Photo courtesy of Florence Community Services Department

Rich in history, the town of Florence is hosting the 39th Annual Home Tour and this year’s theme is “Florence! Where History Shapes the Present.”

The Home Tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, throughout historic Florence. Attendees can stroll through downtown and grab a shuttle to visit outlying stops on the tour.

This signature event opens the doors to 16 of Florence’s most iconic and historic homes and buildings, offering visitors a chance to explore the stories and architecture that define the community, according to a town press release.

“Florence’s 39th Annual Home Tour is a celebration of history and community that brings our town’s rich heritage to life. This year’s theme, ‘Florence! Where History Shapes the Present,’ invites you to explore the remarkable stories behind the homes and buildings that define our unique and historic community,” stated Mayor Keith Eaton in the release.

This year’s spotlight is on the George A. Brown House, 125 W. Ruggles St., a historic adobe structure built in 1875 that once served as a Wells Fargo office during a rash of stagecoach robberies. Its original owner, George A. “By God” Brown, was a saloonkeeper, Wells Fargo agent and one of Florence’s most colorful figures.

Over the years, the house has undergone various adaptations to preserve its adobe walls and accommodate changing needs, making it a fascinating stop on this year’s tour.

Other homes and buildings on the 2025 tour include:
• Brunenkant Bakery, 1889, 291 N. Bailey St.
• Jacob Suter House, 1913, 270 N. Pinal St.
• Jesus Martinez/Clemente Romo House, 1875, 321 N. Bailey St.
• Second Catholic Church of the Assumption, 1912, 221 E. 8th St.
• Chapel of the Gila, 1870, 255 E. 8th St.
• C. Warner House, 1879, 200 E. 3rd St.
• Silver King Hotel, 1895, 440 N. Main St.
• First Pinal County Courthouse, 1878, 24 W. Ruggles St.
• Woman’s Club of Florence, 1929, 231 N. Willow St.
• William Clarke House, 1884, 190 N. Main St.
• Smith Brickyard/Windmill, 1887, 1140 W. Butte Ave.
• Second Pinal County Courthouse, 1891, 135 N. Pinal St.

The event will also include performances from the Los Pequeños Ballet Folklorico dance troupe, noon–12:15 p.m., and acoustic country folk music,12:15–12:45 p.m., at Jaques Square, 291 N. Main St. The Old-Time Brass Band begins performing at 1 p.m. at the Windmill Winery, 1140 W. Butte Ave.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on event day. People 17 and under can attend for free.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3P4gmGL or in person during business hours at the Florence Viney Jones Library & Community Center, 778 N. Main St.; the Florence Visitor Center, 24 W. Ruggles St.; and the Florence Historical Museum, 715 S. Main St. Tickets purchased online can be picked up on event day at Jaques Square.

Free parking will be available at the Hi-Profile Parking Lot, 231 N. Quartz St.; the Dorothy Nolan Senior Center, 330 N. Pinal St.; and Downtown Main Street and surrounding side streets.

For more information call the Florence Community Services Department at 520-868-7040 or visit www.florenceaz.gov/specialevents. Residents Interested in volunteering on the tour can contact [email protected].