By Pat Walker, Research Assistant, Fort Collins Local History Archive
As reported in the Fort Collins Courier newspaper on January 8, 1885,
A merry party of friends gathered at Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Philippi’s handsome residence New Year’s night and spent the evening hours in enjoying the pleasures of the dance. It is safe to say that Chris. did his best to entertain his guests and that the evening passed away all too soon.
Christopher Philippi was known as an excellent harness maker. His first shop was on 218 Linden Street. Christ., as he was often known, is center with his hand on the horse.
Philippi Harness Shop
Christopher and his wife, Alice, were among the pioneers of Fort Collins, and built their one room home at 334 East Mountain Avenue about 1879. As each child was born, a room was added until there were four rooms downstairs and three upstairs. The Philippis lived in this home for over 50 years and in that time hosted many social events like that memorable New Year’s celebration in 1885.
Philippi House
How did you ring in the new year? Did you party like it’s 1885?
It’s interesting to note how grammar usages have changed: rather than just use the nickname “Chris,” the newspaper abbreviates it formally as Chris. with a period.
This year I was sound asleep and didn’t even hear the usual neighborhood folks celebrating. So much for an exciting start to the new year.
Just realized also that the Philippi home at 334 E. Mountain was one of the earlier demolitions in Fort Collins of a noteworthy historic home. It came down sometime in the 1940s.