While urbanization has been creeping towards the Town of Florence, a local group has successfully strived to preserve the historic character of the downtown. The all-volunteer Florence Preservation Foundation, through fundraising and grants has saved ten wonderful historic buildings from demolition including the Silver King Hotel, which it purchased in 1995 after raising $750,000. Without their efforts, this little town would only be known for the state prison, and not for its eclectic and dynamic annual home tours and as a fun place to spend the afternoon strolling. Founding members include Boyd Johnson, Bill Coomer, John Swearengin, Bonnie Bariola, Steve Cooper, Joe Gervasio, and Katie Montano who passed away in April of 2006. [Photo: Chapel of the Gila, Florence.]
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Florence Preservation Foundation, Florence
While urbanization has been creeping towards the Town of Florence, a local group has successfully strived to preserve the historic character of the downtown. The all-volunteer Florence Preservation Foundation, through fundraising and grants has saved ten wonderful historic buildings from demolition including the Silver King Hotel, which it purchased in 1995 after raising $750,000. Without their efforts, this little town would only be known for the state prison, and not for its eclectic and dynamic annual home tours and as a fun place to spend the afternoon strolling. Founding members include Boyd Johnson, Bill Coomer, John Swearengin, Bonnie Bariola, Steve Cooper, Joe Gervasio, and Katie Montano who passed away in April of 2006. [Photo: Chapel of the Gila, Florence.]
