Great expectations for Dickens Tavern in Longmont

LONGMONT  – In the late 1800s, if you wanted something done in Boulder County, you probably turned to William Henry Dickens. Not because of his relationship to Charles Dickens (his adoptive mother married the English novelist’s grandson), but because the Longmont rancher and freighter was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the area.

“While thousands were investing almost fabulous sums in more or less doubtful mining ventures, in enterprises where great fortunes have been repeatedly sunk, he steadily pursued old and reliable methods of gaining riches, was conservative and wise in all his investments, and prosperity long…