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PRESCOTT: THE NAME AND THE HISTORY

June 26, 2017
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by Melissa Ruffner, Historian and Author
On May 30, 1864, Prescott, Arizona’s first territorial capital was named during a meeting at Fort Misery (now located at Sharlot Hall Museum) attended by members of the Walker Party—who had discovered placer gold in area creeks—and government officials appointed by President Abraham Lincoln. After numerous suggestions, first Secretary of State Richard McCormick proposed the name of the author of The History Of The Conquest Of Mexico by William Hickling Prescott, feeling this name would be recognized by citizens back east because Prescott’s grandfather was a hero of the Revolutionary War in Boston.
Independence Day was celebrated that same year on July 4th. Our first restaurant was called the Juniper House, although it was not an actual house, but near some Juniper trees, which at that time, covered the public Plaza. The menu was venison and chili, bread, tea and coffee with milk, which was a rare commodity in a wilderness.
In 1888, our rodeo was organized by city fathers concerned about “goings on” over on Montezuma Street ( by now, it was nicknamed “Whiskey Row”).Today, more genteel crowds participate in numerous Frontier Days activities around the Plaza, including a patriotic 4th of July parade.
I loved growing up in Prescott, and our rodeo was a huge deal every year. My Great-Uncle George Ruffner (shown carrying the American flag) helped start our rodeo in 1888. My Granddad Lester Lee Ruffner was involved every year as was my Dad Lester “Budge” Ruffner. My sister and I participated in the Kiddie Parade, as did our children. It was “Cowboy Christmas,” visiting with friends from the ranches we only saw that week.
Hope to see you at our fun event! Stop by and visit with me, if you can.
To book a historical walking tour, step-on guide services or historic presentation for your organization or event…in full Victorian regalia…please call Melissa Ruffner at (928) 830-4930 or e.mail historymelissa@cableone.net.
PHOTO FROM RUFFNER FAMILY ARCHIVES

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Prescott Living Magazine

16 hours ago

Prescott Living Magazine
OUT & ABOUT — Thank you to Karen Shaw for sending in these shots of Jerome and the San Francisco Peaks on a beautiful winter day! We publish reader photos in every issue of Prescott LIVING. Send in your best shots by email to photos@roxco.com. Photos should be taken by you, anywhere in the Greater Prescott area. Selected photos will appear in print and on our social media channels.#jeromeaz #prescott #northernaz #sanfranciscopeaks ... See MoreSee Less

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Prescott Living Magazine

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Arizona State Senator Ken Bennett will read a proclamation in memory of Dr. Billie Orr on Wednesday, Feb. 1st at 1:15 p.m. on the Senate floor. The session will be livestreamed at www.azleg.gov/liveproceedings. Here is the text of the proclamation. . . . Recognition In Memory of Dr. Billie OrrWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served the citizens of Prescott on the City Council from 2015 until 2021 and during that time as mayor Pro Tempore from 2017 until 2020; andWHEREAS, she was a member and past President of the Republican Women of Prescott; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr Founded the Mayor’s Commission on Well-Being for the City of Prescott; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served as City Council Liaison for several City Boards and Commissions during her tenure as Councilmember; and WHEREAS, she served as a Board Member of Arizona Town Hall, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation and Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr was an active Rotarian, serving on Rotary Clubs in the Phoenix area and in Prescott; and WHEREAS, she was a big fan of pickleball and helped Prescott Build outdoor courts for its citizens; andWHEREAS, prior to her service in Prescott, Dr. Billie Orr was active in Arizona education for more than twenty-five years; and WHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served the citizens of Arizona as Arizona’s Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction; andWHEREAS, under her leadership, Arizona created state academic standards that were ranked among the best in the nation; andWHEREAS, in earlier years she taught in the Madison District in Phoenix and was the Principal of Kiva School in Scottsdale; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr was a dedicated and longtime public servant to the citizens of Arizona who brought a positive and caring aspect to her service, inspiring many who worked with her; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr will be greatly missed by her many friends in Prescott and throughout Arizona; andNOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her husband Bob, their children and grandchildren and all family members.. . . ... See MoreSee Less

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      • Everyone Can Be a Hero
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      • New Year, New You
      • Relocation
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