BrUNSWICK FLAT
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 east portion of the building. 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
the Cornish brick masons who worked in this valley
during the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1880's.
Submitted by @HeavyCardboard