Real estate appraisal card. 329 E. 2nd Street, lot 6, block 29, in Salida, Colorado.
This duplex house was built between 1898 and 1902.
Information about #329:
In 1903, Salida pioneers Frederick L. and Silvie B. Coombs lived at this house. Frederick was a fireman for the Rio Grande Railroad for 56 years, before retiring in 1944. He was born in Chicago on March 30, 1873, coming to Salida with his parents (Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coombs) in 1890. Silvie Bower was born November 29, 1880 in Burlington, Iowa, and moved to Salida as a young woman. They were married in Salida on February 19, 1901. They had a daughter, Audrey J. Coombs in 1905. The family lived in Salida for the rest of their lives, although not at this address. Frederick died in December 1954. Silvie died ten years later, in November 1964 at the age of 83.
By 1906, Orley Clark Ashenfelter (b.1874), and his wife Clara I. occupied this address and continued living here until at least 1931. The Ashenfelters were owners of the property. They were married in 1904 and this was Orley's second marriage. Orley, originally from Independence, Iowa, was employed by the D&RG. He first began working for the railroad in Salida in 1899 in the round house. In 1900, he became a fireman, and then became an engineer. Clara was born in Kansas in 1885. By 1910, they had two sons: Herman A. (b.1905) and Orley G. (b.1909). By 1920, the Ashenfelters also had two daughters: Aileen (b.1912) and Alendora (b.1913). Also living with the Ashenfelters at this address in 1922 were Victor H. and Gertrude F. Frey. Victor was a clerk with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By 1930, Clara Ashenfelter had died, and her husband and two daughters continued to live at this house. Orley was remarried to Emily Louise Ashenfelter who was born in England in 1886. Records indicate that Orley had Emily Louise committed for lunacy to the Colorado State Hospital for the Insane in 1930. It is unknown when she was released. Orley died in January 1939. Emily Louise died a few years later, in July 1945, at the Rio Grande Hospital.
Glendora Groves, a clerk at the Salida Flower Shop, lived here by 1951 and was the owner of the property. In 1965 Raymond J. and Glendora Peters were owners of this building. No occupation was listed for the couple.
History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.
