The Wickenburg Rotary Club is proud to announce a new community project aimed at preserving and celebrating our beloved town’s rich history. By placing descriptive brass plaques on significant historical buildings, the initiative seeks to honor Wickenburg's deep-rooted heritage and make its stories more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Wickenburg’s identity is intrinsically linked to its past. Though not incorporated until 1909, its history dates back to 1863 with Henry Wickenburg's discovery of the Vulture Mine. The town’s residents have long embraced the "Wickenburg Way"—a commitment to honesty, hard work, and camaraderie that keeps its Old West spirit alive. Recognizing this, the local Rotary chapter was inspired to create a lasting tribute to the buildings that form this historical legacy.
The idea originated with former Rotary President Jay Farquhar, a retired business owner and history enthusiast. "As a philosophy and history major in college, I believe that it is very important for people to remember their history and to feature historical items in our everyday lives," Farquhar shared.
During his term, he was encouraged to develop a signature project. Recalling the Chamber of Commerce's historical walking tour, he noted a challenge. "I didn't even know if I was standing outside the building that was in the brochure," he explained. This led him and fellow Rotarians to propose placing permanent, descriptive plaques on the buildings themselves, so they were identifiable as visitors enjoyed the walking tour.
The Rotary Club presented the idea to then-Town Manager Stephen Erno, who enthusiastically supported the project. A committee was formed, led by Rotarian David Stander and including Jay Farquhar, Bill Green, Alvin Hancock, and Steve Boyle. They were joined by local historian Cindy Thrasher and lifelong residents Bill Green and Julie Brooks, who provided invaluable historical expertise.
The committee began by identifying key buildings and contacting the owners for permission to affix the plaques. Twelve locations were chosen for the initial phase. The team then meticulously researched and wrote the historical descriptions to be engraved on each plaque.
David Stander found the research process deeply rewarding. "Having lived in another country during my time in the military and then having lived several places throughout the U.S., I have always enjoyed learning of the history of each of those communities," Stander said. "It has been a pleasure being able to dive into Wickenburg's history to get a sense of the early men and women that settled here and built this community up out of the dust of the Earth."
One fascinating discovery, he noted, was that "some buildings still show signs of blocked-off entrances to underground tunnels that once ran under the town, hailing back to the days of prohibition."
The first three plaques to be installed, marking the official launch of the project honor:
- Pay N' Takit (Currently Creations in Threads): Built in 1929, this was the main grocery market for many years, later becoming a Safeway, a Western Auto store, and an ice cream shop.
- Garcia Little Red Schoolhouse: Built in 1905 on land donated by Ignacio Garcia, the building served as a school before becoming a bank and was later given to the Wickenburg Children’s Cultural Organization in 2003.
- Texas Hotel (Currently Wickenburg Antiques & Artisans): Built in 1895, this building was moved from a mining area to its current location around 1904. It was also known as the "Riggs House" when owned by Justice of the Peace John Riggs.
A ceremonial reveal for these first plaques will be held on November 6th, 2025 at 2 PM – Little Red Schoolhouse. All community members are invited to attend and celebrate this milestone. (Further details on time and location will be announced shortly).
The Rotary Club has already identified at least a dozen more buildings for future recognition and hopes to expand the project with community support. Several residents have already made generous donations to help cover the cost of the plaques.
How to Get Involved
This project offers a unique opportunity for residents to invest in Wickenburg's rich history. If you are interested in making a financial contribution to help honor more of our town's historic landmarks, please contact David Stander at 928-684-6853.
Join the Wickenburg Rotary Club in preserving our heritage for generations to come.