Ash Fork Historical Society
The Ash Fork Historical Society is located in the former ADOT shop building in Ash Fork. In addition to working toward the preservation of the history of the area, the historical society holds a number of community events, including class reunions and the annual Pioneer Days.
People who are interested in learning more about the Ash Fork Historical Society should contact Ms. Fayrene Hume, a life-long area resident (520-637-2413).
History of the area:
The following narrative overview is based on discussions with Ms. Fayrene Hume and on Marshall Trimble's Roadside History of Arizona (1986).
Located in the northern part of Yavapai County, Ash Fork began as a ranching and railroad community. While ranching is still an important component of the town's economy, the railroad no longer is.
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, generally referred to simply as the Santa Fe, came to the area in the 1880s. The very existence of a railroad influenced the development of area ranching, and, of course, the railroad itself was a major source of employment in the town. It remained such until the main line moved north of Ash Fork in the 1950s.
A later mode of transportation, the automobile, was also central to Ash Fork's development. One of the most famous highways in the United States, Route 66, ran through town, and travelers supported gas stations, restaurants, and motels. This source of revenue was significantly curtailed, however, when Interstate I-40 by-passed the town. Unfortunately, many reminders of Ash Fork' salad days burned in the fire that destroyed the business district in the 1970s.
Interstate I-40 may not have the same impact that Route 66 had, but it does feed the local economy, as does ranching. Another industry, however, is the major employer in the area-quarrying. Several large companies extract flagstone, which became a popular building material in the 1940s. It is now shipped all over the world. The Dunbar Company came to Ash Fork in 1946, and it, along with other companies such as Levin's and Grays, ship flagstone to places as distant as Australia.
Although the disastrous fire of the 1970s destroyed much of the physical history of the town, Ash Fork still has many structures that are historically significant. At least 90 houses in Ash Fork qualify as being listed as "historic." Most noteworthy are the many small, stone cottages built by Al Smith in the 1930s. Originally designed to be rental units, many are now privately owned.
History and information on the Ash Fork Historical Society:
Local citizens have been interested in preserving the history of Ash Fork for some time. The organization they formed, Ash Fork Historical Society, has no museum at present, but the historical society keeps printed materials and a few other items in the former ADOT shop building.
Although they don't currently own the ADOT building, the Ash Fork Historical Society would like to obtain grants to restore and refurbish it. The old office area could be used to accommodate objects and papers, which many local people would donate if there were a secure place to house them. Once it has a home, the society hopes to gather a great deal of information and many artifacts that are related to the railroad, ranches, and pioneering families located in the area.
Members of the Historical Society believe that having a museum would benefit the town in many ways. It would attract tourists, and, at the same time, it could serve the interests of the community. Even now the community uses the ADOT building for community events, such as class reunions and the annual Pioneer Days.
The only artifact they have now is the Santa Fe timetable from the old depot in Ash Fork (the depot closed in 1960, and was torn down in the late 1960s).
ARTIFACTS
Timetable, approximately 4'x 8'; it listed the names of trains and times of departure
and arrival
