Sometimes there’s a man who warrants your attention, and who openly shares his legacy in the Gilpin County area.
The man at the top of the stairwell that leads to a special place known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks was kind enough to share his memorable story.
Don Mattivi, Jr. has a long history in the Central City and Gilpin County area, going back five generations. His family tree originally hails from Italy. During the 1860s and 1870s his ancestors, the Rudolphs, were original settlers and settled in mid-Gilpin County as cattle ranchers.
Don’s great-grandfather brought his great-grandmother here from Italy. They had several children born and raised in the region. His great-grandfather was a miner who discovered gold at the Marquis Mine. So sadly typical in mining families, he died of black lung disease on the same day Don’s brother was born.
Born in Denver but raised in Central City, Don also has a brother and nephews in the area. He loves the peace and quiet the mountains provide.
Don graduated from Gilpin High School in the Central City building that is now a museum; his was the last class to graduate from that building. He then went on to Colorado State University, was drafted into the Air Force, and eventually ended up traveling for a construction firm.
Over the years, his many skills led to him holding many diverse jobs in the computer science and fossil fuel industries. One of his jobs was with the Bureau of Land Management, digitizing land records. On 9/11, when all travel stopped, Don was in Sterling, Virginia, on a job, and had to remain there for six weeks.
Despite his many work-related travels, he always maintained Central City as his permanent address and takes great pride in his home town. Don retired in 2016, but still tends bar at the local Elks Lodge.
Founded as the “Jolly Corks,” in December of 1868 the exclusive group adopted the name, “Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.” By 1890, 173 lodges had been established throughout the United States. The Elks Lodge in Central City, Lodge No. 557, was instituted in 1900.
Its declared purposes are to practice its four cardinal virtues: Charity, Justice,
Brotherly Love, and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship.
When Don joined the Elks Lodge, located at 113 Main Street in Central City, he decided to smarten up the tired old facility by replacing worn-out chairs and the stairwell lighting, and installing new ice machines and big screen TVs.
He began bartending as a “second or third job,” which was always an opportunity in the bustling mountain tourist hub of Central City. Don reports that even before gambling was approved in 1992, Central City already boasted a variety of live music venues and boisterous bars.
Notably, Don asked the Elks for the ability to take credit and debit card payments, and to have all the tips donated to charity. The current lucky charity is Charlie’s Place Animal Shelter, serving Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. In 2023, the Central City Elks Lodge sponsored four dogs and two cats, and aims to sponsor eight dogs and four cats in 2024.
The slogan “Elks care, Elks share,” rings true in Gilpin, as the Elks continue to support the community by helping families in need. Last year, when the Gilpin High School cheerleaders took second place at State, the Elks donated funds for some additional equipment. They also sponsor the “Catch-a-Calf” event at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.
Don described his three functions at the Elks Lodge: to give tours of the lodge, to tend bar, and to recruit new members. Potential new members must be sponsored by any member in good standing, as well as getting references from two other Elks.
His family has had ties to the Central City Opera House for many generations, their names adorning every brass plaque in the Teller House’s Garden. Don is passionate about maintaining his flower garden, which overlooks the Opera House.
He also enjoys cooking and canning his own homegrown produce. He uses the raspberries from his garden to make his famous Raspberry Margaritas, and he pickles green beans for his custom Bloody Mary mix, which he’s been making for over forty years.
Don delights in the recreational opportunities offered in the region, enjoying golfing and hunting as well as bicycling and hiking.
When asked about any special memories from past years he’d care to share, he responded with a wicked grin, “Probably some I shouldn’t tell.” One thing he did mention was the occasional newspaper, begun by Lew Cady in the 1970s, The Little Kingdom Come, that featured a “Gunslinger of the Month.” Cady and a crew of cohorts posed naked for the Gunslingers feature in the anniversary issue.
When asked about his goals, he shared that he served as the Mayor of Central City for ten years from 1993 to 2003. His council was responsible for paving the roads, lighting the streets, and placing the signage at Chase Gulch Reservoir. His council also helped develop the apartment complex and townhomes. He served on the board for the Sanitation District and he helped build the groundwork and the permitting for the Central City Parkway.
Don would like to see the City of Central well-tended and the vacant buildings occupied. He said, “I encourage people to be active in their community and to respect and enjoy their surroundings.” If you feel like visiting the Elks Lodge and taking a tour with Don, they are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and can be reached by calling 303-582-5181.
