Real estate appraisal card. 135 F Street, part of lots 14-17, block 22, in Salida, Colorado.
This building was erected by Frank W. Gill following the fire of January 1888. The newspaper reported following the fire that "Frank Gill will build a two-story brick as soon as he can get the materials." Gill opened the bakery in 1884 and operated it until 1922, at which time it was called "one of the oldest business institutions in the city."
The 1903-04 city directory indicates that this building was known as the Enterprise Bakery, operated by Gill. Gill's name had appeared in the 1887 State Business Directory for Salida as a baker. In 1889 the "Salida News" reported: "F.W. Gill, the baker, has built up an excellent business by furnishing the people of this community with the very best in his particular line. He also carries a very complete stock of confectionery, cigars, tobacco, and fancy groceries." Gill's two brothers worked in the business with him. After Gill sold his business in 1922, it was reported that he had property interests in Salida and had earned enough to retire on. Mr. Gill never married.
The 1927 city directory indicated that Harry West, baker, occupied the building. He was one of only two bakers advertised in the directory that year. The 1945 Sanborn map indicated that the building housed a restaurant. The 1951 city directory listed the Indian Grill, operated by Earl Stevison, at this address. By 1961 Gambles had taken over the building. Stanford and Raimon Cook had started the store next door (127-131) in 1943. Bertin Gamble in partnership with Phil Skogmo developed more than 4,000 stores in 38 states and Canada. The first Gamble Skogmo store opened in Minnesota in 1925. Gambles closed in 2009.
History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.
