By Elisabeth Ruffner

Among the first in the Goldwater family to set foot on the plaza would have been Barry Morris Goldwater's Uncle Morris, although his grandfather Michael (Big Mike, according to Barry) and his father Baron would also have traversed this heart of the town.  The family members built their first store building on Cortez Street on the east side of the plaza in 1879, after leasing Howey's Hall on the next corner south in 1877.  The store on the northeast corner of Union and Cortez was called "M. Goldwater & Son" and the family operated the business there until the death of Morris, when it became the Studio Theatre and was later demolished.

Morris Goldwater was first elected Mayor of Prescott in 1878, at the age of 26, and he and the other family members would have crossed the plaza many times in the course of a day from the store to their other destinations such as the town hall in various locations over the years, and also to the saloons and restaurants, grocery stores, post office and other retail establishments all located around the square.  Their homes were in very close proximity, with two remaining today - the Fisher/Goldwater house on South Cortez, and the Henry Goldwater house on Union Street. Barry's grandfather Michael also served as mayor of Prescott and Uncle Morris was also a member of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and would have been in the buildings on the plaza, which were the county courthouses.  Morris Goldwater was present in his official capacity at the hanging on the plaza of Fleming Parker, train robber and murderer, who was captured north of the Grand Canyon, after shooting a deputy county attorney on the County Courthouse steps in a daring escape from the jail in the building.  Also present, and officiating as Sheriff was George C. Ruffner, whose horse, Sureshot, Fleming had stolen from the Ruffner livery stable in making his escape.  The building housing the livery stable was located on the southeast corner of Goodwin and Montezuma Streets, across the square from the courthouse. It was the custom to erect scaffolding on the plaza surrounded by a high fence (and incidentally, also issue invitations to the event) for carrying out the justice meted out in the courthouse close by. 

Barry Morris Goldwater's choice of the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza for the announcements of his candidacy to national office was a natural selection, reflecting his deep love for the town and the people.  He claimed Prescott as his home on many occasions, and indeed spent a great deal of time here as a youth, and throughout his later years.  His parents, Baron and Josephine were married in Prescott on January 1, 1907, which would be Barry's birthday two years later.  One of his prized possessions was the miniature of the Rough Rider statue on the plaza. 

For each of his announcements for national office, Barry Goldwater spoke from the north steps of the Yavapai County courthouse.  Lester Ward "Budge" Ruffner introduced him, except for his last run for the senate.  When Barry announced his candidacy for president of the United States to the world, he once again did it from the courthouse steps.  National and international press representatives descended on Prescott that week and our beautiful plaza and courthouse were the backdrop for all the TV photographers and radio commentators worldwide. After the 1964, presidential campaign, he was presented in his campaign for the senate by his brothe, Bob, and his sister Carolyn.  Another public ceremony at which Budge Ruffner officiated as chairman of the Prescott Centennial Commission on December 29, 1963, when Barry Goldwater was the featured speaker.  He described the store his family had operated on the site where he stood that day as he dedicated the Prescott City Hall at 201 South Cortez Street.  Barry also spoke of his life-long love affair with Prescott and his fondness, gazing across to the tree lined square, for the Plaza and all that beautiful place has meant to him throughout his life. 

Elisabeth Ruffner is on the Sharlot Hall Museum Board of Directors

Sharlot Hall Museum Photograph Call Number: (h104pb). Reuse only by permission.
Barry Goldwater's uncle Morris (far right) at the hanging of Fleming Parker at the Courthouse Plaza on June 3, 1898. The Goldwater family goes back to 1870s Prescott.