389 Sopris Ave

In 1892 Charles Mow of Missouri was invited to visit his aunt and uncle in Carbondale, where they introduced him to his future wife, Madora Farris. They married in 1893 and settled on a farm on East Mesa, southeast of town. The home at 389 Sopris Ave was probably built in 1901 to house their family which included a son and daughter. Charles was seriously injured in the 1905 Fourth of July fire that destroyed half of the commercial district, but continued to farm outside of town. In 1920 they purchased the Big 4 Ranch two miles from Carbondale. It is likely that this home "in town" was used during the winter months when the children were attending school, and then later became a full-time residence. The home stayed in the family until 1972. This small I-House originally had a "t"-shaped plan and was altered at an unknown time. Lots 15 and 16, now the yard to the east, were purchased from William Dinkel in 1911 for $100.