Clarkdale’s Magical Museums By Roger Naylor Clarkdale Heritage Center “We’re just a rural country museum. We’re not the Heard,” says Pat Williams. “But all aspects of the local history have a place here.” Williams, a Clarkdale councilperson who was a guiding force in the creation of the museum, often volunteers to greet visitors. Yet she may be too modest in her assessment. True, the Clarkdale Heritage Center might not be in the same league as the sprawling Heard Museum, but like everything else in Clarkdale it is compact, tidy and utterly eye-catching. Photos, artifacts and exhibits are carefully arranged through three rooms. A gift shop displaying the works of local artists greets visitors as they enter. Temporary exhibitions ranging from the construction of the smelter to birding habitat to Cinco de Mayo celebrations are rotated through the center each month. During Clarkdale’s heyday, this building served as a clinic offering 24-hour medical services, with a nurse sleeping on premises. Single workers paid $1 a month for this benefit and workers with families, $2. If that doesn’t make you nostalgic for simpler times, nothing will. Every town can be called unique but with Clarkdale the description proves most apt. Arizona’s first company town was designed with precision planning and technological advancements far from the norm in 1912.Senator William Clark founded the community of sturdy brick homes in varying architectural styles and all with modern conveniences such as electricity, sewer and copper water piping. A recent visitor to the museum marveled at the amenities of Clarkdale’s early days and enduring charm. “I grew up in a company town but it was nothing like this.” It’s so beautiful here,” remarked Yvonne Phillips. Phillips, whose father labored in Tormey, California, remembers clapboard houses with dirt basements lining two streets. Things like grocery stores and medical services didn’t exist for the workers. “The fact that they were able to preserve so much of this very unusual history here in Clarkdale and in such a wonderful setting is very impressive.” It was the board of the Clarkdale Heritage Center and volunteers that made the museum a reality. It’s also a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Heritage Conservancy Board and a host of volunteers. Clarkdale may no longer be a company town but it remains unified in purpose and civic pride. How unique is that? Clarkdale Heritage Center is located at 900 First North St. The center opens on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. Read more about Clarkdale or call (928) 649-1198. John Bell Railroad Museum Even though the museum is in a boxcar, it doesn’t move. It just seems like it does because it instantly transports visitors to a different time. Not many adults long for the days of the stagecoach, steamship and blimp. But mention “trains” and watch their eyes light up. Unlike some historical eras that seem far removed from modern lives, the casual grace of train travel never goes out of style. The rarer it becomes, the harder we seek it out. Riding the Verde Canyon Railroad into the lush backcountry has become the defining Arizona adventure for residents and visitors alike. Taking time to explore this museum that bristles with historic drama and scenic wonder only enhances the experience. An eclectic mix of photographs and artifacts chronicle the chapters of the mighty railroads that played such a significant part in the growth of the Verde Valley. From the mining boom when men, supplies and ore all moved by rail to the creation of Clarkdale to the development and rebirth of the Verde Canyon Railroad as an excursion train; the museum will charm everyone from passionate rail buffs to excited youngsters. There’s even a spectacular display of the bald eagles that nest in the canyon. The museum is named for John Bell, a Clarkdale resident and avid historian who documented, gathered and preserved a tremendous collection of railroad artifacts and photographs. When he passed away in 1998 he left his collection to the Verde Canyon Railroad. The John Bell Railroad Museum sits trackside at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot, 330 N. Broadway Ave. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day the train runs. Admission is free, even to those not riding the train. Click here for more information or call 800-320-0718.
