Real estate appraisal card. 216 E. 1st Street, lot 18, block 3, in Salida, Colorado.
This terrace was erected in 1899 at a cost of $4,500 by Haight and Churcher, who conducted a furniture and undertaking business and were builders and contractors in early Salida. The June 5, 1900 edition of the Salida Semi Weekly Mail reported that each side of the terrace had six rooms, exclusive of halls and bathrooms. "These are strictly modern homes, everything that science has provided having been incorporated In them. It Is doubtful whether a handsomer or better arranged building is to be found in any city of similar size in this state. The owners deserve much credit for having given Salida so pretty an example of the builder's handicraft."
Haight & Churcher engaged in building and contracting in Salida prior to 1887, and "did most of the heavy contracting and building" in the early days of the city. In 1887, they went into the furniture, carpet, and undertaking business. Haight had come to Cleora in 1878 and erected the first building at the settlement three miles below the future site of Salida. Frank B. Churcher moved to Cleora a year later. In 1900 the Salida Semi-Weekly Mail reported that the firm of Haight & Churcher was "one of the strongest in this part of the state. They carry a stock of furniture and carpets valued at over $20,000 and also own considerable improved real estate. Besides, they are financially interested in several outside business propositions." The 1905-06 city directory indicated that Frank B. Churcher lived in this building.
History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.
