Local father-son project spans 40 years
by Aaron Storms
When Mark Friesen bought his lightly used 71 Chevy Camaro back in high school, it was love at first sight. Though not originally a high-performance Z28 model, it was still sleek and fast and kept Mark in plenty of trouble. (more…)
New Art Show Opens
By David Josselyn
Photography, acrylics, pottery, and jewelry come alive in Showcase Gallery of the Central City Visitors Center for the newest Gilpin County Arts show “Summer Splendor.” Award-winning artists Monica Tymcio, Jim Bennett, Tom Cowherd, and Brad Wood express themselves through magnificent works of art reflecting the mood and color of the season. (more…)
At Colorado Adventure Center in Idaho Springs
By Patsy Popejoy
Climb, jump, balance and face your fears at Colorado Adventure Center’s new Colorado Sky Trek. The aerial adventure park located just west of Denver at Idaho Springs is challenging visitors to get out of their comfort zone and have some sky-high fun along the way. (more…)
Local Authors
By Tom Lambrecht
The Gilpin County Public Library and Nederland Community Library will host a presentation and film screening by local authors B. Travis Wright and Kate Wright on Tuesday, July 31st at 7 pm at the Gilpin County Public Library. The event will include rarely-seen photographs from the newly-announced John Trezise Archive for Rollins Pass Imagery and the authors will discuss the significance of archaeological work being done on Rollins Pass to help document 10,000 years of history. (more…)
Commissioners Implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
By Randy Beaudette
Once again, The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting was called to order at the newly renovated historic Gilpin County Courthouse July 10, 2018 promptly at 9:03 am with Commissioners Ron Engels, Linda Isenhart, and Gail Watson. Also in attendance were County Attorney Jim Petrock and Deputy Clerk to the Board Sharon Cate. (more…)
November 2, 1962 – July 2, 2018
Kevin Paul Armbright, currently of Beatrice, Nebraska, was born on November 2, 1962 in Peoria, Illinois, to Phyllis Armbright and the late Paul Armbright. Kevin was 55, and passed away on July 2, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Nebraska Medical Center, and his children were by his side when he passed. He grew up in Illinois and Colorado, and spent some time in California. Kevin graduated from Gilpin County High School and was involved in basketball, football, and rodeo in high school. He always wanted to ride one last time. He loved fishing and was an avid Broncos fan and Cubs fan. (more…)
“Best Event in the Entire State”
By David Josselyn
On Saturday, June 30, 2018, Central City hosted the popular Stills in the Hills event. Local distillers lined Main Street pouring hundreds of dollars of their product into tiny tasting glasses for patrons while live music pulsated down the lane entertaining casino guests, visitors, and ticket holders alike. Stills is in its sixth year and other bourbon events are popping up across the state creating competition between promoters to (more…)
Cormorants take up residence in Gilpin County
By Randy Beaudette
They are big, black, with long necks and beaks. Anyone who has driven past Kriley Pond on Hwy 46 has seen them on the inlet spit sunning themselves and looking for a quick meal. What are those birds? They’re Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus aka Double Crested Cormorants. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Volunteer, Carl Salazar, some folks call them “Willets.” Whatever you call them, they are a fascinating bird with an interesting story. Most folks misidentify them as Loons. (more…)
First of two Gymkhana competitions
By Jaclyn Schrock
Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the Gilpin County Arena, Rick Newman announced the events for this year’s first Gymkhana event from Peak to Peak Equestrian, with the major sponsor being United Power. This year, there are only two competitions thrilling spectators with horse and rider cooperation. Last year’s third and final round in the series was during the 2017 Gilpin County Fair where the winners were awarded their Silver Buckles in the 4 age classes. This year’s final event will be the end of July. (more…)
The story of E.G. Gambell’s 1859 gold discovery
By John Schapekahm
Up Pickle Creek and past Missouri Lake, then up Missouri Canyon, past Wide-Awake town, over the hump and down into Gambell Gulch, seven miles from Black Hawk, three miles from Rollinsville, is/was Perigo. (more…)
Respects paid at Central City’s Masonic Lodge No. 6
by Patty Unruh
A memorial service for George R. Snyder was held on Saturday, June 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Central City’s historic Masonic Lodge No. 6. Snyder passed away at his home in Central City on November 24, 2017. A large number of his many friends and fellow Lodge members came to pay their respects at the service. (more…)
Gilpin County Primary – Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Summary for All Contests, All Districts, All Tabulators, All Counting Groups in the 2018 Gilpin County Primary Election – Unofficial Results. Ballots Cast: 1,554 (more…)
From local news publications spanning 100 years
March 11, 1864 – The City of Black Hawk was incorporated by an act of the territorial legislature.
May 3, 1864 – The production entitled “Life’s Changes” is respectfully declined.
June 1, 1864 – Yesterday we had rain in copious showers – Today, the atmospheric programme is changed and we are blessed with a more delicate and finer quality, in the shape of dense fogs and drizzle. Oh Sauerkraut! What a country. (more…)
Research Compiled November 30, 2015
By David Spellman & Lynnette Hailey
July 12, 1877
Black Hawk City Council Minutes
The Mayor appointed Alderman Hilliard and the Clerk to make specifications and get estimates of the cost erecting a council room on the side of the present one. (more…)
Family friendly changes for 44th Annual Madam Lou Bunch Day
By David Josselyn
On Saturday, June 16, 2018, Central City hosted the 44th Annual Lou Bunch Day. This day honors the contribution of the madams, girls, and gentlemen callers, that helped drive the City’s prosperity and sordid history. The last madam to rule the roost on Pine Street was Lou Bunch whose name they adopted to name the event. The highlight of the day features a time trial race down and up Main Street in a large brass bed. (more…)
23rd Annual Father’s Day Fishing Clinic
by Patty Unruh
Kids and dads, along with other family members, joined for a day of fun at the 23rd Annual Father’s Day Fishing Clinic on Sunday, June 17, at William C. Russell Park and Pond in Central City. The Gilpin County Community Center presented the event. Sponsors were Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Gilpin County, Central City, and Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon. (more…)