Photo caption: Florence Justice of the Peace, Peter Collier Warner, resided in this home until his death in 1908. Considered a “gringo” from Chittenango, New York, his travels through the west began as one of the original California forty-niners. He moved from California to Guaymas, Sonora to establish a pharmacy and then to Globe to help build a smelter. He came to Florence with a woman from Sonora, Mexico who helped in the pharmacy. They had a daughter, Kate Warner, who later had three children. Warner was involved in many popular court cases in the Florence area that exhibits the hardships during the pioneer days, such as the stealing of cattle and its prominence as a viable business. Today this house remains in its original Sonoran adobe form.
“2020: Vision of Past and Present”
by John Nixon, CPRP, Recreation Superintendent, Town of Florence Community Services Department
After settlers began arriving in Florence, Arizona, the community was soon driven by the discovery of silver and supported by a strong agricultural base. The resulting economic opportunities, born of a growing town, attracted a diverse population, which is reflected in many of today’s Florence homes and other structures.
Those architectural styles of historic homes reflect more than adobe and brick foundations. Archaeologists and sociologists use a variety of methods to learn about past societies and communities. Historic homes and buildings speak volumes about the lives of this community’s earliest inhabitants. Archaeologists narrow their study of past cultures through a variety of methods including architectural studies. These professionals know that older homes and buildings contain clues about the lives of its earlier inhabitants.
Visitors to the 35th Annual Historic Florence Home Tour on Saturday, Feb. 8, can view 17 homes and historical structures, each with unique architectural styles. The tour begins in downtown Florence. Day-of ticket sales begin at 9:30 a.m.at Jaques Square, 291 N. Main Street; the tour is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may walk the tour route or ride in one trolley or two open-air trolley wagons to the outlying historical structures.
The theme for the Home Tour, “2020: Vision of Past and Present,” highlights the history and architecture dating back to the territorial days.
In addition to the home tour, the Florence Arts and Culture Commission will present its fourth-annual Quick Draw Artist Contest beginning at 9:30 a.m. Artists have 90 minutes to begin and complete a portrait or landscape scene. The finished pieces will be auctioned off at the end of the contest. Spectators are welcome to watch as talented artists, create impressive works of art. The contest is at the Jacob Suter House located at 270 N. Pinal St.
The Pinal County Historical Museum will present a fascinating display of antique toys from 10 am.-4 p.m.
Home Tour tickets are $20 for adults the day of the event or $15 in advance. Children 17 and under are free. Advance tickets are available at the Pinal County Historical Society and Museum, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce,and the Florence Library and Community Center. Tickets may also be purchased online at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4324397.
For questions or more information, please call the Florence Community Services Department at (520) 868-7589 or go to www.florenceaz.gov/hometour.
