Sesquicentennial Celebration kicks off at Governor’s Mansion
Events continue throughout summer
Gilpin County’s Sesquicentennial Celebration officially started Saturday at the Governor’s Mansion in Denver. Gilpin County hosted the kick-off event, a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of John Gregory’s discovery of gold in Mountain City. The front gates and doors to the mansion were opened at 11:00 a.m. for the free event. People streaming in for the tour of the Governor’s elegant first floor, were greeted by Gilpin volunteers. Inside, docents pointed out the chandelier from the White House. (Washington wants it back but “Fat chance,” said the guide.) The rich wood paneling in the library, exotic oriental lamps and paintings and the huge airy “palm room” were oohed and aahed over by each group. The home of Colorado’s first family is known as the Queen of the Hill because of its elegance and location.
In the restored Carriage House at the rear of the manse, the Peak to Peak Chorale performed in the morning and afternoon, even including an encore command performance. They sang several of the songs included in the upcoming dinner theater they’ll present on May 8th and 9th. Central City Opera’s Steve Taylor performed songs appropriate to gold rush history, filling the carriage house with such wonderful baritone renditions that folks who heard his first performance made a point of coming back for the second. Gilpinite Neal Standard, as Henry Teller, had folks chuckling as he took cell phone call after cell phone call (Teller was a fan of new technology…) from famous historical figures. One of those calls could have been from Jerome Chaffee who also played an important part in state history. Gilpinite Chuck Roberts portrayed him. Both Teller and Chaffee were early Colorado senators. Both Standard and Roberts are active members of the Gilpin County Historical Society. The GCHS is doing its part to promote the Sesquicentennial summer events. (Visit www.Gilpin150.com for a schedule.)
Out in the courtyard, several groups had set up booths to share information about Gilpin and assure visitors of a warm welcome in the hills. The Black Hawk/Central City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau booth gave away goody bags with t-shirts, calculators and pens. Prospector Run’s booth offered free popcorn (choose from a half dozen different seasonings), candy and bottles of water. The Hidee Mine booth was popular for kids wanting to learn how to spot the gold dirt in their pans. Photographs of old-time Gilpin were on exhibit. The Paul Brokering Photography booth offered sepia photographs shot on the spot, of modern day folks pretending to be old timers. There were costumes for kids to dress in and popsicle stick “log” cabins to be constructed. Black Hawk Alderman Greg Moates, Central City Mayor Ron Slinger and Gilpin County Manager Roger Baker mingled.
The event served to pique folks’ interest in Gilpin. Some chose to visit the County that day, where a Gregory Day reception awaited them. Coach America buses provided shuttle service to and from Gilpin several times in the afternoon. Costumed characters (GHS volunteers) entertained the riders with stories and points of interest along the way. Upon arrival, there were free tours of the Teller House and Opera House, as well as a walking tour along East First High and Pine Streets in Central City. The Hidee Mine was a popular tour stop on the way into town. Century Casino had a prize wheel and giveaways for folks who visited there.
The event was a collaboration of sponsors (Black Hawk, Prospectors Run, United Power and Century Casino); partners (Gilpin County, the Visitor’s Bureau, Central City Opera Association, Denver Film Society, Gilpin County Historical Society, and the Colorado Tourism Office); and supporters (Coach America, Colorado Gambler. Governors Residence Preservation Fund, Buckhorn Skinners, Hidee Mine, Post Modern Company and Paul Brokering Photography). Each organization funded or contributed in-kind to the event. Gilpinites can celebrate the sesquicentennial at home and in neighboring Idaho Springs and Golden. They, too, are celebrating their Sesquicentennials with summer events and activities.