Celebration abounds - Above, left: Eric Miller and Danae Beaudette celebrate their mayor by posing in front of a large photo depicting the city’s history. Above, right: Mayor Fey’s family members try on one of many Stetson hats available at the trading post. Bottom, left: Robby Wicks helps kick off the grand opening of Central City’s Trading Post. PHOTOS BY OMAYRA ACEVEDO[/caption]
A mayor’s role includes being the top executive in a city. They usually manage a number of municipal departments, including fire, police, emergency medical, and utility services. The mayor is commonly a part of the town council, serving in a leadership position for meetings and more.
Every once in a while, a mayor steps outside his expected duties to do something that brings him a little closer to the people he serves. He does something that makes him stand out from so many.
On Saturday, September 9, at 6 p.m., Mayor Jeremy Fey opened the Central City Trading Post. The shop features iconic brands like Stetson hats and Samsonite luggage, both rooted in Central City.
Stetson was founded in 1865 when John B. Stetson crafted the first cowboy hat in Central City. For nearly 160 years, Stetson has been known for creating high-quality products, and now you can purchase your very own Stetson hat at the Central City trading post.
Poland-born Isaac Shwayder came to Central City, Colorado, in 1879 to work with his wife’s uncle, Abe Rachofsky, who owned a dry goods business. Shwayder peddled in the surrounding mining towns, selling goods from his backpack.
In less than two years, he saved money, rented a house, and moved his family to Central City. Shwayder became an acting rabbi for the Jewish community, officiating at religious festivals in the Odd Fellows Hall.
After moving his family of six to Denver, Shwayder opened a grocery store and then a used furniture store. Their son Jesse moved to New York City and became a salesman for the Seward Luggage Company.
By 1910, Jesse returned to Denver and opened a luggage factory with his father as lead salesman. The original name of their luggage was Samson in honor of the strength of the Biblical hero of the same name.
Today, the company is the largest manufacturer of luggage in the world, Samsonite, another commodity you can purchase at the Central City Trading Post. Other items for sale at the trading post include bandanas, historical photos, and stained glass art, to name a few.
As supporters gathered to celebrate the grand opening, chatter filled the streets and the space inside 125 Main Street. Conversations ranged from the history of the city to merchandise and new accomplishments.
Gentlemen showed up in classic cowboy gear and everyone wore smiles on their faces. Robby Wicks entertained guests with his musical stylings, adding to the already welcoming ambiance.
Congratulations, Mayor Fey, on your new venture and earning the support and respect of those around you. And thank you for caring about your city.
The Central City Trading Post is located at 125 Main Street, Central City.
