The Markham – Gorder – Gaddis House exhibits key Craftsman Bungalow architectural features including:

·        Low-pitched roof

·        Wide eaves with exposed roof rafters

·        Decorative braces

·        Porch with square columns

·        One and half stories

·        Gabled dormer

Other cities are pursuing significant efforts to preserve their bungalows.  Kari Lydersen of the Washington Post writes, “Though there are bungalows in other cities, the ones in Chicago are distinctive for a number of characteristics, including their roof peaks, which are perpendicular to the street rather than parallel, their narrow lots and the fact that they are made of brick… The city has officially noted the historical significance of the homes. Mayor Richard M. Daley five years ago launched a city initiative offering grants, loans and technical assistance to help owners restore their bungalows….” – “Chicago’s Bungalows Making a Comeback”, Lydersen, Kari, Washington Post, May 30, 2005, Page A03.

The Markham – Gorder – Gaddis House has historical significance in the development of early Longmont.  It is considered part of the Original Old Town Longmont and is located in the West Side Historic District.  The characteristics of the Markham – Gorder – Gaddis House are indicative of the era in which it was built and represent the early development and heritage of our community.  The location of the home is within the boundaries of the original Chicago-Colorado Colony, which was plotted in 1870.

Charles F. Holck, the first owner of the house and a local farmer, was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1856. C. F. and Margaret A. Holck owned the house starting in 1923 and sold the house to Henry G. and Cora E. Markham in 1928.  The Markham’s farmed in Windsor, Fort Collins, and Loveland before setting in Longmont at 814 Fourth Avenue until Henry’s death in February 1957.  Cora died 3 months later.  The house was owned by several others including:

·        Harold A. Gorder left Louisville in 1926 to open a dentist office in Longmont.  He and his wife Ruth (died in 1957) lived at 814 Fourth.  In 1961, Harold married Edna Nordstrom and moved from the home.  As an active member of the Longmont community he was elected Boy Scout Commissioner for the Longs Peak Area, was President of the Boulder County Dental Association, and gave free dental examinations to children in Longmont schools.

·        Councilman and Mayor Wade Gaddis owned the home at 814 Fourth from 1963 to 1975.  It was during this time that he served for 12 years as a city councilman and was elected mayor in 1971.  During his mayoral term, the city constructed a new fire station, a new library, began work on a new indoor swimming pool, and began construction of a judicial and engineering building at Third Avenue and Emery Street. 

Lehman Communications Corporation purchased the home in 2004.