By Chloe Deffenbaugh, Museum Intern
If you’ve ever driven down Main Street, you’ve probably passed the tan building located at 512. Today it is Windmill Homes Corporate office, but it has stood in Windsor for over 100 years! The building was first built in 1913 for Charles A. Yancey, who was an active figure in early Windsor history. You may have noticed the building across from 512 Main, with ‘Yancey Block’ printed at its top. Yancey actually built five buildings along Main St. and supervised the building of our very own “City” Hall, which is presently the Art & Heritage Center.
Charles Yancey’s primary business was being a liveryman, which means he provided a place for people to board their horses and mules. He was also known for his annual sale, which auctioned off horses, mules, farm equipment, harnesses, and “many other articles too numerous to mention.” Sadly, the rise of the automobile eventually overtook the livery business. Only three years after its $7,000 construction, Yancey sold his livery to the Knemeyers for a $1,000 loss. The building was then converted into the Windsor Garage and Auto Shop.
The front of the building that can be seen today was part of a 1921 remodel designed by prominent Fort Collins architect Montezuma W. Fuller. This remodel coincided with the paving of Main Street; Both of which were seen as exciting progress for the town. The building is a beautiful example of 20th century American commercial style, with pressed, “turkey egg” colored brick and the elaborate cornice at the top of the building.
Next time you drive by 512 Main, you can admire the 100 year-old façade, or imagine old Charlie out front with his horses!
Photo 1: Yancey Livery, photo, Windsor Beacon, July 1913.
Photo 2: Charles Yancey outside of the new Yancey Livery during his 6th annual auction c. 1914. Photograph. Town of Windsor Museum Collections.
Photo 3: Current photo of 512 Main Street, Windmill Homes Corporate Office.