One hundred and fifty years ago today, the Yavapai and Apache people were removed from the land they had been promised by President Ulysses S. Grant via Executive Order called the Rio Verde Reserve on November 9, 1871.

Consisting of 900 square miles along the Verde River from Camp Verde upriver to the old wagon crossing from Prescott to Santa Fe near Drake. This land consists of what is today, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Cornville, Middle Verde and parts of Camp Verde.

Without consultation or consent, and after roughly three years on the Rio Verde Reserve, they were force-marched in the dead of winter to the concentration camp at San Carlos located east of Phoenix. All with inadequate clothing, worn-out shoes or moccasins, or none at all and snow and raging rivers at every turn. It was a cruel undertaking, and a marvel that any of them reached their destination after three weeks, ending on March 20, 1875.

An Army Doctor, William Henry Corbusier, who was present on the awful journey, describes the trip as follows:

“On February 27, 1875, they started with 1400 Indians from the Rio Verde Agency, all on foot, to tramp about 150 miles by rough trails, over high mountains and across numerous streams that were liable at any hour to rise many feet and become impassable. I had seen the Verde come raging down, tearing away everything before it, great trees and even large rocks carried before it. They had to carry all of their belongings on their backs in their V-shaped burden baskets, old and young with heavy packs. One old man placed his aged and decrepit wife in one of these baskets, with her feet hanging out, and carried her on his back supported by a band around his head, an average of eight and a half miles a day for some ten days. The fifteen cavalrymen, who were along as a guard for the commissioner and the agency employees, carried as many as possible of the cripple, weaker ones and foot-sore children on their horses. One day, at least two babes were born on the trail. These were wrapped in blankets and carried to the next camp before any other covering could be provided for them; the mothers, after a short rest, following on foot.”

A monument in front of the Yavapai-Apache Cultural Resource Center depicting the old man carrying his wife in a burden basket stands as a symbol to this struggle and their survival.

“Their progress was slow; the cattle that were driven along to be slaughtered as needed for food, soon became foot-sore on the rough steep trails and many had to be left behind. At length the supply of beef and flour gave out, and the Indians ate the stems of the Canada thistle and such other greens as they could find, and then the women and children began to cry with hunger. One evening a deer ran along the side of the mountain above our camp…..many shots were fired by but missed. As it came opposite our tent, Al Sieber fired and it fell.” The deer was fought over, but it was not enough to feed the starving masses.

“Ten days had passed since we left the agency – 10 days of untold and unnecessary suffering and privation – 10 days which left their scars on whites and Indians alike, never to be healed.”

“The rest of the way was by easy trail, downgrade to the San Carlos River. By easy trail is a comparative term, because the country between Pinal Creek and San Carlos was little less rugged and desolate than that which they had already passed. And so, the sick, weak, and worn-out bands struggled into San Carlos, located on the north bank of the Gila River.”

“A Short History of The Yavapai-Apache Nation” written and published in 2018 with the help of Apache Cultural Director Vincent Randall and Yavapai Culture Director Gertrude Smith, provides the following message to the Youth of the Yavapai-Apache Nation:

“History is hard to get your head around. Many people find it boring and pay no attention to it at all. In the case of Native American history, it is often difficult to read and learn about because it is full of tragedy, violence and loss; loss of life and loss of culture. The Conquest was a long time ago, but its memory lingers like a cloud over the old lands. The forced Exodus of your Ancestors from the Verde Valley to San Carlos happened nearly 150 years ago and even though the pain of it has diminished over the decades, the scar still remains. As part of your heritage, it is celebrated every year at the end of February to remind us of the hardship and injustice they experienced. Yet your ancestors gutted it out and returned to their Homelands of the Verde Valley after the Exile was over only to find other people living in what had been their home country and still, they carried on the best they could by working hard and never giving in.”

We at the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum recognize the story of Clarkdale is not just about the miners, ranchers, farmers and others that settled here and created the town that exists today. But rather, it is rich in the history of the Yavapai-Apache people that were here long before the settlers came. And, upon their return to the Verde Valley from a twenty-five-year exile, they contributed to the growth of Clarkdale as well. Whether it was working at the mines or the smelter, at the power house or on the roads, as maids, laundresses, cooks or basket weavers, their impact to the community cannot be overstated.

With the help of the late Vincent Randall, Apache elder and lifetime resident of Clarkdale, we set up a small display in our museum to recognize the Yavapai-Apache people of Clarkdale. We encourage you to visit the museum and would also like to hear your family stories and help keep their memories alive.

We would like to welcome new business members to our Supporting Membership, Clarkdale's Smelter Town Brewery.  Smelter Town Brewery was originally designed to be The Bank of Jerome with many offices on the second floor.  Another surprise we found was the blueprint of a mortuary complete with a chapel. The mortuary eventually moved to Jerome, the offices above were empty until they were transformed into apartments, and the Bank of Jerome failed in 1929, as many others did.   

contributed by Cindy Emmet 

for more nformation or comments contact us at info@clarkdalemueum.org

The Clarkdale Historic Bandstand has been at the center of Clarkdale’s civic life for over a century. It is listed as a “contributing structure” to the Clarkdale Historic District, which was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1997.

The District lists over 370 historic structures in Clarkdale. Some are designated as “contributing structures” and some are “non-contributing structures”. The “contributing structures” are certified as historic structures by the National Park Service.

This is an update on the progress of the Bandstand’s restoration per the town’s administration:

New reinforced footings have been poured to support the columns. All of the columns have been replaced and carefully matched to the old columns. Two additional support beams were installed under the existing floor with strong ties to ensure there is no twisting of the substructure. Those ties and beams required new concrete footings as well. The new framing, the installation of lap siding, and the access doors under the floor are complete. The railings have all been replaced. Work has started on the new steps. Some of the old stair treads will be able to be reused.

Electrical work should be started soon. That will include a new service panel, recessed lighting in the ceiling, and additional weatherproof outlets for bands and other users to access.

The roof will be replaced. The plan is to use materials that will be historically appropriate but fire proof. New corbels for the top of the columns have been cut and are ready to be installed. Once those are finished, the Gazebo will be painted to match the previous green and white colors.

The restoration of the Bandstand has been in collaboration with the State Historic Preservation Organization with the goal of retaining its historic certification on the National Registry of Historic Places while, at the same time, being sure that the structure is safe and meets all modern building code requirements.

Even though there is a great deal of material being replaced, (a necessity due to the bandstand’s deterioration over the years) this does not mean that it will lose its historic significance. As long as restoration is faithful to the original design and purpose of the structure, it remains in the place it has stood for the last 100 years and the replacement materials are as close to the original materials as possible, the bandstand will retain its historic certification. Where repairs are not visible, modern building techniques and materials are acceptable for restoration.

When the restoration is complete, it is the recommendation of SHPO, that scheduled, regular maintenance be done to ensure that the structure remains sound well into the future.

contributed by Cynthia Malla

contact info@clarkdalemuseum for questions or comments

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