Astor House (Golden, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Astor House Hotel
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 822 12th St, Golden, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1867 |
| Built by | Ernst Osterberg |
| Architectural style | Georgian (modified) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000478 |
| Added to NRHP | March 1, 1973 |
The Astor House is a historic stone hotel located in Golden, Colorado. Built way back in 1867, it's one of the oldest buildings in the city. Over the years, it has been known by several names, including the Astor House Hotel, Castle Rock House, and the Astor House Hotel Museum.
This important building is connected to many of the area's early settlers, known as pioneers. It is also famous for being one of the first successful historic preservation projects in the area, which means people worked together to save it from being torn down. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a list of special buildings worth protecting.
The hotel is a two-story building made from sandstone that was cut by hand.
Contents
History of the Astor House
The Astor House was built in 1867 by a man named Seth Lake. He was a pioneer who came to Colorado in 1860 and was experienced in running hotels. The Astor House was a big upgrade from his first hotel on the same spot.
The beautiful sandstone for the hotel was cut from a local quarry. The building was constructed by Ernst Osterberg.
A Very Important Hotel
In its time, the Astor House was the best hotel in Golden. It welcomed all kinds of important guests. These included miners, government leaders, and even judges. The government of the Colorado Territory met in a building nearby.
Seth Lake and his wife, Charlotte, ran the hotel for many years. Seth was a very religious man and a member of the Baptist church. Because of his beliefs, he did not allow any alcoholic drinks to be sold or consumed in his hotel. This made the Astor House unique among hotels in Golden at the time.
Later, the hotel was owned by Ida Goetze, an immigrant from Germany. Over time, it changed from a fancy hotel to a boarding house where people could rent rooms for longer stays. The building also survived four different fires and was repaired each time.
Saving a Piece of History
By 1971, the Astor House was in danger. A city group bought the building with plans to tear it down and build a parking lot. Sadly, many of Golden's historic buildings had already been destroyed for new projects.
However, a city council member named Ruben Hartmeister spoke up. He believed the hotel was too important to lose. At first, not many people listened to him. But his idea sparked a movement to save the building.
The Community Steps In
Citizens of Golden came together to protect the Astor House. They formed a group called the Golden Landmarks Association. Their goal was to save the historic hotel.
On June 13, 1972, the people of Golden voted on the hotel's future. A large majority, 69% of the voters, chose to save it. This victory turned the building into the Astor House Hotel Museum. The museum showed what life was like in Golden and Colorado during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
See also
