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 —
By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
1. James A. McCandless House Marker
This residence is the second home of the McCandless family and was built after he achieved substantial wealth from a variety of enterprises.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
By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
2. James A. McCandless House Marker
Location. 38° 23.437′ N, 105° 7.046′ W. Marker is in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. Marker is at the intersection of North Pikes Peak Avenue (State Highway 67) and East 2nd Street, on the left when traveling south on North Pikes Peak Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 North Pikes Peak Avenue, Florence CO 81226, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Early Agriculture & Ranching (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence's Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Zebulon Pike's Southwestern Expedition (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corrections Capital (approx. 3.2 miles away); Arkansas River Valley (approx. 3.2 miles away); Arkansas Valley Country (approx. 3.2 miles away); The Royal Gorge (approx. 3.2 miles away); Cañon City / The Gold Belt Tour (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2020
3. James A. McCandless House
The Holt Family Funeral Home now operates out of the building.
By Wikitree
4. James Alexander Leroy (McCanles) McCandless
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2020, by Duane Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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