The 1908 Democratic Convention
Visits The Gilpin Tramway
In July 1908 the Democratic Presidential Convention was
held in Denver Colorado. William J Bryant from Florida was
nominated. On the 11th, some 650 people rode the Colorado and
Southern up to Black Hawk to tour the Fifty Gold Mines Mill and ride the
Gilpin Tram up to Pewabic Mountain. Passenger cars were
created by fitting cars with benches and were fitted with red, white and
blue bunting.
An excursion was given last Saturday
from Denver to this county for the purpose of showing the resources of
as much of Gilpin county as possible to several hundred visitors who
were in Denver during the Democratic national convention. Over 550
visitors, among whom were some from almost every state in the union,
availed themselves of the opportunity to see Gilpin county and enjoy the
hospitality of the people…As soon as the passengers alighted from the
trains they were taken in hand by the various members of the committees
and were first shown through the big mill of the Fifty Gold Mines
corporation at Black Hawk, where the amalgamation and concentration of
ores was described to them in every detail. Then the major portion of
the visitors walked up to the Polar Star mill where the different cars
of the Gilpin Tramway company had been ready for their trip to Russell
Gulch. …It was a county affair as far as the success of it was concerned
in which everybody showed a disposition to lend their assistance and it
was their united cooperation that made it the unqualified success, one
which we doubt has ever been equaled anywhere in Colorado]
Register Call, July 17, 1908
