Ford’s Grocery
1420-1424 Miner Street

George Ford opened his exclusive grocery store in this building prior to the turn of the century. He leased the space for many decades, finally purchasing the building in 1924. Ford’s Grocery dealt in fancy and staple groceries, provisions, choice fresh fruits, cigars, and tobacco. Ford’s Grocery was one of the few stores in town with numerous delivery wagons, and the owner was known to be very accommodating to patrons. A 1905 book about the town claimed that Ford’s Grocery could attribute its great success to selling only high- grade goods, the owner’s cheerful disposition, and experienced employees. Qualities such as these were important to grocers, as there was strong competition in the business. In 1880, Idaho Springs had six grocers, a number second only to saloons. Ford’s was one of the longest running businesses on Miner Street.

This single story commercial vernacular building is constructed of brick and masonry and was built in the mid-1880’s, as were most of the other commercial buildings on this block.

1424 Miner Street in Idaho Springs, Colorado