Owner Comments:
MEMORABILIA APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Event guide for the 1959 "Rush To The Rockies" Centennial — Associated with the commemorative so-called dollars recognizing the celebration (HK542-546: See Historical Description: Medals, Below)
*Guide is in very good condition for its age; no bent corners, markings, stains or tears; light creasing on last page. — A scarce issue that was difficult to obtain.*
MEMORABILIA BACKGROUND:
A detailed guide of all the events throughout the year in recognition of the 1959 'Rush to the Rockies Centennial'.
RARITY: Likely extremely scarce to rare, especially in such exceptional condition.
MEMORABILIA DESCRIPTION:
Colorado Department of Public Relations. "Events: 1959 Colorful Colorado: Rush to the Rockies Centennial." Denver, Colorado. Bradford-Robinson Publishing, 1959. Print, 8 Pages.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND/SO-CALLED DOLLAR AFFILIATION:
Purpose: "The event was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first mass settlement of the state following the discovery of gold in 1859 in Central City, once "richest square mile on earth." Included were centennial celebrations of 19 cities including Denver and Colorado Springs."
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Organization: "This was not a 'World's Fair'; rather, in each town events were offered which re-created pioneer days, illustrated growth of state and provided unique entertainment. Denver acted first; Council created Centennial Commemorative Authority 1955; Legislature created Centennial Commission January 1958 to coordinate state and local observances; similar Committees established in most communities. State granted $125,000 but mere $70,000 spent as this was described officially as 'Do-It-Yourself Celebration' actually costing residents of state 'only about 4 cents each'."
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Site, Dates, Attendance: "In 150 towns and cities over 400 events were held throughout 1959 attracting 4,000,000 'additional' visitors to state. U.S. participation largely limited to Federal Agencies Fair, Denver Federal Center; no Mint Exhibit."
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Comment: "Officially dubbed 'Rush to the Rockies' Celebration, focal point was a pioneer village erected in downtown Denver, complete with blacksmith shop, livery stable, saloon, sheriff's office, etc. Abutting this in Civic Center, in world's first public showing, towered 13 story-tall Titan ICBM, built in nearby Martin plant and symbolic of Space Age. Elsewhere, old West reborn in detailed restoration of famous mining town of 'South Park City' (Fairplay) and in festivities at Cripple Creek, Leadville and more. Replica of the first Colorado Mint, Clark, Gruber and Co., was erected in Historical Museum, Denver, visitors exchanging paper money for silver. Miners, past and present, were honored in Hall of Mining Progress (Mining Exchange Building), Denver.
Highlight of entire year was First Commencement and Official Dedication by President Eisenhower, June 3, of new $136,000,000 U.S. Air Force Academy located against spectacular Rampart Range near Colorado Springs."
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Medals: "An Official Medal was authorized by 86th Congress; struck at Philadelphia Mint. Obverse is Official Centennial Emblem designed by Arthur Roy Mitchell, Trinidad, Colorado; modeled by Frank Gasparro. Issue limited to 10,000 pieces; sold out for $3.50 'before end of August 1959.' Congressional designation as a 'national medal' permitted striking of additional number 'upon approval of issuing Commission' but Governor Steve McNichols personally advised on April 11, 1960, that no more medals would be struck."
Credited Source: So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen