Goulder Janowitz
Born:
Died:

Mrs. Goulder Janowitz
Born:
Died:

Louis Janowitz
Son of Goulder
Born: Russia, 1842
Died: Denver, November 13, 1918

Golda “Goldie” (Simon) Janowitz
Wife of Louis, brother of Sigmond Simon
Born: 1852
Died: Denver, July 1, 1919

Helen “Stella” Janowitz
Daughter of Louis and Goldie
Born: Leadville, February 15, 1888
Died: Leadville, January 26, 1904

Benjamin “Benno” Aaron Janowitz
Son of Louis and Goldie
Born: Leadville: March 8, 1893
Died: Leadville, November 1, 1902.

Sidney “Sid” Janowitz
Born: Leadville, February 19, 1882
Died: November 23, 1959

Bertha “Berdie” (Dryer) Janowitz
Wife of Sidney
Born: New York, 1886
Died: Denver, December 2, 1969

Melvin Bernard Janowitz
Son of Sidney and Bertha
Born: Leadville, February 6, 1912
Died: Denver, December 7, 1979.

Edward “Ed” Lasker Janowitz
Born: Leadville, July 1884
Died: Leadville, August 28, 1915

Helen “Erna” (Heimberger) Janowitz
Wife of Edward
Born: Leadville, July 5, 1891
Died: Atlanta, February 7, 1968

Helen “Jane” Janowitz (Adopted 1923: Chamison, Married: Patterson)
Daughter of Ed and Erna
Born: Leadville, January 13, 1915
Died: Los Angeles, March 13, 1996

Samuel “Sam” Janowitz
(Precise familial relationship is uncertain, likely a cousin or brother of Louis).
Born: Russia, 1858
Died: Chicago, October 7, 1901

The official naturalization records for Louis Janowitz, dated October 8, 1891, show that he was born in Russia but have no recorded birthdate. [1] Records for Golda “Goldie” Simon Janowitz do not accurately or consistently identify her birth year. Her headstone is dated 1853 and this is generally the most frequently cited year, particularly in census records. For the purposes of this study the headstone date will be cited. She would arrive in the United States in 1879, seven years after her husband Louis, whom she married following her arrival that same year. [2] Louis and Goldie arrived in Leadville shortly after they married and Louis is documented working as a clerk in the saloon owned by Sig Simon, Goldie’s brother, located at 19 W. Chestnut. [3]

Louis opened his own saloon, [4] Pennsylvania Headquarters, at 210 W. Chestnut that same year where the couple also resided. [5] Future advertisements mention that the G. Janowitz Mercantile Co. was established in 1879. Although the family business was created that year it did not operate under that name at this time. In addition to their liquor and tobacco enterprise, the Janowitzes invested in real estate [6] and mines in the Leadville area. [7] The Janowitzes would eventually own the Congress Hall block at 517 and 519 Harrison Avenue, in its entirety, which they also operated as either a boarding or an apartment house. [8] The Janowitzes were strong believers in the power of marketing, and examples of their advertisements from local newspapers and city directories are exhibited throughout this study.

On November 9, 1879, Louis and Goldie were present at the Hotel Windsor for the inaugural banquet celebrating the charter for the Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 322 of the Independent Order of the B’nai B’rith. [9] The Janowitz family enjoyed considerable success in Leadville as liquor and tobacco merchants over the course of nearly four decades. That success ended rather swiftly after 1916 with the execution of Colorado’s first statewide ban on the sale of liquor.

Goulder Janowitz, Louis’ father, probably arrived in Leadville in 1881. He later made a comment that may place him in the city as early as 1878, although this is unlikely; 1881 is the first year that his presence is documented in public records. This is the first time “G. Janowitz & Co.” appears in primary documents: operating two saloons with partner Sigmund Marx [10] at 112 ½ and 315 Harrison Avenue, and with Louis at the helm of the enterprise’s wholesale liquor distribution arm located at 135 West 6th Street where he and Goldie also resided. [11] Of all the Leadville Janowitzes, Goulder and his wife are the most poorly documented. They escape enumeration in every available census, and are only documented by newspaper articles and city directories. While Goulder was the family patriarch and the business namesake, his involvement with the company appears to be much more along the lines of a figurehead. However, his actions testify that he had the final say on business matters.

During the autumn of 1881, Louis was one of the first registered subscribers for the fledgling Merchant Electric Light Company that pledged to outfit Leadville businesses with electric light at half the cost of natural gas lighting. Local residents objected, voicing concerns over recent electrical fires in New York City and the telephone company worried about potential interference caused by the proximity of the high voltage electrical lines to telephone wires sharing the same utility poles. Despite the debate, the Leadville city council approved the plan for electrification at their meeting on October 26, 1881. [12]

Louis and Goldie welcomed their first child, Sidney, to the family on May 19, 1882. Traveling mohel Dr. Robert Eisner performed the boy’s bris on May 30:

The entry from Dr. Robert Eisner’s circumcision records for Sidney’s bris lists the boy’s Hebrew name and reads: “Child, 11 days old father Louis Janowitz performed 30th May 1882 Leadville named Shloma ben Yehuda Leb.”

Christina Jensen. John Elsner Records of Jewish Circumcisions, 1867-1905. [ocn276854262] (Dallas, Texas: Southern Methodist University). De Goyer Library. 2021. Page 24.

Louis was among a large committee of local Leadville businessmen who gathered at the office of Charles S. Thomas Esquire on October 24, 1882, to formalize the creation of Leadville’s first electric utility which initially offered stock for 50 dollars per share. The sum of $10,000 in stock revenue was generated that evening. [13]

Goldie was recognized as the vice president of the Hebrew Ladies’ Benevolent Association and was profiled rather eloquently in the January 20, 1883 edition of the Carbonate Chronicle newspaper:

Hebrew Ladies’ Benevolent Association.

This body was early organized. The needs of the residents of the carbonate camp in its earlier days made a constant call on the charitable, and no organization has done more good than has this society, in its quiet and unostentational way. It was organized in November, 1879. Its meetings are held monthly at various residences, and the work is mainly entrusted to the officers and committees. The officers of the society are as follows:

Mrs. H. Schloss, president.
Mrs. G. Janowitz, vice president.
Mrs. I. Kahn, secretary.
Mr. Sam Mayer, treasurer.

The society has about forty members, and is in a flourishing condition. It has money in the treasury and money out at interest, all devoted to its work of humanity. In its benevolence it is not restricted to any creed and excludes no one from its benefits on account of religious belief or lack of religious belief.

Tonight this society gives a blue domino ball, at Germania hall, for the benefit of the association. The admission is one dollar, and no one will be allowed to dance before midnight unless in a blue domino. The costumes can be had at the ball. You can at once enjoy yourself and benefit a worthy cause by attending. [14]

During 1883, the Janowitz business apparently shrank and is listed only as a saloon operated by Louis at a new location, 428 Harrison Avenue. [15] Goulder is not listed in mentions of the business or recognized as a Leadville resident again until 1885.

Goulder was mentioned in a lawsuit filed in the wake of the First National Bank collapse when the receiver, named Ellsworth, sought $1,540 from the Baer [16] Brothers. The Baers’ defense was that the check drafted for Ellsworth should have been paid by money owed to them by the Janowitz operation. [17] Sometime during March of 1884, Louis and Goldie had their second son, Edward.

Louis served on the floor committee for the Knights of Pythias grand ball held at City Hall on September 19, 1884. [18]

During 1885, Goulder is again documented in Leadville, now the proprietor of G. Janowitz Liquor & Cigars operating two locations at 406 and 519 Harrison Avenue. [19] Samuel Janowitz first appears in Leadville during 1885, operating his own bakery under the name of “S. Janowitz” located at 516 Harrison Avenue; no residential address listed. [20] Curiously, due to the uncommon nature of the Janowitz surname and his relationship to Goldie’s brother, Sig Simon, make it rather unlikely that he was unrelated to the Goulder Janowitz family. Much like Goulder, he escapes census enumeration. But the Simon connection and his future home in Goldie’s boarding house makes a familial connection even more probable. [21]

Sanborn insurance map showing Congress Hall (circled in red) at the 517 & 519 lots.

Sanborn Insurance Map for 500 block of Harrison Avenue, October 1889. [Digital Image].

The facia of Congress Hall. The Janowitz store was located on the ground floor at the right side of this structure at 519 Harrison Avenue. “Cigars” is faintly seen on the window to the right of the utility pole.

Janice Fox. Congress Hall. [Digital Image]. (Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. Temple Israel Collection). 2021.

On March 8, 1885, the Janowitz location at the Boston Block, 406 Harrison Avenue, was threatened by fire in the rooms above their store. The extent of damage to the Janowitz store is not known for certain, but accounts indicate the fire did not spread past the ceiling of the first floor. The building as a whole was unfit for habitation and rebuilt. Louis and Goulder then opened their new location at 519 Harrison and continued to operate there even after they moved back to the Boston Block after repairs were completed. [22] Goulder was a member on the Knights of Pythias and on July 30, 1885, the organization held a reception for visiting actor Fredrick Warde, who had just finished an engagement starring in Richard III at the Tabor Opera House. [23] In August, the new location would experience a bit of trouble when the building, which they rented from Mr. Sprague, was seized by the city for back taxes. The issue was resolved a few days later when Sprague ordered his agents to pay the taxes, thereby removing the county’s lien. [24] The family residence was newly established at 216 W. 7th Street. Sam Janowitz worked for Sig Simon while residing at 519 Harrison Avenue. [25] Goldie and Louis attended the Purim Bal Masque at City Hall on March 25, 1885. [26]

During a performance by mind readers Charles and Martha Steen at the Tabor Opera House on July 14, 1886, Goulder was one of six audience members randomly selected to sit next to the stage to ensure no shenanigans were employed during the exhibition of the couple’s mysterious and supernatural powers. No deviations were reported, and the audience left “…mystified as well as delighted.” [27]

…Among the many startling things done was the placing of a long row of figurines on a blackboard by the committee, in the presence of everyone except the medium herself, her back being toward it. It was then turned face downward so that figures could not have been committed to memory by the professor had he desired to do so. Then followed a mental process entirely unexplainable. Each of the long columns was accurately added and the relust announced by the medium with the blackboard lying on the floor, face downward, being raised only to note the result announced. The board was then turned in full view of the audience and blindfolded and with her back towards it the medium read the figures accurately as they were placed upon the board. On another board were written a number of names by a member of the committee, no particular order being observed. These were likewise read by the medium blindfolded with her back turned to them and their position on the board accurately described. [28]

Louis partnered with Joe Doyle in the Best Friend mine and during October the pair would find themselves divested of 1,100 lbs. of gold ore suspected to be stolen by a ring of local thieves that had hit several area mines. These thefts continued into December when a gang of five men were arrested, In addition, local assayer C. F. Pearce was indicted for serving as the organization’s fence. The group made bail and disappeared. [29]

On December 8, 1886, The Herald Democrat newspaper published an article detailing the story of a “Mr. Janowitz,” who was representing the Denver firm of S. S. Floyd & Co. in Leadville. Janowitz had disappeared from town leaving upwards of $1,000 in unpaid credit to various merchants around the city. While the identity of this person cannot be confirmed, he does not appear to be related to the Leadville Janowitzes, nor was he found in either Denver or Leadville city directories. His employment with S. S. Floyd & Co. was likely legitimate as the company inquired of his whereabouts via telegraph the day after his disappearance and offered to send another representative to replace him. [30] Quite possibly this was Sam, who in 1886 opened a bakery in the Janowitzes’ Congress Hall block. The enterprise did not last long because he surrendered the business via the sheriff, to one of his creditors, Thomas Robson, on September 4. [31] The last year Samuel M. Janowitz was recorded in Leadville was 1887. [32]

On February 15, 1888, Louie and Goldie welcomed their first and only daughter, Helen, to the family. [33] Goulder and his wife attended the Grand Ball at City Hall on July 12, 1888. [34] On August 29, 1888, the Temple Israel congregation hosted a concert at City Hall, with Louis and Goldie listed as “participants”:

A FASHIONABLE AFFAIR

One of the most brilliant and stylish events of the season came off at the City hall on Wednesday. It consisted of a grand, full-dress concert and ball given by the members of the Temple Israel. Due to Mr. Ben Davies, [35] the well-known cantor of the Temple, and to the numerous prominent gentlemen and ladies whose aid he enlisted in the enterprise.

The programme of the concert, which formed a delightful introduction to the evening’s pleasures, was as follows:

“Invitation a la Valec……………… Mrs. Dr. Heimberger [36]
“Waiting”…….Miss Lottie Schloss [37]
“Fantasia”-Piano………...Miss Annie Bernstein [38]
“Judith”-Solo…………Mrs. S. Summerfield
Selections by the Zither Club……………Messrs. Kern, [39] Ide, Rapp and Sin
“Tom’s Little Star”-Recitation………Miss Mara Ringlosky [40]
“Ye Merry Birds”……Mr. Ben Davies
“Trouble In The Amen Corner”……Miss Nettie Goldsmith [41]
Piano Solo………...Miss Eva Schloss
“Merrily I Roam”……Mrs. Summerfield

This rich musical and elocutionary treat formed an appropriate introduction to the refined and withal perfectly easy gayety which followed during the rest of the evening. The appreciation of the audience was attested by the presentation of numerous baskets of handsome flowers to the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed their services for the concert.

At 10:30 a programme of ten dances was begun and for several hours the hall presented the pleasing spectacle of handsome men and lovely women gliding through the graceful mazes of the waltz.

The committees to whom credit for the brilliant success of the entertainment is in great part due, were as follows:

Arrangement Committee- Ben Davies, Jacob Schloss, Sig. Simon [42] and L. Braham. [43]

Floor Committee- Sam. W. Goldwater, [44] Simon Schloss, Jacob Kahn, [45] S. Schenkein. [46]

Reception Committee- L. D. Shoenberg, [47] Fred. Butler, [48] Sam. Mayer, [49] Charles Sands [50] …… [51]

The Janowitz company was not a distiller of alcohol, but rather a distributor of the liquor purchased from producers. A jug like this was fabricated separately and made available for the consumer, which was filled from a wood barrel containing whiskey or some other liquor in stock.

Robert-George de Stolfe. Liquor jug. [Digital Photograph]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. 2015.

Goldie and Louis attended a large, extravagant party held at the Schloss [52] mansion on March 18, 1888. [53] On October 12, 1888, Goldie threw a lavish birthday party for her mother Pauline Simon, who was visiting Leadville from St. Paul, Minnesota. [54] Goldie served on the organizing committee for the 1899 Simchath Torahs Ball hosted by the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Association at City Hall on October 18. [55] Sid made the honor roll for Leadville’s Central School during November. [56]

On October 3, Goldie was elected vice president of the Ladies’ Hebrew Benevolent Association. [57] On October 23, Louis, Goldie and Sid left Leadville on a 10-day excursion to Aspen where they visited Joe and Rika [58] Fleissner [59] who had recently moved there from Leadville to open a new branch of their saloon, The Clipper. [60] On October 25, an altercation between Pete Jennings and John Mahoney took place outside of the Janowitz saloon, when an argument over the placement of polling boxes [61] degenerated into violence once an armed and inebriated John Mahoney pulled his revolver on Jennings. Fortunately, Jennings wrested the pistol from Mahoney and struck him on the head with it before he could fire. No serious injuries resulted from the incident, but Mahoney was arrested and taken to jail. [62] Goldie and Louis attended the first annual ball for the Ancient Order of United Workmen at City Hall on November 13. [63] On December 8, Sid, Helen and Eddie all attended the seventh birthday party for Sammy Cohn [64] at this parent’s home. [65] On December 22, Goldie and several other Temple Israel congregants attended the Dr. David Heimberger home for a lavish Chanukah celebration where Mina Heimberger and Cantor Ben Davies were awarded special gifts in recognition of their service to Leadville’s Jewish community. [66]

On January 25, 1890, Goldie attended a party hosted by Mathilda Baer at her home. [67] On March 1, Louis and Goldie attended a party given in honor of Carrie Kahn Mayer given by her parents, Marx and Fannie Kahn, at their home on East 10th Street. [68] Goldie and Louis attended the annual Purim Masque Bal hosted by the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Association at City Hall on March 7, 1890. [69] Goldie later went to a party for the Ladies Relief Corps on July 12. [70]

On September 28, 1890, Louis and Goldie were among many of Leadville’s Jewish beau monde who attended a surprise reception given in honor of the Congregation Israel choir at the home of Dr. David Heimberger. [71] During the city council meeting on October 22, Louis was signatory to the $10,000 bond for T. J. O’ Leary, the new city tax collector. [72] During February of 1891, Sidney made the honor roll for Leadville’s Ninth Street School. [73] On December 10, Goldie went to the annual ball hosted by the Ancient Order of United Workmen at City Hall. [74]

On September 13, 1892, the Lake County Sherriff’s Department closed Leadville’s renown Palace of Fashion dry goods store, owned by local Jewish businessmen Fred and Ike Butler [75] for excessive debt totaling over $54,000 owed to local businesses. One of these creditors was the Janowitz mercantile, who carried $1,500 of the Butlers’ debt. [76] During May of 1893, Louis was signatory to the $15,000 bond approved for city clerk James T. Smith. [77]

This promotional corkscrew and cap set was a product of the G. Janowitz mercantile, circa 1890. Two views of the same set.

Robert-George de Stolfe. Corkscrew set. [Digital Photograph]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. 2015.

Advertisement for Congress Hall shown as a short article in The Herald Democrat on April 6, 1890.

Congress Hall. The Herald Democrat. Sunday, April 6, 1890. Page 4.

This bottle of 1879 Old Private Stock whiskey was a product sold by G. Janowitz of Congress Hall, probably in the 1890s.

Robert-George de Stolfe. Whiskey bottle. [Digital Photograph]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. 2014.

Goldie was the vice president of the Jewish Ladies’ Reading Club, which held a dance at the Vendome Hotel to celebrate the organization’s third anniversary on October 18, 1894. [78] In December of 1894, Sid, Ed and Helen all made the honor rolls at Leadville public schools. [79]

On February 15, 1895, Goldie hosted the party in honor of Helen’s seventh birthday. “…Miss Helen conducted herself in a very ladylike manner and assisted greatly in entertaining her little guests.” [80] On March 13, 1895, during Leadville’s heaviest snowstorm of the season, the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Association threw their 16th annual Purim Masque Ball and Goldie dressed as an angel. [81] Goulder was signatory to the $2,000 bond for the salon license filed for by James C. Ammon on September 25. [82] Sidney, Edward and Helen all made the honor roll in the Leadville public schools in November of 1895. [83] Helen performed the song When Thanksgiving Comes for the seventh street school’s Thanksgiving program on November 26. [84] In December Helen performed the song A Suggestion for the Leadville Public Schools’ holiday pageant. [84]

Louis was tapped for jury duty during January of 1897. [86] Louis and Goldie attended the surprise party commemorating the 31st wedding anniversary for Isaac and Mina Kahn on January 20. [87] On April 30, Helen performed the song Planting A Tree and Sid read the poem The Thrush during Leadville public schools’ Arbor Day celebration. [88]

On November 2, 1897, a fire heavily damaged the Janowitz storefront and caused $6,000 worth of damage. [89] Later that same November, during an epidemic of scarlet fever that killed as many as forty Leadville residents, Dr. David Heimberger was called to the Janowitz residence to tend to an unnamed family member who had contracted a rash. Heimberger had determined the rash to be a case of German measles. Upon review, other doctors diagnosed the rash as scarlet fever. Dr. Heimberger’s misdiagnosis caused an uproar due to the lack of compliance with Leadville’s rather strict public health orders that included a quarantine period for the entire household in an effort to prevent disease spread. Heimberger was charged with neglecting his duties as a physician by failing to report a contagious disease to local health officials. [90] Dr. Heimberger argued that he visited the Janowitz family at the first sign of infection, making it more difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stages, whereas the other physicians saw the Janowitzes four days later when contagion was in full bloom. Judge Nowland dismissed the charges against Dr. Heimberger noting that they were not constructive for the “…endeavor to stamp out the contagion that is infesting the city…” [91]

On July 16, 1898, Goldie and the children returned to Leadville after vacationing for the summer [92] on the Heimberger Ranch in the San Luis Valley. [93] On July 17, the Temple Israel Sunday School held their annual picnic at nearby Evergreen Lakes. When it was time to return home, guests discovered that Eddie Janowitz was missing. The boy had wandered off, made his way through a brush field and crossed a local ranch before finding himself at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery where a Mrs. Tulman took charge, called his parents and ended several hours of intensive searching. [94] During August, Berdie and Benno visited her parents in Buena Vista, Colorado. [95] On August 20, Helen attended the fourth birthday party for Claire Mayer, the niece of Carrie Kahn Mayer who was visiting Leadville from Cincinnati. [96] On October 8, 1898, Goldie was elected treasurer of the Jewish Ladies’ Reading Club. [97]

Advertisement for various liquors by Congress Hall in The Herald Democrat on February 15, 1900.

An Angel In Disguise. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, February 15, 1900. Page 6.

Advertisement for cigars by Congress Hall in The Herald Democrat on October 12, 1900.

The Aroma Of A Cigar. The Herald Democrat. Friday, October 12, 1900. Page 7.

As an officer of the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Association, Goldie was signatory to a resolution passed a resolution in honor of Mina Kahn, who passed suddenly on December 5, 1898:

A resolution by the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Association giving memorial to Mina Kahn printed in The Herald Democrat on December 19, 1898. Goldie Janowitz was on the committee.

Resolutions. The Herald Democrat. Monday, December 19, 1898. Page 2.

The following appeared in the April 30, 1899 edition of Leadville’s The Herald Democrat newspaper:

On last Friday night a number of friends of Mr. and Mrs. L. Janowitz surprised them at their home on West Seventh street, the occasion being their twenty-first marriage anniversary. A very enjoyable evening was spent by all present, the hours being whiled away at social chat, cards, and the supper table where an elegant spread was served. [98]

Advertisement promoting Congress Hall for liquors and cigars for Christmas in The Herald Democrat on December 24, 1899.

Family Liquors. The Herald Democrat. Sunday, December 24, 1899. Page 10.

On July 20, 1899, Goldie attended a musicale given in honor of Ruth Kahn by her mother Fanny at their family home. [99] During August, Goldie was appointed to a planning committee to develop a tribute to Leadville volunteers returning from the Spanish-American War. [100] On December 8, 1899, Sig, Helen and Bertha all performed at an exhibition hosted by the Turn Verein society at Turner Hall. [101]

The first year Sid and Ed were documented in the employ of the family business was 1900; both are listed as clerks for Goulder Janowitz Wholesale Liquor and Cigars. [102] On March 24, Ed attended the surprise birthday party for Blanche Leppel [103] at her parent’s home. [104] During April of 1900, Helen, Eddie and Benno Janowitz all made the honor rolls in Leadville public schools. [105]

Advertisement by Congress Hall honoring laborers for Labor Day in The Herald Democrat on September 6, 1900.

Here’s To Labor And Labor Day. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, September 6, 1900. Page 2.

Sidney and 10 other boys earned scholarships from Leadville’s Herald Democrat newspaper to enroll in an “International Correspondence school” during November of 1900. [106] The boys jointly thanked the Democrat with a public message published on November 17:

A small article of thanks to The Herald Democrat for their participation for some free scholarships. One contestant and recipient of the scholarship was Sydney Janowitz.

To The Herald Democrat. The Herald Democrat. Saturday, November 17, 1900. Page 8.

An attractive advertisement produced by the Saint Louis brand producing A.B.C. Bohemian beer that can be ordered from G. Janowitz.

A Cooling Draught. The Herald Democrat. Sunday, November 25, 1900. Page 11.

A corporate advertisement by Shaw’s Pure Malt made available for purchase from G. Janowitz.

Watch That Hole. The Herald Democrat. Friday, February 15, 1901. Page 5.

On January 6, 1901, Sid was elected to the office of “Second Turnwart” of the Leadville Turn Verein society. [107] On June 8, Ed graduated from grammar school. [108] On July 15, the Jewish community threw a dance at Richmond Hall where Louis, Goldie and Sid were all in attendance. [109] Helen was a student of dancing instructor Otis Richmond, who owned the hall, and regularly went to his dance parties. [110] On July 21, Benno and Helen were present at the eleventh birthday party for Evelyn Mayer at her mother’s home. [111] Benno would attend another birthday party in honor of Ruth Rogers on August 22. [112] Sam Janowitz died of unknown causes at Chicago on October 7, 1901. He is interred there at Waldheim cemetery. [113]

On October 31, 1901, Helen attended a surprise Halloween party in honor of Evelyn and Walter Mayer at their mother’s home. [114] On January 6, 1902, Helen returned from a trip to Denver where she had been visiting friends. [115] Sid was documented with the title of bookkeeper for the family business. [116] There is no documentation explaining the sudden death of nine-year-old Benno Janowitz on November 1, 1902. He is interred alongside his sister, Helen, at Leadville’s historic Hebrew Cemetery. [117]

Goldie was recognized as a charter member of Leadville’s Public Library Association, responsible for the building of the Carnegie Library [118] that still stands on Harrison Avenue and now serves as Leadville’s Heritage Museum. At a meeting of the Board of Trade on January 7, 1903, Louis actively supported to petition to have federal duties on manganese ores restored. [119] Goldie won first prize at during a meeting of the Friday Afternoon Euchre Club [120] hosted by Bertha Berry. [121] The club rotated locations and was sometimes hosted by Goldie. [122] Sid served as the recording secretary for the Ancient Order of Foresters, [123] a British-based fraternal organization. [124] He later served on the entertainment committee for a lavish smoker thrown by the organization at their hall on March 21, 1903. [125]

An advertisement by the Saint Louis brand producing A.B.C. Bohemian bottled beer that can be purchased from G. Janowitz in Leadville.

ABC. The Herald Democrat. Wednesday, August 28, 1901. Page 6.

Advertisement by Congress Hall for wines and liquors found in The Herald Democrat on May 9, 1900.

All The World. The Herald Democrat. Wednesday, May 9, 1900. Page 7.

Helen, the 16-year-old daughter of Louis and Goldie, died suddenly of unknown causes on January 26, 1904. [126] She is the second of the couple’s children to perish over a span of fifteen months.

The gravestone for nine-year-old Benno and fifteen-year-old Helen Janowitz at Leadville’s historic Hebrew cemetery serves as a sad reminder of the frailty of human life of the early twentieth century.

Robert-George de Stolfe. Benno and Helen Janowitz Tombstone. [Digital Photograph]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. 2014.

Sid left Leadville on September 13, 1904, on a business tour of eastern cities that included a stop in St. Louis to see the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. [127] Ed was a member of the Alpine Dancing Club and attended their dance on December 9, 1904. [128]

Goldie attended an afternoon Euchre party at the Campbell home on January 5, 1905. [129] On February 18, 1905, Sid and Ed hosted a sleighing party for the Push and Pull Club which included a luncheon at the Janowitz home. Also in attendance were Lindsey and Hobbs Janowitz. Their precise familial relationship with the Leadville Janowitz family is unclear. [130]

During May of 1905, Leadville Mayor H.C. Rose proposed the laying of broken stone (otherwise known as macadam) on Harrison Avenue in an effort to pave the street, fully intending for Harrison Avenue merchants to foot the bill for his endeavor. While the mayor paid a visit to Denver to acquire a stone crusher to aid in the project, several of these merchants voiced their opinions on the mayor’s plan, including Goulder:

…Goulder Janowitz was almost as positive in his announcement that he would not contribute to such a cause. “It is just another burden for the taxpayers to carry,” he declared, “and I, for one, will let it alone. I say if the city had the funds to do the work itself there would be no harm, and probably good. Most of the heavy property owners of this city are non-residents and I am sure that they will oppose such a move. The roads, especially the avenue, are really only bad during the spring months and as soon as summer sets in they are all right. For twenty-seven years I have seen them as they are and have not been seriously inconvenienced, neither do I think that the public has suffered as much as it is believed.” [131]

A series of advertisements by the American Brewing Company of Saint Louis showing five Points of Excellence in How To Judge Beer with G. Janowitz as the wholesale dealer spanning August and September of 1904 in The Herald Democrat.

A. How To Judge Beer. Points of Excellence. The Herald Democrat. Friday, September 23, 1904. Page 5.
B. How To Judge Beer. Brilliancy. The Herald Democrat. Friday, September 2, 1904. Page 2.
C. How To Judge Beer. Clean Taste. The Herald Democrat. Friday, August 12, 1904. Page 5.
D. How To Judge Beer. Solid, Creamy Foam. The Herald Democrat. Tuesday, August 16, 1904. Page 5.
E. How To Judge Beer. Purity. The Herald Democrat. Friday, August 19, 1904. Page 7.
F. How To Judge Beer. Flavor. The Herald Democrat. Tuesday, August 23, 1904. Page 5.

Advertisement for fine cigars at Congress Hall published in The Herald Democrat on November 21, 1900.

A Satisfying Smoke. The Herald Democrat. Wednesday, November 21, 1900. Page 6.

Business card advertisement for G. Janowitz & Sons in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on November 30, 1905.

Liquors & Cigars. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, November 30, 1905. Page 4.

On May 24, 1905, Goulder was quite vocal at an open meeting of Leadville’s Board of Trade and suggested that Leadville plan a two-day long Fourth of July celebration to attract tourists and bolster Leadville’s sagging economy. A motion was then introduced on the matter that carried nearly unanimously through a vote by the board. [132] On June 1, after a recruiting visit from Mrs. K.H. Scherman of the Jewish Publication Society, Goldie was one of five local Jewish women that included Tillie Kahn, [133] Carrie Kahn Mayer, [134] Jennie Block Hoffman [135] and Lizzie Jackson, [136] who joined the organization. [137] Sid attended the weekly dance at the Knights of Columbus hall on June 24. [138] During August, Sig and Cora Simon [139] visited Leadville as the guests of Louis and Goldie. [140] The Simon’s stayed with the Janowitz family during their visits after leaving town for a new home in Salt Lake City around 1890. [141] The name for the family liquor business goes through a transformation and is now listed as G. Janowitz & Sons. Job classifications for Goulder, Ed and Sid are removed from listing in the city directory, leaving only the manager, Louis Janowitz, with an official job title. [142]

Ed attended the high school dance at City Hall on January 2, 1906. [143] On February 8, Goulder filed paperwork with the county court making Ed and Sid full partners in the G. Janowitz & Sons operation. [144] Going forward, Sid, Ed, and Goulder are listed in city directories as the owners of the family business. Louis, though listed as the manager, is not identified as an owner. [145] On May 24, 1906, Louis attended a meeting of the local Board of Trade with the intent of convincing the railroads to cut their rates for a round trip ticket from $8 to a special $5. The railroads did not support the request. [146]

During 1907 Goldie was recognized for being a charter member of Leadville’s new public library association, in addition to serving on its first board. [147] On January 15, 1908, Sid participated in a sleigh ride around the city loop. [148] Also In January, Louis was named to the Reception and Entertainment committee and helped to plan Leadville’s 30th anniversary celebration to be held January 25, 1909. [149]

Advertisement by Sunny Brook Distillery Company announcing that G. Janowitz & Sons were appointed to sell Sunny Brook whiskey.

We Beg To Announce That We Have Appointed. The Herald Democrat. Saturday, October 6, 1906. Page 8.

Advertising certificate for Sunny Brook whiskey verifying its product. This whiskey was sold by G. Janowitz & Sons.

Newall. 1910 Sunny Brook Whiskey Advertising Certificate for Bottle Blue Ribbon Beer SF. San Francisco, California: eBay, 2021.

Half page advertisement printed on pink paper for G. Janowitz & Sons in the 1908 Leadville city directory.

JH Ballenger and Richards. Ballenger & Richard’s Twenty-Ninth Annual City Directory: Containing a Complete List of the Inhabitants, Institutions, Incorporated Companies, Manufacturing Establishments, Business, Business Firms etc. in The City of Leadville for 1908. (Leadville, Colorado: Ballenger and Richards Publishers. 1908). Page 59.

On March 17, 1908, during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Turner Hall, the evening’s main feature was a scheduled four round-boxing match between Sid Janowitz and George Phillips that resulted in a draw. [150] On March 23, Goulder was one of six Leadville saloon owners arrested by direct order of Colorado Governor Dr. Henry Buchtel for refusing to recognize a Colorado state law prohibiting the sale of liquor on Sundays. [151] Sid was among a small group of young men who held a successful, unsanctioned dance on April 22 that attracted an audience of over of 100 couples. [152] Sid was also one in a group of Leadville athletes who represented the local Turn Verein Society during a demonstration of “physical culture” for their annual convention at Denver on May 2. [153] On July 26, Ed won the booby prize in a peanut hunt at the joint birthday party held in honor of Evelynn Mayer and Mary Williams. [154]

Ed served on the Order committee for the Leadville Turn Verein society for the year of 1909. [155] On August 8, 1909, Sid, Ed and Goldie attended the annual Turn Verein picnic at Turquoise Lake. [156] Louis served on the committee charged with organizing Leadville’s Independence Day festivities. Because the Fourth of July fell on a Sunday, the city extended the celebration for an additional day, continuing the soiree’ through Monday the fifth. [157] On June 5, Ed and Goulder’s evening stroll down Harrison Avenue was interrupted by a drunken man falling from his horse. They helped the severely intoxicated and happy fellow to his feet only to discover his horse’s stroll had not been similarly interrupted and the animal did not return for his rider. [158] Ed and Sid were amongst a group of young people who attended a mine tour and dinner at the Chesapeake chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. Muller on October 22. [159] In 1909, Goulder Janowitz disappeared from city directories, and appears to no longer be associated with the liquor operation. Louis is listed as President, Goldie as Vice President, Ed as Treasurer, and Sid as the organization’s Secretary. [160] In 1911 Goldie and Ed would switch roles. [161] It is unclear what became of Goulder or his wife afterwards.

Business card advertisement for G. Janowitz & Sons in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on April 18, 1908.

Have G. Janowitz & Sons. The Herald Democrat. Saturday, April 18, 1908. Page 4.

Business card advertisement for G. Janowitz & Sons in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on April 19, 1909. With the mention of grape juice, seems possible that they were promoting the nonalcoholic juice ahead of the future Colorado prohibition.

Just Try Our Grape Juice. The Herald Democrat. Monday, April 19, 1909. Page 4.

Sid Janowitz and Bertha “Berdie” L. Dreyer were married by a justice of the peace at Denver on April 23, 1910. [162] The following notice appeared in the May 2, 1910 edition of the Carbonate Chronicle newspaper:

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS OUT

Announcements have been received here of the marriage at Denver on Saturday of Sidney E. Janowitz of this city and Miss Birdie Dreyer of Colorado Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Janowitz will be at home after May 1 at 220 East Ninth street. [163]

On January 30, 1911, Louis served as a pallbearer for the funeral [164] of Dr. David Heimberger, [165] who had passed after a brief bout with pneumonia. [166]

Temperance had become a hot topic in Colorado with “blue laws” being implemented at the state level supporting various forms of prohibition that begin to emerge during the first decade of the Twentieth Century.

Pabst Blue Ribbon. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, August 4, 1910. Page 2.

Business card advertisement for The G. Janowitz Mercantile Company in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on October 31, 1911.

Liquors And Cigars. The Herald Democrat. Tuesday, October 31, 1911. Page 4.

Small text advertisement from The G. Janowitz Mercantile Company in The Herald Democrat on December 22, 1911.

The Janowitz Boys, ‘Pa, Sid and Ed. The Herald Democrat. Friday, December 22, 1911. Page 8.

Advertisement card for The Cook & Bernheimer Company of New York City, the distributor Of Old Valley Whiskey.

Jack Sullivan. Those Pre-Pro Whiskey Men! Financier Whiskey Men. January 13, 2020.

Small text advertisement from The G. Janowitz Mercantile Company for Old Valley Whiskey in The Herald Democrat on December 20, 1911.

The G. Janowitz. Mer. Co. The Herald Democrat. Wednesday, December 20, 1911. Page 2.

Sidney and Berdie welcomed their first child, Melvin, born at St. Luke’s hospital in Leadville on February 6, 1912. [167] This likely inspired another move for the couple to 406 West 7th Street. [168]

Ed married Erna Heimberger on February 27, 1913, at Denver [169] and attended a dance hosted by the Shack Club on March 29, 1913. [170] On April 8, Louis petitioned the city council to be removed from the bond for the Brabant Saloon, noting that he had been paying the enterprise’s licensing fees sine 1910. His motion was carried. [171] The newly minted Mrs. Ed Janowitz, otherwise known as Erna, attended a P.C. Club party hosted by Dolores Francis at her home on October 25, 1913. [172] She attended these meetings regularly. [173] She also went to a Halloween party hosted by Lucille Fulton on October 31. [174]

During August of 1914, Ed and Erna moved to their new home at 219 East 9th Street. [175] On October 4, The Herald Democrat newspaper noted that Goldie had been “slowly recovering” from a sudden bout with pneumonia. [176] On December 19, 1914, Erna attended a meeting of the Embroidery Club hosted by Mrs. R.M. Cole at her residence. [177]

Ed and Erna welcomed their only child, Jane, to the family on January 13, 1915. [178] However, the birth is not documented in Leadville resources. On February 5, a massive fire broke out on the 1300 block of Poplar Street that spread from the Health Office saloon to two other neighboring structures, totaling three. During the chaos Sid opened the Janowitz warehouse for the frantic business owners to store whatever goods and fixtures they were able to until order was restored. [179] Erna hosted a meeting for the Embroidery Club on February 20. [180] On March 13, Berdie attended a surprise party in honor of Mrs. J. J. Ryan. [181] Erna hosted a meeting for the Embroidery Club at her home on April 10, [182] and attended another at the Marquis home on April 21. [183] During May of 1915, Berdie spent time in Buena Vista, Colorado, visiting her mother, Rachel Dryer. [184]

On August 28, 1915, Ed died unexpectedly of unknown causes. A necropsy was performed, but the results were not publicly released. [185]

Advertisement promoting Pabst Blue Ribbon beer as an “ideal beverage” after ice boating, sold by G. Janowitz Mercantile Company.

Ice Boating. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, March 2, 1911. Page 2.

Business card advertisement for The Janowitz Boys in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on January 8, 1913.

Liquors and Cigars. The Herald Democrat. Wednesday, January 8, 1913. Page 4.

Advertisement for The G. Janowitz Mercantile Company with a new logo having been in business since 1879, over 34 years.

The G. Janowitz Merc. Co. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, January 8, 1914. Page 6.

Deaths and Funerals

Business and professional men, and men and women from many other walks of life, the friends that the pioneer family has made in Leadville in its years of residence, paid their last respects to the late Edward L. Janowitz, vice president of the Janowitz Mercantile company and son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Janowitz, who died suddenly Saturday afternoon.

The funeral services were observed at 2 o’clock at the home of the young business man, 219 East Ninth Street. The house was crowded long before the services opened, and the scores of friends who came later gathered on the lawn and the porches. Simple though solemn ceremonies were observed. Judge H. R. Pendery gave the address of the services, speaking sympathetically of the untimeliness of the young man’s death and appreciatively of his life and character. Harry Mamlock read the ritual of the Hebrew church at the house and later gave the burial ritual at the grave in the Hebrew cemetery.

It was the request of the family that their hundreds of friends omit flowers expressing their sympathy. The high estimation which Mr. Janowitz enjoyed in the minds of his friends and associates, however, was strikingly shown in a material way by the large congregation which assembled to pay their tributes. A number of friends and relatives from out of town were in attendance also.

Interment was in the Hebrew cemetery in the family plot.

The pal bearers were Charles Smith, J. Edwin Martin, George Williams, Carl Nollenberger Jr., Dr. Max Raabe [187] and Roy Hight. [188]

During November 1915, Louis was recognized in the Jewish Outlook newspaper to have been one of Leadville’s pioneers responsible for establishing a Jewish community in the area. [189]

Colorado was one of the first states to enact an alcoholic prohibition law and the very first to regret it; the law went into effect on January 1, 1916, and the first ballot attempt to repeal it came during 1926, both years before the United States constitutional amendment to enact in 1920, and its repeal in 1933. This not only immediately created an enormous organized crime syndicate in Colorado, but caused legitimate distributors as large as Coors, and as small as the Janowitz operation, scrambling to find other means to generate revenue. [190] Many liquor-oriented businesses found new and creative ways to continue their enterprises. Some, including the Janowitzes, moved into the distribution of non-alcoholic beverages. [191] As a result of the impending drought, and locals feeling a need to “stock up” for the impending ban, the Janowitzes experienced a record breaking volume of sales during the month of December which only intensified as the year of 1915 drew to conclusion. [192]

Business card advertisement by G. Janowitz and Sons promoting their wines as “Fit For A King”.

Fit for a King. The Herald Democrat. Friday, December 14, 1906. Page 13.

Business card advertisement for G. Janowitz & Sons in the Liquors and Cigars section of The Herald Democrat on Sunday 16, 1906.

A Box Of Cigars. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, Sunday 16, 1906. Page 12.

This advertisement warns potential customers to “stock up” prior to the implementation of Colorado’s new law prohibiting the sale of liquor starting on January 1, 1916.

Just 7 Months Left. The Herald Democrat. Monday, June 28, 1915. Page 6.

Advertisement promoting consumers to stock up on liquors ahead of the start of Colorado Prohibition citing that consumption in private residences was legal under that law.

Colorado will be Dry 1916. Start Your Buffet. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, May 27, 1915. Page 6.

Text advertisement stating for the last call of beers as supply will soon end ahead of Colorado Prohibition.

Last Call For Blue Ribbon. The Herald Democrat. Thursday, December 9, 1915. Page 3.

At midnight, January 1, 1916, prohibition began for the state of Colorado, and with it, a rather rapid decline for the Janowitz family’s successful business enterprises in Leadville. The following article describes the first hours of life without liquor in Leadville:

WHEN CLOCK STRUCK TWELVE
LEADVILLE WENT DRY

_____

Passing of the Open Saloon With Dawn of 1916***Many
Buildings Formerly Occupied by Saloons Will
Carry “For Rent” Signs

The saloon has gone.

At 12 o’clock last night the knell sounded. The New Year-by better or worse-comes in Leadville with an unspiked toast, a bumper of the ale which Adam drank-cold and cheerless, or pure and exhilarating, just as you wish.

While you sat toasting your shins at the hearth last night and heard the cuckoo come to “Hoo-hoo” twelve times, one right after another-or, perchance, while they moved you from the bar, so happy a cuckoo clock would sound like a nightingale-precisely at that hour, prohibition mechanically put on the lid in Colorado. The bartender wiped his hands, glanced at the clock, took the key from the cash register and moved to the front door.

“Come on boys; time’s up: you’ll have to go to Texas now.”
Perhaps the “boys” tool up the refrain:
“No booze today, no booze today.
For you can’t buy booze on Sunday:
No booze today, no booze today,
You’ll have to come around on Monday.”

And maybe the kindly barkeep in the white apron said: “Cut it, boys; that’s ole stuff now. There hain’t no Monday, and the Sunday part of it never did work. Step lively. I don’t want to say good-bye in court.”

Prohibition struck Leadville with a punch of the “flooring” kind. Leadville and Lake County did not vote for it. Voters lined up two to one for the “wets.” Perhaps, that’s why “closing time” in the city last night carried with it a touch of regret for the men on this side as well as on the sober side of the bar.

Revelers there were who leaned on the bar till the end of grace had entirely passed, toasting the New Year hours ahead of time to do it in time-old style, and at midnight they sighed regretfully, set down their classes and answered reluctantly the kindly bartender’s last “Good night.”

Virtually to a door, the saloons of Leadville turned their keys fast promptly at midnight. “The Order of the Crooked Elbow” has disbanded. BNo more may you co one foot on the rail, raise your glass, tip back your head and sing:

“There was an old hen and she had a wooden foot:

She built her nest in a Mulberry root:

She ruffled up her feathers, just to keep her foot warm,

And another little drink won’t do you any harm.”

And, unless you have “stocked up,” or unless you will do it and expose yourself to the prosecution for violation of the law, no more with that old verse of Walter Juan Davis apply to you:

“When your heels hit hard, and your head feels queer.

And your thoughts come up like the froth on beer:

When your knees feel weak, and your breath is strong,

And you sit around the whole night long.

Laughing like Hell at some damn fool song-

You’re drunk, by God, you’re drunk!”

Sixty-six saloons have closed as a result of prohibition in Leadville and Lake County. Fifty-seven of these, including seven wholesale houses, were in Leadville, thirteen of them having been outside the city limits tho paying monthly revenue to the city treasury. Three drug stores have also pad licenses each month.

As a result of the closing Leadville will lose an annual revenue of $27,450. Nine saloons closed in Lake County, outside the city, and as a result the county loses $1,800 in revenue.

Approximately 210 men affiliated with the brewery and saloon interests will be thrown out of their present employment. Part of these will be reemployed in new businesses which will succeed the saloons.

Revenue statistics regarding the saloons are as follows:

Licenses eliminated for Lake County:
9 saloons, $300 each a year…$1800

These establishments paid a total revenue to the city and county of $29,250.

In Denver, approximately 350 saloons went out of business. In Pueblo, the city lost 67 saloon licenses.

The proportion of saloons in Lake County, admitted by saloonmen themselves to be disproportionate, was virtually one saloon to every 130 inhabitants.

Real estate men and saloonmen predict that over one-third of the buildings to be vacated will be occupied by other businesses. Only a relatively small number of the liquor men contemplate leaving the Leadville district. Many are interested in mining ventures, which they will continue. Others contemplate opening pool halls, “soft drink” establishments, cigar stores, or other businesses.

Most of the bars and bar fixtures will be stored in Leadville, waiting future developments, either in the state laws, or openings in other states which remain “wet.”

The Colorado-Columbine brewery in California Gulch will be operated to manufacture some temperance drink the owners plan. All taxes on the establishment, which had been slightly in arrears, were fully paid to the county only two or three months ago showing that the (owners) have no intention of discontinuing the plant.

To make up for the deficit which the withdrawal of the saloon revenue will cause, the city council of Leadville has made an additional tax levy for the new year. Lake County, likewise, was forced to take into account the deficit in making its levy. This indicates, offhand, that the taxpayer will have to meet the shortage by paying more taxes on his property.

The withdrawal of the saloons will also leave a void for their patrons, which the latter will have to fill as best they can thru their lodges, homes and social affairs not connected with the saloon. The saloon in Leadville, as customarily elsewhere, has been a democratic meeting place for a large proportion of the male population. The bright lights at the doors shown alike upon the tippler and the teetotaller with democratic effulgence and invitation.

The never-take-a-drink man more than once, unconsciously perhaps, had his spirits (the layward ones, of course) brightened by the lights of the bars shining thru the frost of a winter’s night. Not only the man who liked his “nip” benefitted by the democracy of the meeting places. Many a teetotaller there was, too, who might have frequented the saloon as often as his fellow citizen who was otherwise. No bartender in Leadville was ever accused of snubbing a patron who wished only mineral water or ginger ale or a milk-shake. In that, the Leadville barkeepers owned a record.

Various proposals for establishing a new form of democratic public club for the benefit of the single men-miners, mine owners, mine leasers and business men-have been suggested by enterprising Leadvillers, tho none of these have yet taken definite shape. It is probably that before many weeks have passed under the new regime. “Coffee houses” of a new kind, or a new form of card rooms, in no way connected with lodges, and managed only on the basis of the patronage, will be opened.

The problem of the possible bootlegger is also to be considered. Once upon a time not many years ago, it was generally credited, a complete moonshiners’ outfit was employed in the hills above Sugar Loaf, northwest of Leadville. That illicit paraphernalia is still concealed in the rocks and bushes near that spot, it is generally believed. So there is the question, “Will illicit sale of imported or stored liquors be practiced?”

District attorney Barney L. Whalley, Deputy District Attorney E. A. Bond and Sherriff Harry Schrader have indicated their intention of enforcing the new law as it provides. It does not seem probable that “bootlegging” will become common in Lake County.

But on this first day of the New Year, the chief concern affects the host of men who have been regular patrons of the bars of Leadville. Bad bars there were, as well as respectable, first class, bars, the management of which in irreproachable manner was the aim and pride of the proprietors. There were too many that had become firmly established parts of the community life, to recall here the associations connected with them that had made them famous. Let it suffice to name them and the licenses they paid.

Saloons to close which have paid $600 annual license each to the city are:

Following were some 38 licensed, Leadville saloons that included G, Janowitz & Co., 519 Harrison Avenue. Add to this was the $150 license fee for the Janowitz wholesale operation that also contributed to the deficit in licensing fees that the city of Leadville would need to overcome. [193]

The following poem, which names Ed and Sid in one verse, was published in the New Year’s Day edition of The Herald Democrat newspaper for 1916, the first day Colorado’s prohibition could be enforced:

Poem published on the first day of 2015 in The Herald Democrat titled The Dry Mine by “Billy O’K”. The poem mentions Ed and Sid Janowitz among a long list of other names. “Billy O’K” is likely a miner named William F. O’Keefe according to the 1914 city directory for Leadville.

The Dry Mine. Bill O’K. The Herald Democrat. Saturday, January 1, 1915. Page 16.

During January of 1916, the widow Erna left Leadville with her mother, Mina Heimberger, and now one-year-old daughter, Jane, for a new home in Chicago. [194] On January 10, Louis was reelected to his office as “Master of the Exchequer” for the Knights of Pythias. [195]

Both Louis and Sidney’s families were still living in Leadville during 1916 as it was noted that they had traveled to Buena Vista to visit Simon Dryer, Berdie’s father, that February. [196] Unfortunately, Mr. Dryer passed later that year on November 3, he is interred at Leadville’s historic Hebrew cemetery. [197]

On September 18, 1916, Louis and Sid both spoke before the Leadville City Council in efforts to gain permission to either run a drainage line to the city gutter along Harrison Avenue or run a drainage line from the rear of their building to the city sewer line in the alley. Neither request was granted and the council suggested the Janowitzes petition other block residents to force the city to extend the existing sewer line to their block. [198] During October of 1916, Sid was one in a large group of locals who donated his labor, team and equipment to reduce the grade of the hill on West 7th Street by three feet. [199] 1916 would be the last year any of the Janowitz family members were listed in the Leadville city directory. [200]

The chaos created in the wake of Colorado’s institution of statewide prohibition was widespread and impacted many societal institutions, particularly the legislative and judiciary branches now struggling to develop and enforce the laws that contained many loopholes and caused many misunderstandings and procedural issues. Leadville was not immune. The case of Leadville Adlerman Mitar Damjanovich, who had been charged under the new law for possession of alcoholic beverages, was heard in the Leadville court on January 27, 1917 and demonstrates the confusion in the wake of these new laws. According to the prosecution, state agents, “…raided the alderman’s place on December 22, they found a bottle of rum and a bottle of wine down stairs and small barrel partly filled with empty beer bottles, and upstairs in the attic they found cases partly filled with whiskey and champagne and other wines. Three jugs were also found. The state witnesses maintained the first two bottles were found behind the bar of the soft drink place, where Damjanovich before prohibition arrived managed as a saloon for fourteen years.” Damjanovich testified that there were issues with evidence collection noting that only one partial bottle of wine had been found behind the bar. The rest were discovered in his family residence, where it was appropriate to store quantities of liquor for personal consumption. His surplus stock, he noted, was turned over to Louis Janowitz for destruction prior to the implementation of the law on January 1, 1916. Janowitz, a wholesaler and distributor, was then able to dispose of the liquor legally in the course of operating his business, which Louis confirmed in his own testimony. Damjanovich went on to testify that since prohibition arrived “…he had never sold or given away contraband liquors at his place and the only intoxicants he had ordered were beer obtained a few months after January 1, 1916, for his wife, who was sick.” Damjanovich, acting as his own attorney, also noted that much of his confiscated liquor had suspiciously disappeared from evidence and was not presented to the court, another common occurrence in prohibition cases. Damjanovich was acquitted, and his liquor was returned along with clear instructions from the judge to store it in his residence and away from his business. [201]

The following classified ad appeared in the October 17, 1916, edition of The Herald Democrat newspaper:

For Sale notice by The G. Janowitz Mercantile Company of various store fixtures.

Store Fixtures etc. The Herald Democrat. Tuesday, October 17, 1916. Page 4.

Evidence strongly suggests that prohibition unleashed a period of economic struggles for the Janowitz family that ended their entrepreneurial endeavors. Though the Janowitz family was extremely successful during their long tenure in Leadville, the effort to stay in business within the parameters of the law by switching their operation model to the soft-drink trade was unproductive. There is every appearance of complete failure, and by the summer of 1917 the Janowitz family began to say goodbye to their Leadville enterprises, including their mining and real-estate investments. [202] The demarcation of Louis and Goldie’s departure from Leadville was noted in the August 19, 1917, edition of The Herald Democrat newspaper:

Leadville has lost one of the pioneer families with the removal to Denver last week of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Janowitz, who have been continuous residents here since 1879, and have scores of close friends both in social and business circles. Before leaving they expressed sincere regret for being forced to part from associations which have gone to mean home to them for so many years, and bade a hearty goodbye to all their friends, declaring that they shall ever retain the warmest feeling for Leadville and Leadville people. [203]

During February of 1917, former Leadville liquor merchant, Louis Springhetti, was indicted and tried for a second violation of Colorado’s prohibition law. Louis had posted his bond. The charge was rather simple: Springhetti stood accused of selling liquor, which was not genuinely in question. The greater issue fueling the controversy was the date on which the booze was sold. Prior to September 3, 1916, the date of Springhetti’s first “official” offense, the penalty would be a small fine. But after September 3, this would be Springhetti’s second offense, which carried a mandatory year in jail. Louis Janowitz was called to testify to the date of sale before the court on February 4, 1917, but it is unclear if he appeared. Springhetti was convicted and despite the pleading from his wife on behalf of the couple’s three children, whom he would not be able to support in the penitentiary. Her pleas did not sway the judge and Springhetti was remanded to the custody of the sheriff. [204]

This advertisement for Demanco cigars sold by Sid Janowitz and Sam Love appeared in the May 14, 1919 edition of the Denver Jewish News.

Demanco. Denver Jewish News. Wednesday, May 14, 1919. Page 2.

A notice in The Herald Democrat noted that on July 24, 1917, Louis had returned from Denver after recuperating from a “recent sickness.” [205] At some point during 1917, Sid and his family moved to Denver where he became a traveling salesman for the Cuban Cigar Company. [206] Louis disposed of the last of his Leadville properties during the first week of August and then made a permanent move to Denver. [207] Sid returned to Leadville for the purposes of conducting business on November 29. [208]

Louis passed after what was described as a “short illness” on November 13, 1918:

Notice in the Denver Jewish News about the death of Louis Janowitz. His body was shipped to Leadville for burial.

Louis Janowitz. Denver Jewish News. Thursday, November 21, 1918. Page 6.

On November 15, 1918, Sid arrived in Leadville with the remains of his father, who was interred at Leadville’s historic Hebrew cemetery. [209] Louis died in testate and probate records indicate the net value of his estate was $498.65. [210]

Erna returned to Leadville from her home in Chicago on March 2, 1919, to attend the funeral [211] of her mother, Minna Heimberger, [212] who died suddenly of a heart attack while visiting Leadville from Chicago. Although Minna had lived in Leadville from 1886 until 1917, altitude may have contributed to her demise: “… she (Minna) had felt slightly ill. The doctor who was called advised her to return to a lower climate, though not believing her sickness serious, and she had planned to start east Thursday morning.” The services took place at the Moynahan and O’Malia funeral home and was officiated by Knesseth Israel Cantor Nathan Miller. [213] With the absence likely attributed to Edward’s death in 1915, [214] Sid served as the administrator of Minna’s estate. [215] On April 16, 1919, Goldie sold Berdie the Congress Hall building at 519 Harrison Avenue for $1000. [216]

Tombstone of Louis Janowitz, 1852-1918, in the Hebrew Cemetery in Leadville, Colorado.

Robert-George de Stolfe. Louis Janowitz Tombstone. [Digital Photograph]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. 2016.

Short notice in The Herald Democrat about the burial of Louis Janowitz in the family plot within the Hebrew Cemetery in Leadville, Colorado.

Louis Janowitz. The Herald Democrat. Saturday, November 16, 1918. Page 6.

Goldie died at Denver on July 1, 1919, sadly, her obituary notes that Sidney was her only natural child to have survived her:

Obituary notice for Mrs. Goldie Janowitz, wife of deceased Louis Janowitz, who would be interred in the Hebrew Cemetery in Leadville, Colorado.

Mrs. Goldie Janowitz. The Denver Jewish News. Wednesday, July 2, 1919. Page 6.

On June 3, 1920, Sid completed his duties as executor for the estate of Minna Heimberger, Erna’s mother. Erna, Minna’s sister Rose Blair, and her brother Carl were her only surviving heirs. [217] Sid is shown working as a coffee salesman in the 1920 United States Census, living in a hotel at 16th Street and Larimer in Denver. Berdie is not listed. [218] Despite their uncertain marital situation, it appears to have been temporary as later that year they reside in their own home at 902 10th Avenue. [219] Sid’s World War I draft registration card, dated September 12, 1918, shows the couple living at the same 10th Street address at that time, [220] suggesting his stint as a lodger indicates that couple briefly separated:

Registration card of Sidney Emanuel Janowitz for the United States draft during the Great War period.

World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.

On August 8, 1920. Denver’s City Park was transformed into what papers described as a “miniature Leadville” in an effort to celebrate “Leadville Day,” a reunion for former Leadvillians now residing in Denver. The event was extremely well attended and included Sid and Berdie. The day was so successful that organizers considered planning an annual event. [221] Alhough the reunion picnic does not appear to have occurred yearly, there was at least one other, at Denver’s City Park on July 21, 1923. Sid and Berdie were also in attendance at that event. [222]

Sid and Berdie visited Leadville during July of 1921 from their home in Denver and stayed at the Vendome Hotel. [223] They continued to visit Leadville several times each year following their departure. [224] In 1940, the last found census record for the couple, they are living with their bachelor son, Melvin, at 489 South Williams Street in Denver. [225] Sid died in Denver on November 23, 1959, [226] and Berdie followed just over a decade later on December 2, 1969. [227]

Helen Jane Janowitz moved to Chicago with her mother, Erna, in 1916, less than six months after her father Edward’s death. Jane’s records are sparse; the 1920 United States Census shows the then five-year-old and her mother, still carrying the Janowitz name, rooming at a boarding house in Chicago. [228] On June 17, 1923, Erna was remarried to Paul Chamison in Denver. [229] Chamison adopted Jane and the new family moved to Loveland, Colorado [230] where Paul owned his own cigar enterprise. [231] By 1940 Jane had returned to Chicago where she roomed with two other women. [232]

Erna died on February 7, 1968, at Atlanta. Her remains were returned to Denver where she rests at Emanuel Cemetery next to Paul, who died at Casper, Wyoming, in 1947. [233] Jane would eventually marry a Mr. Patterson and move to Los Angeles where she passed away from unknown causes on March 13, 1996. [234]

Senior high school yearbook photo of Jane Janowitz in 1933 when she attended the State Normal School in Greely, Colorado.

Ancestry.com. U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-1999 [database online]. (Lehi, Utah, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc). 2010.

Jane with her Delta Phi Omega pledge class at the Colorado State Normal School in 1933.

“U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012”; School Name: State Normal School; Year: 1933

Melvin was a Denver resident for most of his life. On October 16, 1940 he registered for the selective service prior to the United States’ entrance into World War II. [235] He voluntarily enlisted on May 20, 1942, [236] served for the duration of the conflict, and was honorably discharged on October 15, 1945. [237] He passed away seven years before his wife, Sarah, on September 7, 1979 in Denver. While his grandfather Louis was very involved with the Reform Jewish community in Leadville since it was established in 1879, [238] Melvin and his wife are interred at Lakewood, Colorado’s historic Golden Hill Orthodox Jewish cemetery. [239]

Melvin B. Janowitz from his Phi Sigma Delta fraternity photograph at the University of Colorado in Boulder, May 1934.

Phi Sigma Delta Fraternity, 1934 May. Phi Sigma Delta Fraternity, 1934 May. [Digital Image]. Denver, Colorado: Denver University, Special Collections. 2021.

Melvin Janowitz shortly before his death in 1979. Image found at the top of his tombstone.

Jeffrey P. Grant. Melvin Janowitz Circa 1979. [Digital Image]. Leadville, Colorado: Temple Israel Foundation. Temple Israel Collection. 2021.