“Reminisces and Legacy of Edwin Biehl Lobach” will lead off this Sunday's program at Florence's Bell Tower Cultural Center, and includes months of research and interviews conducted by researcher Margaret Storm. He was a significant early pioneer with interests in several industries important to the early establishment of the area. Lobach was born Aug. 1, 1834. After Colorado became a state on Aug. 1, 1876, he proudly celebrated his birthday on Colorado Day. Voices from the Archive Part III begins at 3 p.m. The Bell Tower is located at 201 E. Second St.

Other early settlers to Florence and adjoining areas included on the program Sept. 12, are Stephen Tanner and the Toof Family. Segments of Tanner's autobiography will be shared by Melvena Benham, as well as research published by local historians on the Toof family and presented by Dorothy Cool, along with her own Toof research.

“Voices from the Archive” is the 2021 research theme of the Florence Historical Archive. Archive members have attempted to unearth hidden jewels within the Archive collection that reflect the lives of our early settlers and of individuals from the immigrant groups that have added to the rich tapestry of local culture. They have used diaries, letters, newspaper articles, photos and the recall of descendants to piece together personal histories that bring forward the voices of pioneers and immigrant families. If you are an enthusiast of local history or have family history in this area, you will enjoy this series of programs.

Historic photos accompany each topic. Refreshments follow the program.