Fondis

Fondis is an unincorporated community in Elbert County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

History

The Fondis post office operated from November 25, 1895, until July 15, 1954. Ella Cox was the town's first postmaster. One historical account states that the unincorporated town derived its name from Fondi, in Italy, while other accounts state that it is named for an Italian Hotel, the Fondide Italia. Around the turn of the twentieth century, the town had a population of 40 people and boasted several stores, including Harper's General Store operated by George Conarroe, two blacksmith shops and the Fondis Hotel, owned and operated by Will Conarroe. He also operated a cheese factory that turned out 250 pounds of cheese per day. For 10 weeks in 1902, Fred A. Coan operated the Fondis Herald newspaper.

Geography

Fondis is located at 39.2158°N 104.3472°W. Fondis is 6174 ft Above Sea LevelFondis is located at approximately 39°12′57″N 104°20′50″W with an elevation of roughly 6,600 feet. There is no official recorded land or water area for Fondis due to its unincorporated, unbounded status; it is not an incorporated municipality, and thus no census population is recorded for the community itself. Demographic data does not exist specifically for Fondis, but Elbert County overall reflects a largely rural, predominantly White population, with agriculture historically dominant. As a ghost town, Fondis has little or no resident population today.

Comment

Today if you were to drive thru the remains of Fondis, it look little like anything othe than a farm on one corner and an abandoned building on another. I love the fact that the down had a population of 40 and had a newspaper for 10 weeks!!!