Yarnell Public Library
The efficient and well-run Yarnell Public Library located on Highway 89 in Yarnell holds several interesting artifacts (listed below).
History of Yarnell
Although the town is named after a later prospector, it was Charles Genung (1839-1916), a well-known area pioneer, who first discovered gold near Yarnell. This was in 1865, two years after Abraham Harlow Peeples' discovered gold on Rich hill in neighboring Peeples Valley.
Harrison Yarnell, after whom the area is named, was a young man when made his discovery in 1873. The claim was sold a number of times, and although the find was a rich one, Yarnell found it necessary to apply for entrance to the Pioneer Home in Prescott in 1914. Obviously ashamed of his penury, he reportedly said, "I've tried hard to keep from this but I've fought my battle and I'm through". He died at the Pioneer Home two years later at the age of 63.
Even before the area received its name, it was an important point on the stage route extending from Ehrenberg to Wickenburg. The line branched at Yarnell and then continued through Antelope Valley to Prescott, and the stage stopped at a stone house in Glen Ilah, a "boulder park" in Yarnell.
Later, in 1922, a road was built from Prescott to Yarnell, and in 1933 it was extended and paved. When cars came up Yarnell hill, both the automobiles and their occupants needed respite. Passengers, thirsty and exhausted by the climb, were as dry as their cars' radiators. Merchants in Yarnell could take care of both kinds of thirst. In fact, Yarnell proved to be a very popular tourist stop; however, this diminished somewhat when the Black Canyon Highway (now known as I-17) rerouted traffic moving from the populous valley floor through Central Arizona.
With regard to public buildings, early on Yarnell shared the honor of hosting the area's post office with Peeples Valley. Citizens established a school in 1937, the same year that a Catholic church was built there. The famous shrine to Saint Joseph was begun the following year.
Today Yarnell continues to grow as it serves the needs of tourists and area residents, many of whom are retired.
ARTIFACTS
Documentary Artifact
Certificate, framed, "Certificate of Appreciation to Alice Mackey, President Emeritus," for 25 years of service as the president of the Yarnell Library, given in 1993
Plaque, "This library was made possible by the efforts of the residents and friends of Yarnell 1977"
Plaque: "Alice Mackey Children's library, dedicated in memory of Alice Mackey 1911-1998, a founder of Yarnell Public Library"
Trophy: 18", Yarnell Days, 1996, first place trophy
Art
Drawing, framed, of blacksmith, by A. Snell, 1981
Painting, framed originals (8x10) with fairy tale or children's book themes, by Louise Bercaw, done in the 1980s
Painting, Louise Bercaw, flowers, 1972
Painting, Makey, landscape, 1976
Painting, Irene Copley, "Antelope Peak," donated by Dorothy Boschman, painted by Irene Copley
