Photo: The block on Broadway where Sara Fulford’s house was built (near the far end of the block). © ECHS & EVLD
Edward J. and Sara J. Fulford came to Eagle County in the late part of the 19th century. They operated the “Halfway House” stagecoach stop between Eagle and the Fulford mining district. In the very early part of the 20th century Edward died. One of their sons, Marshall (Mont) Fulford, built this house for his mother.
The building features a traditional western frontier-style false front that was added on what was probably a common two story house. The false front was added in the 1970s after the building had become commercial space. False fronts were used to make buildings look more substantial. Buildings sometimes had only a tent behind the false front. There was originally an entrance door on the south side of the building. A number of other changes have been made to the building over the 100 years that it has been standing on our main street.
Others who lived here included Eagle County Sherriff Murray Wilson, who occupied this home in the 1920s. It also served as a doctor’s office, and as a cobbler’s shop for shoe repair, harness work and other leather items.
Many local residents remember this building as the Strawberry Patch flower and gift shop.