Colorado History NOW’s “Do you know this building?” feature has always been popular among readers. With apologies to Holly Wilson—the column’s regular author—for stealing the idea, here’s a bonus puzzler: This structure’s gold-leafed dome brightens Denver’s modern skyline. At night, its lighted profile attracts swarms of shutterbugs. Its history reflects the development of its neighborhood, city, and state. But this landmark is not Colorado’s capitol building.
On the evening of August 3, 1933, Elsie Henderson's urgent voice raced down the Sullivan Telephone Exchange's wires, outpacing Cherry Creek's northbound floodwaters. Notified by a Douglas County sheriff that Castlewood Dam had burst and that everything along the stream's path from Franktown to Denver was in danger, the operator told farmers and ranchers to gather their families and head for higher ground.
Actress Julie Harris must believe in Karma. Best known for her starring role in East of Eden opposite James Dean, the leading lady earned five Tony Awards and three Emmys during a career that has spanned six decades. Harris accepted these accolades with the grace of an established performer who understands the fact that winners have a responsibility to nurture their profession. In other words, she never misses an opportunity to thank her teachers or help an aspiring young actor. We know this to be true because proof of her generosity is on file at the State Historical Fund.