Arizona Pioneers' Home facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arizona Pioneers' Home
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Arizona Pioneers' Home ca. 1912
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 Location in Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Location | Prescott, Arizona, US |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | W.S. Elliott |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001363 |
| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1995 |
The Arizona Pioneers' Home is a special place in Prescott, Arizona. It was built to be a home for early settlers of Arizona. These were people who helped build up the area. The state of Arizona runs and pays for this home. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical building.
Contents
Discovering the Arizona Pioneers' Home History
How the Home Was Started
In the early 1900s, some important people in the Arizona Territory had an idea. Major A. J. Doran, a judge, Johnny Duke, a rancher, and Frank M. Murphy, a businessman, wanted a place for older settlers to live. They believed Arizona should care for those who helped establish the territory.
Major Doran introduced a bill to fund this idea in 1907. A bill is a proposed law. It was presented to the Arizona Territorial Legislature. However, it did not pass that year.
Making the Dream a Reality
The bill was brought up again in 1909. This time, both parts of the legislature approved it. The governor of the territory, Joseph Henry Kibbey, signed it into law on March 11, 1909. This meant the home could finally be built!
Frank M. Murphy donated 4.5 acres of his land for the building. This land was on a hill overlooking Prescott's town square. Later, Judge T.G. Norris gave more land for future growth.
Designing and Opening the Home
A woman architect named W.S. Elliott from Prescott was chosen to design the building. She was known for her work on St. Joseph's Academy. The home was built with brick and wood. It had three stories and cost $25,000 to build.
The Arizona Pioneers' Home opened its doors on February 1, 1911. Major Doran was the first supervisor. Arizona became a state during his first year leading the home.
Who Could Live There?
When it first opened, the home could house 40 men. To live there, men had to be at least 60 years old. They also needed to have lived in Arizona for 25 years. They were often older settlers who needed a place to live.
In 1916, a special gift allowed the home to expand. A new wing was added for women, which could house 20 women. Later, in 1927, the home also welcomed disabled miners.
Famous Resident: Big Nose Kate
One of the most well-known residents was Big Nose Kate. Her real name was Mary Katherine Horony. She moved into the home in 1931. It took her six months to get approved. She finally got in after asking her friend, Governor George W. P. Hunt, for help.
Kate was once connected to the famous Old West figure Doc Holliday. She lived at the home until she passed away in 1940 at 89 years old.
The Home in Life Magazine
In 1947, Life magazine wrote a story about the home. It was called "Old Pioneers' Home." The article described the unique people living there. It said that this state-sponsored home was rare in the U.S.
The superintendent at the time, Jack Sills, mentioned that applicants needed to have lived in Arizona for 35 years. In 2010, Superintendent Ted Ihrman said the Life article added "some historical significance" to the home.
The Arizona Pioneers' Home Today
Today, the Arizona Pioneers' Home is a larger complex of buildings. It can house 155 residents. In October 2010, about 71% of its rooms were full. The state provides about $5 million each year to help run the home. Some residents also pay a part of their care costs.
To apply today, people must have lived in Arizona for 50 years. In 2011, the home celebrated its 100th anniversary. They held tours and open-house events for everyone to enjoy.
See Also
