By Brenda Cusick

Many Prescott residents know of Kate T. Cory, the painter who lived with the Hopi from 1905-1912 in Northern Arizona and then moved to Prescott. Recently two of her paintings were found that were in danger of being lost during the razing of our old city hall buildings. On a tip from a retired city employee, this writer (a living history presenter of Kate Cory) worked with several city employees and found two of Cory’s paintings, hidden from view, high on a shelf in the former City Council Chambers. 

These paintings are approximately 18” x 24” and depict historic buildings that were demolished long before Kate Cory painted them. The first painting is of Prescott’s second courthouse in the center of the Plaza, (the first structure used as a courthouse was a wooden building on North Cortez St. that was not owned by the county and was also used for other purposes). The second courthouse was constructed of locally made red brick. This poorly constructed building had to be demolished in 1916 due to deterioration. The courthouse we now know, made of more sturdy granite, replaced it in 1918. It’s speculated that Kate Cory (a well-known photographer) had pictures of the second courthouse with its bell tower, community well and wooden fences. She recreated a colorful painting from her memories, referencing her black & white photographs with oil paints.