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Welcome Arch |
Details |
The Golden Welcome Arch spans over Washington Avenue in downtown Golden, Colorado. The beams for the arch touch the sidewalk on both sides of Washington Avenue. On the east side of the avenue the beams touch the sidewalk in front of 1113 Washington Avenue, and on the west side in front of 1112 Washington Avenue. It was designed in 1948 by Paul Reeves and erected in 1949. The arch was dedicated and lighted for the first time on March 24, 1949, with 6,000 in attendance. Governor Lee Knous threw the switch. The Mines band, Buffalo Bill Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, and other groups paraded along Washington Avenue. The idea originated with Lu and Ethel Holland, owners of the Holland House with the express goal to welcome visitors to town in classic neon style. Patterned after the Denver welcome arch that stood outside of the main entrance to Union Station, the two arches have nothing common. The structure was built by General Outdoor Co. of Denver. Originally, illuminated with neon lights, it has been renovated several times. In a 1979 facelift, the motto was changed from "Where the West Remains" to "Where the West Lives" because "remains" sounded overly negative to many people. The arch was listed on the State Register of Historic Places in 2000. The nomination was researched and written by Rose Kalasz, age 10. It belongs to the City of Golden. |
