DID YOU KNOW?
Camp Bird Mine
Established in 1896 by Thomas Walsh, Camp Bird Mine became one of the richest and most famous mines in the world, producing more than $26 million in gold between 1896 and 1910. The mine was named for a bird, the Rocky Mountain or Canada jay, that was a frequent visitor to mining camps, eating the miner’s meals. The bird also was called the whiskey jack because it frequented lumberjack camps.
In 1995, the mine mill was sold to a Canadian company, disassembled and shipped to Mongolia. It was reassembled there but used for only a short period of time because there was not as much gold as originally thought.
The Red Mountain Project, a community historic-preservation group formed in 1998 in Ouray, has worked on preserving Camp Bird Mine.
Source: Ouray Chamber Resort Association (www.ouraycolorado.com/General+Info); Bob Risch, Red Mountain Project; Denver Gold Group; “Colorado Place Names” by William Bright
REGIONAL NOTES
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Spring seedling sales benefit 4-H
Seedling trees and shrubs for spring conservation plantings may be ordered at the Jefferson County office of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
The seedlings, grown by the Colorado State Forest Service, are sold to benefit the 4-H program. Anyone with 2 or more acres of land may purchase trees for reforestation, windbreaks, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes.
Cost is $30.40 for each bundle of 50 deciduous trees or shrubs, and for a group of 30 potted evergreens, $26.28 or $39.20, according to pot size. An assortment of 30 shrubs for wildlife habitat also is available for $30.40. Trees will be ready for pickup at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden in early April, but they should be ordered soon because many species sell out quickly.
For more information or to request a brochure and order form, call 303-271-6620.
GOLDEN
Holiday festivities light up Dec. 2
The city will kick off its holiday festivities with the 25th annual Candlelight Walk at 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Thousands of people are expected to sing carols in a procession from 15th Street and Washington Avenue to Clear Creek, where holiday lights will be turned on to illuminate downtown.
There will be holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and his reindeer, and free horse-and-carriage rides through town. From Friday through Dec. 16, children may send letters to Santa (and Santa will answer) at: North Pole Golden, P.O. Box for Santa, 1010 Washington Ave., Golden CO 80401.
For more information about Golden events, call 303-279-3113 or visit www.InGolden.com.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
