Tag Archives: millenial

Horton House Fire Update

Friends and neighbors gathered at the Horton House yesterday afternoon to board up the historic home after the destructive fire. Lumber was donated by Home Depot.

Workers at the Horton House after fire, October 1, 2015.

Workers at the Horton House after fire, October 1, 2015.

Boarding up the sunroom at the back of the Horton House.

Boarding up the sunroom at the back of the Horton House.

The Town of Morrison sent out this report:


The Horton House Bed & Breakfast in Morrison, Colorado, was built in the 1870s. The house was owned and lived in by Lila Horton. Many guests have stayed there while visiting Morrison and have had the chance to experience the historic building in all its beauty.

This morning the historic and popular bed and breakfast caught fire–while everyone did get out okay, the house was considered a total loss.

Lila does not have insurance and has created an account to help with the losses–everything from historic items dating back over 100 years to numerous personal keepsakes.

Please help Lila to rebuild! Go to: GoFundMe if you can help.


In the late 1800s, this was the dwelling of James and Amy Abbo; James ran Abbo’s Livery nearby on the property. The house was later occupied by Dr. Frank Luce and his family; he was Morrison’s “horse-and-buggy” doctor in the first half of the 20th century. From 1945 to 1973 the house was a Mexican Restaurant, El Gallo Tuerto, one of the first in the Denver area. Additions have been made over the years.

The photos below were captured by Kenny Noble Cortes, of KLOV Radio, during the fire.

Fighting the Horton House fire, October 1, 2015. Photo courtesy Kenny Noble Cortes.

Fighting the Horton House fire, October 1, 2015. Photo courtesy Kenny Noble Cortes.

Fighting the Horton House fire, October 1, 2015. Photo courtesy Kenny Noble Cortes.

Fighting the Horton House fire, October 1, 2015. Photo courtesy Kenny Noble Cortes.

Horton House Fire brings Painful Loss to Morrison

Historic Horton House

Historic Horton House in Morrison

Early this morning, the Horton House Bed and Breakfast was destroyed by fire! Heartbreaking photos indicate the extensive damage to Lila Horton’s childhood home, which she has run as a bed and breakfast for many years. (See “historic hospitality,” courtesy of City and Mountain Views.)

Lila has been at the center of Morrison’s history for many years, carrying on the preservation efforts started by her mother, Reenie Horton. She has owned and restored several historic buildings in town, some of which survive on the property.

If you have enjoyed staying at the Horton House, or just appreciated its quaint charm in a quiet corner of Canon St., please consider helping Lila and her family weather this tragic loss. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Lila replace basic necessities and find a place to stay.

Cabin Fever Dance January 26!

Join us Saturday night for the Cabin Fever Dance. (Details at link.)

No tickets, no cover, no minimum– but space on the dance floor (Morrison Town Hall, 110 Stone St.) is limited. Music by the illustrious Morrison Town Band. Sample a previous Cabin Fever Dance at our blog.

Help spread the word, or gather up your friends and hit the Town Hall for dancing, hob-nobbing, and general family fun. First set starts at 6:30, frolic continues to 11 p.m. or so.

Special Added Attraction!

A special showing of the new documentary The Rooney Ranch Legacy will take place next door at the Clubhaus (106 Stone St) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Appearing with it is a delightful short film on The Red Airplane Guy.

Morrison Town Band

This gathering of musical talent represents a “who’s who” of early Morrison families, including the town’s innkeeper (2nd from left), shoemaker (4th), apothecary (7th), and livery owner (right). Others include several town fathers who were the first aldermen elected in 1906. From left, at Red Rocks, the Morrison Town Band in 1910: Lawrence LaGrow, John Swanson, Francis Ewan, Pete Christenson, Evans, unknown, Jake Schneider, unknown, Pete Nelson, Pete Schneider, and James Abbo.

Today’s musicmakers, honoring the past, also call themselves the Morrison Town Band. Their performances are the highlight of town events, most recently the “Cabin Fever Dance” held January 31st. Left to right, Lucky, Jamee, and Chris on stage.

By the middle of the evening (above), the dance floor was crowded with lively town residents and guests of all ages. Most enjoyed a “freestyle” approach; Loren and Sue, center, were the couple to watch!

Before the festive evening got in full swing, dance instructor Lila (right) gave a few lessons to early comers. Here Margaret tries a two-step ahead of the crowd.

Walt sat in with the band a while, playing a custom guitar he built himself, which Gus is admiring as Steve looks on in the photo below.