HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/15/2003 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 100, 2003, DESIGNAT AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 14
DATE: July 15, 2003
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Karen McWilliams
SUBJECT:
First Reading of Ordinance No. 100, 2003, Designating the Giddings House, 704 West Mountain
Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado, as a Fort Collins Landmark Pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City
Code.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission recommend adoption of the Ordinance on
First Reading. At a public hearing held on June 25, 2003, the Landmark Preservation
Commission voted unanimously to recommend designation of this residence as a landmark for
its high degree of both integrity and significance to Fort Collins.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The owners of the property, Kevin Mabry and Kathlene Waller, are initiating this request for
Fort Collins Landmark designation for the Giddings House. Due to the residence's excellent
physical integrity, and high degree of architectural and historical significance, it may be regarded
as individually eligible for landmark designation under City of Fort Collins Landmark
Preservation Standards (A) - Association with events that have made a significant contribution to
the broad patterns of history; (B) — Association with the lives of persons significant in our past;
and (C) - Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
The property contains a historic residence, and a carriage house which was converted to a
dwelling in the 1970s. The carriage house is not a part of these designation proceedings.
Significance and Physical Integrity: The house at 704 West Mountain Avenue was
constructed circa 1905, at a time when the city of Fort Collins was recovering from the
depressed economy of the 1890s and experiencing tremendous development and prosperity. The
first decade of the twentieth century saw the most rapid rate of growth ever posted by Fort
Collins, as the town's population more than doubled, from 3,053 in 1900 to 8,210 in 1910. This
stimulated the local economy in profound ways, not only through an increase in population and
employment, but also by attracting new business to the area, and greatly escalating the
construction of new residences. Between 1900 and 1910, for example, over 325 additional acres
of residential subdivisions were platted and annexed within Fort Collins. Because of its direct
association with these important historical events and trends, the house at 704 West Mountain
may be considered significant under Standard A.
Soon after its construction, the home became the residence of Edwin Chester "Chet" Giddings
and his wife, Agnes Mason Giddings; Chet and Agnes resided in the home between the years
1909 to 1936. The Giddings and Mason families were among the first settlers in the Fort Collins
area. The daughter of Augustine and Charlotte Mason, who came to Colorado in 1866, Mrs.
Giddings earned the distinction of being "the first white child bom in Fort Collins." Mr.
Giddings came to Fort Collins with his family in 1883. He owned a prosperous farm in the
Boxelder Valley, six miles northeast of Fort Collins. Mr. Giddings was one of the most
DATE: ITEM NUMBER: 14
successful farmers in Larimer County during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries;
he raised sugar beets, potatoes, and sheep. Although he eventually owned six irrigated farms in
the area, Mr. Giddings, like many other farmers, lost his farms during the Great Depression. In
1931, Mr. Giddings sold this home to his daughter Melissa and her husband, R.B. McCoy for
$100, a fraction of its worth. Melissa Giddings McCoy owned the home until 1944. The
Giddings House is significant under Standard B, due to the home's direct and lengthy association
with the Giddings family.
As an architecturally significant structure, this beautiful two-story home is also significant under
Standard C. Built circa 1905, it is representative of the American Foursquare style of
architecture. This wood-frame home sits on a sandstone foundation. While wider clapboard
siding covers the first story walls, the upper story of the home is clad in very narrow clapboard
siding. Asphalt shingles cover the hipped roof. The facade of the home features a full-length,
partially enclosed front porch, with repeated rectangular elements and massive piers. A small,
open balcony sits above the front porch. A bellcast hipped dormer with a five-light window also
graces the facade. The east elevation features a canted two-story bay window. Other distinctive
features of the home include the corbelled collar on the chimney and the modillions beneath the
eaves on the main roof and porch. The Giddings House is very well preserved and exhibits
excellent integrity.
. ORDINANCE NO. 100, 2003
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DESIGNATING THE GIDDINGS HOUSE, 704 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE,FORT
COLLINS, COLORADO, AS A FORT COLLINS LANDMARK PURSUANT TO CHAPTER
14 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 14-2 of the City Code, the City Council has established a
public policy encouraging the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks within the
City; and
WHEREAS,by Resolution dated June 25,2003 the Landmark Preservation Commission(the
"Commission")has determined that the Giddings House has individual significance to Fort Collins
under Landmark Designation Standards (A), (B) and (C), for the home's contributions to the
architectural and historical development of our community; for the property's association with the
Giddings family; and, as a notable representation of the American Foursquare architectural style,
with excellent integrity; and
WHEREAS, the Commission has further determined that said property meets the criteria of
a landmark as set forth in Section 14-5 of the Code and is eligible for designation as a landmark,and
has recommended to the City Council that said property be designated by the City Council as a
landmark; and
WHEREAS,the owners of the property have consented to such landmark designation; and
WHEREAS, such landmark designation will preserve the property's significance to the
community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the recommendation of the Commission and
desires to approve such recommendation and designate said property as a landmark.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the residence historically known as the Giddings House,located on lands in
the City of Fort Collins,Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows, to wit:
Lot 35, Block 281, Loomis Addition,
also known as 704 West Mountain Avenue
is hereby designated as a Fort Collins landmark pursuant to Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of
Fort Collins.
Section 2. That the Secretary of the Interior's standards and guidelines for the treatment of
historic properties will serve as the standards by which alterations, additions and other changes to
the buildings and structures located upon the above described property will be reviewed for
compliance with Chapter 14, Article III, of the Code of the City of Fort Collins.
Introduced,considered favorably on first reading,and ordered published this 15th day of July,
A.D. 2003, and to be presented for final passage on the 19th day of August, A.D. 2003.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 19th day of August, A.D. 2003.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Advance Planning Department
City of Fort Collins
RESOLUTION 11, 2003
OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE
GIDDINGS HOUSE
704 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
WHEREAS, it is a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of
sites,structures,objects, and districts of historical,architectural,or geographic significance,located
within the city,are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the prosperity,civic pride and
general welfare of the people; and
WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the City Council that the economic, cultural and aesthetic
standing of this city cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the historical, architectural
and geographical heritage of the city and by ignoring the destruction or defacement of such cultural
assets; and
WHEREAS,the Giddings House exhibits excellent integrity, and has individual significance to
• Fort Collins under Landmark Preservation Standards A,B and C,for its contributions to the history and
development of our community, for its association with the Giddings family, and for the home's
architectural significance to Fort Collins; and
WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission has determined that the Giddings House
meets the criteria of a landmark as set forth in Section 14-5 of the code and is eligible for designation
as a Fort Collins Landmark; and
WHEREAS, the owners of the property, Kevin Mabry and Kathlene Waller, have consented to
such landmark designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Landmark Preservation Commission of the City of
Fort Collins as follows:
Section 1.That the Landmark Preservation Commission recommends to the Council of the City of
Fort Collins that the residence known as the Giddings House,located on the lands in the City of Fort
Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, described as follows,to wit:
Lot 35, Block 281, Loomis Addition
City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado
also known as 704 West Mountain Avenue
. be designated as a Fort Collins Landmark in accordance with Chapter 14 of the Code of the City
of Fort Collins.
281 North College Avenue • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970)221-6376
FAX(970)224-6111 • TDD(970)224-6002 • E-mail:aplanning@fcgov.com
CLASSIFICATION
Category Ownership Status Present Use Existing Designation`
® Building ❑ Public ® Occupied ❑ Commercial ❑ National Register
❑ Structure ® Private ❑ Unoccupied ❑ Educational ❑ State Register
❑ Site ❑ Religious
❑ Object ® Residential
❑ District ❑ Entertainment
❑ Government
❑ Other
SIGNIFICANCE
® Criteria A: The property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad pattern of our local, state, or national history.
® Criteria B: The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
® Criteria C: The property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction; or is the work of a master; or possesses high artistic
value; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction.
❑ Criteria D: The property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in
prehistory or history.
Further Comments (attach a separate sheet if needed)
The Giddings House merits consideration for Fort Collins Landmark designation under the City
of Fort Collins Landmark Preservation Criteria A - association with events that have contributed to
the broad pattern of our history; Criteria B —association with significant persons; and Criteria C -
embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction. Due to the
property's architectural significance, excellent physical integrity, and historical significance, it may
be regarded as individually eligible for landmark designation.
The house at 704 West Mountain Avenue was constructed circa 1905, at a time when the city of
Fort Collins was recovering from the depressed economy of the 1890s and experiencing tremendous
development and prosperity. The first decade of the twentieth century saw the most rapid rate of
growth ever posted by Fort Collins, as the town's population more than doubled, from 3,053 in 1900
to 8,210 in 1910. These events stimulated the local economy in profound ways, not only increasing
population and employment, but also attracting new business to the area and greatly escalating the
construction of new residences. Between 1900 and 1910, for example, over 325 additional acres of
residential subdivisions were platted and annexed within Fort Collins. Because of its direct
association with these important historical events, the house at 704 West Mountain may be
considered significant according to designation Criteria A.
Soon after its construction, the home was the residence of Edwin Chester"Chet" Giddings and his
wife Agnes Mason Giddings; Chet and Agnes resided in the home between the years 1909 to 1936.
The Giddings and Mason families were among the first settlers in the Fort Collins area. The daughter
of Augustine and Charlotte Mason, who came to Colorado in 1866, Mrs. Giddings earned the
distinction of being the first white child bom in Fort Collins. Mr. Giddings came to Fort Collins
Revised 05-2002 Page 2
with his family in 1883. He owned a prosperous farm in Boxelder Valley, six miles northeast of Fort
Collins. Mr. Giddings was one of the most successful farmers in Larimer County during the late
eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; he raised sugar beets, potatoes,and sheep. Although he
eventually owned six irrigated farms in the area, Mr. Giddings, like many other farmers, lost his
farms during the Great Depression.
As an architecturally significant structure, this beautiful two-story home, built circa 1905, represents
the American Foursquare style of architecture. This wood-frame home sits on a sandstone
foundation. While wider clapboard siding covers the first story walls, the upper story of the home is
clad in very narrow clapboard siding. Asphalt shingles cover the hipped roof. The facade of the
home features a full-length porch that is enclosed on the east half and displays repeated, recessed
rectangular elements. Massive piers support the open portion of the front porch. A small, open
balcony, accessible from the master bedroom, sits above the front porch. A bellcast hipped dormer
with a five-light window also graces the facade. The east elevation features a canted two-story bay
window. Other distinctive features of the home include the corbelled collar on the chimney and the
modillions beneath the eaves on the main roof and porch. The Giddings House is very well
preserved and exhibits excellent integrity.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Please attach a narrative of the historical significance of the property. Include a title search
or city directory research if the property is important for its association with a significant
person.
Further Comments:
The home at 704 West Mountain was built circa 1905 for Clarence and Mabel Gould. In 1907, Dr.
George Mozee and his wife Mary purchased the home. E.C. "Chet" Giddings and his wife Agnes
purchased the home in 1909. Chet Giddings was born in Warren City, Illinois on March 7, 1867.
He was the second child and first son of the eight children of Loren and Elizabeth Giddings. The
family came to Colorado in 1883. Agnes Mason Giddings was born on October 31, 1867, the first
white child born in Fort Collins. Agnes was the daughter of Augustine and Charlotte Mason, Fort
Collins pioneers who arrived in 1866. Chet and Agnes were married on December 25, 1888. They
had two children; Melissa Elizabeth was born on November 21, 1890, and Ralph Leander was born
on February 1, 1893. A successful farmer, Mr. Giddings raised sugar beets, potatoes, and sheep; he
eventually owned six farms in the Fort Collins area. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings lived in the home at 704
West Mountain until their deaths; Mrs. Giddings died on June 19, 1927, and Mr. Giddings passed
away on February 19, 1936. In 1931, Mr. Giddings sold the home to his daughter and her husband,
R.B. McCoy for$100, a fraction of its worth. Although Mrs. McCoy owned the home until 1944,
the City Directory listed Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Chandler as its residents in 1940. From 1947 to 1953,
the home changed owners several times. In 1953, Lyle I. and Mary Smith purchased the home.
They resided at 704 West Mountain until 1969. Between the years 1969 and 1976, the home
changed owners three times. In 1976, James and Suzanne Nance purchased the home. Mr. Nance
was a retired United States Air Force major. The Nance's lived in the home until 1986. William
Wynne and Ann Mitchell purchased the home in 1986 and lived there for several years. Kevin
Mabry and Kathlene Waller currently own the home.
Revised 05-2002 Page 3
ARCHITECTURAL and PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION (attach a separate sheet if needed)
Construction Date: circa 1905 .
Architect/Builder: R.B. Leonard
Building Materials: sandstone foundation, wood frame, clapboard siding
Architectural Style: American Foursquare
Special Features/Surroundings: full-length, partially enclosed front porch with repeated,
recessed rectangular elements and massive piers; bellcast hipped dormer with five-light window;
canted two-story bay window; corbelled chimney collar; modillions beneath the eaves on the main
roof and porch; clapboard siding in different widths on first and second stories.
Describe any additions or alterations to the property: none noted
REFERENCE LIST or SOURCES of INFORMATION (attach a separate sheet if needed)
Local History Archives
City Directories from 1902-2001
Larmer County Assessor's Records
Westside Neighborhood Architectural Survey Form, surveyed by Jason Marmor
A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia and Lee McAlester
History of Lorimer County by Ansel Watrous
The History of Lorimer County, Colorado, volume I, edited by Andrew J. Moms
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Determined "Eligible'
Ordinance #
Application within last 12 months? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Date Recorded
P.vil ari n5_9nn9 Paae 4
AGREEMENT
The undersigned owner(s) hereby agrees that the property described herein be considered
for local historic landmark designation, pursuant to the Fort Collins Landmark Preservation
Ordinance, Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins.
I understand that upon designation, I or my successors will be requested to notify the
Secretary of the Landmark Preservation Commission at the City of Fort Collins prior to the
occurrence of any of the following:
1. Preparation of plans foe reconstruction or alteration of the exterior of the
improvements on the property, or;
2. Preparation of plans for construction of, addition to or demolition of improvements on
the property
3. 1 further understand that if I apply for a building permit for any one of the following:
a. Alteration or reconstruction of or an addition to the exterior of any
improvement which constitutes all or part of a landmark structure or landmark
district;
b. Demolition or relocation of any improvement which constitutes all or part of a
landmark structure or landmark district;
c. Construction or erection of or an addition to any improvement upon any land
included in a landmark district;
d. Or if I proceed with any work not requiring a building permit as set forth in
Section 14-47;
The Building Inspector and the Landmark Preservation Commission shall be under the time
constraints and other requirements as outlined in Chapter 14,Article III of the Code of the
City of Fort Collins.
DATED this I day of Su-n e 200,J_.
t e,vin W. MahrU
Owner Name (please print)
n Signature
State of WAJ-- 1ZO )
)ss.
County of )
Subscribed and sworn before me this / 7 day of 200-3 ,
by �e �1 . YY14 �vvti nn ",
Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires co
Notary Public
Revised 05-2002 Page 5
AGREEMENT
The undersigned owner(s) hereby agrees that the property described herein be considered
for local historic landmark designation, pursuant to the Fort Collins Landmark Preservation
Ordinance, Chapter 14 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins.
I understand that upon designation, I or my successors will be requested to notify the
Secretary of the Landmark Preservation Commission at the City of Fort Collins prior to the
occurrence of any of the following:
4. Preparation of plans foe reconstruction or alteration of the exterior of the
improvements on the property, or;
5. Preparation of plans for construction of, addition to or demolition of improvements on
the property
6. 1 further understand that if I apply for a building permit for any one of the following:
e. Alteration or reconstruction of or an addition to the exterior of any
improvement which constitutes all or part of a landmark structure or landmark
district;
f. Demolition or relocation of any improvement which constitutes all or part of a
landmark structure or landmark district;
g. Construction or erection of or an addition to any improvement upon any land
included in a landmark district;
h. Or if I proceed with any work not requiring a building permit as set forth in
Section 14-47;
The Building Inspector and the Landmark Preservation Commission shall be under the time
constraints and other requirements as outlined in Chapter 14,Article III of the Code of the
City of Fort Collins.
DATED this day of d o v e 2003
}�ai-hley�� S . W0. Il�r
Owner Name, (ppllease� print)
Owner Signature
State of C
)ss.
County of � �, ) s.
Subscribed andsworn before me this f ? "--day of 200-3 ,
Witness my hand and official seal. My commission expires �-�� 44-0
Revised 05-2002 Page 6
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Detlil Page for Photographs in the Image Database Page 1 of 1
704W Mt67 - - Photographic Image Details Record Photo Orders
ge Caption: 704 W. Mountain, 1967
ge Date: Unknown
Approximate Date: 1967 c.
Library Reference Number:
Creator: Tax Assessor's Office
Image Content Type: buildings
Contexts: Urban Renewal 1955-1969
Image Source: Tax Assessor Records
Collection: Tax Assessor Records
Image File Location: N/A
Description: 704 W. Mountain, 1967. Two story, frame residence, built c.1897.
Type: Tax Assessor Print
Thumbnail: /thumbnails/7_1700Mountain/704WMt67
Largeview: /photos/7_1700Mountain/704WMt67
Format: HP ScanJet 6100C Scanner; Adobe 6.0; TIFF 800 dpi; ]PEG 72dpi; GIF 72dpi
Open This Record in a New Window to Print or Bookmark
People, Buildings, and Structures directly associated with this Image:
people found directly linked to this Photograph.
buildings or structures found directly linked to this Photograph.
•
htto://Iibrarv.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/Dhoto detailos3.cfm?Image No=6... 2/18/03
)etail Page for Building Records Page lot 1- '
could, C. K. -- Building Record
)wner: Gould, C. K.
Lddress: 704 W. Mountain
)ate: 1905
)escription: 6 room frame residence
.ocation Description: N/A
croup: West
krchitect: N/A
luiider: Leonard, R. B., builder
:ost: $3000
)ther information: address uncertain
Irimary Source: 1905 Building Summary in Newspaper, Dec 27, 1905
secondary Source: N/A
Omen This Record in a New Window to Print or Bookmark
-ittp://iibrary.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/records2.cfm?ID=155 2/18/03
Detail Page for a Permit Page 1 of 1
Giddings, Agnes E. -- Building Permit Record
Permit Number: 537
Aer: Giddings, Agnes E.
4ddress: 704 W. Mountain Ave
Date: 1920-06-09 00:00:00
4ddition: N/A
Lot Modifier: N/A
Lot: 35
Block: 281
Description: Front porch
Type Code: 0
Estimated Cost: $1500
Permit Cost: $2
Open This Record in a New Window to Print or Bookmark
http://library.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/permit2.cfm?ID=3106 2/18/03
detail Page for a Permit Page 1-of 1
3iddings, E. C. -- Building Permit Record
3ermit Number: 2434
)wner: Giddings, E. C. J
%ddress: 704 W. Mountain Ave
)ate: 1929-07-06 00:00:00
tddition: N/A
.ot Modifier: N/A
.ot: 25
Mock: 281
3escription: Reshingle roof
rype Code: 0
Estimated Cost: $200
3ermit Cost: $1.2
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httD://Iibrarv.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/Dermit2.cfm?ID=1725 2/18/03
DetAil Page for a Permit Page 1 of 1
MC6Y, Mrs. R. B. Building Permit Record
P it Number: 7058
Omer: McCoy, Mrs. R. B.
Address: 704 W. Mountain
Date: 1942-08-07 00:00:00
Addition: N/A
Lot Modifier: N/A
Lot: 25
Block: 281
Description: Reshingling
Type Code: 0
Estimated Cost: $145
Permit Cost: $1.3
Open This Record in a New Window to Print or Bookmark
•
•
httn://Iihrarv.ri.fort-r.nllina.ro.us/,rr.hiva/grrint,q/nermit? rfm7Tn=774n 7/1R/ni
detail Page for a Permit Page 1-Of 1
?acret, George -- Building Permit Record
sermit Number: 10047
)wner: Eacret, George 1
\ddress: 704 W. Mountain
)ate: 1947-08-02 00:00:00
\ddition: N/A
.ot Modifier: N/A
.ot: 25
Slock: 281
)escription: Reshingie garage
rype Code: 0
?stimated Cost: $100
)ermit Cost: $1.15
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ittD://Iibrarv.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scriDts/oermit2.cfm?ID=10736 2/18/03
DetXi Page for a Person Page 1 of 1
fall
dings, E. Chester ;
I
-- Biographical Record
First & Other Names: E. Chester
Last Name: Giddings
Occupation: Farmer
Date of birth: 1867/03/07
Place of birth: Warren Cty, Illinois
Birth Source Info:
Date of death: 1935/02/19
Place of death: Fort Collins, CO
Death Source Info:
Photograph: Chester E. Giddings, farmer
Image Name: H01561G
Largeview: /photos/Hist_Col/H01561G
graphical Summary: E.C. (Chet) Giddings married Agnes Mason on 25 Dec 1888 in Fort Collins, CO.
They had 2 children Melissa Elizabeth (21 Nov 1890) and Ralph Leander (1 Feb 1893).
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htto://library.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/Derson.cfm?nameID=Giddinas%2(... 2/18/03
)etail Page for a Person Page 1'bf 1
Giddings, Agnes Mason
-- Biographical Record
First & Other Names: Agnes Eurelia Mason
Last Name: Giddings
Alternate Last Names: Mason
Occupation:
Date of birth: 1867/10/31 r
Place of birth: Fort Collins I
Birth Source Info:
Date of death: 1927/06/19
Place of death: Fort Collins
Death Source Info:
Photograph: Giddings, Agnes Mason (Mrs. Chet)
Image Name: Gid_Agns
Largeview: /photos/Hist_Col/H01649
Biographical Summary: Agnes Eurelia Mason married E. C.(Chet) Giddings on 25 Dec 1888. Agnes was the
daughter of Augustine and Charlotte (Beebe) Mason. Augustine's father was a French Canadian named Francois
Messier, and was from the Province of Quebec.
Source: "First white child ...", Watrous 1911, pg. 103 (257, 451).
Source: Scott, Jess F428, Hist of Larico, Vol 1, 1985, pg. 380..
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htto://Iibrarv.ci.fort-colli ns.co.us/archive/scripts/Derson.cfm?nameID=Giddi nas%2(... 2/18/03
Detail Page for a Person Page 1 of 1
dings, Ralph L.
Biographical Record
First & Other Names: Ralph Leander
Last Name: Giddings
Occupation: Farmer/Feeder "
Date of birth: 1893/02/01
Place of birth: Fort Collins, Colorado
Birth Source Info:
Date of death: 1974/11/12
Place of death:
Death Source Info:
Photograph: Ralph Leander Giddings, Farmer/feeder
Image Name: M18393
Largeview: /photos/Miller/M18393
Biographical Summary: Ralph Leander's parents were Edwin Chester and Agnes Mason Giddings. Ralph
graduated from FCHS in 1912. On 8 Jun 1916 he graduated from Colorado Agricultural College. He married
Clara Lucile Schmitt on 28 Feb 1917 in Colorado Springs, CO. They had 2 children Margaret Jane (Peggy Jane)
and Ralph Leander, Jr. Farmed north of Fort Collins until 1962 when he sold the farm and moved into town.
Source: Adventuring (Mandeville Stories), Manuscript at FtC Pub Lib by Grace Gregory.
*rce: "P. M. Hinman Dead ...", Fort Collins Courier, Jan 24, 1884, p. 1..
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http://library.ci.fort-collins.co.us/archive/scripts/person.cfm?nameID=Giddings%2C... 2/18/03
)etail Page for a Person Page 1 -of S'''
McCoy, Melissa E. Q McNswEftabamGidd Z0Y
-- Biographical Record
First & Other Names: Melissa Elizabeth Gidd.
Last Name: McCoy
Alternate Last Names: Giddings
Occupation:
Date of birth: 1890/11/21
Place of birth: Fort Collins
Birth Source Info:
Date of death: 1959/07/15
Place of death:
Death Source Info:
Photograph: Melissa Giddings McCoy
Image'Name: H01658M
. Largeview: /photos/Hist_Col/H01658M
Biographical Summary: Married Richard B. McCoy in Fort Collins on March 17, 1926. They lived most of
their life in Oregon and he died in January 1963.
Source: Democracy's College ..., Democracy's College, by James E. Hansen II, 1977..
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HISTORY OF LARI M ER COUNTY, COLORAD O
town of that state; married Sarah A. Dickinson, Fort Collins where he and his family spend the
October 7th, 1870; children, Mrs. Mabel A. Hor- winter months, although not a day passes that he
ner, Homer D., Lewis H., and Ernest W. Thayer. does not visit and oversee the work on his farm,
Mr. Thayer and family arrived in Colorado in which is situated in the Boxelder valley, six miles
September, 1904, locating on a farm about one northeast of Fort Collins. Mr. Giddings is a
mile south of Timnath. He is an enterprising and member of Collins lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M.;
thorough farmer as his success and the appearance of of Cache la Poudre Chapter No.. 11 R. A. M.; of
his farm indicates, and is well pleased with the DeMolay eommandery No. 13 K T.; of El Jebel
country. He now resides on Main street, Tim- Tempel of the Mystic Shrine, and Eastern Star;
nath, and is vice-president of the Farmer's bank of the Elks and Woodmen of the World, and is
that town. seldom absent from the meetings of any of these
orders. Mrs. E. C. Giddings (Agnes E. Mason,
E. CHESTER GIDDINGS.—When a young man daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Mason,
starts out bare-handed on a rented farm to make a pioneers of the Cache la Poudre valley), was
fortune, and through industry, proper management born October 31st, 1867, and to her belongs
and the exercise of good judgment and wise fore- the honor of being the first white child born
sight, succeeds in accomplishing his purpose within in Fort Collins. She grew to womanhood's estate
a score of years, besides increasing the fertility of on her father's farm, receiving her education
the land and placing it in better condition than in the public schools of district No. 11, and on
when he began operations, it proves that he is com- December 25th, 1888, she was united in marriage
posed of the right kind of material; that brain and with E. Chester Giddings. She has always been a
muscle joined forces and worked hand in hand for true and faithful helpmeet, sharing her husband's
success in his case. Yet, that is the experience of burdens and rejoicing in his successes, never neg-
the subject of this sketch. His success also speaks letting a duty as wife and mother or shirking a re-
in strong terms of the productiveness of Colorado sponsibility. She is a member of the Eastern Star
soil when well treated. Mr. Giddings first saw the and also of several literary and social clubs, and is a
light of day on March 7th, 1867, in Warren leader in all good works. She is a lady of culture
• county, Illinois. He is a son of Loren Giddings, and refinement and enjoys the acquaintance and
and the second of a family of eight children=four friendship of a very wide circle, finding her great-
boys and four girls. He was raised on a farm, ob- est pleasure, however, in the duties of her home sus-
taining his education in the public schools. He rounded by her husband and children.
spent two years in Iowa and in February, 1883,
came with his father's family to Fort Collins, which PETER G. TERRY is a native of Illinois, born
has since been his home. After assisting his father March 19th, 1840. Came to Colorado in 1869,
on the farm for a few years, he hired out to drive locating at Denver. In 1870, he helped to build
team for his uncle, Leander Giddings, who was en- the Denver Pacific railroad and in 1871 came to
gaged in the ice and transfer business, and worked Fort Collins and filed a homestead claim on land
for him for four years. On Christmas day, 1888, now covered by Terry lake. He lived on this
he married Miss Agnes E. Mason, and the follow- farm until it was purchased in 1890 by the Lari-
ing year rented a farm and began laying the founda- mer & Weld reservoir company, but was engaged
tion for a competence for himself and family. Two during the winter of 1879-80 freighting to Lead-
children, Melissa E. and Ralph L., both at home, ville from Denver. In 1885 he preempted 160
have blessed the union. For twelve years, Mr. acres in the Boxelder valley three miles northwest
Giddings has carried on the farm he now occupies of Wellington, on which he now resides. He help-
and not in a single one of these years has be failed ed to build the Jackson ditch and superintended
to have a good snug balance of profit to his credit the installation of the Terry lake headgates. Mr.
after paying rental and all running expenses. The Terry served three years during the Civil war in
secret of this is that he is a thoroughly practical company B of the IIth.Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
farmer and that when there is work to do he does it, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the
or sees that it is done, instead of spending his time in war. In 1888 he was joined in marriage with
town talking politics or playing seven-up with the Miss Sazah E. Peck and two children have blessed
boys. Two years ago he bought and furnished a the union, Mrs. Laura M. Davis of Fort Collins,
handsome home on West Mountain avenue in and Miss Mary R. Terry, who resides with her
[481)
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P:IH�. Ai:GU$T1NE MASON
P.0 CU6TIN F_ MP.SON
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H I ST O RY OF LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
Masonic honors. Mrs. Trimble was born in 1839, quarters when the soldiers were stationed at Camp
in Missouri. She was a devoted wife and a tender, Collins. When he first tame to the Cache la Poudre
loving mother who trained her children in the fear valley, Mr. Mason lived on what was later known
and admonition of the Lord. She was a zealous as the W. F. Watrous place until 1870, when he
member of the Christian church and contributed bought the farm now owned by John Frazer. For
largely of her means, her influence, and strength 40 acres of this farm he.. paid $20 an acre and for
to the building of a church edifice and to the growth an additional 80 acres adjoining, he paid $8.00 an
of the congregation. Mrs. Trimble died on June acre. This farm could not be bought now for less
30th, 1911, at her home in Fort Collins. than $300.00 per acre, so great has been the increase
in the value of farm lands in the vicinity of Fort
EL.zA StLco'rr.—Died in Fort Collins, June 20th, Collins, in the past few years. Mr. Mason and
1897 from apoplexy. He was a native of Park his family continued to live on this farm until 1884
county, Indiana, born in 1851. He came with his when he sold it and moved to Wyoming, where
family to Fort Collins in 1883 and engaged in the he and his good wife died several years ago. Mr.
furniture business in which he continued until a Mason had more than his full share of the ills
short time before his death. He left a widow and that flesh is heir to in the early years, suffering mis-
one daughter. Later, Mrs. Silcott married Alex- fortunes that would have broken the spirit of the
ander Nelson and the daughter is now the wife average man, but he never gave .up and finally
of Mathew Auld. had the satisfaction of overcoming them all and
a"W"Oone of the interesting pio- of acquiring a handsome competence before he died.
neer characters of the Cache la Poudre valley, was In 1867, he put in sixty acres to grain and the
born April 28th, 1830, near Quebec, Canada, of grasshoppers destroyed it all. These pests came
French parents, and was a brother of the late Joseph from over the range and the air was so full of them
Mason, the first white settler in Fort Collins. He at times that they hid the sun like a cloud. In 1870
was educated at a private school in Rudgeland, the hail destroyed his entire crop as it did, also
Canada, but was twenty-four years of age before that of his neighbors', C. C. Hawley and Rock
he could speak the English language. In Septem- Bush. In 1871, he lost half his crop by hail. In
ber, 1857, he married Charlotte M. Bebee at 1872 he had a siege of -erysipelas which kept him
Oneida Station, New York, where he remained confined to the house for several months. That
for several years. His wife being an invalid from year he could not put in a crop. He had barely
pulmonary trouble he was persuaded by his brother, recovered when his wife was taken down with
Joseph, to bring her to Colorado, and arrived here intermittent fever and one of his daughters had
March 17th, 1866. Soon after coming here he took typhoid fever. In the summer of 1868, Mr. Mason
charge of a mule train for his brother and trans- had charge of twelve men employed in putting up
ported forty-four government troops that had been hay for Capt. Allen at Meadow Springs, for the
stationed in Camp Collins, and were returning east Cheyenne market. They had to keep watch every
to be mustered out, receiving $30 apiece for carry- night to guard against the Indians, who were very
ing them to Fort Leavenworth. Mrs. Mason's troublesome that year. Black Crow of Chief Fri-
health improved rapidly in Colorado and was com- day's band of friendly Arapahoes, was the hunter
pletely restored. She raised a large family of chil- for the party and his squaw did the cooking. When
dren, seven of whom were born in Fort Collins Whitcomb's herder on the Boxelder, was shot by
and had the honor of being mother to the first white the Sioux, Black Crow became so nervous that he
child born in that place. This auspicious event oc- would not stay with the party, although offered
curred October,31st, 1867, Mr. Mason riding a double wages. This incident shows the nervous
fine mare to death hunting up Dr. T. M. Smith. strain the pioneers were under all of the time from
The name of Agnes was given the child, and she fear of a sudden raid by the wily redskins. They
is now the wife of E. C. Giddings, one of the best never left home unarmed and men carried their
and most prosperous farmers in the county. Mr. guns. into the fields with them for use in case of
Giddings and family have a beautiful home in Fort attack. Mr. Mason was a square built man of
Collins, and he oversees the work on his big farm, medium height and rugged nature. He had dark
six miles distant. The house in which Mrs. Gid- brown hair and wore a full beard which nearly
dings was born, stood immediately back of where the covered his face, and was afraid of nothing. He
Tedmon house now stands and was built for officers was kind hearted, a good neighbor and devoted to
[4st]
r
H I ST O RY OF LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
his friends and family. The names of his children publican county ticket for the office of sheriff and
are: Mrs. Charlotte R. Landers, Nathan N. Mason, was elected in November by a plurality of 1234
Mrs. Nina Riddle, Joseph E. Mason, Mrs. Agnes votes, the largest cast for any of the candidates
E. Giddings, Mrs. Ettie L. Coney, Mrs. Ida N. at that election, which indicated his personal popu-
Leach, Augustus Mason, Mrs. Lettie A. Garrett, larity with the people. He was reelected in No-
and Clarence Mason. vember, 1898, and served the county as sheriff in
an able, faithful and very efficient manner for a
CORNELIUS H. BOND, sheriff of Latimer county perind of five years In 1902 he was appointed
from January, 1896 to January, 1901, and a pub- a member of a committee to v,crc the obi ll:dd
lic spirited, progressive citizen, was born October mountain road to Fstes Park, and in in, report
he recommended the building „f the present ;seine
_ road up Big Thompson canon. Tr %as hm,,I,
through his earnest efforts and influence that the
road was built. In 19115, \Its. Baud umnnizcd
" the Estes Park Torrnsite unupa.,c, of whrcl. he n
the present manager. He has been largely instru-
mental in pnnnonng the growth :urd notteriul mcl-
m
x fare of the beautiful Village of 1',•as P,rk.
I e
PEYTON H. Workman emu
to Colorado a bahv in inns only three rnunth5 ul,l
from Beloit, Kansas. Inhere he ,vn, hill[[ in 1882
educated in Denver, his parents first Incann' ncu
7 ..N Kit Carson. He was married in Loveland Janu-
ary llth, 1910, to Jliss Natalie \V. BILiter.
'1'L+ep
have one bright little buy. Mr. \'Vuikmur's o,cu
pations have been man' and varied. Ile frc•igIited
"vA in the mountain district for awhile. His huhcr
was a successful stockman and it was named tlr,tt
he should hanker for the bronchu, saddle and chap<.
For five years he followed the cow pnnrheis' life.
Tiring of this, he invested in a cigar and rot,
- ` fectionery store in Loveland. He w:u appoined
marshal of the city, serving unc tear. In 1910
the Texas fever caught him, but finding the Lour
_ Star State much over estimated, he returned o,
Loveland and is now a carpenter, contractor and
_$ builder. Always an active and energetic mail, lit:
CORNELIUS H. BOND deserves success.
9th, 1855, in Guernsey county, Ohio. He com- JAMES SwEENEY.—Serving Latimer county
pleted his school studies at Muskingum college faithfully and efficiently as sheriff constitutes the
in his native state, and in 1879, came to Colo- major part of the public record of Janes Sweeney,
ratio, arriving at Loveland on March 7th. In and it is a record that reflects great credit on him.
1888, Mr. Bond married Frona Sullivan, a daugh- To be elected four times in succession as a Dem-
ter of the late James Sullivan who was a pioneer ocrat, overcoming a strong Republican majority,
of the Big Thompson valley, and one child, a indicates his popularity with the people and the
daughter, Doris, was born of the union. Mrs. measure of confidence they reposed in him. Lar-
Bond died February 20th, 1895, at Loveland. On inner county has had a good many sheriffs since he
May 7th, 1896, our subject married Alma San- retired from office, but all old-timers will tell you
born. Of this union four children were born, now that the county never had a better one than 9
Frank Cornelius, Florence Camelia, George Fred- "Jim" Sweeney. He was born October 24dr,
erick and May Sanborn Bond, all at home. In the 1847, in Clinton county, New York; raised on a i
fall of 1895, Mr. Bond was nominated on the re- farm and attended the public schools. At 16 years
i
I4521 9
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NUTSHELL Larimer County.)
t� C28 Fort Collins'first business was the forms,
y sutler's store,Old Grout, at the southwes
2E yf'i corner of Linden and Jefferson Streets old
Fort Collins had its beginning on July 22, Grout was so named-because of the grouting
., 1862, when soldiers were sent from the 9th material of which it was constructed.Razed _
Kansas Cavalry at Fort Laramie to. " t is in 1882, it had served an an all-purpose
now the town of Laporte to pro a building for holding meetings, church ser-
Cherokee trail and to guard the vices, dances, court sessions and incarcera
Stage Line. -. ting prisoners,m well as housing the genera
The name"Camp Collins'was given to the store.
poet by Gen.James Craig in honor of Lt.Col. Realizing that irrigation was necessary for-
William 0. Collins, the able and popular crops in this arid area, settlers near the
commander of Ohio Cavalry troops whose present Bellwe dug the first irrigation ditch.
headquarters were at Fort Laramie. in 1860 to take water from the Cache Is
After three and a half months,the Kansas Poudre River.From that time on there began
Cavalry was replaced by Colorado troops who to develop Larimer County's elaborate
manned Camp Collins until May,1864,when system of irrigation and water supply that we
Company F of the llth Ohio Cavalry was know today as the lifeblood of a rich agricul
ordered by Col. Collins to relieve the Colo- tural region.
Isabella Bird rado soldiers. It was with rejoicing that the first railroad
A devastating flood rushed down the was welcomed to Fort Collins as it chugged
was a difficult climb. From the summit the canyon of the Cachela Poudre River during down Mason St.,(its present location)on the "
panorama left her breathless. The Rocky the night of June 9, 1864. Flooding Camp morning of October 8, 1877. Livestock and
Mountains met the clouds over green valleys Collins, it carried tents, ammunition and farm products could now be shipped out and
as endless rivers flowed in every direction. some of the cabins downstream.The soldiers consumer goods brought in at a reasonable
Isabella left Estes in the winter of 1873, managed to retreat to the nearest bluff cost and with savings in time.Travelers,too,
never to see Jim Nugent again.The mountain without lives being lost, but the morning found it a convenience, especially before
man was shot by Griff Evans in June,and he presented a scene of desolation; a sea of automobiles began appearing shortly after'-.
died in September of 1874. muddy water and only the roofs of a few the turn of the century.
In 1878 she traveled to Japan.In 1879 she cabins visible. Another milepost in Fort Collins'progres t
visited India and Tibet and established Soon a search began for a new location for was the opening of Colorado Agriculture
hospitals in Kashmir and Punjab.She named the post.Joseph Mason(credited with being College (now CSU) in the fall of 1879.Ten
the Henrietta Bird Hospital for Women in Fort Collin'first white settler)was living on years later the first high school opened on the-
Punjab in honor of her sister, Henrietta, his farm between the present North Shields second floor of Franklin School,which once
whom she.called Hernia. and Wood Street on Vine Drive. Mason stood where Swale's Market on West Moun-
Isabella returned to England after her pointed out land on the Cache Is Poudre tain is now located.
sister died. In 1881, at the age of 50, she River in the vicinity of the present Willow St. From its beginnings to the present"Choice'
married her sister's doctor,Dr.John Bishop. On August 20,1864,Col.Collins signed the City"of some 70,000 inhabitants, Fort Col--
He died five years later,and Isabella resumed order setting aside the present location of lins owes its growth to many factors:mild,dry
• her travels. She provided medical care and Fort Collins as the new military reservation. climate; proximity to mountains, rivers and
hospitals for her people in the far east Here the danger of flooding would be less and lakes; location of important industry;favor-
counties such as China,Korea and Malaya. sufficient land was available without inter- able conditions for agriculture and livestock;
Isabella Bird wrote eight volumes describ- fering with the claims of individuals.Thus it and Colorado State University with 17,000
ing her journeys. Her photographs and pen is August 20 that Fort Collins Historical students as the city's chief employer.
drawings describing the early days of Estes Society honors as the celebration of Fort (See photo next page)
Park are among these works.She was born in Collins birthday. by Charlene Tresner
Yorkshire, England in 1831. She died in In October of 1864 the new post was ready
Edinburgh in 1904 at the age of 73. for occupation and the term "Fort Collins"
True to bar name,Isabella had lived as free is used instead of"Camp Collins"in the order ,
as a bird, seeing the world, making fascina- book,although there seems to have been no ESTABLISHMENT OF
ting friends, and helping others as she official order for the change. t
journeyed through her life. For almost two years Fort Collins remained FORT COLLINS
a military post until the last soldiers were C26 .
by Arlene Ahlbrandt evacuated in September, 1866. The only r
building from the old fort that has been
preserved is the Auntie Elizabeth Stone d "You know the soldiers ran across Joe
cabin which has been moved to Library Park. :down there in the river bottom;they'd been
Originally located on Jefferson St.just back flooded out at Laporte and were looking for
of the present Major Motor Supply,the cabin a new camp.When they ran across Joe down
was built as an officers'mesa hall;with Auntie t there,he said,'Well,get the hell up there on--
Stone in charge. She was the first white the hill and build your place,'and they had'
woman to be a permanent resident of Fort sense enough to do it,"
Collins. f This was the late Ralph Giddings'account
A few farms and ranches were located t. of the establishment of Fort Collins. Joe
around Fort Collins and squatters settled on (Mason)of whom he speaks was the brother
the abandoned military reservation in "Old of his grandfather,Augustine Mason;Ralph's
Town"along the river before legal snarls were mother,Agnes Mason Giddings,was born an
untangled to open government land to settle- the military reservation in what is now known
ment. Finally on May 15, 1872, Congress _ as the "Aunty Stone Cabin," Fort Collins
opened the reservation to pre-emption hom. , first residence,and Mrs.Giddings'birth oa
esteading and that same year the Agricultural -October 31, 1867, marked the date of Fort.
Colony arrived to buy land and plat out Fort 'Collins' first white lady.
3-�Iflf�.l'ft.J
Vol
'b
7
-Miller painting,"Ft.Collins in the Early Eighties,"courtesy of Richard S.Baker.
Idiers to which Mr. Giddings re _ aloonless Fort Collins, who would stren
were Companies"B" and"F' of the '� bf'" 1' uously deny that there might be times when �I!
h7a Volunteer Cavalry who were sent the contents of a black bottle,if they were of
' Laporte to relieve Company 'B"of ± C the right kind, possesses some virtue, in-
Colorado Volunteer Cavalry "B" << p. asmuch as in this particular case they led to
y had arrived in the fall of 1863 to the founding of the beautiful and prosperous
"the Overland Stage Route and to City of Fort Collins."
•lemigrants, stage coaches, and the It was not until Aug. 20, 1864, that Col. ;
`W from Indian raids.Arriving the latter ."., Collins signed the official proclamation loco-
. Mey, 1864, the Ohio Cavalrymen { ting the camp"beginning in the main channel
ed the cluster of tents and crude k6 of the Cache la Poudre River,where the east
s '{lamp Collins" in honor of their line of the claim of Joseph Mason crosses the
ding officer, Lt- Col. William 0. same." The military reservation, running
at Fort Laramie. Y.. four miles south and four miles east of the
1 .- dawn on the morning of June 9, Mason claim, was off-limits to civilians;
ibeevy rain caused severe flooding on according to William Ashley and Hiram
,60dre River,Camp Collins was inunda- a Witter s survey in September, the military j
. khat only roofs of the cabins were a camp consisted of 6,186.92 acres.
ne of the soldiers were drowned �; 'i Sergeants of companies were directed to
•telly all equipment was lost. One '"-' t sharpen "as and ready other tools for
t of the disaster stated, "The cabin �_ building the new fort,and details of soldiers
:t".
aPsaed outward, and two of the �- � were sent to the mountains to cut logs.Under
unable to get out of their cabin by '�" the direction of Private Harold F. Elbom,
+Y.owing to the pressure of waterpoet carpenter,the loge were fitted and put
crawled up the chimney and sat on - ;isy'i aw,- i.in place.From Denver came doors,windows,
until morning." In July, Capt. >and hardware; lumber for floors and roofs `
&vans"had sense enough"to order white child Men in Fort Collins, sand shingles came from Obenchain's sawmill
W.Henna to begin the search for photo ea.1880,eourtesy.Ralph Giddings. northwest of Laporte.
.frauam ; Besides officers'quarters and barracks for
met Joseph Mason,Fort Collins' valley to avoid surprise attacks by Indians private soldiers,the fort consisted of parade
settler,whose claim was northwest and the proximity of the Overland Road. grounds, commissary and quartermaster
Hine on the South side of the river; "It is strongly hinted that a well-filled - buildings, hospital, laundry, stables,
nded the piece of ground above black bottle which Mr.Mason had in his coat blacksmith shop,and guard house.Caves for i
he celled`Big Rock"for several pocket had much to do in convincing Lieut. additional stables were dug in the river bank-
. '?t was a high, well-drained area, Hanna of the truth of Mr. Mason's conten- By October 18,the move from Laporte was
good water for men and horses,and tions,"stated the Semi-Centennial Edition of completed."Beginning with Oct.23,1864,all
_3oat growth of grass for gazing and the Fort Collins Courier in 1914."If that was ` orders issued by the commandant of the post
Ie Pointed out the wide view of the really true, there are not many, even in were dated as Fort Collins instead of Camp
37
}r�(reuiS. �Ulcr�f's ed. 7Yt�lhsta� � �fLar� ne. Cstlrl ,Ca 1185 vol• Z
Francisco. The trip from Omaha to Fort Collins was expert smiths. In May 1893 Frank bought a
Bradley,Dec.7,1952;he lives in Park City, by Emigrant Train,a means employed by the blacksmith shop in Fort Collins from Mr.M
Utah . railroad to induce people to settle along their Benson,and began his life-long work in the `
Richard, who married Karen Mills in right-of-way. Each family was rented a box blacksmithing and manufacturing business.
November 1984; the couple lives in Tem. our in which they carried all their wordly In 1894 he moved his shop to Livermore,
Robert, June 18, 1958; he lives in Fort possessions: live stock in one end, farm Colorado, where he did a thriving business, a
Collins. machinery in the other,and household effects among other things making spring wagons in a
Dwight remarried in 1973 to Mary Con- in the middle.One member of the family was his shop. h
stance Benedict Peck. allowed to ride in the box car as caretaker. In 1901 he left Livermore and returned to h
Eldon was married to Helen Kay Horn on The others had to have separate tickets,and Fort Collins, where he opened a general v
June 19, 1952.They have two children: rode in a passenger coach attached to the machine shop and foundry. The original C
Curtis Lee, May 2, 1953, who married train.In order'to save one,fare,Chet was put location of this shop was on Jefferson Street P
Kathryn Miner in May 1978,and the couple into a barrel and shipped as "household near Pine, but about 1908 the shop was I
have three children:Elizabeth Ann,Jennifer goods."While the train was in motion,he was relocated to the 400 block of Pine Street 1
Ann,and Molly Kathryn;the family lives in safe,and could be let out of the barrel by the where it stands today(1985). o
Fort Collins. caretaker,no doubt his father. At all of the In 1900 Frank patented a steel headgate for
Linda Kay, Nov. 22, 1955; she resides in numerous stops, the car was subject to use in farm irrigation, and formed the r
Fort Collins. inspection by the conductor,and Chet had to Western Steel Headgate Co.to manufacture t
get back into the barrel.All went well until and market them. These devices (some of s
by Dwight Ghent family they got to Greeley.There,during a layover which are still in use) were manufactured in s
waiting for the Greeley, Salt Lake, and his shop on Pine Street. He continued to i
Pacific Railroad to bring them on to Fort make wagons, and in September 1903 the t
GIDDINGS, CLAUDE Collings, Chet got careless, and was caught Fort Collins paper reported that he was f
out of the barrel. Loren had to buy him a filling orders for fifty wagon dumps for sugar
CHARLES ticket from Greeley to Fort Collins.As Chet beet growers.
- F158 said in later years,he"rode the feat 26 miles In 1914 he patented and began the manor e
on the cushions." facture of the Giddings Hay Shredder. He k
Claude(1870-1936) was the second son of He worked for his Uncle Leander Giddings modified and improved it, and in 1932 t
Loren and Elizabeth, and was born on 13 in the ice and transfer business for about four obtained another patent on the Giddings i
March 1870 on the family farm near Cam- years,and then,on Christmas Day 1888,he Feed Grinder.Frank made all the castings for I
won, Illinois. He moved with the family to married Agnes Eurelia Mason.Agnes,daugh- his grinders in his own foundry. He was f
Lenox,Iowa,in 1881 and then on to Colorado ter of Augustine and Charlotte Mason, was credited with having the largest and most I
in 1883.On 8 August 1899 he married Dollie the first white child born in Fort Collins,and modern machine shop north of Denver,and
Virginia Shasta of Boulder,Colorado,at her had been born at"Auntie"Stone's cabin on did a lot of work for the oil Fields near Fort <
father's home there. 31 October 1867. Collins in the 1920s.
Early in his life,perhaps as his first jab,he Chet became one of the wealthiest farmers Frank married Hattie M.Hey,daughter of I
operated a steam hoist at the Bettis Copper in the county, and his hard work and Michael Hey of Fort Collins,on 2 July 1894. 1
Mine new Fort Collins,and spent most of the enterprise were often mentioned in the Fort They had two children, a daughter, Julia
rest of his life working with steam-powered Collins newspapers.His principal crops were Elizabeth born in 1894 and a son Frank
machinery. In 1903 he had a narrow escape potatoes, auger beets, and spring lambs — Denis, Jr., known m "Dennie;' born 9
when the boiler of his threshing machine which he bought in the fall,fattened over the December 1908. Frank died at his home in
exploded near Timnath. In 1906 the city of winter,and sold to meat packing plants in the Fort Collins on 29 March 1936.
Greeley, Colorado, put in a water pipe line spring. Eventually he owned six northern After graduation from high school and
from the mouth of the Poudre Canyon to Colorado irrigated farms, five in Latimer college in Fort Collins, Frank, Jr. (Dennie)
Greeley, and Claude operated the steam County and one just over the line into Weld married Jeanne Anderson of Loveland on 7
ditching machine.This led to a few years m County.In the great depression of 1929-1935 August 1934. After his father died, Dennis
a sewer contractor. he—and a lot of other good farmers—"went took over the machine shop where he contin.
About 1911 Claude got work with the broke,"and lost his farms. ued to manufacture the feed grinders inven-
Colorado and Southern Railroad as a fire- Chet and Agnes had two children:Melissa ted by his father. He also invented and
man,and also acted as engineer on some local Elizabeth, born 21 November 1890; and manufactured a soil sampling machine for
rune. The last ten years of his life he was Ralph Leander,born 1 February 1893.Chet private and governmental use that is still
fireman on a main line freight run between died in Fort Collins on 19 February 1936, being made and that has been shipped world-
Denver and Cheyenne.He died in Denver on Agnes had died 19 June 1927.Both are buried wide.During World War 11,he had a contract
21 May 1936,the third of the four brothers in Grandview Cemetery. to do make machine parts for the military.In
to die m a 3-month period.Dollie died in Fort Melissa married Richard B.McCoy at her time he took on a partner named Robert
Collins on Christmas Day, 1949. parents home in Fort Collins on 17 March Swan.Dennis died at his home on 21 August
Dollie and Claude had three children: 1926.They were childless,and lived most of 1967, and Swan took over the business,
Loren,born 19 October 1902 who died at age their married life in Portland, Oregon, al- retaining for it the name"Giddings."
16; Edith LeVern (now Mrs. Abe Lewis though they owned and operated the Hollow- Jeanne and Dennis had three children,
Myers),born 19 June 1905:and William Jay, ell Mortuary in Fort Collins for a few years Diana Jeanne (now Mrs. Gerald Zaleski), t
born 11 September 1909,and died 9 January in the early 1930s. Melissa died on 15 July Donna Gayle (now Mrs. Donald Bell),and
1994. 1959 and Dick died in January 1963.Both are Frank Dennis III (also called Dennis but
buried in Grandview Cemetery. spelled with two "n's"). He is a technical
by John H.Giddings and Ralph L. artist and medical illustrator.
Giddings by Ralph L.Giddings
by John H. Giddings and Ralph L.
Giddings
GIDDINGS, FRANK
DENIS
F159 F160
Edwin Cheater (1867-1936), known as Frank Denis (1872-1936) was born on 29
"E.C."or"Chet,"was born to Elizabeth and February 1872 on his parents farm near
Loren Giddings in Warren County, Illinois, Cameron, Illinois. The family moved from
on 7 March 1867. He was their second child Illinois to Iowa in 1881 and on to Colorado
and first son. He traveled with the family to in 1883.As a boy Frankand his brother Ralph
Lenox, Iowa, in 1881 and then,in February began working with a make-shift blacksmith
1883,on to Colorado. shop on the farm, and both men became
232
City of Fort Collins Architectural Inventory Form Page 1
Westside
Neighborhood Survey Project
Site Number SLR8043
Parcel Number:
Architectural Style: American Foursquare
Stories: 2
Est Construction Date: 1880-1910
Landmark Status:
Individually Eligible for NRHP: 2
Individually Eligible for Local Landmarking: 2
Contributing . . D
Fro[ c
Primary Roof Form:
nm � Pam-� - ,�^pA ��p��•
Hipped
Other:
LappedComment
Foundation: Sandstone
Comment
Exterior Wall Covering: Board
Other:
City of Fort Collins Architectural Inventory Form Page 2
Westside Neighborhood Survey Project
Address: 704 W Mountain Av
Distinctive Features: Bay Window(s):Canted
Dormers:Hipped
Comment: Bay Windows-2 story/square sided.
Roof Attributes: Wide Overhanging Eaves and/or Rake
Boxed Eaves
Belicast Hip or Gable
Other:
Comment Bellcast Hip
Window Attributes:
Other.
Comment
Porches: ® Front Porch
0 Open porch
Porch Attributes: Massive or Battered Piers
Porch Closed Rail
Open Front Porch
• Comment:
Other Distinctive Features Modillions beneath main and porch roof eaves; right half of front
porch enclosed and glazed; porch rail decorated with repeated
recessed rectangular elements; bell cast hipped dormer on front
side, with 5-light attic window. Front door has intricate stained glass
panel. Upper story clad with very narrow clapboard;wider clapboard
on first story walls. Chimney with corbelled collar. Small balcony
above porch,with closed rail.
Alterations: None noted.
Condition:
Integrity:
Garages: None
Contributing? Yes ❑
Other Outbuildings: Carriage house converted to com
Contributing? Yes
Comments:
•
Survey ID: 2273 SHF 96-02-115 Product No.4
City of Fort Collins Architectural Inventory Form Page 3
Westside Neighborhood Survey Project
Address: 704 W Mountain Av
Remarks: Very well preserved and maintained large foursquare home. It
exhibits interesting details and is one of many expensive historic
dwellings erected along W. Mountain Ave.
Date Recorded: 06/25/98
Recorder: Jason Marmor
Survey Q 2273 SHF 96-02-115 Product No.4