a beautiful Victorian dry cough and slight rise in temperature toward evening. Sometimes blood is raised from the lungs during a spell of the cause of tuberculosis. This was an farm home with fourteen rooms, each coughing. Editor's Note. important discovery, although an antibi~ with light and air. The house was built in 9 Arp, Louisa Ward. Dentler in Slices. Athens, OH: Swal low Press, 1959, p. 41. otic to combat the disease was not deve~ 1902, and is now known as the Blue IO Harper, Fred. Introduction. loped until sixty years later. It was soon House. An artesian well with a water tank 11" Tuberculosis". Encyclopedia Americana. Danbury, learned, however, that the bacillus was on the property supplied pure water. The CT: Grolier, Inc., 1988, Vol. 27. p . 193. transmitted by infected people, or from view was exquisite, overlooking a broad 12 Myers, J. Arthur. Captain of All These Men of Death- Tuberculosis Historical Highlights. St. Louis: Warren H. milk of infected cows. The tubercle bacil~ valley with silow~overed mountains in Green, Inc., 1977, p . 44. lus could enter the body by inhalation or the background. As a result of prudent 13 Teller, Michael. E. The Tuberculosis Movement. West port: Greenwood Press, Inc., 1988. pp. 69-70. ingestion of bacteria~laden droplets. planning and hard work, the Sanitarium 1 ~ "Lutheran Hospital News and Views." Evangelical 1 Whether or not the disease developed in was in operation by May of 1905. 5 Lutheran Sanitarium Review, February 1980, p. 3. someone depended upon the immunity The land at this location had previously 15 Harper, Fred. p. 21.
4 sleeping which was used the year around societies, and church organizations.18 One The Board of Directors of Lutheran even in sub,zero weather .16 of the Tucker Tents has been preserved, Sanitarium began printing and selling TB The original fifteen tents were occu, and may be seen on the grounds just east Seals in Colorado in 1910. This method pied at once. The first tent patient was of the Blue House. of raising money had been used success, Albert Knoernschild, a student at St. In the spring of 1906, Lutheran Sanita, fully back east. The Board issued a stamp Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri. rium personnel expressed satisfaction that exclusively for their Sanitarium, and sold Albert arrived in Wheat Ridge on June 8, the health farm had stood the test of the it for one cent apiece. The revenue was a 1905 having suffered with tuberculosis first winter. All except two patients had great help financially, and selling the seals over two years, and was discharged in remained in their tents the whole time. became an annual community event. healthy condition on February 17, During the first year, fifty,six patients School children sold the stamps door to 1906.17 By September of that year the were cared for, of whom twenty,four left door with such exuberance it was sug, Sanitarium was unable to accept any greatly improved, ten died and twenty, gested that purchasers paste one of the more patients because all the tents and two remained. The Sanitarium had already seals on the doorknob to avoid multiple rooms of the hospital (The Blue House) proved its importance and necessity.19 solicitations. The seals were bought by were occupied. Patients who took care of By 1915 utent city" had grown to people who could afford very little, and their own tents paid $35.00 a month; if include twenty,nine tents. Improvements gave them a sense of involvement in the staff maintained the tent, the cost was were made over the years: An electric battle against tuberculosis.20 $40.00 a month, and patients who occu, power system was installed so lights were pied the hospital house paid $50.00 available; an automobile was donated to monthly. These rates included a doctor's the Sanitarium to carry supplies from 16Jbid. pp. 22-28. care and medication, plus general nurs, Denver, and to transport visitors and 17Boswell, Phyllis Brees. "It Began as Tent City". ing. Obviously, the institution was unot patients from the bus line to the health Wheat Ridge: Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary historical records, 1970, p. 7. for profit", in accordance with its charter. farm. This new car replaced the old horse 18"Lutheran Hospital News and Views." The cost of caring for charity patients was named Swaney who had contributed loyal 19Harper, Fred. pp. 24-32. made up by friends of the Sanitarium, service in past years. 20Teller, Michael E., p. 40.
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Registration of first patient at Lutheran Sanitarium. Courtesy of Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary.
5 It was inevitable that eventually a major rium. Ted Erickson grew up across the pneumonia''. Mrs. Willman enjoys going Spring blizzard would strike Colorado. street. He says, "I lived on the north side to the Blue House for lunch occasionally The Sanitarium newspaper described a of 38th Avenue, and remember the TB these days, and recalls living in the various snowstorm that occurred April16, 1920. tents very well. My parents told me not to rooms which were her bedroom and liv The storm started at night and did not let cross 38th as I might get sick. This was ing quarters. She says the nurses often up for sixty-two hours, with the wind about 1915 or 1916. I also remember the moved around into different rooms in the howling and blowing up to fifty miles per big home (The Blue House) that was used big house. hour at times. Drifts were piled high as a nurses's home. Then it was a short The advent of miracle drugs, such as between the tents so that it was difficult to distance west of its present location, streptomycin in 1944, began to change get food to the patients. The porters were where the main hospital now stands. the program for tuberculosis care. Anti hit harder by the storm than anyone else There was a big field of corn where the big biotics promised the hope of eventually because they had to clear the sidewalks to parking lot is now located." conquering the disease, so long term rest, deliver trays, and had to plow through Naomi Olson remembers Lutheran special diet, fresh cold air and sunshine high drifts with buckets of coal for the Sanitarium and the Blue House on the became increasingly expendable as treat stoves.21 property. Her parents, Emil and Hattie ment. Therefore, it became necessary for The tent colony existed for sixteen Kullerstrand, settled on a tract on 38th the Board of Directors of Lutheran Sanit years, and was always filled to capacity. It Avenue (then called Prospect Avenue), arium to decide what to do with existing became apparent that more space was west of the Sanitarium. Mr. Kullerstrand facilities no longer needed. A major pro needed, so in May 1920 ground was was a dedicated and successful gardener ject was initiated which led to the creation broken for a large pavilion. When the known for the luscious strawberries and of a general hospital. When construction new facility was completed, the tent city juicy apples he grew. Mrs. Kullerstrand, of the new center began in July 1960, the came to an end. It had served its purpose Naomi Olson's mother, served the com water tower and two buildings of the orig well. munity diligently, always ready to help inal farm remained: the big barn, and the The beautiful new pavilion was dedi the sick and needy, especially the child Blue House. After the number of tubercu cated in 1921. To the east and northeast ren. The Hattie Kullerstrand Elementary lar patients decreased dramatically, it was was the Wheat Ridge shopping district School in Wheat Ridge was named in her no longer necessary to house dairy cattle and its nurseries of famous dahlias and honor.23 in the barn, so that building was used for carnations. To the south were orchards Dorothy Lyles recalls the thirty-five storage. The Blue House continued to be and truck farms, and to the north was the years she worked in Food Service at a nurses' residence.24 small town of Arvada. To the west was a Lutheran Sanitarium. A friend of hers, panoramic view of the majestic Rocky Ruth Willman, is a nurse who lived in the Mountains. The pavilion was four stories Blue House from 1938 until1946, when 21 "Lutheran Hospital News and Views" . high, cost $225,000.00, and was built her husband returned from serving in The storm of 1920 dropped nearly 20 inches of snow with money received from Lutheran World War II. Mrs. Willman came to overnight. The 1920 snow storm stopped mail delivery for three days and derailed the Lakewood-Golden Inter Churches, the Walther League and char Lutheran Sanitarium by chance. She says, mountain Trolley at Devinney Street. itable gifts. It had a flat roof for heliother "I took my nurse's training in St. Louis The most severe storm came between December 1-6, 1913 when 45.7 inches of snow fell in Denver and Jeffer apy (sun care), and screened porches. and began working at City Hospital there son County. In Edgewater of Jefferson County a record Lutheran Sanitarium could now accom in the mid thirties. It was not a pleasant sixty inches of snow fell during the 1913 storm and in Wheat Ridge and Lakewood twelve foo t deep drifts were modate one hundred and fifty patients. place to work during those depression left on December 7, 1913. The Blue House had a new function: it years, so I wrote to several hospitals app The other notable snow storms in Jefferson County history include: housed offices and a laboratory, and soon lying for a position, deciding to accept the *April 22, 1885 when 23 inches of snow was became a residence for Sanitarium nurses. first one that replied. It was Lutheran measured. *The Christmas blizzard of 1982 dropped 24 inches Lutheran Sanitarium continued to Sanitarium. So, at the age of twenty-four I of snow in 24 hours in the Denver metro area. In Wheat operate at full capacity helping any tuber came to Colorado. Some friends and fam Ridge the snow was measured at 34 inches and 40 inches was measured at Golden Gate Canyon just north of cular patients. By 1932 the need for addi ily members in St. Louis thought it was Golden. tional building expansion became evi 'crazy to go work in a TB Sanitarium'. *The Thanksgiving blizzard of 1983 dropped 21 inches on Denver. Editor's Note. But, I was young, I came, and never wor dent, so a women's wing, a Romanesque 22Harper, Fred, pp. 38-46. chapel, and a superintendent's residence ried about it. The staff took all precau 23 Wheat Ridge Bicentennial Commission, Biographical were built.22 The Blue House continued tions possible to avoid contracting the Sketches , Early Settlers of Wheat Ridge. Wheat Ridge: B&B Printing Company, Inc., 1976, p. 15. Naomi Kullerstrand to be a valuable part of the complex, serv disease". One thing Mrs. Willman said Olson assisted in the preparation of this article. Author's ing as a nurse's home, and often providing she didn't like was going into rooms to Note. Naomi Kullerstrand Olson was installed in the Jeffer a room or two in which patient's families give patients their baths, with cold air son County Hall of Fame in 1988. Known as an educator, could stay. blowing in through the windows. "I always school superintendent, author and historian, Naomi was instrumental in the genesis of the Jefferson County His There are many people in Wheat Ridge shut the windows temporarily, telling the torical Commission. Editor's Note. who recall these days of Lutheran Sanita- patients I didn't want them to catch HHarper, Fred, p. 49.
6 A headline in the Rocky Mountain News In addition to the many activities in the on the original farm. Hand cut stencils of on February 3, 1962 stated, uFirst General Hospital's main buildings, the Auxiliary a grapevine border were painted on the Hospital Opened in Jefferson County." began to operate a Thrift Shop in a small walls in one of the rooms. A food com, The article reported that the 220 bed adobe cottage south of the water tower. mittee planned menus and coordinated facility was built and equipped at a cost of The cottage was later razed due to general meal preparation. The community was more than 5 million dollars, with money deterioration, as was the wood barn in invited to bring hand crafts, household raised by private subscriptions and 1979. The Blue House and water tower items, and antiques for consignment, to through a large bond issue. Jefferson now became the only remaining struc, be displayed in every room in the house.27 County Commissioner Maurice E. Bauer tures of the original Lutheran Sanitarium On April 24, 1985, about eight months clipped the ribbon at the main entrance of era. Both are still in use today. The water after the actual work began, The Blue the new Lutheran Hospital and Medical tower, which may be seen just south of House Tearoom and Consignment Shoppe Center on February 2, 1962, officially the Blue House, stores water from several opened for business-bright and fresh in opening the first general hospital in the wells on the property. The water is used its French country motif. Chairs and a county. The Rocky Mountain News further for irrigation of the grounds. swing on the roomy front porch are a stated that the facility was needed in fast, In 1978 the Hospital assigned The Blue friendly reminder of the old farm house. growing Jefferson County, whose popula, House to the Volunteer Services De, The Parlor, the Dining Room, the tion doubled between 1952 and 1962, partment. After undergoing extensive reno, Turret Room, and the library are the and was expected to double again by vation and redecorating, the House became names of dining rooms on the main floor. 1970. Jefferson County will be the most the new location of the Thrift Shop and Some patrons request a favorite room populous county in the metropolitan area the work area for the crafters. After oper, when making luncheon reservations. The by the year 2000.25 The Rocky Mountain ating successfully for several years, the history of the Blue House, the chandeli, News article concluded with the state, enthusiasm for the Thrift Shop began to ers, woodwork, built,in cabinets and ment that Lutheran Medical Center is decline when the popularity of garage consignment artifacts are often subjects non,sectarian, offering hospital facilities sales increased. A decision to close the of lunch time conversation. Also on the unsurpassed in the Rocky Mountain Thrift Shop was made in 1984. New pro, main floor is the modern, well equip, region.26 jects for the Blue House were investigated. ped kitchen and a huge country,style Lutheran Hospital continued to expand For some time Auxiliary member Mil, bathroom. into a large, wellequipped general hospital lie Malcolm had been dreaming about On the second floor is the collecting with adjacent offices and medical build, using the magnificent Victorian home as a and pricing room for the items submitted ings. In 197 3, dedication ceremonies were tearoom. She convinced the Auxiliary the on consignment. Among objects for sale held for a six,story, 12 million dollar idea had merit, and the next step was to are clothes for children and adults, dolls, addition, increasing the capacity of the obtain permission from the Medical Cen, paintings, jewelry, antique china and fur, hospital to four hundred beds. The com, ter. After that was accomplished, the niture. Consignment items are accepted plex is now called The Lutheran Medical Auxiliary loaned itself money for the on Tuesday and Friday mornings. The Center. In a message to the volunteer project. The original investment was donor sets the price, within guidelines of orientation class on October 17, 1990, $50,000.00, which was paid back within the consignment jury, and receives sev, Dick Taylor, Executive Director and Vice eighteen months. enty percent of the money when the item President of Lutheran Hospital, stated To start the project, Auxiliary volun, is sold, with the balance to the Blue House that Lutheran Medical Center is rated in teers consulted an architect, and serious and subsequently the Auxiliary and the the top ten percent of all hospitals in the structural changes were sub~ontracted. Lutheran Medical Center. Articles are on United States. An electrician rewired the house, a carpet display in the dining rooms, the hallways, Three hundred applications were re, layer did his job, and a painter brightened and even the two large bathrooms. Sales ceived when plans to organize the Luthe, the exterior of the house with a soft, but are brisk, especially during the Christmas ran Hospital Auxiliary were announced definite ublue,blue" color. Most of the season when there is often a line at the in September of 1961. Prior to that time, interior work, however, was done by cashier's desk. Also on the second floor is ugray ladies" from the Jefferson County Auxiliary volunteers, from painting and a crafts room, a sewing room, a large American Red Cross served the Sanita, wallpapering to selecting the table linen bathroom, and a room which guests may rium and most of these volunteers con, and china. They redesigned the kitchen to reserve for groups during weekday morn, tinue to work alongside the Hospital Aux, meet required restaurant standards, and iliary. By 1986 {the Auxiliary's Twenty, chose new colors for the interior decor. Fifth Anniversary) 1, 792,200 hours of Annette Haltenhoff was responsible for 25Leonard and Noel, p. 321. service and $1,946,700.00 had been the design and painting of the entry way 26" First General Hospital Opened in Jefferson County", The Rocky Mountain News, Denver, February 3, 1962. donated to Lutheran Hospital by floor. The folk art apple tree design is 27Hoback, Jane. "Housewives Create Blue House Tea volunteers. reminiscent of the orchards that existed room", Lakewood Sentinel, June 6, 1985, p. 8.
7 ings. Coffee is served to these groups until Auxiliary's annual pledge to the Medical arily by volunteers, and proceeds benefit they move to the main floor for lunch, Center. Reservations for lunch are re, the hospital. We are told that lunch is after which they may return to their quested, but walk,ins are welcome if exquisite, the interior of the house is group activity. there is space available. The Blue House is divine, and that service doesn't come There is an ice,maker, washer and open from 11:00 am to 2:30pm, Monday any friendlier. The price of each lunch is dryer, freezer, and storage area in the through Friday, and can accommodate easily affordable-an experience not to basement. The volunteers launder the fifty people at one time. be missed. napkins and place mats each day after The Blue House has one special fund The majestic Blue House stands in luncheon guests have left, and clean up raiser each year. While guests enjoy the quiet dignity overlooking the campus that the dining rooms and set the tables with chef's delicious luncheon, models walk once was populated with tents for patients fresh linen for the next day. Frequently through each room displaying the latest of tuberculosis, and is now home of the the rooms are given a professional cleaning. fashions. Several gift items are also raffled. modern, successful Lutheran Medical Most Blue House volunteers work one This is a popular activity for both the Center-the only general hospital in Jef, day a week. It requires approximately guests and volunteers and has proven its ferson County. With a history of almost fifty people each week as hostesses who worth in collecting money for the Medi, ninety years of service, The Blue House serve the luncheon, cashiers, consignment cal Center. For this event tickets must be remains very much alive, and continues workers, and a day manager. The day purchased in advance.31 In 1990 the Blue to benefit the community.32 manager schedules reservations, makes House Tea Room and Consignment sure there is plenty of coffee, iced tea, and Shoppe generated $25,708.00 toward the 28Joan and Keith Lautenbach are the volunteer manag the popular hot spiced tea, and assists Auxiliary's annual pledge. ers of The Blue House until their term expires in February hostesses when necessary.28 The manag, The Blue House, which already had of 1992. 29" Colorful History for Blue House Tearoom", Restau ers supervise the buying of food and been moved from its original space on the rant News of the Rockies, Denver: October 1987. supplies, keep financial records and pay farm, almost met with its demise in 1988 30Luis Martinez is the Chef at the Blue House. He has been there for over five years and also serves as a volunteer bills, and work with the menu committee when Lutheran Parkway was widened at the Medical Center. He is an active member of Colo and the chef in planning meals. The only and rerouted. The House was saved by rado Chefs de Cuisine Association and the American Culinary Federation. The menu at the Blue House changes paid employees are the chef and a kitchen loyal friends, Wheat Ridge City Council, weekly, offering an appetizer, salad, freshly baked muf helper and dishwasher. Otherwise, the and support of the Wheat Ridge Histori, fins, beverage and a choice of two entrees. Entree exam ples include petite shrimp in lemon-chive sauce served in a Tea Room and Consignment Shoppe is cal Society, which hopes some day to patty shell with fresh peas, or Swissed beef and vegetables run entirely by the Lutheran Medical have The Blue House designated as a his, over noodles. There is a choice of dessert with the lun cheon, such as chocolate pecan pie or a sundae and Z9 Center Auxiliary volunteers. torical landmark. Fortunately, planners homemade cookie. Birthdays and anniversaries may be The present chef was hired shortly after of the Parkway managed a successful acknowledged by presentation of a small cake, and singing the restaurant opened. He prepares deli, route without disturbing the House. by the hostess volunteers. Author's Note. 31 Granica, Barbara. "Blue House Burns Five Candles cious and nutritious meals, and is often Along with other wall decorations in This Year", Applewood Transcript, April 18, 1990. complimented by the guests. So many the Blue House, there hangs a plaque-an 32 The Author wants to thank Phyllis Swanson, Director of Volunteers at Lutheran Medical Center; Robert ]. lunch guests requested Blue House recipes award from The Applewood Transcript Olson, Curator of the Wheat Ridge Museum; Alvera that they are now printed on cards and dated December 22, 1988, which reads: Blackwood, Historian of the Lutheran Medical Center Auxiliary; Ted Erickson, former postmaster of Wheat sold for twenty,five cents-the money The Blue House rounds out our top ten Ridge; Dorothy Lyles, a volunteer at the Medical Center going to the Auxiliary.30 business list. Located at the north after thirty five years of employment; Ruth Willman, R.N., who lived at the Blue House when it was a nurse's The income from the reasonably priced entrance to Lutheran Medical Center, residence; and to all the other volunteers of the Blue meals, plus all tips, becomes part of the the restaurant and gift shop is run prim, House for assistance in the preparation of this article.
8 A TOUR OF GOLDEN'S RAILROADS
By: Dan Abbott ( r989 Honorable Mention Essay for the Robert Clement History Writer's Award)
COLORADO CENTRAL ble, and it was hoped to have all of the pleted through to Central City (a distance work completed on the new cutoff by of 4 miles by rail) and opened to traffic on RAILROAD the following day. However, the work June 1, 1878. wasn't finished until February 25. Part of The Union Pacific organized a road W.A.H. Loveland organized the Colo the new line was three railed to a point known as the Georgetown Breckenridge rado and Clear Creek Railroad Company north of Golden to accommodate narrow & Leadville Railway Company on Febru on February 9, 1865 which was to include gauge trains of the Golden & Ralston ary 23, 1881. The road was to run from a railroad up Clear Creek Canyon. Railroad, which ran to the Murphy Coal the end of the Colorado Central track at Amendments to the charter on January Mine on Ralston Creek, two miles off the Georgetown to Leadville and beyond. 20, 1866 changed the name to the Colo Colorado Central's new main line to Construction began in January of 1882, rado Central and Pacific Railroad Com Cheyenne. and by October of that year the grading pany. In June of 1867 the Colorado Cen The Denver Marshall & Boulder Rail was completed through to Bakerville at tral was reorganized with Union Pacific road-built from Denver to Boulder which time all further work was tempor interests practically in control. The fol was placed into service on August 1, arily suspended. Work on the railroad lowing year, the name was changed to the 1886. The DM&B track crossed the was resumed in the summer of 1883. But Colorado Central Railroad Company. Colorado Central near a point named due to many difficulties encountered it Construction began on the Colorado Marshall Junction. From this time on, was not until the spring of 1884 that the Central in Golden on January 1, 1868. Colorado Central northbound trains were end-of-track reached Silver Plume. The The first objective being to build 15 miles routed over the DM&B between Mar line was completed through to Bakerville of standard gauge railroad to Denver. shall Junction and Denver, which was (or Graymount) 4 miles beyond Silver This segment of the Colorado Central considerably shorter than the route Plume. The first regular passenger train from Golden to Denver-was completed through Golden. Between 1888 and 1890, arrived in Silver Plume on March 31, by September 26, 1870. the Colorado Central track from Golden 1884. The standard gauge "Cheyenne Div to Marshall Junction was abandoned. To merely state that the Union Pacific ision" of the Colorado Central began at The Colorado Central's ((Mountain extended the Colorado Central's tracks Golden Junction-some three miles east Division" had been completed west from 8Yz miles west beyond Georgetown to of Golden-and was completed north to Golden to the Forks of the Creek ( 13 Graymount would be an understatement. Longmont by April15, 1873. On Novem miles) by September 1, 1872. Tracks This portion of mountain railway was far ber 4, 1877 the first through train was run were laid to the depot in lower Blackhawk from being just an ordinary piece of rail to Cheyenne. by December 17, 1872. On March 1, road construction. Between Georgetown The original standard gauge line to 1873 the end-of-track reached Floyd Hill, and Silver Plume was to be found one of Cheyenne began three miles east of Golden three miles beyond Forks Creek. By this the most difficult mountain railroad at Golden Junction. Though this route time the panic of that year appeared on engineering problems. This marvel of offered the Colorado Central an easier the scene, and brought a halt to any railroad construction was the famous grade along the east side of North Table further work on this branch for the time ((Georgetown Loop'', and was one of the Mountain, it interfered with train move being. greatest engineering feats to be found on ments between Golden and Denver. A Construction of the line west of Floyd any Colorado railroad. Although owned new line running directly north from Hill up the South Fork of Clear Creek by the Union Pacific, the GB&L was Golden and climbing through the draw to was assembled early in 1877. By the mid operated in connection with the Colo the west side of North Table Mountain dle of June the railhead had been pushed rado Central. The operation of the Geor was graded and made ready for rails in five miles west of Floyd Hill to Idaho getown Breckenridge & Leadville Rail November of 1877. The last train passed Springs. The entire line between Floyd way continued until April 1, 1890 when over the old line on February 22, 1878 Hill and Georgetown, a distance of 18 it was merged into the Union Pacific and trains were canceled the following miles, was completed and opened to traf Denver & Gulf Railway Company. day. Immediately, track gangs began tear fic on August 14, 1877. Accordingly, on On March 1, 1879 the Colorado Cen ing up the track on the old line and mov July 1, 1877 work was resumed on the tral Railroad was leased for fifty years to ing the material over to the new grade. line beyond Blackhawk and continued the Union Pacific. During this period the The track was relaid as rapidly as possi- without interruption until it was com- Colorado Central was owned and oper-
9 a ted by the Union Pacific and was known 1941 the job was completed. This also ing been removed prior to this date) the as the Colorado Central Branch of the included the removal of the narrow gauge grade, depot ground, etc., had been pur Union Pacific. The road continued to third rail between Golden and Denver, chased by the Atchinson Topeka and operate under the name of the Colorado leaving only the standard gauge rails in Santa Fe R.R. for $40,000.00. However, Central thus retaining its original identity, place between these two points. one source indicated that C.C. Welch, until April 1, 1890 when it was merged This broad gauge segment-from E.L. Berthoud and W.A.H. Loveland into the Union Pacific Denver & Gulf Golden to Denver-still operates today retained one share of stock in the Golden Railway Company. The UPD&G was to under the name of the Colorado & City & South Platte as late as 1891. last but three years before going into Southern Railway. It's freight traffic con receivership on October 13, 1893 due to sists mainly of coal and other manufactur the financial panic of that year. ing supplies for the Coor's Brewery, and GOLDEN 7 RALSTON On December 19, 1898 the Colorado hauling beer to other points for RAILROAD & Southern Railway Company was or distribution. ganized by the UPD&G bondholders. This railroad was organized in late However, control of the C&S did not October 1876 with English capital for the remain in the hands of the original inc or GOLDEN CITY ~ purpose of constructing five miles of nar porators for very long. Only four years SOUTH PlAtTE row gauge track from Golden north to the after its organization, control of the C&S Murphy and Ralston Creek coal mines. was acquired by purchase in the open The Golden City & South Platte Rail It was originally proposed to connect market by Edwin T. Hawley and asso way & Telegraph Company was organ with the uMountain Division" of the ciates in 1902. The Chicago Burlington & ized by Charles C. Welch (President) and Colorado Central at Golden. Surveys Quincy acquired the C&S and assumed Edward L. Berthoud (Secretary) on De were completed by E.L.Berthoud late in control on December 21, 1908, but cember 30, 1871 to construct a narrow February 1877, but due to excessive allowed the Colorado & Southern Rail gauge line from Golden southeastward to grades near Golden between North Table way to operate under its original identity. Acequia, a station on the Denver & Rio Mountain and Ralston Creek (an aver On March 27, 1931 the Colorado & Grande, a distance of twenty miles. age of 160 feet to the mile) construction Southern management applied for per Incorporation papers were filed on Janu was delayed. mission to abandon the segment between ary 18, 1872 with a capitalization of By late February 1878 the Colorado Blackhawk and Central City. By May 9, $400,000.00. Work on this line con Central's standard gauge (!Cheyenne 1931 the railroad was granted permission tinued through 1873 with approximately Division" east of North Table Mountain to dismantle this portion and by the end seventeen miles of the grade being com from Golden to Leyden-on the north of July the job was finished. pleted, when the financial crisis of that side of Ralston Creek-had been relo On February 28, 1936 the C&S re year suspended operations. cated to the west side of North Table quested permission to abandon the entire During 1879 three miles of this railway Mountain north from Golden. narrow gauge Clear Creek line from were completed to some clay beds and Construction on the narrow gauge Silver Plume to Golden, including the line kilns south of Golden. This railway Golden & Ralston Railroad (sometimes branch from Forks Creek to Blackhawk. connected with the Colorado Central referred to as the (!Knox Branch") was The ICC granted permission to abandon Railroad in Golden and also had 5 50 feet completed by the middle of February only that section of the road west ofldaho of side tracks here. By April 1880 the 1878. As constructed this railroad-all Springs to Silver Plume on January 31, increasing demand in Denver for Golden's two miles-connected with the standard 1939. The last scheduled train to operate manufactured products-firebrick, fire gauge Colorado Central near Dry Creek west of Idaho Springs made the run on clay, pressed brick, lime, stone and coal (now VanBibber Creek), a small stream January 30, 1939. By March 21, 1939 all induced the Golden City & South Platte north of Golden and ran west up Ral the line beyond Idaho Springs had been Railway to put on a daily freight train. ston Canyon to the Murphy coal mine. dismantled, including the ((Georgetown As constructed the main line ran south To accommodate traffic originating Loop". from Golden along Jackson Street, veered on this < 10 This railroad apparently had been & South Platte Railway. By September most of the Tindale branch on July 24, abandoned prior to 1884. 12, 1891, the 7 5 pound rail had reached 1896. Golden from Lakewood, with regular On July 31, 1896 the road was placed DENVER lAKEWOOD L passenger and freight service commenc in receivership by Judge Hallett, and GOLDEN RAILWAY ing before the end of September of that W.W. Borst was named receiver. On year. May 31, 1902 the Federal Court ordered On July 11, 1890 the Denver Lake In November 1894 the road completed the sale of the Denver Lakewood & wood & Golden Railway was incorpo a branch 8Y2 miles long to Tindale, a small Golden. After many delays lasting two rated with $600,000.00 capital. This rail coal mining community north of Golden years, the DL&G was sold at foreclosure way began at the east bank of the South near Ralston Creek. This branch ran from to Samuel Newhouse for the sum of Platte River in Denver and ran west on ·' near the intersection of Water and Jack $175,000.00 on May 21, 1904. New what today is West 14th Avenue. It then son Streets in Golden between the exist house organized the Denver & Inter continued past Sheridan, Wadsworth, ing UPD&G (formerly the Colorado mountain Railway on May 19 and it was and Kipling on West 12th Avenue, and Central) track and Clear Creek west near incorporated on May 20. The Denver thence through a part of Camp George the present water plant then looped north Lakewood & Golden passed into history West, past the Lookout School for Boys along the base of the foothills. However, a as the Denver & Intermountain Railway into Golden down Jackson Street on the violent thunderstorm which caused took over operations of the road on June old abandoned grade of the Golden City flooding in Tucker Gulch washed out 1, 1904. Denver and Northwestern Railroad. Last cars into Golden in 1950. Photo location at 13th and east of Washington Street. Photo Courtesy of Golden DAR Pioneer Museum. 11 Electric service on the Denver & Inter, DENVER~ MOUNT MORRISON mountain between Denver and Golden NORTHWESTERN began on February 1, 1909. In June 1910 CABLE INCLINE RAILWAY the control of the Denver & lntermoun, tain was acquired by the Denver Tram, As early as April of 1907, John Bris, bane Walker had projected a cable incline The Denver & Northwestern Railway way Company with William G. Smith as railway from the Garden of the Titans Company was incorporated on June 6, President. (now Red Rocks Park) to the summit of 1901 by Denver Tramway interests which This eventually became the Tramway's Mount Morrison. He organized the Colo, included David H. Moffat. The Denver No. 84 electric line. And car number 25 rado Power, Water, Railway & Resort Tramway controlled the Leyden Coal which ran on this line can be seen today at Company in 1907 to accomplish this feat. Company and to get the coal from the the Colorado Railroad Museum on West Mount Morrison is about six miles south mine to the power plant in Denver a 44th Avenue. of Golden, and its summit is about 8,000 separate electric line was organized. The The last passenger run on this line ran feet above sea level. Denver & Northwestern used the Tram, on June 4, 1950 and freight service ended The incline had a track gauge of 5 feet 4 way gauge of 42 inches instead of stand, on March 16, 1953, thus ending 63 years inches and there were two cars painted ard gauge. Construction commenced on of continuous service to Golden. white and trimmed in black and yellow, this portion of the line to Leyden from which had a capacity of 100 passengers the end of the Berkeley car line near the each. In operation, one of these cars was current Lakeside Amusement Park, and lowered, while the other was raised, the was completed by January 24, 1903. cars passing in the middle on a passing After completion of the Leyden line, a DENVER GOLDEN ~ track. branch was built from Clear Creek June, MORRISON Construction on the Mount Morrison tion (just south of Arvada) to Golden. Cable Incline began about the middle of The Golden branch was opened for regu, August in 1908, but was not completed lar service on April 7, 1904. The Denver Golden & Morrison Rail, and opened to the public until the first The Denver & Northwestern Railway road had been formed in April 1907 by part of September in 1909. was reorganized into the Denver Tram, John Brisbane Walker. This was to be an Apparently it operated until1919 when way Comp~ny on March 30, 1914. This electric line connecting with the Denver one of the cars was wrecked on the eventually became the Tramway's NO. & Intermountain south of Golden and incline. It was reported that this wrecked 83 electric line along West 44th Avenue continued on to Morrison. car was never brought down from the to Golden.Z This company, apparently reorganized mountain. The last interurban cars left Golden for many times, and backed by the D&IM, By April of 1919 the City of Denver Denver of July 2, 1950 after 46 years of had completed its survey by October (which had acquired the property from service. Thus ends the last passenger ser, 1909. As proposed this branch was to Walker) had begun dismantling this cable vice to Golden, once a thriving railroad split off the D&IM at the Wyman Sta, incline, prior to improving Red Rocks center. tion, and cross the southeast corner of the Golden Cemetery, and utilizing the old Park. grade of the Golden City & South Platte run down the east side of the hogback, DENVER~ and continue into Morrison by way of CASRE ROCK SCENIC INTERMOUNTAIN Bear Creek. RAILWAY The Denver & Intermountain began RAILWAY laying rails on this branch on the first of The Denver & Intermountain Railway July 1910. However, by the end of April As early as July 1, 1906 Clyde Ash, was organized by Samuel Newhouse on 1911 this branch had only reached as far worth had erected a pavilion at the sum, May 19, 1904 and it was chartered on as the coal mine on the Rooney Ranch mit of Castle Rock and tourists used bur, May 20. The D&IM had purchased the with cars of coal being shipped regularly ros as a novel means of conveyance to and Denver Lakewood & Golden Railway at from that date. As originally operated this from the rock. a foreclosure sale for $175,000.00 and branch ran steam engines for its coal By March 1, 1908 Charles F. Quain, took over operation of the road on June trains, and it wasn't until the first part of tance had secured a lease on Castle Rock 1, 1904. May 1922 that electric locomotives hauled and the surrounding land, and was run, The Tindale branch-which had not all freight trains. seen any service since 1896-was aban, Apparently this branch was abandoned 2Just after World War II one of NO. 83's stops was at West 44th and Mcintyre. Commuters to Denver from cloned and the rails removed by the end of with the remainder of the Denver & Fairmount climbed down a steep flight of wooden steps to November 1904. Intermountain in 1953. the depot where Highway 58 is today. Editor's Note. 12 Photograph looking sooth from gth and Washington Streets in Golden. Colorado Central clearing the tracks after I9I3 snowstomt. Jimmy Williams' Feed Store seen behind locomotive and Guy Buckman's Eagle Corral on the right. Photo courtesy of Golden DAR Pioneer Museum ning a burro train from the depot at 13th Apparently this funicular operated until pleted this would be the first electrically Street and Washington Avenue in Golden August 7, 1927 when fire destroyed the operated funicular railroad ever built to the top of Castle Rock every thirty dance hall on top of the rock. No record west of the Mississippi River. One car minutes. has been found when the rails might have would go up as another came down, and By the end of March in 1913 construe, been taken up.3 they passed each other in the center on a tion had started on the Castle Rock passing track. A cable and drum at the top Scenic Railway-a funicular road which and an engine to supply power completed started at 13th and East Streets and LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN passed directly up the face of the moun, FUNICUlAR 3Guests would travel to Golden via the Denver Tram tain just to the north of the perpendicular way (No. 83) and get aboard the Castle Rock Cable Car at Articles of incorporation of the Look, the East Golden Station located next to Coors Brewery . In wall almost on top of Castle Rock. On the middle 1920's the KKK began using the summit of May 7, 1913 the two yellow cars with a out Mountain Park Development Com, Castle Rock as headquarters for operations around of twenty passengers each pany, withacapitalizationof$500,000.00 Denver. The Cable Car had discontinued its service and seating capacity the pavilion was no longer in operation by 1927. The had arrived, and by the middle of May were filed on August 3, 1909. KKK burned crosses atop Castle Rock and covered the It was the intention of the company to summit area with armed guards to prevent anyone from were making trips every fifteen minutes. trespassing. The KKK was in control of the summit of A dancing pavilion and casino had been build a funicular road from the base to the Castle Rock during the afternoon in 1927 when the summit of Lookout Mountain overlook, pavilion burned down. Goldenites cheered from below at formally opened on top of Castle Rock the burning of the pavilion due to its relationship with the by July 3, 1913. ing Golden from the west. When com, KKK. The cause of the fire was never investigated. 13 ~------the equipment. The two cars had a capac, ment Company was sold at a Sheriff's Canyon to the Lookout Mountain Resort, but the idea never materialized. Then in 1907 Rees C. Vidler took ity of 100 passengers each. The road sale. Whether it operated after that is over the Lookout Mountain Park and Development started at the base of the mountain just unknown.'* Company and filed a subdivision map with Jefferson southwest of Golden's distributing reser, County on May 31, 1910. The only problem with his A Denver wrecking concern purchased subdivision is that people could not get there. Roads were voir and keeping to the south side of the the rails and had completed dismantling no where close. He, along with John B. Walker, decided on tourist type funiculars to take would be buyers to their gulch ended at the top of the mountain. of the funicular by the end of July 1930. proposed properties. Vidler even built a real estate office The contract for building the funicular at the top of the Lookout Mountain Funicular where was awarded to the Fulow Construction riders, overcome with the breathtaking scenery, would ~The Lookout Mountain Funicular was first proposed immediately want to buy property. His plan did not work. Company of Denver the first part of April by C .. Welch, president of the Golden City & South In July of 1913 Lookout Mountain was sold to some 1911. However, the funicular wasn't ready Platte Railroad, as a rail line extending south from Golden French Capitalists who also wanted to build a chain of two miles and then a separate car pulled up Mount Ver hotels overlooking Golden. This too failed . for operation until the first part of August non Canyon to the top of Lookout Mountain. As early as Vidler died June 13, 1925. In April of 1955 the last of 1912. January 1890 a resort and housing development, called the funicular ties on Lookout Mountain were slid down the " City on the Hill", was planned for the summit of the construction scar, that can be clearly seen today, and Apparently this funicular operated until Lookout Mountain, however the panic of 1893 delayed sold for junk. Editor's Note. the 1919 season when all the property of this idea. In 1898 the venture was resurrected when the economy improved.ln 1904 Samuel Newhouse proposed the Lookout Mountain Park Develop, an idea of an electric car running up Mount Vernon Photograph looking north across Clear Creek at the Washington Street Bridge in Golden. Car No. 84 of the Denver and Intermountain Railway. Note Wood's Mortuary on the corner of I rth Street. Photo Courtesy of Golden DAR Pioneer Museum. 14 Jefferson County Historical Commission Bulk Rate Box 659 U.S. Postage Morrison, Colorado 80465 P A I 0 Permit No . 148 Golden, CO