Come join in for some fun!
By Jaclyn Schrock
Are you thinking of a neighbor’s home or barn being raised, a wedding, graduation or birthday to celebrate with local folks for a barn dance? That is the way Jefferson and Gilpin Counties often held festivities since the late 1800s, usually in a one room schoolhouse, or later in the school gym. Are you craving the sharing of good food and swapping funny, local stories between sets of live music danced in traditional (more…)
Golden keeps the Wild West legend alive
By Jaclyn Schrock
Most of us have an image in our minds of Buffalo Bill. The name draws up recall of a frontiersmen who has plenty of stories told about him, some even included truth. (more…)
As part of the Gregory Street Plaza Project
By Randy Beaudette
A heated debate erupted at the work session held on February 13, 2019 between the City of Black Hawk and the members of the Rocky Mountain Evangelical Free Church in Black Hawk. On one side, the church members wanted easier access to their place of worship. On the other side, Black Hawk City Council expressed their desires to move forward on their plans for the Gregory Street Plaza Project. (more…)
30 years ago – February 24, 1989
For the past two years, the Gilpin County Historical Society has suffered an annual loss of approximately $1,500 on the operation of Black Hawk’s Lace House. Unless things turn around this year, the historic structure may be closed to the public next year, according to Historical Society President Bonnie Merchant. The major expense at the Lace House is for (more…)
Council approves new cell tower and Employee Overtime Plan
By Randy Beaudette
Following a 1:30 p.m. work session on the plans for the Gregory Street Plaza, bell ringer Nathen Pillatzke from PHE Architects rang the bell that signaled the start of another Black Hawk City Council regular meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. (more…)
Period correct with no electric lights
By Jaclyn Schrock
The JKQ BBQ Restaurant is the newest non-gaming eatery in Central City, located on Eureka Street and Main within the Famous Teller House. This smoked-meat BBQ restaurant also offers fine drinks served around the Face on the Barroom Floor. New Year’s Eve has been a traditional celebration in these parts, so JKQ planned for the simple traditional year-end fun, fashion and flavor of nearly 150 years ago. (more…)
Black Hawk and Central City were a little different before gaming
By Friends of Gilpin County
The Riding Horses into Bars and Round-Up Riders are worthy of quite a few stories and photos! Stephen Buck
Horses hitched to a pole while their rider went in for a beer. At Crooks in Black Hawk and by Toll Gate in Central City. Those were the days! Mary Lou Mihalik Price (more…)
Between east and west portals of Moffat Tunnel
Tisn’t strictly in suburbia, but Willie has a tip here that’s bound to be of interest to lots of Sunday afternoon mountain drivers. Warren Kunkle, driver for the Denver Tramway Corp., reports that the new road over Corona Pass (Editor: also known as Rollins Pass over to Winter Park) between east and west portals of the Moffat Tunnel now can be traveled by auto. (more…)
At the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park
By Jaclyn Schrock
Whistle signals, a chugging historic narrow gauge train, snow on the ground between the pines, aspen and sheer rock walls along Clear Creek, authentic Victorian garbed men, women and children, chattering, laughter, refreshments, Merry Christmas caroling and even the very cheery, old Saint (more…)
Interesting History from 1954 in Gilpin County
By Steve Byrne
On Sunday, November 25, 2018, the following was posted by Toby Mexico on the You know you’re from Gilpin County (more…)
2019 Budget Approved
By Randy Beaudette
Vince Harris from Baseline Engineering rang the bell promptly at 3:00 p.m. to signify the start of another Black Hawk City Council meeting, November 14, 2018. (more…)
Veterans saluted at Gilpin County School
by Patty Unruh
It’s imperative that we not forget the many sacrifices made by our service men and women, living and dead, active duty and veterans. Accordingly, students, staff, community members, and active duty military personnel honored Gilpin County’s veterans with a tribute on Thursday morning, November 8, in the school’s auxiliary gym. It was a day not only to thank the veterans for their sacrifice and service, but also to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. (more…)
Commissioners approve public health services agreement with Jefferson County
By Randy Beaudette
The Gilpin County Commissioners final October meeting was called to order at the historic Gilpin County Courthouse October 23, 2018 promptly at 9:05 a.m. (more…)
The early days in Gilpin County
By Jaclyn Schrock
With retirement, the Varner’s made their move to Colorado, September 18, 1993. Tita enjoyed the area in the 30s and Tom in the 40s. Tom and Tita Varner settled into Gilpin County while in their 60s. They became the third owners of a home near the corner of Hwy 46 and Hwy 119. 1980 is when their log home was first built and lived in only two years, then sat empty for four years. The next owner had it six years then developed health problems. Moving into Gilpin County in 1993, they knew there was much work to do on the property. (more…)
In the 10th Annual Creepy Crawl
By David Josselyn
The temperature drops, and clouds threaten as darkness descends upon the cobbled streets of Central City. When this happens in the weeks preceding All Hallows Eve, the spirits of long-dead citizens come back to tell their tales in the old, oft-times decrepit buildings they inhabit and 2018 is no exception. For the past ten years, the Central City Creepy Crawl has been held to entertain participants with true stories of the past, albeit embellished somewhat for theater. (more…)
Protector of City Records since 1879
Shortly after the City offices moved into the new City Hall, in December 1877, the need for protected storage for the City’s records became apparent. The City Council apparently did some homework, and in the minutes of August 4, 1879, record is made that: “On motion of Alderman Wain, the Council purchased of Mosler Bahmann & Co. a No. 35 fire proof safe, size inside 48 inches high, 26 inches wide, 16 inches deep. Terms in Cincinnati Ohio, city warrants, for four hundred and fifty dollars, less freight to Black Hawk Colorado, due in 15 months from date of shipment, without interest.” (more…)