Central City in Gilpin County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The AOUW Building
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2009
1. The AOUW Building Marker
Inscription.
The AOUW Building. . One of the brick “fire proof” buildings which was destroyed in the fire of 1874 was Abraham Jacobs old store, located on this site. By August, a new one story building had been completed here and the old store was back in business for another 20 years. In 1898, the local lodge of the AOUW purchased the old building. The Ancient Order of United Workmen was a fraternal order that provided survivors benefits to families of deceased members. At the turn of the century, there were nearly 5000 subordinate lodges with a total membership of over 300,000. When the Central City lodge bought the old building for $3,600, they extended the building to the rear and added an elegant second floor. From 1899 to 1936, the Central City Post Office was located on the main floor. Not long after, C.C. Harper opened a grocery store which was opened through World War II. In 1948 the AOUW building became the “back room” of the Glory Hole Bar and alternately served as a dining room and a location for live theater. , Restoration completed March 1st, 1992
One of the brick “fire proof” buildings which was destroyed in the fire of 1874 was Abraham Jacobs old store, located on this site. By August, a new one story building had been completed here and the old store was back in business for another 20 years. In 1898, the local lodge of the AOUW purchased the old building. The Ancient Order of United Workmen was a fraternal order that provided survivors benefits to families of deceased members. At the turn of the century, there were nearly 5000 subordinate lodges with a total membership of over 300,000. When the Central City lodge bought the old building for $3,600, they extended the building to the rear and added an elegant second floor. From 1899 to 1936, the Central City Post Office was located on the main floor. Not long after, C.C. Harper opened a grocery store which was opened through World War II. In 1948 the AOUW building became the “back room” of the Glory Hole Bar and alternately served as a dining room and a location for live theater.
Restoration completed March 1st, 1992
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is March 1, 1867.
Location. 39° 47.983′ N,
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105° 30.768′ W. Marker is in Central City, Colorado, in Gilpin County. It is on Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 Main Street, Central City CO 80427, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
The marker is to the right of the building entrance and behind the bench.
The AOUW Building (left), the Ignatz Meyer Building (center) and the Rose Haydee Building (right), a modern construction, have been renovated and combined into the Doc Holliday Casino.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
