Sharlot Hall Museum and The Bashford House, Elisabeth Ruffner

 Thanks to Elisabeth Ruffner, 2008 Arizona Historymaker, the Bashford House (third picture) is one of the many projects she saved. Listen to her story at https://historicalleague.org/historymakers/elisabeth-friedrich-ruffner/

"Elisabeth Ruffner believes, “Buildings don’t exist just because they are handsome or old. They have to have a purpose." Arizonans can visit and enjoy many historic sites today, and in the future, because of her dedication to save the tangible places of the past.

Sharlot Hall writes,

For this week's Days Past, architect Bill Otwell takes a fascinating look at Prescott's rich architectural history and the preservation efforts that have protected many of our community's most treasured landmarks. From the Governor's Mansion to the Bashford House, these historic buildings tell the story of Arizona's Territorial beginnings.

Currently, our historic Governor's Mansion is undergoing rehabilitation and will be closed until early 2027. This important preservation project will help ensure Arizona's oldest territorial building on its original site can be enjoyed by future generations.

Want to experience that history for yourself? Join us for Living History Adventure: Frontier Timber & Territorial Beginnings on Saturday, August 8, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Sharlot Hall Museum. Step inside history and discover the people, places, and stories that built Prescott.

To read this week's Day's Past article, please click here: https://bit.ly/4wjP1Un

Photos in order of appearence:

1.Arizona Territorial Governor's Mansion c. 1880 (SHM Call #1403-0534-0003)

2. The Fremont House, 1976 (1100-2026-3101)

3. The Bashford House, towed down Elk’s hill by a moving truck. 1974 (1100-2026-3102).