History
4
The James A. McCandless House was the McCandless family's second home, built after James A. McCandless achieved substantial wealth from a variety of enterprises. A photograph taken in March 1889 shows the McCandless family, including Florence McCandless, for whom the town was named. Known as the father of Florence, James McCandless was influential in the town's development as its first postmaster, a member of the first fire department, a helper in developing the early school system, a county commissioner, a state senator, a co-developer of the Bank of Florence, and 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, and the Wittys advertised ambulance service day or night. Mr. Witty served as deputy coroner for 38 years, 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.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Florence, Colorado · United States
