Florence in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
James A. McCandless House
120 North Pikes Peak Avenue
| | Constructed in 1889 Architects: Balcomb and Rice | |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 8, 2024
1. James A. McCandless House Marker
The picture taken in March 1889 shows the McCandless family. The person 4th from the left is Florence McCandless whom the town was named after.
James McCandiess, known as "the father of Florence" was very influential in the development of Florence. He was: the first postmaster, member of the first fire department, helped develop the early school system, county commissioner, state senator, co-developed the Bank of Florence, and was one of the incorporators of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad.
In 1931 Cecil Holt established the Holt Funeral Home in the house. In 1951 Frank Witty bought the business and named it the Florence Mortuary. The Witty's advertised "ambulance service day or night". Mr. Witty was deputy coroner for 38 years. He retired in 1994 and sold the business to Cecil Holt's grandson, Bill Holt, Jr. The Holt family continues to operate The Florence Mortuary from the house today.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 38° 23.437′ N, 105° 7.046′ W. Marker is in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. It is at the intersection
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Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley and in Pikes Peak Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comancherνa and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First National Bank of Florence (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Agriculture & Ranching (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence's Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); City Drug (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 101-103 W. Main Street (about 300 feet away); The Daniels Block Building (about 300 feet away); Florence Auto Company (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
2. James A. McCandless House Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
3. James A. McCandless House Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
4. James A. McCandless House
The Holt Family Funeral Home now operates out of the building.
Photographed by Wikitree
5. James Alexander Leroy (McCanles) McCandless
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,475 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 14, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
