The Ash Fork Public Library is located at 518 Lewis Avenue, in the same building as the Ash Fork Water Board's offices. Although historical preservation is not central to the mission of public libraries, Marianne Schiffgen-Peterson, the present manager, is conscious of the importance of preserving local historical documents and artifacts. As a consequence, the library has on display several important items that pertain to Ash Fork history, especially as it related to the railroad.
Background of artifacts
The railroad reached Ash Fork in 1882, and for years it played a central part in the town's daily life and economy. The railroad provided water for the community, which did not have a well until the 1960s. It also created jobs. Some were connected directly and to the railroad and others were less directly railroad related. One source of employment was the Harvey House, which was built to provide over-night accommodations for railroad workers and tourists. Harvey Houses also were famous for their restaurants.
The local Harvey House was called The Escalante. The elegant, mission style structure located next to the AT&SF railroad depot was built in 1907 for a cost of $115,000. A circular counter graced the lunchroom, and a beautiful crystal chandelier provided light. The building also housed a barbershop, a curio gift shop (typical of all of Fred Harvey's establishments), a newsstand, and a reading room.
After the railroad's main line by-passed the city in the 1950s, the Harvey House was torn down, and residents of Ash Fork still mourn its passing. The artifacts in the library, located in two glass-fronted cases, are mostly from the Harvey House dump. Although many of them are not in mint condition, they provide important information and preserve something of the flavor of the heritage of the town.
ARTIFACTS
I. Structures
Building Component
Doorknob, ceramic, component (3), excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Handle, part of metal plate for door handle, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
II. Building Furnishings
Lighting Device
Chimney, lamp, about 5" high, excavated from Harvey House dump
Light fixture, ceramic, excavated from Harvey House dump
III. Personal Artifacts
Clothing, accessory
Belt buckle, lady's, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
IV. Tools and Equipment for Materials
Food Service T&E
Cup, drinking (2) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Cup, drinking, metal (2) excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Fork, dinner (3) used in Harvey House, engraved with "Fred Harvey" on the handle, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Fork, pickle used in the Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Knife, dinner (2) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Pitchers, probably for cream, (4) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Saucers, small, for use with cream pitchers, (4) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Spoon, dinner (7) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Spoon, soup (2) used in Harvey House, Ash Fork excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Food Processing T&E
Lid, canning jar, (ceramic inner part) excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Textileworking T&E
Thimble (2) excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Woodworking T&E
Nails, 8 (thick, about 2" long), excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
V. Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology
Electrical and Magnetic T&E
Insulators (14) excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Merchandising T&E
Bottles, some colored, toilet and trade (approx. 50), excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Bottle top, glass part (1/2") excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Box, pill (3) excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Jar, mostly for cosmetics, no tops (6) excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Lid, for jar, metal (2) excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Lid, jar, glass (fragment) 2.5 inches diameter, excavated from the Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
VIII. Communication Artifact
Exchange medium
Coin, Chinese (1), excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Ticket, corner of railroad ticket that says "Ash" and "Yav.", excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Personal Symbol
Disks, two wooden Ash Fork centennial disks
Pin, Ash Fork centennial
IX. Recreational Device
Toys
Bear, small, metal, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Iron, small metal part of sadiron, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Marbles, jar full, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Artifact remnant
Stamp, heavy metal, about 1/2" x 1", excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Tag, small metal, with illegible name (of company) and two dates, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Metal, small metal pieces, tags, etc. excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
Glass, small pieces, excavated from Harvey House dump, Ash Fork
