Jerome started in 1876 when three prospectors staked claims on rich copper deposits. They sold out to a group which formed the United Verde Copper Company in 1883. The resultant mining camp of board and canvas shacks was named in honor of eugene Jerome, the venture's principal backer. Hopes for the enterprise ran high, but the costs of operating, especially for transportation, outstripped profits, and the company folded in less that two years.
it took the vision and vast financial resoures of a new owner, William A. Clark, to bring in a narrow gauge railroad and reduce freight costs. By the early 20th centruy, the United Verde was the largest producing copper mine in the Arizona Territory. Jerome was becoming a frame and brick town, and could boast two churches, an opera house, a school and several civic buildings.
In 1912, James S. Douglas purchased and began development of the Little Daisy Mine. By 1916, Jerome had two bonanza mines. Copper production peaked in 1929, but the Depression and low grade ore deposits reversed the fortunes of the town. The Little Daisy shut down in 1938. Phelps Dodge took over the United Verde in 1935, but loss of profits brought the operation and Jerome's mining days to an end in 1953.
The Jerome State Historic Park reveals the story of the city of Jerome while preserving the historic Douglas Mansion.
The Douglas Mansion has been a landmark in Jerome since 1916 when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. Douglas designed the hosue as a hotel for mining officials and investors as well as for his own family. It featured a wine cellar, billiard room, marble shower, steam heat, and, much ahead of it's time, a central vacuum system. Douglas was most proud of the fact that the house was constructed of adobe bricks that were made on the site.
I loved this old gas station at the beginning of Jerome. The buildings are either in total dis-repair or taken over by "artist types" and really cute! It's a real mixture of cultures!
The above link has more photos........I didn't get around to taking outdoor photos of the historic house turned museum.
No comments:
Post a Comment