By Worcester P. Bong

National Hospital Day was first declared by President Warren G. Harding in 1921 as a way to rebuild American trust in hospitals following the Spanish flu pandemic that claimed more than 675,000 American lives. Celebrated on May 12th (the birthday of famed nurse Florence Nightingale, who helped establish hospital standards during the 1854 Crimean War), it was intended as a day for hospitals to educate the public about medical care.
 

By Eric Jacobson

Yavapai County Sheriff William J. Mulvenon (b. 1851 - d. 1915) played a crucial role in the Pleasant Valley War that resulted in the highest number of deaths of all range wars in the American West. It is estimated that between 1882-1892, 35 to 50 persons died as two feuding families, the Tewksburys and Grahams, fought over land, sheep and cattle. Few combatants were arrested, but Yavapai Sheriff Billy Mulvenon attempted to follow Arizona Territorial Governor Conrad Zulick’s instructions in 1887 to finally end the conflict. One of the consequences of the decade-long violence was the conclusion reached by federal authorities that the Arizona Territory was not ready for statehood.

By Mick Woodcock

John Marion, editor of the Arizona Miner, regularly reported on disruptions of the peace in Prescott, particularly when it involved soldiers from Fort Whipple. Some of this might be explained by an article in the December 28, 1867 issue where the editor describes an incident from earlier in the week.

By Mick Woodcock

Because of the unruly activities in Fort Whipple’s enlisted ranks, the local newspaper felt it necessary to call the officers of the fort into question about soldier-related shootings, but reminded all in an October 1867 notice, “In Force. – The act of the Legislature regarding the use of fire arms in towns, and the vagrant act are now in force.”

By Mick Woodcock

For the first three years of Prescott’s history, there is no reported violence other than what occurred in the countryside as settlers worked on wresting the land from its original inhabitants. That changed in 1867 with the robbery of the home of a Mr. McGinley, in town with a theatrical troupe.

By Worcester P. Bong

If you’ve been to the Prescott campus of Yavapai College attending a performance at the Performing Arts Center or taking a walk through the sculpture garden next door, you will notice the original south gates to Fort Whipple. When construction of  Yavapai College began in 1968 in Prescott, the planners had the foresight to retain these gates as a historical marker for future generations to see. So what was it like traveling past the south gates and what historical buildings were in place before Yavapai College opened in September 1970?
 

By Mick Woodcock

The courthouse was still new when the first event was held in the courtroom, and it was not a term of court. On Christmas Eve there was a town gathering to celebrate the holiday. Harriet Turner held this event the previous year in the old territorial legislative building, but now that a larger room was available, she took advantage of it.

By Mick Woodcock

When Yavapai County was created in 1864, it had no government buildings and few employees. All counties needed a form of self-government, as legislated in the bill “AN ACT Creating a Board of Supervisors in the several Counties of the Territory.” Signed into law December 30, 1865, it provided for counties to elect boards of supervisors and conduct business, stating the board could meet after election day, 1866.

By Eric Jacobson

The remarkable Isabella Greenway King was born in Kentucky in 1886 into a family of wealth, fame and social standing. The family lived briefly in North Dakota, where they were neighbors to future President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1901, she and her mother Martha moved to New York City so Isabella could attend Spence School and Miss Chapin’s School, private schools for upper class young ladies. At Chapin’s School she became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, and in 1905, was a bridesmaid in Eleanor’s wedding to future President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR).

By Mick Woodcock

What would a person do if they were transported back in time to 1867-1868 in Prescott, Arizona? A great many things would be very strange, with no cell phones, internet or Netflix. Worse than that, there would be no electricity. In fact, there would be no electricity anywhere in town and there would not be until the 1890s.

Culture shock would be in full effect. What to do? Back then, people talked and read books, periodicals and newspapers for a way to pass the time and keep up on what was going on. Those who wanted actual “entertainment” would have to wait for something to happen, or join a local club.