Camp Verde Historical Society
The Camp Verde Historical Society is located in the old school building at 435 South Main Street, Room 202 in Camp Verde, Arizona, 86322.
The Camp Verde Historical Society is a non profit organization whose goals are: "restoration, preservation, reconstruction and administration of buildings and sites of historical significance in the Camp Verde area; to collect and make available for educational purposes, historical documents, photos, and books and any other informative materials incidental to or reflective of the development of Camp Verde."
The Society uses its offices to house archival materials and a gift shop. It employs gift shop proceeds along with membership dues and contributions to maintain a research library, provide a conference room for the community, issue a monthly newsletter, sponsor the Community Birthday Calendar, hold workshops and day-treks, and sponsor the annual "Pioneer Picnic" in September of each year.
Martye Derbe, the director, can be reached at 520-567-4324.
History of Camp Verde
When Anglo settlers arrived in the Verde Valley in 1865, they put down stakes near present-day Camp Verde. There, they were greeted by a lush landscape and benign weather. The area, which had five streams that flowed throughout the year, was ideal for agriculture, but unless the farmers wanted to live at the subsistence level, they needed a market for their produce. Rugged mountains ring the Verde Valley, so transportation to more populous areas, like those around Prescott, was difficult. This situation changed when the market came to the farmers in the form of a US Army post.
Faced with hostility of Native Americans who had lived in the Verde Valley for centuries, the new settlers and traders turned to the US government for protection. In order to meet this need, the US Government built Camp Lincoln. Constructed on a mosquito-infested swamp, this fort was replaced when Camp Verde (later designated "Fort" Verde) was built on higher ground. The garrison, usually numbering a little over 100 men plus a few families and adjunct personnel, needed meat and produce, which the settlers happily provided. The ready market and safety afforded by the fort drew even more settlers, who also met with success. They were so "successful," in fact, that their herds quickly over-grazed the land and contributed to the disastrous ecological consequences that drastically altered the area. The grasses died in dry weather, and when the rains came, there was nothing to hold the soil. Despite this, area farmers and ranchers persisted and still do.
The town of Camp Verde grew up around the fort, and it served as a social, administrative and economic center for the increasing number of merchants, professionals, farmers and ranchers who came to the area. Local historians claim that the town was never subject to the booms and busts that plagued many western towns; however, Camp Verde did have its ups and downs.
When the US government abandoned the fort, area agriculturalists again needed to find a way to market their goods, and once more, the market came to them. Exceptionally rich copper deposits had been discovered in the Black Hills around Jerome; by the end of the 1890s, a new camp was booming. Miners in the bustling copper camp demanded more food than the soldiers ever did, so the farmers near Camp Verde prospered. This prosperity passed to freight haulers, merchants and others in the Verde Valley.
The coming of the mines was a mixed blessing, however. Smelters built in the early twentieth century spewed out smoke and soot that damaged or killed crops for miles around. For decades, area farmers suffered. When the last of the smelters closed in the early 1950s, the pollution problem was gone, but so was much of the population, that is, the market for agricultural goods.
Two factors helped to solve the town's economic needs-roads and tourists. The Black Canyon Highway, which was completed in the mid 1950s, connected Camp Verde with southern Arizona markets and with tourism. The saga is ongoing.
Despite the changes, the population of Camp Verde is fairly stable. Although new residents continue to migrate to the area, many of the old pioneer families still live there.
History of the Camp Verde Historical Society
The Camp Verde Historical Society is the direct descendant of an earlier association in Camp Verde, the Fort Verde Museum Committee, which was appointed in 1956 under the Camp Verde Improvement Association. That earlier committee was founded for "the purpose of preserving, insofar as possible, the original buildings of Fort Verde and establishing a museum in one of them." Successful at this task, they opened a museum on November 23, 1956. In 1961 the Fort Verde Museum Committee was incorporated as a non-profit organization and, in 1964 and 1965, it purchased two other buildings.
However, over time the Committee recognized that it was unreasonable for its members to continue with their mission since it necessitated not only operating a museum but also maintaining several very old buildings. As a consequence, the Fort Verde Museum Committee approached the Arizona Historical Society and requested that they take over the museum. On July 21, 1970, the property went from the Museum Association to the State, and the Fort Verde Historic State Park was dedicated on October 10, 1970.
Along with this change, the Camp Verde Historical Society came into being in the early 1970s. The two entities-the Fort Verde State Park and the Camp Verde Historical Society-divided their interests with the Fort concentrating on military related issues, and the Historical Society concentrating on the history of the town and local settlement.
Because it had relinquished the property at the Fort in 1970, the Historical Society was without a home for several years, but they now lease the old high school, built in 1914. They also own two significant historic properties: Clear Creek Church and the Hance House. The history of these structures follows.
Structures
Clear Creek Church: Although religious services were held at various locations in the Valley prior to its construction, the Clear Creek Church was the first actual church built in the Verde Valley. It is located across from the Clear Creek Cemetery on Verde Park Way, and can be viewed by appointment only.
Area residents began construction on the Clear Creek Methodist Church in 1898. A number of early settlers worked on the church. Women provided support and food, but the actual construction was the purview of men, including the following adult males and boys: G. W. Wingfield, Elias Wine, Ike Lowthian, Doc Wilbur, Tom Eamon, Lewis Bell, Johnny Ricketts, Frank Wingfield, George Wine, Uriah Reid, Dave Johnson, Albert Johnson, Hank Wingfield, Dave Wingfield, and, undoubtedly, many others. Although many shared in the physical labor, E. G. Nurcey, an accomplished stonemason who worked and lived on G. W. Wingfield's ranch, was responsible for crafting the structure. He is buried in the Clear Creek Cemetery.
Built of soft white limestone from the surrounding hills, the structure is simple but beautiful. It is approximately 20' x 40', and has wooden floors and a lovely wooden ceiling.
Although the building is not large, it took several years for the volunteers to complete it; the church was dedicated in 1903. Henry Fountain Ashurst, who, according to an old newspaper article, "went on to become Arizona's ėsilver tongued' senator," spoke at the dedication. Reverend Wright, a single man, served as the first minister. He received $25 a month, and plate offerings each Sunday, along with "an offer to dinner."
Over time, the population center of the area shifted, so a new church was built closer to the abandoned fort in 1913. The old church became a school. When area schools were consolidated, the building was once again rendered useless. However, some enterprising citizens came up with a new function for the building-it became a cooperative cannery. Residents would bring their produce there and can it, according to older area residents. Eventually the church was abandoned completely.
Ralph G. and Elsa Burgbacher owned the property on which the church is located, and, recognizing the historical importance of the structure, they donated the church to the Camp Verde Historical Society in December of 1974.
Although it was not an easy task, the Historical Society obtained funds to restore the church, which was desperately in need of repair. Local people put in a great deal of effort to raise money, and they were aided to some extent by then-Attorney General of Arizona, Bruce Babbitt. He sponsored a fund raising party in Phoenix to aid the local effort. The Historical Society also got funds from various government sources, but they nearly terminated their association with granting organizations on a number of occasions when the government's guidelines seemed difficult if not impossible to comply with.
Area residents completed a series of restorations between 1975 and 1979. They repaired the floor, which was rotting, and removed stones from the windows on the western side of the building. The windows had been "bricked-in" when Margaret Wingfield Hallett (from an old, pioneer family) was the teacher. According to a local newspaper article, she had requested the "bricking" to "keep the hot afternoon sun from causing her 30-35 students too much discomfort."
The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in August of 1975. Always conforming to the standards established for historic buildings, the Verde Valley Historical Society continues to perform restorations that protect the church. In the summer of 2000, for example, volunteers re-roofed the building and remounted the bell tower.
Although the Clear Creek Church is open by appointment only, the Historical Society occasionally rents it out for weddings and loans it for pioneer funerals.
The George Hance House: George W. Hance built a single level dwelling sometimes referred to as the "northernmost of the original buildings at Fort Verde State Park." It, however, was not original. Located immediately adjacent to the surgeon's residence at Fort Verde, the Hance House was built in 1916-17. Helen M. Butler and Marjorie Cameron deeded the structure to the Camp Verde Historical Society on September 14, 1977. The public must make appointments in advance to tour the house; however, it is open during Fort Verde celebrations and special activities.
Justice of the Peace, postmaster, notary public, and cattleman, George Hance was a colorful and important area pioneer, and his house provides a window onto the early history of the area. Although he probably had no formal education, Hance is still referred to as "Judge."
George Hance was born in October of 1848, and there are many versions about how and when he came to Arizona. According to his own account, he was underage when he enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, and he retained a connection with the army throughout several important negotiations with the Plains Indians in Kansas in the mid 1860s. Mr. Hance eventually went west with a group of people-19 or 20 men, along with two women and two children. Some say that many (possibly 8) in the party were killed en route by Indians who were protecting their lands from the incursion of Anglo settlers.
Despite the difficult journey, Hance arrived in the Phoenix area in November of 1868, and entered the Verde Valley the next year when he went to work for Hugo Richards in the Sutler's Store by Fort Verde. When Boss Head bought the store and established a post office in it, Mr. Hance became the first postmaster (1873). He filed on land and eventually operated the Cienega cattle ranch.
Hance married Parthena Rutledge on April 2, 1878 and had four children. His wife, who was also active in community activities, died in 1916, when George Hance was 68. However, he fairly quickly married a very young woman he had met in California. According to local legend, the marriage "lasted a month or two," but it must have lasted long enough to build a house.
When he married the younger woman, Mr. Hance was living in the Surgeon's House on the grounds of the old fort. His bride was dissatisfied with the "old fashioned" place, so he built a new structure next door. But she didn't like that one either. After a relationship stormy enough to have been witnessed by the entire community, she returned to California, and Hance lived a little more peacefully.
Throughout his life, Hance was integral to the life of the Camp Verde community. He wrote frequently for the Journal Miner, a Prescott newspaper, and was an advocate for local education. He was the first clerk of the School Board after it was formed in 1891. According to those who knew him, George Hance was also the first secretary "of any body calling themselves Republicans, that ever met in Arizona, which was in August, 1880." In 1920, "Judge" Hance was defeated-by two votes!-for the Republican nomination for Justice of the Peace, a post he had filled for 42 years. However, he continued to be active in the area. An acknowledged "pioneer," he corresponded frequently with his contemporary, Sharlot Hall, who had been gathering up stories of the early settlers since the early part of the twentieth century.
Hance lived in Camp Verde till several years before his death when he moved to California to be closer to his family. He died in July 1932 in San Bernardino County, California, and was buried in Colton. However, his ashes were moved to the Masonic Cemetery in Prescott in 1947 so he could rest beside his first wife.
Today the Hance house contains many of the Camp Verde Historical Society's artifacts.
ARTIFACTS
I. Structures:
Building:
Clear Creek Church, 1898-1903; located on South Verde Park Way across from the Clear Creek Cemetery: limestone construction with wooden floor and ceiling, approximately 20' x 40'
George W. Hance House: 1916-17: single story wooden structure with six rooms, including a kitchen. George Hance built the original structure, but Jim Wingfield added two bedrooms and a bathroom when he bought it. The Camp Verde Historical Society bought the house from Wingfield's heirs.
Outhouse, wooden: located behind the George W. Hance House, 229 East Coppinger, Camp Verde, WPA construction
Building Component
Door, half, wooden with wood knob and latch, unknown age and attribution
II. Building Furnishings
Bedding
Quilt, geometric designs, unknown age and attribution
Quilt, small gray and white, unknown age and attribution
Quilt, older with triangle designs
Towels, hand, white with red line and fringe (2)
Furniture
Bed, maple headboard and footboard, unknown age and attribution
Cabinet, filing, wood, two sections, unusual design
Chair, dinette, wood with gold fabric, (set of 4) unknown age and attribution
Chair, lion head arm rests, unknown age and attribution
Chair, recliner, wood frame, cushioned back and seat, unknown age and attribution
Chair, rocking, child, wood, unknown age and attribution
Chair, rocking, wooden arms and legs, green fabric, unknown age and attribution
Chair, school, (17)
Chair, unknown age and attribution
Chair, Victorian, overstuffed with arms, unknown attribution
Chair, wicker, unknown age and attribution
Chair, wood frame with tapestry seat and back, unknown age and attribution
Chair, wooden rocker, unknown age and attribution
Couch, black leather with buttons and wooden trim, unknown age and attribution
Dresser, wooden, unknown age and attribution
Highchair, wooden with wooden tray
Chair, rocker, wooden arms and lags, green fabric, unknown age and attribution
Loveseat, dinette loveseat with arms, matches dinette chairs, wood with gold fabric, unknown age and attribution
Mirror, wall, Chinese pattern, carved dark wood, unknown age and attribution
Stool, piano, wood with round seat, glass casters, unknown age and attribution
Table, end, unknown age and attribution
Table, dining room, wood with rectangular designs, unknown age and attribution
Table, occasional, wood with curved sides, unknown age and attribution
Table, occasional, wood with granite unattached top, unknown age and attribution
Table, occasional, pre 1880s, belonged to Edgar E. Lee of Camp Verde
Table, rectangular, teacher's type, age unknown
Household Accessories
Cloth, table covering, white with square designs, unknown age and attribution
Doily, white with pink edging (set of 2), unknown age and attribution
Holder, accessory, leather
Key, no further description
Pitcher and bowl, white ceramic with red collar, white floral design, unknown age and attribution
Pitcher, (to go with wash basin) large with pink flowers on white background
Tankard, knickknack, Ben Franklin shape
Vase, unknown age and attribution
Building lighting device
Candle holder, black iron (3) unknown age and attribution
Lamp holder, black iron, unknown age and attribution, (3)
Lamp, kerosene, glass base & handle, unknown age and attribution
Lamp, kerosene, metal base with glass chimney
Lamp, kerosene, pewter with white, glass shade and chimney
Lamp, kerosene, wooden base, floral stem, glass chimney, unknown age and attribution
III. Personal artifacts
Personal adornment
Broach, gold with pink beads
Broach, round with pink stones
Comb, Spanish style, worn to decorate hair, unknown age and attribution
Hair decoration, beaded, flat, unknown age and attribution
Necklace, blue stone, silver chain, unknown age and attribution
Necklace, collar type, chain, unknown age and attribution
Personal clothing
Outerwear
Blouse, woman, black intricate lace, unknown age and attribution
Dress, small girl's, white with lace bodice
Dress, woman long, high neckline, lace and pearls
Dress, woman, white dotted swiss
Jacket, child maroon with brass buttons (matches trousers), unknown age and attribution
Jacket, woman, brocade, button front, long, puffed sleeves, stays
Shirt, child, embroidered with children's names, unknown age and attribution
Skirt, lady's pleated brocade, cream color, unknown age and attribution
Trousers, child maroon with brass buttons on legs (matches jacket), unknown age and attribution
Underwear
Petticoat, long, white
Headwear
Cap, child maroon (matches jacket and trousers)
Hat, man battered, brown, unknown attribution
Hat, woman, old straw, unknown attribution
Footwear
Shoes, pair, lady's high, laced black shoes
Stockings, lady's pair, white, long, unknown attribution
Accessories
Apron, lacy, tatted effect
Glove, one long lady's white glove, unknown age and attribution
Tie, neck, man, unknown age and attribution
Personal Gear
Chest, small, trunk-style with handle on top
Fan, hand, Japanese design, hand painted, unknown age and attribution
Fan, hand, red, white and blue, unknown age and attribution
Fan, hand, with tassel, unknown age and attribution
Fan, lady's hand, unknown age and attribution
Glasses, eye, wire rimmed, unknown attribution
Handbag, lady's black, unknown age and attribution
Purse, brown velvet, chain handle, tassel, unknown age and attribution
Trunk, large, wooden, unknown age and attribution
Toilet articles
Bowl, small, clear (for powder) unknown age and attribution
Box, powder, white King Water Softener, unknown age and attribution
Brush, clothes, sterling, unknown age and attribution
Brush, hair, various styles, unknown age and attribution, (3)
Brush, nail, sterling engraved handle, unknown age and attribution
Buffer, black with white dots, unknown age and attribution
Case, manicure, for nails
File, nail, sterling, unknown age and attribution
Mirror, hand, cameo design with flowers engraved on sterling, unknown age and attribution
Mirror, hand, white with initials, unknown age and attribution
Mirror, no handle, circular, black with white dots, unknown age and attribution
Razor, straight, unknown age and attribution
Shoe buttoner, black handle with white lines, unknown age and attribution
Tool, manicure, cuticle, sterling, unknown age and attribution
Tool, manicure, fingernail tool with black handle, unknown age and attribution
Tool, manicure, nail buffer, black with white dots
Tweezers, sterling, engraved
IV. Tools and equipment for materials
Animal Husbandry T&E
Tether, horse
Food T&E
Food processing T&E
Bottle cap machine, metal, no date indicated
Chuck wagon, wood with rubber tires, 1930s
Dutch oven, black iron (2)
Grater, food, wood with blade
Grinder, food, pot metal, clamps on side of table
Grinder, food, wood with blade to grate small vegetables
Oven, outside, perfection oven, black metal, for camp fire cooking
Pot with lid, cooking
Spatula, metal
Tongs, ice, black metal
Food Service T&E
Bowl, punch, milk glass, with 14 matching cups
Bowl, soup, china with gold trim (4)
Bowls, relish, china with gold trim (3)
Cup, child sterling, with nursery rhymes
Cup, china with gold trim (3)
Cup, metal with lid
Dish, candy, glass, house on pedestal
Dish, salt, china with gold trim (4)
Jug, small, cream colored
Pitcher, large, white
Plate, 10 inch, Nippon
Plate, 7 inch, china, OAEG-Royal-Austria
Plate, dinner, china with gold trim (4)
Saucer, china with gold trim (3)
Tureen with matching lid, china with gold trim
Leather, Horn and Shellworking T&E
Last, shoe, metal, lady's or child's size
Last, shoe, metal, men's size
Mining and Mineral Harvesting T&E
Shovel, steam, used at salt mine near Camp Verde
Textileworking T&E
Sewing machine, Singer, in wooden cabinet with drawers
IV. Tools and Equipment for Science and Technology
Armament T&E
Firearms
Shells, casings
Bludgeon
Bayonet, 10 inches, unknown age and attribution
Club, wood with rawhide tie on each end, belonged to Boss Head
Saber, and case, 20 inches long, unknown age and attribution
Saber, and case, 14 inches long, unknown age and attribution
Maintenance T&E
Cleansing powder, Bon Ami
Cleansing powder, Old Dutch Cleanser
Iron, flat, no handle
Iron, not electric
Ironing board, old, wooden, collapsible
Soap, bar, Crystal White
Soap, bar, Fels Naptha
Soap, bar, Kirkman Borax
Soap, Bon Ami
Medical and Psychological T&E
Chair, dentist, iron, white
Optical T&E
Binoculars, lady's opera glasses, "Lareine Paris,"
Timekeeping T&E
Clock, Seth Thomas box clock, black mahogany
Weights and Measures T&E
Scales, balance, wood base with drawer, age and attribution unknown
Scales, produce from Old Wingfield Store, Camp Verde
VI: Tools and Equipment for Communication
Data processing T&E
Adding machine, Burroughs, with work stand
Musical T&E
Bow, violin, 28 inches, old
Organ, Moor, Chicago, high back with shelves and mirror
Piano, Wood & Marshall St. George's Square, Buddersfield
Violin
Sound Communication T&E
Bell, iron, large (possibly from school)
Telecommunication T&E
Telephone, wall, wood, 1918
Written Communication
Ink well, glass
Pen, no description
VII. Distribution and Transportation
Container
Jar, cosmetic
Box, round wooden
Land Transportation
Accessory
License plate, vehicle, Arizona, 1933
License plate, vehicle, Arizona, 1934 (copper)
Tag, vehicle, AZ registration 1916
VIII. Communication Artifacts
Advertising
Sign, original Sutler's Store sign
Art
Painting, Ward, four cavalry soldiers riding horses in desert
Painting, Margaret, Minnie and Hank Wingfield, no date indicated
Photo, four girls and a boy, no date or names indicated
Photo, Joe Crane
Photo, John Markesbury and his race horse Chowder, 1800s
Photo, Montezuma Castle with ladder, no date indicated
Picture, Clear Creek Church, no date indicated
Picture, Hank Wingfield, 1906-, no date indicated
Picture, Ira Goddard (1898-1977) on black horse, framed
Picture, Montezuma Castle
Picture, oval, woman and four children, no further description
Picture, snow on mountains, pond, raw lumber frame
Picture, tin type photo of William A. Hudson at age 20
Picture, tintype, Elvin and Hazel Fain
Picture, William Gilmore Wingfield, 1880s
Picture, winter scenery
Sketch, old house by E. C. Rost, no date indicated
Sketch, two fashionable ladies, no date indicated
Documentary artifact
Album, photo
Book, A Wounded Name, no date listed
Book, An Apache Princess by Charles King
Book, Bible
Book, Normal Short Method Music
Book, Nursery Rhymes, by Henry Altemus, no date listed
Book, The American Music Album
Book, The Colonel's Daughter (local story by Charles King), no date listed
Book, The Foolish Fox, no date listed
Book, The Little Lame Prince, Miss Mulock
Book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, no date listed
Book, The Way of the West, no date listed
Books, various (3)
Booklet, souvenir booklet of the play "Way Down East,"
Certificate, first grade for Fred Stephens
Document, notary authorization, Fred Stevens & N. O. Murphy, June 1899
Document, 1917 letter and envelope from Camp Verde State Bank
Document, Antique checks, Camp Verde State Bank, 1915, 1917, 1921
Document, National Register of Historic Places, Clear Creek Church, 8-6-75
Document, Postmaster's appointment, Feb 1902
Document, Proclamation of Child's Irving Day by Governor Simington 10-24-91
Encyclopedia, set, Britannica, no date indicated
Globe, Rand McNally Beginner's Globe
Ledger, 6" x15", red with wavy design
Manual, music, further information not available
Map, military reservation at Camp Verde, dated 1859 (framed)
Map, Rand McNally map of the US, no date indicated
Plaque, brass, with names of people contributing to purchase of Hance House
Plaque, acknowledging donors who contributed to Clear Creek Church restoration
Plaque, acknowledging gift from Charles Allen Ward for the sanctuary at Clear Creek Church
Plaque, bronze in the form of a book: honors donors of Clear Creek Church, Ralph G. and Elsa Burgbacher
Postcards (5)
Personal symbol
Name card, no further description (2)
Pin, Girl Scout
Sound Communication T&E
Gramophone, 1900s, on loan
Visual Communication
Sign, long, wooden, Camp Verde High School
Written Communication T&E
Typewriter, manual, Royal, age unknown
Typewriter, manual, Remington, age unknown
IX. Recreational Artifacts
Toys
Teddy bear, patchwork, no date indicated
