BrUNSWICK FLAT - Idaho Springs, CO
Posted by: 
Outspoken1
N 39° 44.519 W 105° 31.006
13S E 455723 N 4399248
BrUNSWICK FLAT has a colorful history that includes dry goods, barbershop, grocers and a 'red light' on top of the building to notify the police officer of emergencies
Waymark Code: WMADYJ
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 01/02/2011
Views: 2
The plaque reads:
BrUNSWICK FLAT
1502-06 MINER STREET
This building was constructed in two phases, the west portion completed in 1880 and the east section the following year. Peter Miess named the structure "BrUNSWICK FLAT" and opened a boot and dry goods store here. From the southwest corner, steps led into the basement where first a barber shop and by 1906 a saloon flourished. An apartment for Miess and sleeping room for miners occupied the second floor. By 1885, Campbell and White Grocers occupied the second floor. In 1913, the west section had become Machol Drug Store and that same year the city installed a red light on top of the building. When an emergency occurred, a call would be placed to "Central" -- the town switchboard on the second floor -- and the operator on duty would activate the red light. Idaho Springs' lone police officer knew to report to City Hall anytime the red light was seen burning. This system continued until police radio cars became commonplace during the 1950's. BrUNSWICK FLAT continued as a drug store until 1985. The red light was restored during renovations in 1991. The cornice of BrUNSWICK FLAT is an outstanding example of corbelled brickwork with a decorative sawtooth frieze, a trademark of Cornish brick masons who worked in this valley during the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1880's.
Group or Groups Responsible for Placement:
Idaho Springs Historical Society
County or City: Idaho Springs
Date Dedicated: Unknown
Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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