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Digital Collections of Salida, Colorado's History
AlpineParkLion.JosephineSoukupCollection.SalidaCenn275

Alpine Park Lions

This aging lion is one of two donated to Salida in 1915 for Alpine Park. Isaac W. Haight, an early day businessman was the donor. The two are at the park entrance, corner of fourth and F Streets. Its companion is nearby but not close enough to be included in the picture. The lions are favorite play spots for children of the community in the summertime. — from The Mountain Mail.

The lions were carved by Abran (Abramo) Marchi, an early day Salida resident. Abran was born January 16, 1871 in Milan, Italy, and died in Chicago, Ill., on January 17, 1945. The Marchi family lived in Salida approximately from 1915 through 1927, residing at 643 E Street.

Abramo Marchi ancestry.com clip

clip from ancestry.com

Boxing in New Mexico: 1868-1940 – a short bio of ‘Kid’ Marchi, the son of Abran, with a small mention of the Alpine Park Lions.

Haight Gives City Ornament For Park SM Setp 14 1915
Alpine Park Lion. Library Collection

Alpine Park Lion from the Library’s Collection

Salidas-Lions-Near-100 MM July 10 2015 Arlene Shovald
Woman and Child in Front of Alpine Park Lion with Fourth Street in Background.JPottsColl

Woman and child in Alpine Park in front of an Alpine Park Lion – from the Jerry Potts Collection