Colorado Gambler 6-16-15

Gambler Celebrating 23 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community y www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

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June 16 - 29, 2015

Check Out Valuable Coupons on page 11

NUGGETS

Father’s Day gifts, giveaways, promos and more Pages 6-9

WINNERS

Players winning BIG at Colorado casinos Pages 14-15

A TAILING TALE The Gold Rush of 1859 Page 16

TRAIL’S END

The South Platte River flood of 1965 Page 17

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CA SINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTERTAINMENT

The Last Hand

Recording history as it happens

Newspapers are still great resources

We get a really good response from all you readers out there. The Gambler keeps growing and expanding, and we just added another major distribution system to our circulation.

This newspaper has been around since gaming began and we plan on being around for many more years, come hell or high water, as the old saying goes.

Thinking of old – I love Colorado’s oldest weekly newspaper published right here in Black Hawk and Central City. I have subscribed to this newspaper for decades receiving it in Craig when it was published by Central City icon and Mayor William Russell.

The newspaper does a terrific job of covering the cities, the schools and old time history.

Cholua Bros. Mining Co.

The Cholua brothers are cel-

Call is No. 1, Volume LXIV, meaning to the uninitiated that the ebrating their secpaper has been ond anniversary published in this of Cholua Bros. city for 64 years, Mining Co., minand in all that ers of high-altitude time never missed roasted Colorado an issue, regardcoffee at their less of the many business location inconveniences at 470 Gregory St. which the paper We would urge had to contend all of the casinos with during the and locals to buy By Bob Sweeney early days when this local roasted the Indians murcoffee, it is the best coffee to be found, and dered the drivers of the freight why not support these local trains coming across the brothers and purchase coffee plains, and burned their wagfor all of the coffee drinking ons and contents, a portion of gamblers. You can buy their which was print paper for the coffee by calling 800-931-2758 office.

“By the use of manila paper or visit www.ColoradoCoffee secured from the business men Brothers.com. in the city, the paper was regularly issued, but in a condensed Colorado history form, and the files of the paper The second item of major in 1865 showed the paper printinterest to me as a love of Colo- ed on manila wrapping papers.” rado History is an old time news It was also raining and snowstory taken from The Weekly ing, the newspaper reported Register Call dated June 5, back on June 5, 1925.

The newspaper is still run1925.

“This issue of the Register- ning well and prints on a bright

white stock, which is appreciated by all readers.

Gambler

Our history

We’ve been printing history articles since day one of this newspaper and all five of our writers have published books on Colorado history.

We probably have one of the best history files of stories in existence today.

Sometime we may round them up and put them in a book to preserve the rich history of mining that brought about the development of our beautiful State of Colorado.

Breathe the fresh air in our mountain towns and feel the spirit of the pioneer men and women who worked so hard, for so little, for most of them in the search of riches.

Their history captured as it happened and preserved for all time through the pages of a great local newspaper.

The Colorado Gambler is also a great source of news about the new era, the dawn of gaming and the resurrection www.coloradogambler.com of the economies in Gilpin and Teller counties.

Bud Wells

Maverick Sharp Tony Thorpe

coloradogambler

cogambler

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

$10,000 BONUS DRAWINGS FIVE $1,000 WINNERS EACH NIGHT July 3 & 4 • 10PM – Midnight

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Always be prepared with our Father’s Day Multi-Tool!

Join us all day for a BBQ cookout on our front patio. After dusk, head up to the 7th floor of our garage to view Black Hawk’s spectacular fireworks show!

303-582-2600 • 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO 80422 • GoldenMardiGras.com Must be at least 21. Must be an A-Play Club® Member. Management reserves all rights. See Guest Services for rules. Gambling problem? Call 800-522-4700.

PAGE 2

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

June 16 - 29, 2015

m m u S e h T

n u g e B T S u J S a h n e r Fu

you could win

$

1,500 Fridays in June 7:00pm – 11:00pm

We’re picking players to select smiles and break into our penny bank.

You get one FREE entry for every 100 unadjusted points you earn.

win a Share of

40,000

$

Saturday, July 4 • 6:00pm – 10:00pm 5,000 will be awarded to eight lucky winners.

Earn entries now through Saturday, July 4.

Receive one FREE entry every day and more with play.

Plus, receive 20X entries Tuesday, June 23. $

1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2015 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle and Lady Luck are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Please visit players club or cashier services for details. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

Crossword Puzzle

PICK UP A COPY OF THE

or visit www.coloradogambler.com for our full distribution list

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RED = New locations 1355 KRAMERIA ST 655 PEORIA ST 15109 E COLFAX AVE 18605 GREENVALLEY RANCH BLVD 4850 E 62ND AVE 2810 QUEBEC ST 1045 1ST STREET 825 S COLORADO BLVD 6470 E HAMPDEN AVE 890 S MONACO PKWY 2750 S COLORADO BLVD 4600 LEETSDALE DR. 6350 SHERIDAN BLVD 9731 W 58TH AVE 1575 W 84TH AVE 12350 W 64TH AVE 15200 W 64TH AVE 8055 SHERIDAN BLVD 3400 YOUNGFIELD ST 1555 QUAIL ST 17171 S GOLDEN RD 11747 W KEN CARYL AVE 1927 S WADSWORTH BLVD 12043 W ALAMEDA PKWY 6760 S PIERCE ST 9800 W BELLEVIEW AVE 1545 S KIPLING ST 1173 BERGEN PARK 8126 S WADSWORTH BLVD 25637 CONIFER RD 7984 W ALAMEDA AVE 2205 WILDCAT RESERVE PKWY 9551 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 5050 E ARAPAHOE RD 7575 S UNIVERSITY BLVD 8200 S HOLLY ST 101 ENGLEWOOD PKWY 100 W LITTLETON BLVD 4000 RED CEDAR DR 8673 S QUEBEC ST 7901 S BROADWAY

ON TUESDAYS EVERY 1st, 3rd & 5th Week

LOCATIONS

DENVER AURORA AURORA DENVER COMMERCE CITY DENVER BENNETT DENVER DENVER DENVER DENVER GLENDALE ARVADA ARVADA FEDERAL HEIGHTS ARVADA ARVADA ARVADA WHEAT RIDGE LAKEWOOD GOLDEN LITTLETON LAKEWOOD LAKEWOOD LITTLETON LITTLETON LAKEWOOD EVERGREEN LITTLETON CONIFER LAKEWOOD HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL CENTENNIAL ENGLEWOOD LITTLETON HIGHLANDS RANCH HIGHLANDS RANCH LITTLETON

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5th weeks in March, June, Sept., and Dec. Restocked Weekly

For advertising call Sharon Sweeney 303-503-1388

Visit us online www.coloradogambler.com

PAGE 4

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe. Answers on page 18 ACROSS: 1. Ski resort still open in June (8, 5) 10. Freddie Mercury had a naughty one (5) 11. Had a thing with Cleopatra (7) 13. Rely on (6) 15. What you show before getting a wristband (2) 17. Across from the Ed page (2) 18. Monica Lewinsky had a famous one with Bill Clinton (10)

DOWN: 1. Middle Eastern language (6) 2. Local Sports Network (8) 3. Form of Anna (3) 4. Dried grass not for smoking (3) 5. Sur in English (2) 6. Football position (3) 7. Free pass to the next round (3) 8. Leak through (4) 9. Local town hosts Frozen Dead Guy Days (9) 12. Lyric poem, intended to be sung (3) 14. Vatican resident (4)

22. Makes the guitar or bass get louder (3) 23. You can win a gold one in the Olympics (5) 26. Bet behind the pass line (4) 27. Peyton’s brother (3) 28. Insurance company (3) 29. Alcoholic drink (3) 30. Peter’s frying (3) 32. The big one on the end in craps (3) 34. Lineman (2) 35. Mother superior jumped one (3)

36. Gone bad (6) 38. Fortune telling cards (5) 39. The pit boss and his tool (6) 42. One who has a positive night on the tables (6) 45. British Open Golf venue (5) 46. Chinese Chairman (3) 47. Grow short (3) 48. Bristlelike part of a plant (3) 49. I don’t know (5) 50. With reference to (2)

16. Ski resort tree (5) 19. Russian monk (8) 20. South of CO (2) 21. Not authentic (9) 24. Activity with the stars (7) 25. Former drunks meeting (2) 26. Matador chant (3) 29. Change to fit surroundings (5) 31. Obsessively detail oriented (4) 33. The letter N (2) 36. Mr. Bean, Mr. Atkinson (5) 37. White fluffy stuff (4)

40. Pitching stat (3) 41. Cheat somebody (3) 43. Make a mistake (3) 44. Salmon eggs (3) 46. Lost continent in the pacific (2)

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

June 16 - 29, 2015

Mill City Chophouse is where dining reaches new heights. Prepared using Colorado’s freshest ingredients, this one-of-a-kind restaurant experience is one you’ll remember long after your first visit to Black Hawk.

MAKE RESERVATIONS TODAY FOR WHAT IS TRULY A RARE DINING EXPERIENCE.

101 MAIN STREET • BLACK HAWK, CO 80422 • 1.800.538.LUCK

This symbol indicates a Father’s Day promo

on video poker. Penny Point multiplier cannot be combined with any other offer.

Bus Fare Refund

www.theisleblackhawk.com Break The Bank Giveaway

Fridays June 19 and 26, you could break the bank and win up to $1,500. Be one of the lucky winners to break one of our Play More Be Happy penny banks for your chance at huge cash prizes! Drawings will be held from 7 – 11 p.m. Guests will receive one free entry and additional entries with every 100 tier points.

Good Time Tuesday Giveaway

Tuesday June 16 and 30. Drawings every 20 minutes will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Each time a prize goes unclaimed it will be added to daily progressive prize. Final drawing each Tuesday evening is guaranteed and winner could take home a huge progressive payday.

Receive one free entry each Tuesday and additional entries with every 100-tier points earned.

$40,000 Casha Palooza Giveaway

Continue to earn entries now through July 4, drawings from 6 – 10 p.m. Eight lucky winners will each earn a Palooza of $5,000 cash. Receive one free entry each day you visit the Isle Casino Black Hawk and earn additional entries for every 100-tier points earned.

Plus, don’t miss out on 20X entries days on Tuesday June 23, it could lead to an explosive payday this July 4.

50+ Perks

With age comes big bonuses every Sunday, June 21 and 28, from 8 a.m. – midnight. Everyone 50 or better is invited to stop by for 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Receive one free buffet after earning 100 tier points from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Cannot be combined with any other point multiplier.

10X Points Penny Slots

Receive 10X points on penny slots each Thursday in June from 8 a.m. - midnight.

You must register at the Player’s Club or Cashier Services prior to playing. Not valid

PAGE 6

Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk?

The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $22.

Simply earn 450 unadjusted points on your player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play.

New Desserts At Tradewinds

Mystery Point Multiplier Tradewinds at the Isle has a new Thursdays

menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk.

Whether you try the classics, a green chili and chipotle, the black & blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds now offers the best desserts in town.

Summer T-shirt: Surprise Inside

New Member Play In June, all new members of the Fan Club will receive a free buffet after playing 30 minutes on their new Players card.

Guests who provide an email address at the time of enrollment will receive 5,000 Fan Club points.

Play and Stay Earn 750 unadjusted points on your Fan Club card Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and midnight and stay the night on us. Or on Friday earn 1,250 unadjusted points and your hotel stay is free. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply. You must register prior to playing.

Table Games More ways play and win at Isle table games. Check out our brand new games King’s Bounty & DJ Wild exclusively at the Isle. Plus, all your favorites including Black Jack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Bonus 6, Mississippi Stud, and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em. Play “Craps-Free Craps” with 10 times odds select days throughout June.

Poker Player? Ask the poker room about eligibility for our $1,000 Sunday Poker Tournaments.

Calypso’s Buffet Whatever your taste, Calypso’s Buffet is sure to satisfy your appetite any day of the week. Enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner buffets.

Featuring delicious breakfast spreads, crisp salads, freshly baked breads, tender chicken and beef entrées, wood stonebaked pizzas and savory side dishes.

Thursdays are a Point Multiplier Mystery! Enjoy the extended summer registration times. Spin the wheel from 10 – 10 p.m. and reveal a mystery point multiplier every Thursday in June. You could win up to 20X on slots; plus you’ll get 5X points on Video Poker. Guests must spin the mystery wheel at the promotions area prior to playing to receive points. Point multiplier is valid from time of registration until midnight on Thursdays in June.

www.black-hawk-ladyluck. isleofcapricasinos.com Roll Into Summer Fun Giveaway

We’re picking one lucky winner every half hour from 2 – 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 12-27. Roll a giant die to win $50-250 cash…or even more depending on tier level. Every time a winner is not present we will add $100 to our progressive jackpot that will be given away Friday, July 3. Receive one free entry on drawing days and additional entries with play. See guest services for rules and additional details for all promos.

Summer BBQ

Enjoy the Colorado Summer on our back patio. Summer barbeques are back every Saturday from 2 – 4 p.m. Earn a delicious barbeque by playing 5 points on your Lady Luck Player’s Card. Simply visit the Lady Luck promotions area to redeem.

Father’s Day Gift Giveaway

Get dad something special on Saturday, June 21. From noon to 6 p.m. pick up your Spider Tool kit when you earn 300 tier score points.

Club 40

We’re multiplying the fun Mondays and Wednesdays. Join us twice a week for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 6X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 25 Tier Score points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card.

On Tuesday, June 30, noon to 8 p.m. when you play 30 tier score points you will get a free T-shirt. Plus, you might be lucky and win a prize when you open your shirt. You could win some sizzling summer CASH!

Sunny Day Picnic Giveaway

Summer is here and it’s time for Lady Luck’s Sunny Day Picnic Giveaway.

Tuesdays, June 16 and 23 you can earn yourself a Sunny Day Picnic gift. You get a fantastic gift when you earn 300 points between noon and 8 p.m. Each Tuesday has a different gift.

Play and Stay

Sundays through Thursdays play 750 Tier Score points between 8 a.m. and midnight. Fridays play 1,250 Tier Score Points between 8 a.m. and midnight.

Make sure to register at guest services prior to play. Poker and Table Games guests can earn a free room, too. Visit guest services or speak to a table games supervisor for restrictions and additional details. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Social Media

Make sure to like Lady Luck Black Hawk on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Stay up to date with all promotions, events and special contests. Also, make sure to register your email with Guest Services to receive special promotion emails.

Jackpot Frenzy #2

Jackpot payouts just got a whole lot sweeter. Earn an entry into Lady Luck’s next $10,000 Jackpot Frenzy. Guests will receive one free entry for every jackpot $1,200 or better won from May 4 through noon on

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

July 11. On July 11, place your entries in Lady Luck’s Jackpot Frenzy drawing that takes place from 2 – 7 p.m. You could win up to $1,000. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be given away.

Bus Fare Redemption

Guests who play with a Fan Club Card can receive up to $22 cash back on bus fare every day. Earn 350 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card to receive cash back. Poker and table games guests can earn too. Just play 3 consecutive hours at Table Games or 4 hours in a Live Poker Game. Guests must redeem bus ticket at Guest Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

Monte Carlo

There are now even more chances to win in the Lady Luck Poker Room. The new Monte Carlo Jackpots are up and running with 12 individual progressive prizes. There are jackpots for Royal Flushes, Straight Flushes and any 4 of a kind. Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room, located on the 2nd floor, for details and updated jackpot amounts.

Lady Luck Poker

It’s easier than ever to win BIG in the Lady Luck Poker Room. The Bad Beat Jackpot now includes a decreasing qualifier element starting at Aces full of Kings.

And make sure to check out the new Bounce Back Bonus offers—now every day of the week.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three hours of play.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $20 in Bounce Back Coupons after four hours of play.

• Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $30 in Bounce Back Coupons after five hours of play.

• Be in a game by 11 a.m. and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after three

hours of play.

Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room, located on the 2nd floor, for additional details.

Table Games

Up your odds with the best table games crew in Black Hawk. Play at Craps, Roulette, Buffalo Black Jack Bonus and Double Deck Blackjack every day of Continued on page 7

June 16 - 29, 2015

Continued from Page 6

the week. There are 20X odds on Craps EVERYDAY. $5 games open every day and $2 craps Monday through Thursday.

Be sure to check out War Blackjack, our newest optional wager in the Lady Luck table games pit. See Table games, located on the second floor of Lady Luck, for additional promotions and details.

week to earn your gift! Stop by Guest Services for details.

a free Surf and Turf special! See Club Z for complete details.

Father’s Day

Want to Convert your Comps to free Gas?

Bring the special man in your life in for his special day, Sunday, June 21. Earn just 250 base points or 4 hours of tracked Table Games play and you can take home a handy multi-tool.

Earn Nitro or Flame status and redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day.

Play and Ride

Earn 75 base points, redeem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play.

Win a 2015 Ford Mustang or Ford Escape

www.goldenmardigras.com $180K Beach Bucks

Don’t miss our $180K Beach Bucks drawings every Friday and Saturday in June from 3 – 11 p.m. Select a card from the beach buckets to make a winning poker hand and the better the hand, the bigger your prize, up to $2,500. Earn entries for every 10 base points or every half hour of tracked table games play.

Come on in for your chance to take on the Cash Cube.

Beach Ball Kiosk Game

You can win cash, FreePlay and other prizes every Tuesday, in our Beach Ball Kiosk Game. Swipe your A-Play Club Card at any promotion kiosk with no point requirement for the first swipe and get an additional swipe after earning 200 base points on slots after 3 a.m. on the day of the promotion.

Table Games – Summer Sunshine Drawings

www.zcasinobh.com Club Z

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Z Casino and receive up to $105 in Z-Play the next day! That’s not all, you will get 4X points on all slots and a free ice cream or Z Café brewed beverage. See Club Z for complete details.

Who Wants a Discount on Gas?

Earn your base point Monday through Sunday and receive up to $1.50 off the flowing Tuesday at our Z Stop Gas Station.

See Club Z for complete details.

Pancake Party

Join us Friday, June 19, for our Pancake Party! All you can eat pancakes from 6 p.m.

– close in the Mustang Grill! Just earn 10 same day base points to receive a voucher for free pancakes. See Club Z for complete details.

Who’s ready to BBQ Father’s Day?

Play Table Games all month long and receive one entry for every hour of tracked play. On Tuesday, June 30, at 8 p.m., we will draw 10 lucky winners who will win up to $1,000.

Stop by Z Casino on Father’s Day, June 21, noon – 4 p.m. to receive a free BBQ plate. Just earn 25 same day base points! See Club Z for complete details.

Great Outdoors Play & Earn

Don’t want to pay for Breakfast?

We have the best gifts for all your summer fun in our Great Outdoors Play & Earn Giveaway. Play for three must-have gifts June 28 through July 1, and receive a folding camping chair, a hydrating back pack and a four-person dome tent, each for only 1,000 base points or 15 hours of tracked table games play. The best part is you have all four days each promotion

June 16 - 29, 2015

Finalist and Z-Play drawings will be every day from 1 – 11 p.m. You could win up to $500 in Z-Play at each drawing.

You will also receive finalist entries for the Grand Prize Drawing every time you win.

Earn more finalist entries with every 1,000 points earned all month long. The grand prize drawing will be on Aug. 29 starting at 9:30 p.m., where you could win a 2015 Ford Mustang or Ford Escape or one of our four $500 Z-Play prizes.

Get Reimbursed for Your ATM Fees

Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM and bring your receipt to Z Casino within two hours from the time on your receipt, you will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back.

Bring a Friend

If you are a current Club Z Member and you bring a friend with you to Z Casino and they become a new Club Z Member and earn 10 base points, you get $10 in FREE Z-Play. All new members qualify for the $105 Z-Play new member rebate.

6X Points

Z Casino is the place for the most points. Earn 6X points on slots every Wednesday & Thursday.

Just earn 10 same day base points Free Shuttle

before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Down Breakfast at Club Z! See Club Z for complete details.

Both the Black Hawk and Central City shuttle stops at Z Casino (on Selak Street adjacent to our free parking lot).

Free Surf and Turf

Z Cafe

Join us every Saturday for our free Surf and Turf special. Just earn 100 same day base points to receive a voucher for

Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Z Casino to get your favorite Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha and much more.

Mustang Grill

The Z Casino Mustang Grill has an exciting menu. Try our specialties which include the amazing Prime Rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77 with your Club Z card. Located on the 3rd floor of Z Casino.

Table Games

Play the Hottest Table Games in Black Hawk at Z Casino! We have your favorites including Craps with Sharp Shooter, Three Card Poker, War Blackjack and Blackjack!

Our table games are open Thursday and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to close.

Toys of Summer Grand Prize

First Prize: Saturday, June 27.

Earn entries May 31 – June 27. It’s a whirlpool of winning from 2 – 10 p.m. with 10 winners of $1,000. Then at 10:30 p.m., one guest will float away with a new California Cooperage Hot Tub. All members receive one free entry. Earn additional entries for every 100 base points earned on slots and for every 30 minutes of rated play on table games for the drawing week. Plus, earn multiplied entries when you play on Wednesdays in June.

Mystery Penny Multiplier

Every Thursday visit the Host Stand from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. to spin the penny point multiplier wheel for up to 12X penny points. Stop by the wheel before you play.

$2 Early Bird Breakfast

Daily • 9 – 11 a.m. Try our $2 Early Bird Breakfast in The Café.

ww.saratogacasinobh.com Million Dollar Summer

Play at Saratoga Casino for your share of one million dollars in cash, Promo Play and Prizes this summer.

$40,000 Game Show Showdown

$2 Craps, Roulette and Blackjack

Limits may raise at the PIT’s discretion.

Saratoga 50+

Guests 50 and over reap the rewards every Monday and Tuesday at Saratoga.

Earn 4X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Take advantage of our discounted menu items in The Café or $10 off with 50 base points earned.

Plus, receive a $20 bus refund when you earn 200 base points.

Every Friday in June and Saturday, June 20. We’ll select 9 winners from 5 – 10 p.m. to come on down and play our Game Show Showdown. Then at 10 p.m., one lucky winner will play all 4 games at the Showdown Showcase. All members receive one free entry. Earn additional entries for every 50 base points earned on slots and for every 15 minutes of rated play on table games for the drawing week.

EPerks

Father’s Day Giveaway

Facebook Trivia

Sunday, June 21. Win a $2,500 gift certificate from Mountain Hearth and Patio in Evergreen. From noon – 5 p.m., seven hot seat winners will receive $250 or $500 cash. Then at 6 p.m., one winner will hit the jackpot with a $2,500 gift card Mountain Hearth and Patio. Play with your Club card for your chance to win.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Win a iPad Mini. Drawing: Tuesday, June 30. Earn entries: June 1 – 29. Receive an entry every day your play.

Winner will be notified via email and will have until Sunday, June 14, to claim their prize. Need not be present to win.

Like us on Facebook to participate in our weekly trivia challenge. Each week is a new chance to win $50 Promo Play and a gift certificate to The Café.

Join Now, Win Now

Join the Club to automatically win $5 Promo Play. Plus, receive $10 off at The Café after earning 20 base points.

PAGE 7

Central City Nuggets Pancake Party

Join us Friday, June 19, for our Pancake Party!

All you can eat pancakes from 6 p.m. – close in the Z Grill! Just earn 10 same day base points to receive a voucher for free pancakes. See Club Z for complete details.

www.johnnyzscasino.com

Who’s ready to BBQ Father’s Day?

Want to Convert your Comps to free Gas?

bring a friend with you to Johnny Z’s Casino and Earn Nitro or Flame status and redeem your they become a new Club Z Member and earn 10 base points, you get $10 in FREE Z-Play. All comps for up to $20 in gas each day. new members qualify for the $105 Z-Play new member rebate.

Play and Ride Earn 75 base points, redeem your bus ticket Prime Rib and Z Ribs at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play.

Try our amazing Prime Rib dinner or Famous Z Ribs now only $7.77, with your Club Z Card $50,000 Anniversary Bash Drawings located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s Casino.

Starting June 4 join us for our $50,000 Anniversary Bash Drawings. Progressive Z Cafe drawings will be every Thursday through Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Sunday from noon – midnight. You could be the Johnny Z’s to get your favorite Cappuccino, lucky winner of up to $500 in Z-Play.

Latte, Mocha and much more.

Stop by Z Casino on Father’s Day, June 21, noon – 4 p.m.

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Johnny Z’s to receive a free BBQ plate. and receive up to $105 in Z-Play the next day. Just earn 25 same day base points! See Club Z for That’s not all, you will get 4X points on all slots complete details. and a free ice cream or Z Café brewed beverage.

Get Reimbursed for Your ATM Fees See Club Z for complete details.

Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our Don’t Want to Pay for Breakfast?

ATM and bring your receipt to Johnny Z’s within Just earn 10 same day base points before Mark Andrew June 27 two hours from the time on your receipt. You Who wants to see Mark Andrew from Mix 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back.

100? Stop by Johnny Z’s on June 27, from 2 – 4 Down Breakfast at Club Z. See Club Z for complete details. p.m.

6X Points Johnny Z’s Casino is the place for the most Free Surf and Turf Who Wants a Discount on Gas? points. Earn 6X points on slots every Monday Join us every Saturday for our free Surf and and Tuesday in June.

Earn your base point Monday through Sunday and receive up to $1.50 off the flowing Turf special. Just earn 100 same day base points Tuesday at our Z Stop Gas Station. See Club Z for to receive a voucher for a free Surf and Turf Bring a Friend If you are a current Club Z Member and you special! See Club Z for complete details. complete details.

Club Z Card

PAGE 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

Table Games

Play the hottest table games in Central City at Johnny Z’s Casino every day from 10 a.m. to close. We have all your favorites from Craps with Fire Bet, Three Card poker, Double Deck Blackjack, Inbet Blackjack and Buffalo Blackjack.

Catch the Free Shuttle The Central City shuttle stops right in front of Johnny Z’s in Central City. With quick, easy access to Z Casino in Black Hawk, ride the Central City Free Ride.

June 16 - 29, 2015

Central City Nuggets

Late Night Weekend Mini-Pizzas

Central-city.cnty.com The 500-Buck-O-Rama

Fridays and Saturdays, May 29 – June 27, $100 Insta-Play Hot Seats at Every Hour from 2 – 4 p.m. $500 cash prizes every hour from 5 – 11 p.m.

Players can earn entries for each week’s drawings with every 150 base points earned starting May 26. From 2 – 4 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, $100 in Insta-Play Hot Seats may be awarded to any players currently using their Player’s card at a machine or our poker and table games. At 5 p.m. we move over to our drawing barrel and things heat up, as every hourly cash prize is $500 through 11 p.m.

Father’s Day American Flag Grill Spatula Giveaway

Just earn 250 base points on your Player’s Club card on Sunday, June 21, to earn a patriotic American flag grill spatula with bottle opener. With a flag design you can sear right into your burgers, this patriotic spatula features a bottle opener built into the handle, which also doubles a loop for handy storage.

Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. Enjoy a late night mini-pizza at the Retro Deli for just $1.50 each, available Friday and Saturday nights from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Lou Bunch Day – Saturday, June 20

Century Casino is the best place to enjoy the full roster of Central City events.

Park in our free covered parking, enjoy our welcoming casino floor, and you’re right next to Main Street. Central City’s annual adult-themed celebration honors the city’s last and most famous Madame Lou Bunch.

Featuring the infamous bed-races, reenactors of historical characters from the city’s boisterous past, musical entertainment and more, Lou Bunch Day is a great reason to kick up your heels.

Stills In The Hills – Saturday, June 27 New Members

Sign up at our Player‘s Club for a free club card to get a FREE SPIN to win up to $1,500. Earn 10 base points on your day of signup and return to the Player’s Club for $5 in Insta-Play added right to your account.

Earn 100 base points total on your signup day and redeem at the Club for $5 in InstaPlay added to your account. Earn 200 base points that same day for another $5 InstaPlay bonus. Finally, earn 300 base points

that same day for another amazing $5 in Insta-Play bonus available at the Club.

That’s up to $20 in Day One Insta-Play for New Members.

Midnight Madness

the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Play & Eat Tuesdays

Every Tuesday you can enjoy the special of the day at the Mid City Grill for free from 11 a.m. with just 150 base points earned on your Player’s Club card that day.

$7.99 Prime Rib Every Day

Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for just $7.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card.

Prime Rib special is also available for $14.99 with no card. Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon.

Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. Win $50 Hot Seat drawings for InstaPlay or Table Games Play Chips every halfhour from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night.

Tuesday Bonus Entries

Sunday Cash Blast

Military Appreciation Monday

Senior Celebration – Wednesday and Thursday

Guests with military ID will receive a free ice cream, plus 50% off meals (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. We also offer a regular hotel Military discount rate of $39.95 before tax for a standard room Sundays through Thursdays (certain holidays exempted).

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play all day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50% off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill.

Please note that 50% food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including daily food specials.

Fantasy Golf Wednesday

Birthdays

$250 cash Drawings on the hour and $50 Insta-Play on the half hour from 2 – 8 p.m. Sunday May 31 at Century features $250 cash drawings on the hour, and $50 Insta-Play drawing on the halfhour, from 2 – 8 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Player’s Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, additional entries are available to players who receive our mail.

Bigger Bingo –Thursday Bingo

Enjoy free Bingo every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with $100 Insta-Play Play or Table Games Play Chips prizes, with $250 cash prizes for our bigger bingo games at 11 a.m., 8 p.m., and one random hourly game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at

Earn 2X Entries on slots to win the 500 Buck-O-Rama on Fridays and Saturdays.

Earn up to three Fantasy Golf Card Scratch Tickets Each Wednesday (at 250 base points, 400 base points, and 1,000 base points each) and win your share of $1,000 in Cash and Insta-Play prizes if you have one of the lowest five scores recorded that day. Win Double Prizes if your score is under par for the card. Scores are tallied and winners posted the next day and prizes must be claimed within one week.

All guests can come in on the day of their birthday and get 2X points plus a free gift. Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the gift, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 Promo Chip to use at the tables. Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer redeem it at the Player’s Club for a gift of 10X their age in points.

FATHER’S

D AY GIVEAWAY! EARN 250 BASE POINTS ON YOUR PLAYER’S CLUB CARD ON

CASH PRIZES EVERY HOUR

SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST TO EARN A PATRIOTIC FLAG GRILL SPATULA WITH BOTTLE OPENER!

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June 16 - 29, 2015

Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 9

Gemstones & Minerals The Atocha Spanish Galleon’s Sunken Treasure

C

olumbia has been the world’s leader in quality emerald production for more than 400 years.

Columbia’s mining towns supply about 40 percent of the world’s output and 60 percent of the highest quality emeralds available on the market today.

The Muzo tribes were the first to mine Columbian emeralds and regarded them as holy stones. In the early 16th century when the Spaniards conquered the Incas, many of these revered stones were found. The quality of the emeralds was astonishing to the Spaniards and they demanded to know the source. The Incas remained silent even under torture, so the conquerors set out in search of the mines themselves. All the traces of emeralds had been destroyed mostly due to the rapid growth of the jungle above the mines.

It was not until 1555 that one of the mines of Muzo, Columbia, was discovered. In order to exploit the riches of the emerald mines the Spanish had to first conquer the Muzo Indians. The Muzo Indians were fierce cannibals and formidable warriors. They used poisoned

arrows, hidden traps in the jungle, and were heavily fortified. The Spanish were at first stunned by the strength of the natives, but eventually subdued the Muzos with the use of fierce hunting dogs to end the bloody battles. In 1568 the Spaniards began formal mining while using the enslaved Muzo people as laborers.

Mining the emeralds, along with gold and silver, in the Spanish-American colonies was the easy part; getting it all to Spain was another story. From 1530 to 1800, approximately $8 billion of gold, silver and emeralds were mined in the Spanish-American colonies. This wealth drastically changed the course of European history, raising Spain to a position of world dominance.

The Dutch, English and French openly attacked the treasure fleets. Treasure ships were lost at sea, confiscated by pirates and ravaged by hurricanes. In August 1622, all the Spanish ships met in the harbor at Havana, Cuba. The fleet had 8 heavily armed Guard Galleons, 28 vessels in all, including the Atocha fitted with 20 cannon and more than $400 million in

treasure. There were more than 6,000 emeralds packed in boxes on board.

The fleet left Havana on Sept. 4, six weeks behind schedule and into the worst part of the hurricane season. On the next day, the fleet was overtaken by a rapidly moving hurricane.

The gale force winds rising out of the northeast, quickly increased, bringing dread to the most experienced sailors. That night the wind shifted, coming out of the south. The hurricane now hurled the fleet north toward the Florida reef line.

With crew and passengers huddled, praying below the deck, the Atocha approached the line of reefs dividing safe, deep water from certain death. The frenzied crew dropped anchors into the reef face, hoping to hold the groaning creaking galleon off the jagged coral.

A wave lifted the ship, and in the next instant, flung it down directly into the reef. The main mast snapped as the huge seas washed the Atocha off the reef and beyond, trailing her broken mast. Water poured through a gaping hole in the bow, quickly filling the hull with water. The great ship slipped beneath the surface, finding bottom 55 feet below; only the stump of the mizzenmast broke the waves. Of the 265 persons aboard, 260 drowned. Three

crewmen and two black slaves clung to the mast until they were rescued the next morning by a launch from another fleet ship. A total of 550 people and six ships perished that night in the hurricane.

Fast forward to the early 1970s. Mel Fisher and his recovery operation discovered the sister ship, Santa Margarita. With further research and exploration, Fisher finally pinpointed the Atocha sight. To date, items valued at $450 million have been recovered, including most of the emeralds, and tons of silver and gold ingots including 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as “pieces of eight” and over 1,000 silver bars. Also found in the wreck were numerous rare silver and gold artifacts.

The emerald symbolizes the beauty and promise of nature in the spring of each year. It also symbolizes faith, kindness and goodness.

In ancient times the emerald was dedicated to the goddess Venus, and lovers were told that it was endowed with the power of revealing the faithfulness of the beloved.

The largest emerald found to date weighs just more than 16,000 carats, and comes from Muzo, Columbia. Emerald is the birthstone for May.

Going Green Colorado craftsman recycles ravaged wood into beautiful creations

Ben Steiner of Steamboat Springs started making small hand-carved bowls from salvaged “blowdown” wood about 20 years ago when a freakish wind storm blew over thousands of spruce, aspen and fir trees in nearby forests. Steiner immediately envisioned these toppled dead trees as a new source for beautiful wood products.

Today this craftsman continues to go green by using his woodworking skills to recycle ravaged wood (including beetle-kill wood) into decorator bowls as well as furniture and other woodcrafts. His source of recycled wood seems be almost inexhaustible.

Near his workshop, city maintenance crews regularly cut down old, decaying cottonwood trees near creeks.

One of his prize pieces is a large coffee table, which he proudly displays in his living room. The beautiful grained wooden top is fashioned from a 100-year-old timber from an old coalmine. After he finished turning out the tabletop, he rubbed it with beeswax to preserve the finish.

“When I first brought the coffee table in

PAGE 10

into a shade for a wooden lamp. He took an antique chest of drawers and inserted a sink into it to create a unique vanity for their bedof gas,” Steiner recalls. from my woodshop, room.

He used one giant saw blade the whole room His woodworking hobby has grown into from his mill for an end table top smelled of beeswax,” a small business... His artistic and practiand then wrapped the sharp edges he remembers. cal bowls are in such demand that he sells with old rope. He designed anHe said he origihis work in local stores. Each signed bowl nally designed the other artistic base from small saw coffee table for a blades of old ice saws. Still another comes with a little story about the origin of millionaire’s house, table utilizes an old sawmill pulley the wood, making them popular with visitors as well as locals. He has created numerous and the table was to for a table base. be centered in front Before he can start to work in wood projects for a local interior designer of a big fireplace his woodshop with any of the sal- and constructed home additions from recycled woods, such as old maple gym floors, vaged wood, he has to cure it. hearth.

“It takes at least three months doors, and window frames.

“When my wife, Many of his woodcrafts—from bowls to to dry out,” he points out.

Sheri, saw the beautables to room divider tiful coffee table, she After the wood screens—have won wouldn’t let me sell it,” has been cured awards in various he said. “We just kept Craftsman Ben Steiner uses and sized, the a gouge tool on a lathe to local art shows. it.” craftsman fashion a wooden bowl from His bowls, This innovative goes to work. which are both woodworker not only rough tree stock.

What once practical and recycles the salvaged wood, but he also in- was “dead and down” beautiful, are lays scrap metals and semi-precious stones, turns into a beautifully designed to withsuch as saw blades and turquoise, into deco- finished wooden bowl, stand years of regurative wooden coffee and end table tops. He vase, or potpourri container lar use. To care for his purchased a special oversized wood lathe to under Ben’s skillful hands. carve bowls from one piece of wood and also “I really enjoy taking a rough One of Steiner’s beautiful bowls bowls, he said, “Just made from beetle kill wood. wash with warm, for furniture spindle turning. He uses antique chunk of log and turning it on a soapy water and ocwheels from railroad cars for bases of his ar- lathe to make it into something casionally apply a light coating of vegetable tistic end table creations. beautiful.”

Steiner also has recycled many things Other recycled creations include a round oil. Never soak the bowls in water and do not from an old sawmill he once owned, such as a wooden tabletop with turquoise inlays and put them in the dishwasher. Enjoy your bowl 1937 John Deere tractor. metal lampshades. He punched holes in gal- and know that it was once a living part of this “It used to run all day on only five gallons vanized flashing roofing material and shaped beautiful valley.”

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

June 16 - 29, 2015

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June 16 - 29, 2015

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 11

Casino•Guide Casino

Games

Slots

Ameristar - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

Black Hawk Station Bull Durham

Lodging

Food

Parking

Contact

over 1400 536 rooms

B, D, SD, Starbucks

free valet and self parking

720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx

VP

120

No

SD,SB

city lot

303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net

VP

188

No

SB

city lot

303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com

Z Casino Formerly Bullwhackers Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP

400

No

SD, D

free valet and self parking

303-271-2500/zcasinobh.com

Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

415

No

SD, SB

free valet and self parking

303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com

Saratoga - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

585

No

SD, B

free covered valet

303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/saratogacasinobh.com

Gilpin - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

460

No

SD

free valet across the street

303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7

BJ, P, C, VP

280

No

D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Gulch

VP

140

No

V

free self/free valet

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

680

No

SD,SB,D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP

1308

238

B,D,SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com

Lady Luck - 24/7

BJ, P,C, R, VP

500

164

SD,SB

free covered valet and self parking

1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com

Lodge - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

975

50

B, D, SD, SB

free valet parking

303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly

VP

149

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Monarch - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

766

No

B

free valet and self parking

303-582-1000/monarchblackhawk.com

Sasquatch

No

70

No

D

No

720-880-1616

Wildcard

VP

220

No

D

city lot

303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

520

26

SD,D

free covered self parking

303-582-5050/cnty.com

Dostal Alley - 24/7

VP

64

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street

VP

205

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza

BJ, P, R, VP

244

No

SD , D

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s - 24/7 Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, VP

367

No

SD, D

free covered parking

303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

700

119

SD, D, B, SB, V

free valet and self parking

1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

The Brass Ass - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

250

No

SD

free covered self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com

Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

750

23

SD

free self parking

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Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, R,

448

21

SD

free self parking

719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7

BJ, R, VP

211

5

SD, SB

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877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7

BJ, P ,C, R, VP

700+

158

SD, SB

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Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7

VP

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No

SD

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J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

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40

SD

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Midnight Rose - 24/7

P, VP

400

19

SD, B

validated self parking

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Wildwood Casino- 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530

68

SD, D, B

Climate controlled self parking

877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Games Key

Food Key

BJ - Blackjack, P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine

This information is subject to change without notice.

David won $2,000 playing a Sizzling 7 machine at Mardi Gras Casino.

Joy was the $15,500 winner of the Celebrate Spring Grand Finale Progressive!

Lon won $5,003.30 playing Willy Wonka at Golden Gates Casino.

Jeff won $75,000 playing Triple Strike at Mardi Gras Casino.

Carmen won $16,000 playing Double Diamond at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Leonard won $5,335 playing Brazil at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

June 16 - 29, 2015

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 14

Marilyn won $6,008 playing a Triple Diamond machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Randy won $8,000 playing a Double Diamond machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Robert won $20,000 playing video poker at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

George won $5,040 playing Triple Cash at Lady Luck Casino Black Hawk.

Sara was our Miles of Smiles Camaro winner.

Paul won $6,008 playing at Saratoga Casino Black Hawk.

June 16 - 29, 2015

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 15

Colorado Gold Rush

The Gold Rush of 1859 Send in your tales so they can be shared

the territory.

In a few short months, in what is now Central City, tents of early prospectors gave way to logany a cabin homes tale is and stores. By told, August 1859, retold, more than 300 embellished buildings clung and preserved to the hillsides of events that of the surroundtook place during mountains. ing the ColoAmong those rado gold rush buildings were of 1859. Just as an assayer’s ofthe mine tailfice, theater, ings throughout bank and supGilpin County ply stores.

Maggie@maggiempublications.com hold promises What is now of undiscovered Black Hawk treasure, these tales hold histori- also grew into a thriving town cal treasures of their own. and by the mid-1860s the town According to Robert L. Brown, had a church, school, meat marauthor of Central City and Gil- ket, candy store, post office and pin County Then and Now, the a number of saloons. From preschaotic years in what is now ent day Nevadaville down the hill Gilpin County began in the win- through Black Hawk, the place ter of 1858 when a fellow by the was abuzz with activity. name of George Jackson discovNow you have the history of ered gold in what is now Idaho the Colorado gold rush. Many of Springs. you already know most of the stoWith nuggets in hand and the ry. So why am I reiterating what promise of more to be found, you already know?

Jackson kept his own counsel, sat I want the tales of the people. out the winter and waited for the I want to hear from you readers spring thaws before venturing with tales to tell, tales of your back into Clear Creek Canyon. grandparents and great-grandIn March 1859, Jackson re- parents that they passed down turned to the canyon in search of to you. I know there is a treasure more treasure. Running low on trove of such tales circulating supplies, he made the mistake of among families in this area and I purchasing his goods in Denver want to hear them. and paying for them with gold Whether your stories are dust and nuggets. Word spread truthful or factual is not the basis through Denver like wildfire with for this column. There are plenty droves of people following Jack- of great writers and resources son back to his claim—and the available for those who want to gold rush was on. learn the factual history of this In late April 1859, a crude, area. I want the heartfelt, someredheaded Georgian fellow by times sad and sometimes funny, the name of John Gregory heard tales you heard on your grandof Jackson’s discovery and set off pa’s knee. to find his own treasure. Upon One such tale I heard myself reaching Clear Creek Canyon, was that there was a time when rather than following Jackson’s Black Hawk and Central City lead up the south fork of Clear shared a post office. As the tale Creek, Gregory followed the went, during many a dark night north fork and ended up above the men from Black Hawk would present day Black Hawk in what go up the hill and drag the little is now known as Processor Gulch. building down the hill to Black On May 6, 1859, Gregory struck Hawk only to have it stolen back gold in decomposing quartz and by the men from Central City. discovered the first lode gold in Now, that is a funny tale. I do

M

PAGE 16

Tailing TaLe

By Maggie Magoffin

John H. Gregory discovered gold in Colorado in 1858. The Gregory mine was one of the most profitable during the gold rush.

not know if it is true – but it is funny.

So, please send me your tales.

If you do not want me to use your name, I will not. However, if you do not mind, I would like to tell the readers who sent the story and where they heard it. Do not worry about your writing skills.

I can edit your stories and retain your voice and the integrity of the

tale. Only you can tell the tale as you heard it.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories in the coming months.

This column is sponsored by Cholua Brothers Old Time Coffee Store - Black Hawk.

Previously published in The Weekly Register-Call.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

SEND IN YOUR TALES Mail your stories with contact information: Maggie M P.O. Box 6571 Westminster, CO 80021 Email: Maggie@ maggiempublications.com.

June 16 - 29, 2015

50

Trail’s End

YearsAgo

The South Platte River Flood of 1965

I didn’t remember that exact day in 1965, I had to look it up, but I remember the night. It was June 16, 1965, 50 years ago this month, when a wall of water described as some 15 feet high came roaring down the South Platte River, taking out everything in its path. As a child, any disaster stays with you forever. As a historian, it wasn’t until years later that I grasped the true aspect of natural disaster and the aftermath.

From newspaper accounts and local history, the rain that had fallen in the past several weeks caused the South Platte River to gradually spill over its banks. Yet, there was little concern. As a child, I remember the steady rainfall filling the street gutters in a fast and furious manner, and it was fun to sit in our swimsuits as the water gushed over our feet.

There had been some minor concern of possible flooding in the South Platte River Basin for several years, obviously with no action taken. Cherry Creek seemed to be the real focus of flood protection, both for the valley and downtown Denver. A dam was constructed in 1939 for Cherry Creek, while the misunderstood South Platte River, with its wide, shallow and slow moving waters, generated very little real concern.

From the Littleton Independent, Aug. 20, 1948: “The Chatfield Dam, which will probably be built by army engineers near Wolhurst in a few years, is designed to check floods from Plum Creek and the South Platte River. No water would be stored in the earthen structure except in unusual weather.”

The morning of Monday, June 16, 1965, dawned bright and sunny.

Residents of Littleton and the surrounding areas had little reason to anticipate a flood on that day, as the forecast of scattered thundershowers had been the same as in several days past.

I don’t remember what my day was like, but I remember the night.

June 16 - 29, 2015

It had been raining since the sun went down. My little brother and I were in our pajamas, getting ready for bed, when my dad told us we were going to pick up my mom from work and watch the river rise from a friend’s house. It was a great adventure for two little kids at night in their PJs! It wasn’t until we picked up my mother and I saw the look in her eyes, that I realized something was wrong. Something was about to happen.

By midnight, the river had crested at 25 feet above normal, carrying 40 times the normal flow.

Within hours, the South Platte River crashed with a full force into the Littleton area, flooding business establishments, homes and uprooting everything in its path.

From our friend’s house in the hills of Bow Mar, high above Littleton, my father watched the devastation through binoculars, while my mother kept herself busy chatting with the women and caring for my brother and me.

Newspaper accounts report that the Littleton Police force was able to give the folks several hours warning so they could evacuate.

The accounts also reported the complete flooding of the Columbine Country Club area, including the devastation of the newly built luxury homes. Overland Park Golf Course, a few miles north of Littleton along the river, suffered a similar fate.

In the midst of this torrent rampage, was Littleton’s prized Centennial Race Track. Within days of opening for the racing season, the track, seating, concessions and horse stables, with horses on the premise, were all ready for opening day. The rushing wall of water was disastrous and wiped out the entire racetrack operation.

I remember returning to our home the following morning, and the look in my parents’ eyes was of relief. Our home had escaped damage and the water had miraculously stopped at the bottom of our street.

Across that street however, was the Centennial Race Track, now flood-

ABOVE: Devastation and disaster is seen after the floods of 1965.

RIGHT: Damage caused to a Denver Fire station by the flooded South Platte River.

Photos courtesy Denver Public Library

ed. It was sometime in the early morning, as I can best remember, that the horrific sound of the whinnying of the many horses, made its way to our house. My father, along with the other neighborhood dads, went down the street to the racetrack. The water had begun to recede a bit, but the mud, hay and straw in the locked stables, created a thick mess, and the horses were unable to move. The men worked frantically to break open the stalls and release the horses, and with the help of fire rescue teams, were eventually able to save more than 140 horses. My father never told me if any of the horses died, but I was glad he saved those that he could.

Newspaper accounts reported the flood damage farther north, destroying some 26 bridges, including every one from Littleton north to the Colfax viaduct. Both public service company power plants along the river became waterlogged and were shut down. As the flooding continued, tributary rivers and creeks, including Cherry Creek and Bijou Creek, were swelled as well, increasing the floodwaters. The devastation went as far north as Fort Morgan, Brush and Sterling, where the area became isolated as the waters spread out over a quarter-

Celebrating 23 Years

million acres of farmland. In Fort Morgan, the historic Rainbow Bridge, over the South Platter River, was severely damaged.

As my father returned home from rescuing the horses at the race track, we were all relieved our family and our home had escaped the horrible damage of the flood. This was not the case for many others.

Tragically, 28 people lost their lives in the flood. Damage and destruction included more than 1,200 structures, businesses and homes.

More than 1,400 families sought disaster relief. The estimated damage was reported as some $540 million. While many thought the flood washed away years of debris, others struggled to recuperate.

As a child, who witnessed and lived through the horror of something I didn’t understand, I was just glad I was back in my own bed, where my father kissed me

good night.

The outcome of this terrible tragedy was an act prompted by Gov. Richard Lamm, which led to the Congressional approval of funding for the Chatfield Dam, which had been planned since the 1930s and officially authorized in 1949, yet never acted upon.

While the flood of 1965 brought the issue of flood control and the Chatfield Dam back to the government table, it would not be until July 1969, when then Gov. Lamm signed legislation for the proposed dam. That action, however, slow in coming, would save the Littleton area, and much of Denver, for that matter, from a repeated disaster.

If there was any good thing that came out of that devastating flood 50 years ago, it was the sense of a cleansing. All the trash was washed away and new pretty things took their place.

PAGE 17

Gaming good news is by being out of town many of the things (work, kids, and the drive home) won’t be on my mind so it should be easier while in Las Vegas.

What an amazing rush it is just to walk into and through the huge main ball room at The Rio - with the loud clacking of chips rubbing and knocking against each heard well before reaching the room. There are famous players to the left and right, masseuses running all around, and Floor People shouting in an attempt to keep control (and doing a great job of doing so).

It’s also fun to walk through and touch base with those players that I haven’t seen for a while, it seems that is the place to run into almost anyone.

So, as Mike McDermott said in the classic poker movie Rounders, “First prize at the World Series of Poker is a million bucks. Does it have my name on it? I don’t know. But, I’m gonna find out.”

Remember - play your game!

email her at navamsa9@q.com AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) This is a good transit for social interaction, new friends, new contacts. If you have a creative project it will flourish as long as you don’t give into the tendency to relax too much. This is not a good time for financial speculations. Lucky Numbers: 9, 12, 17, 23, 31, 40

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) This transit is good for research and looking deep into whatever you have been curious about. People are helpful to you at this time.

Also good time for promotions particularly management positions.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 17, 19, 27, 46

LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) There are tensions and disruptions around you in your life at this time. And yet you are fortunate in romance. You will be lucky in love, go for it. Lucky Numbers: 3, 17, 31, 37, 44, 49

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) This transit is good for managerial or leadership positions, you can be promoted. You are feeling optimistic and maybe a bit selfindulgent. This is not a good time for financial speculations or other such excesses. Lucky Numbers: 13, 30, 44, 45, 52, 58

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) This transit is good for financial speculation of any kind as you have a midas touch. You have a silver tongue as well and people want to hear what you have to say. Overall this is a fortunate time for you.

Lucky Numbers: 6, 13, 28, 39, 40, 64

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) With all the changes that have been happening in your life are not much in the mood for talking to people. You are busy and have things to do. This is a good transit to do a time out with people.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 15, 20, 29, 31, 43

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) Opportunities for romance and new friendships abound for you. Not only many people coming into your life but also people leaving. If there is a romance you are interested in, go for it. You Lucky Numbers: 8, 13, 29, 33, 60, 64

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) You are feeling good. You feeling optimistic and full of energy. And yet there is a tendency to do nothing, literally. Effort is required on your part to move forward with this positive transit. Lucky Numbers: 5, 6, 12, 31, 34, 59

ACROSS

29. Ale 30. Pan 32. Ten 34. DE

35. Gun 36. Rancid 38. Tarot 39. Pencil

42. Winner 45. Troon 46. Mao 47. Gro

48. Awn 49. Dunno 50. Re

1. Arabic 2. Altitude 3. Ann

DOWN

4. Hay 5. On 6. End 7. Bye

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) This is a fortuitous time for you in general. You have the golden tongue and can charm people at this time. Good for romance, finance, career, a good time in general. Lucky Numbers: 7, 23, 32, 35, 45, 51

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) There is a tendency to be quite self centered at this time. Perhaps you need to look out for yourself, perhaps you need a little downtime from others. Not the best time for relationships in general.. Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 11, 25, 44, 47

LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22) This is a good transit overall. You are fortunate in money matters, accumulating money of speculations. This transit is also good for relationships in general, and of course, romance. Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 7, 13, 31, 62

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You are feeling positive in general. You may feel this is a good time to make changes in your life. Not only in your environment but within yourself as well. You are correct, you will be successful in your plans. Lucky Numbers: 4, 15, 17, 19, 47, 53

Horoscopes

23. Medal 26. Odds 27. Eli 28. AAA

Horoscopes by Teelok

and $1,500 buy in’s and will draw hundreds if not thousands of players looking for that one streak of luck, that one big win, and their own world championship bracelet.

There are also many outstanding smaller tournaments and live games going on 24 hours a day for the entire run of the tournament. I was relieved to see that The Deep Stack No-Limit Holdem tournaments are scheduled 3 times each night. These tournaments are low cost ($135 - $235) and usually have a high number of players.

For me, preparing is the key!

It has already begun, and will kick into high gear over the next three weeks. I will be playing a higher percentage of the $2 $5 / $100 game in Black Hawk as that plays more like no limit and really working on sharping up my overall game - especially patience. Focus is the second big key for me as it always seems like there’s lot’s going on in life and at times my mind wanders. The

15. ID 17. Op 18. Internship 22. Amp

poker talk

This year’s World Series of Poker is being held from May 27 - July 14 with the final nine players (survivors) of the Final Event once again bagging up their chips and playing for the exclusive World Champion of Poker Bracelet and a whole bunch of cash on national TV in November. There are 68 bracelets up for grabs for tournament champions and there is projected to be more than $200 million in prize money given out.

There is an $111,111 One Drop tournament for the high rollers with a big piece going to charity. There is also a $50,000 Poker Players Championship, numerous $10,000 championships, and even a brand new event called The Colossus with a $565 buy in and a guaranteed $5 million prize pool. This one is expected to see thousands of players.

Many of the events are $1,000

Basin 10. Nanny 11. Antony 13. Depend

W

HOO HOO - I headed out to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 13 for a string of days at the 2015 edition of The World Series of Poker. This will BY be my sixth visit to the LARRY event over the years and the plan is to make it the JOHNSON most profitable yet.

The great news is there is now a Zip line from the the past three visits to the event have been profitable. In top of the host casino (The Rio fact, I won early each year while All-Suite Hotel and Casino) to playing live games and the trips its lower tower - and back again turned into nice relaxing vaca- - more than 750 feet across and tions with the wife, rather than 450 feet above the ground. Luckpoker playing trips. We did lots ily, I think this will be a pure pokof swimming, shows, dinners, er year for me.

Why - because this year the and enjoying the town - but not wife is not going on the trip due much poker after the first few to work.

Thus, I’ll be a poker days.

Two years ago we even did the playing machine no taking it downtown Zip Line that travels easy, no being a tourist - and only a little swimming. Each trip the length of the Fremont Street with her has been fantastic and Experience - fun stuff, but not the reason I won was probably poker. because I quit while I was ahead, From what I understand, but this trip will be pure poker.

ANSWERS: ACROSS: 1. Arapahoe

World Series of Poker - 2015

8. Seep 9. Nederland 12. Ode 14. Pope

16. Aspen 19. Rasputin 20. NM 21. Imitation

24. Dancing 25. AA 26. Ole 29. Adapt

31. Anal 33. En 36. Rowan 37. Snow

40. ERA 41. Con 43. Err 44. Roe

46. Mu

Contact Mary Nightstar at marynihtstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

Crossword puzzle answers from page 5

PAGE 18

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PAGE 19

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