Let's focus on a church residents of Clarkdale pass by nearly daily, St. Cecelia's Mission Church.  This was NOT the first Catholic Church built in the Verde Valley, but Jerome's Holy Family Catholic Church takes this honor.  Both churches were missions of the Tucson Diocese, led by priests of the Claretian Order founded in Spain in 1849. The property St. Cecelia's is on, was leased by the Bishop of Tucson, Bishop Henry Granjon, in 1920. The Wm. Simpson Construction Company of Los Angeles, CA, began construction shortly thereafter. 

St. Cecelia's beautiful building appears much the same as it did when first built. The Rectory addition was accomplished by Father Phillip Rieser in the mid 1950's.  Father Rieser, known as "The Builder", assisted in the construction of many of the Catholic churches in Yavapai County. He also had a St. Patrick's Day carnival each year.  It had bingo, a cake walk, and a small fishing pond for the children, which brought in a lot of money in the 1960's. Each mission was totally self-supporting to support the priest, all building expenses, such as heat, electricity and water. Reverend Raymond Gillis served in the early 1970's who is remembered as being a very austere man, who denied himself food and often slept on the floor.

In July of 1977, Reverend Michael Hurley was appointed. Known as Father Mike, he is remembered with joy from all who knew him. He hailed from Chicago and enjoyed a drink, a smoke and a good laugh. Ruth Wicks is quoted, "The best thing about Father Mike was his short sermons!" Another story she shared, "Around 1985, the Mingus High School graduation ceremony was threatened by heavy spring rain (This was usually held outside).  Ron Barber, MUHS Superintendent, reportedly handed $10 to Lupe Uribe, the maintenance supervisor and a member of St. Cecelia's, who told Father MIke to use his influence to control the weather. The rain held off until just after the graduates left the field."

Father Mike retired in 2002 which precipitated the closure of this beloved church. The lack of available priests and the construction of the new Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on Highway 89A were factors in the decision.  St. Cecelia's again began celebrating mass about 20 years ago with Reverend Salgado, who rolled up his sleeves and evicted the rodents who had commandeered the building. Currently, St. Cecelia's offers daily Latin mass and on Sundays at 9:00 offered by Father Stinson.

submitted by Cindy Emmett - Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum

contact info@clarkdalemuseum.org for questions or comments

The original movie theater (next to Smelter Town Brewery), was called “The Coliseum” and opened in 1917 showing silent movies. In 1920, Wm. Haskins, Mgr, advertised “Always Good Pictures Shown Here”.The theater had no marquee. 

By 1928, the name had changed to “The ValVerde”. The silent movie “Love Flower” was rented for one day for the sum of $7.50, then perhaps taken to other theaters in Cottonwood and Jerome. After the sale of the United Verde Copper Company to Phelps-Dodge in 1935, S. Charles Lee, a well known architect from Los Angeles, was commissioned to remodel and update, no doubt adding “talkies”. This was Lee’s smallest commission of his career, creating a 250 seat theater. He was an early proponent of ART DECO and MODERNE style theaters.  The theater opened in grand style in 1936. There were three aisles, one on each side and one down the middle. The walls were covered in red velveteen drapes. The back 7 rows (the best seats) were made of red plush fabric which cost 44 cents to sit in. The next 7-8 rows were orange leatherette for 35 cents, followed by several older seats used previously, for 25 cents. Then there were three long rows of wooden benches for kids down in front. Even better, there were two high school girl usherettes in sateen pants and blouses and pillbox hats to lead patrons down the aisle with flashlights to help them find their seats. Close scrutiny was given to make sure the kids stayed on the benches and didn’t move to the softer ones. The best movies were shown on Sunday and Monday nights, followed by a cowboy movie and Spanish speaking film on Tuesdays. An innovation the owner, Joe Becchetti, developed with the architect was the “crying room” which is still there today in the upstairs back of the theater. This allowed mothers to comfort their crying children and still see the movie. The Art Deco wall lights and sconces are still there. The Grand Theater was closed by 1954 with the shut down of the smelter in 1952. The equipment was purchased by Amon F. Allen along with the equipment in the Jerome Theater, as well as the building and equipment of the Rialto Theater in Cottonwood, also owned by Joe Becchetti. The Rialto had been the longest running single screen theater in the US from 1923 to 1988.  

submitted by Cindy Emmett - Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum

contact info@clarkdalemuseum org with constions or comments

This week's history flashback features The Newsstand, which was recently purchased by the Tavasci Bros. We are seeing massive changes to the interior and roofline recently.

In 1936, it was known as "Connor and Ettinger Cigar Store". Taken from the "Evening Courier-June 20, 1936", 'Among the well managed and altogether popular business firms in Yavapai county, none deservedly stands higher in community esteem than that of Connor and Ettinger, (a World War I buddy of Mr. Connor) whose modern, well fitted up store has long been a noteworthy feature of the commercial life of Clarkdale.  The people of Clarkdale and vicinity sustained the loss of a high-minded citizen and conscientious business man that was keenly felt throughout the district. Under the able management of Mr. W. S. Connor, known as Bill, the successful establishment long has been and still is, by far the most favored gathering place of the kind for discerning local residents and the traveling public who properly appraise the genuine worth of unsurpassed, friendly service, courtesy and accommodation.  In the spacious Connor and Ettinger premises are to be found everything procurable in quality smokers' supplies, pure, unadulterated confections, Ettinger  ice cream, soft drinks, and other liquid refreshments of such scientific manufacture and national popularity as to satisfy the most exacting patron. A splendid assortment of magazines, periodicals, and newspapers are offered.' Another excerpt from history tells us "Television made its initial appearance in Clarkdale last week when a set was installed in the Connor and Ettinger Cigar Store. The reception is very good."  Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona) Thurs. Jan. 21, 1954.

Bill Connor died in 1948 of heart disease. The  Clarkdale News Stand new owners were Joe Wombacher and Mike Knezovich. 

Submitted by Cindy Emmett - Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum--.  contact info@clardalemuseum.org with questions or comments

As more buildings are being purchased and renovated on Historic Main Street, CHSM is proud to offer a little more history of one of them.

As the photo depicts, Selna's Grocery Store, once occupied the middle of the block. Taken from an interview with Joseph Raymond Selna, Nov. 1, 2014, by Barbara Ann Selna, daughter of Joseph Selna, we know the Selna family first entered the grocery business in Jerome, AZ. Virgilio Selna, father of Joseph Selna (Joe), worked in a grocery store in Jerome belonging to the family of A. H. Lyons. In 1918, Virgilio partnered with Emil Kovacovich to open their own grocery store. When their partnership ended, Virgilio opened a very small canned goods store on the "Upper Hogback".  Ted Selna, Virgilio's oldest son, opened a larger store, on Jerome's Main Street, which continued for several years. He expanded the family store to Clarkdale in 1938. (see photo)  Ted's son, Virgil "Nino" Selna, ran this store but didn't own the building. In 1940, Nino's oldest son, Joe Selna, started helping out on Saturdays at the Clarkdale store.  Nino paid him a silver dollar each week and Joe gave it to his mother, Natalina Selna, to put in the bank.

In 1942, T. F. Miller offered the Miller Grocery location(corner building) to Ted Selna. Miller had about 75% of the grocery business in Clarkdale. Ted bought the Miller's business and began renting the larger location. Virgil managed this location, until his unexpected death in 1945, when Joe took over the store partnering with Ted and another brother, Mario, who ran a grocery store in Cottonwood. Joe ran the Clarkdale store until the early 1960's. He sold his inventory to Mario for the Cottonwood store which closed in 1966.

contributed by Cindy Emmett

send comments and questions to info@clarkdalemuseum.org

Interesting history on the Clemenceau Airport, yes, that is the correct name

Nancy Smith, who was perhaps the most well known historian in the Verde Valley, according to her notes, the first airplane arrived here in 1917 and the first airport was the Garrison's airport in Bridgeport north of 89A. In the 1920's, the American Legion organization started talking to James Douglas about donating land for an airport. He had already donated 14 acres for an airport in Douglas, AZ.  Marcus Rawlins, a mechanic from Jerome, finally convinced Douglas since airplanes and barnstorming were becoming very popular.

On April 29, 1929, an informal opening was held at the present day site of the airport and incorporation took place on June 10. In 1931, William A. Clark III (known as Bill Clark in Clarkdale) decided to put his resources into the airport. He had dreamed of an international airport to serve primarily South America.

In March of 1932, the airport had two runways and was open 24 hours. On May 15, 1932, Jack Lynch, Clark's personal flight instructor and Bill Clark died in a plane crash while testing instrument flying. However, Copperclad Airways continued passenger and express service.

By 1940, Rawlins vacated the airport property and ended his 10 year lease.Clemenceau Mining Corp. transferred the deed to Yavapai County for 144 years to be called Clemenceau Airport and Rawlins remained as an airplane mechanic. The facility was used as a war training school until 1945. One week of snow in 1967 caused the hangar to cave in with 14 planes inside. In June of 1968 Cottonwood was asked to take it over.

Contributed by Cindy Emmett

for comments or questions contact info@clarkdalemuseum,org

Preface

The following “treatise” is a collection of remembrances I have of four unique domestic “helpers” who arrived at our home in Clarkdale, Arizona about once a week.  My parents were Arthur and Elizabeth Greenwood and Dad was employed as the Chief Electrician at the smelter.  I, being about 4 years old at the time, was acquainted with each individual and eagerly anticipated every one’s arrival.  Over the years I have vividly and with pleasure, recalled the details of each visitor which I attempt to describe in the following paragraphs.

The Iceman Cometh

During the 1920s and 30s Mr. Son was the owner and operator of the Clarkdale ice house which was located in the Bitter Creek ravine next to the large warehouse building.  He also delivered ice to the homes in Upper Town where we lived.

As a young child in the early 1930s I always looked forward to the days when Mr. Son delivered the ice for our “ice box.”  He was a large, hefty, late middle-aged man with a jolly demeanor.  On such a day I would stand outside our back door in eager anticipation of his arrival.......

Rosie the Washer Woman

“Rosie” was an Indian lady who lived in the Yavapai/Apache village located immediately to the west of Clarkdale.  Most of the residents lived in small, poorly built homes which reflected the low-income levels of the majority of those people.

Bright and early every Monday morning Rosie would leave her home and walk down a dirt alley to a gate entrance to our backyard, where she would wash and hang the week’s laundry.  She, like others, apparently felt they were not “qualified” to travel on the parallel paved main street in town which led to the shopping area.......

Friendly Mrs. Harris Irons

 

Mrs. Harris was a lovely lady who resided in the Indian enclave to the west of Clarkdale.  She was “Americanized” to the extent that her speech was easily understood, and her clothing was in a style similar to that worn by the majority of Clarkdale women.  Her dresses fell just below the knee in length and were of a fitted style in nicely ironed fabric.

The ironing board, at which Mrs. Harris worked, was setup in an open space in the kitchen of our Clarkdale home.  There I, being an inquisitive four-year-old, would stand and intently watch her iron the week’s allotment of clothing for our family of five, all the while conversing by means of a “cacophony” of questions.  .......

The Hot Tamale Man

The Hot Tamale man was a person who, in his own way was very unique.  Each Friday afternoon I would eagerly watch for the “man in black” to walk along the unpaved road at the side of our Clarkdale home.  This middle-aged man most likely lived in an area of homes situated to the east of town along the nearby Verde River which was mainly inhabited by persons of Hispanic descent. 

The Tamale Man was always well dressed in a very neat, clean outfit of a bleached immaculate white dress shirt, pants and dress shoes topped off with a well-kept black “fedora” hat. Everything was in black (even his prominent moustache) excepting only the white shirt.....

Shared with permission from our collection.  Visit the Museum to request to read the complete manuscript and view the included photos. info@clardalemuseum.org

Recently, Mary Margaret Henry (Margy), daughter of T.F. (Ted) Miller II, great granddaughter of T.F. Miller, granddaughter of Evans Miller, stopped by for a visit and tour of the museum. 

Evans Miller, came to Clarkdale to manage the Clarkdale branch store in 1913. Ted arrived in Clarkdale at age nine and graduated from Clarkdale High School in 1922.   Margy talks about her recollection of family history, particularly of her father, Theodore F. Miller, Jr., who grew up in Clarkdale between 1913 and 1922.  Her great grandfather, T. F. Miller, was owner of mercantile stores in early Jerome and Clarkdale. 

Margy and Ruth participated in the 125th anniversary parade in Jerome.

 
Nathan Porter, Collections Director, recorded an oral history with Margy and her daughter Ruth.   Watch and listen here

After the interview, Drake Meinke took Margy and Ruth on a tour of his Main Street building which housed the TF Miller store starting in 1915.  They reported that this was the highlight of their trip!

The following link will bring you some Ted Miller Family History Ted Miller Family History 1987.pdf

Arizona Community Foundation
Schedules Site Visit at CHSM

Sheri Denny, the Regional Philanthropic Advisor at ACF of Sedona shared her gratitude on behalf of the ACF visitors for the tour provided by Board Members Bill Regner, Michael Lindner, Cindy Emmett, and Nathan Porter.

We are very appreciative of ACF's support of organizations such as CHSM.  It was exciting to be able to offer this special tour of our little museum, and to show how we put the grant allocation awarded CHSM late last year to work to enhance it further. We enjoyed such delightful, thoughtful, and interested people, and look forward to more of these kinds of interactions as we all continue this good work.

contributed by Bill Regner

contact info@clarkdalemuseum.org   

Our annual general membership meeting was held at Hermosillo Hotdogs on January 20th this year.  Buffet lunch was served and our next year goals were presented.  Open forum for the members who attended was fruitful with ideas for the Board to consider.  Thank you to those who participated.

1.Prioritize and fill critical Open Board of Directors Officer & Team Lead Positions 
2.Re-Vamp membership level structure and Wild Apricot Member Interface
3.Recruit volunteers interested in pursuing a School Out-Reach Program using existing designated funds
4.Continue to develop museum exhibits / Develop additional materials for display monitors
5.Pursue sponsorships for events; identify other sources of funds; Develop outreach program for Planned Giving; and Consider the establishment of an endowment fund for long term financial security
6.Continue to develop Facebook / social media communications and other targeted marketing tools
7.Increase Museum Open Hours as volunteer staffing permits
8.Re-Invent the “In their Own Words” Speaker Program
9.Continue to foster relationships with local sister institutions
10.Continue to support historic preservation efforts in the Town of Clarkdale
11.Explore paid position(s) to serve as Volunteer Coordinator and Grant Coordinator

On April 19, Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) presented its annual Awards of Excellence. This was the 52nd consecutive year that KSB has recognized businesses, organizations and individuals whose activities have contributed significantly to our communities. This year, awardees came from Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.

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KSB President Craig Swanson presented an award to Michael Lindner, President of the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum for Cultural Heritage. After completing a major redesign during COVID, the museum now features a chronological history of the town and region that includes four large video screen presentations featuring key aspects of local history. A major element of the reimagined museum celebrates the historic Clarkdale Clubhouse. The museum also features information about local Yavapai-Apache history.  

Other recipients include: Doug Copp received an award for sustainability as an organic gardener, the owners of Ambiente, Michael Stevenson, Jennifer May and Colleen TeBrake for dark sky design, Kevin Adams the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRTF), Ben Burke accepted an award on behalf of Manzanita Outreach, Chip Norton accepted an award for Environmental Stewardship for Sinagua Malt, Steve King Superintendent of the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District received an award for Education, and  Cottonwood’s Mayor Tim Elinski, for community service.