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Home FUN

THE STORY OF THE ARIZONA PIONEERS HOME

February 2, 2018
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by Drew Desmond for the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc.
At the beginning of the 20th century, several aged pioneer miners could no longer work and had no place to live after contributing so much to Arizona’s economy.
Their plight was answered by the first-ever, government-instituted retirement home. Even now, the Pioneers Home is one of only two such institutions in the nation.

In 1907 a bill unanimously passed to create the home, but was left unsigned because of a lack of funds.
The bill was reintroduced the following session. Again, it passed without a dissenting vote, and on March 11, 1909, Gov. Kibbey signed it into law. Still, the bill was conditioned upon the donation of land upon which to build it.
It was Frank M. Murphy who donated a 4.5-acre plot on July 9, 1909.
Maj. A.J. Doran became the first superintendent. His foremost duty was overseeing construction of the building, which was completed ahead of schedule in January 1911. Doors opened Feb. 1.
That first year, Buffalo Bill Cody enjoyed one of his “happiest experiences in many years” at the home, reminiscing with several residents he knew.
Soon, leadership realized that women needed a home just as much as the men did. So on April 8, 1916, an addition was opened with capacity for 20 ladies.

After women were admitted, one couple wanted to get married. Since there were no accommodations for couples, the superintendent turned the matter over to the state Legislature. After serious debate, they were turned down. Despite this, the couple eloped and after returning from their honeymoon, the superintendent relented and gave them a room together.
For years, food was served family-style until Dynamite Joe once turned a bowl of gravy over the head of Six-Shooter Smith in a quarrel over a chicken leg. Thereafter, meals were served in individual portions.
In 1926, a hospital wing was constructed, increasing the floor space of the facility to 53,564 square feet. At its height, 200 guests were housed.
Today, a person must be at least 70 and a resident of Arizona for 50 years to be eligible to stay at the home. Each pays only a percentage of his or her monthly income.
SOURCES:

  • Dale Sams, Interim Superintendent, Arizona Pioneers’ Home
  • Sharlot Hall Museum Archives
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Prescott Living Magazine
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Prescott Living Magazine

Did you know that the 'Tis Art Center and Gallery offers the STEPS Art Education Program for Children? The classes take place in the 'Tis Annex Art Education Building, located at 235 N. Marina St. in Prescott. There are summer programs coming up in June, July, and August. The classes are free and include tuition and art supplies, with class size limited to 8 students. Please visit the 'Tis website for class details.
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STEPS Art Education Program for Children | 'Tis Art Center & Gallery

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STEPS Art Education Program for Children in the ‘Tis Annex Building 235 N. Marina St. Prescott, AZ 86301 ‘Tis Annex Art Education Building 235 N. Marina FREE art education classes taught by profes...
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Prescott Living Magazine
2 days ago
Prescott Living Magazine

If you love art then downtown Prescott is the place to be today! The Phippen Museum's 49th Annual Western Art Show & Sale is on today from 9-3 at the Courthouse Plaza, and the Off-Street Festival will also be open from 9-3. The community art festival is taking place outdoors behind the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at 117 W. Goodwin St.
The Phippen Museum of Western Art is offering free admission today from 10-3.
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