812 LaFarge Ave Historic Survey - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resource Number: 5BL7987 Temporary Resource Number: NIA Architectural Inventory Form (Page 3 of 5) V. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS 31. Original use(s): Single Dwelling 32. Intermediate use(s): Single Dwelling 33. Current use(s): Single Dwelling 34. Site type(s): Residence 35. Historical Background The first house on this lot was built circa 1890, and the property has served as a single-family residence since that time. Although the home's original owner is unknown, there is a good chance that a member of the family was employed at an area coal mine. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Louisville's economy was based, to a great extent, on the area's coal industry. As a result, the livelihoods of most of the community's inhabitants were directly, or indirectly, dependent on coal. Beginning in the early 1920s, this was the residence of Mary Francia (widow of John Francia), along with her sons Peter (Perro) and Albert. The Francias had previously lived on Front Street. At some point the spelling of the family's name was evidently changed to Franchini, and Peter Franchini lived here through the late 1930s. In 1942, this became the residence of John and Susie Ferarese, and it has remained in the Ferarese family from that time to the present. John Ferarese was born near Venice, Italy and immigrated to America with his parents as a child. The family came to Louisville where John began working in the coal mines at a young age. In 1927, John was married to Susie Damelio. Also of Italian heritage, Susie had been born in Louisville in 1909. Her Dad, Archie Damelio, and three brothers, were all coal miners John and Susie had two children who survived to adulthood, Joseph and Virginia. John Ferarese passed away in 1977. Susie Ferarese continues to live here in retirement. 36. Sources of Information (Boulder County) "Real Estate Appraisal Card - Urban Master", on file at the Boulder Carnegie Library. Ferarese, Susie (Damelio). Oral interview with Carl McWilliams, March 27, 2000. Polk'sBoulder County Directory [generally published annually], Denver, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City: R.L. Polk and Company Publishers. (Boulder County) "Real Estate Appraisal Card - Urban Master", on file at the Boulder Carnegie Library. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, dated August 1893, November 1900, and August 1908.