Florence in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Lovell Block

132 West Main Street

— Constructed in 1894 —

Lovell Block Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 5, 2023

1. Lovell Block Marker

Inscription. When the building was completed in July, 1894, the first occupant was Lewis & Yost general merchandise store. They offered dry goods, notions and furnishings (everything sold at bedrock). The firm was one of the oldest in the city. By 1906 the store was operating as Lewis Grocery. By 1909, this was the site of the Palace Theater. In 1910 a confectionary shop was in business, and a café by 1913. By 1920 a billiard hall was in operation. By 1925 the business was known as All American, an ice cream and confectionery, as well as a billiard hall and cigar store. By 1934, the building housed Florence Creamery. In 1943, the creamery was purchased by 35 -year old employee Annie Rocchio for $500. In 1950 a bakery in the basement was added to the creamery. Annie started the Malt Shop in the building in 1953. The restaurant featured Sloppy Joe sandwiches and "to die for Chop Suey Sweet Rolls."

At the same time, the building was the site of the Denver-Colorado Springs- Pueblo Trailways and Rio Grande Trailways bus station. The upper floor contained apartments. The Malt Shop and Bakery

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were still run by Annie Rocchio and Marge Hudnall until 1972.

In 1973,the building was sold to the Bufmack's, who continued the Malt Shop into the 1980's. Baked goods were added and by 1981 it was known as Bufmack's and continued until 2000. In 2002, Main Street Grille & Bakery occupied the building.

Erected by the City of Florence.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1894.

Location. 38° 23.419′ N, 105° 7.147′ W. Marker is in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street (Colorado Route 115) and North Santa Fe Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 132 W Main St, Florence CO 81226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 5, 2023

2. Lovell Block & Marker

Marker can be seen on building above the corner post.

finds itself in what was once the Comanchería

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrews Block (a few steps from this marker); Wilson Block & Wilson Annex (a few steps from this marker); The Mezzanine Antiques and Collectibles, LLC (a few steps from this marker); Julius McCandless Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Carmondy Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Nest Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 120 W. Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Florence Firehouse, Florence City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Regarding Lovell Block. Now operating as Papa's Restaurant.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.