Yes, indeed: Welcome to Wickenburg, Arizona, population a bit over 6,000, a part of the United States of America since the Mexican-American War of 1848.
We spent a few charmed days and nights in the burg -- exploring, watching the train go by, playing pool at the American Legion, eating, drinking and making merry. What a fine little town is Wickenburg!
We had chicken fried steak and eggs for breakfast at the Horseshoe...and theirs is still the winner after several more samples throughout the West.
We had prime rib at the Gold Nugget, a classic old dinner house with the kind of service one only remembers, distantly, from childhood.
We planned to go to a movie at the Saguaro. But what with all the other entertainments of Wickenburg, we never quite made it. However, we were invited into the lobby one evening, where a lovely young woman offered us popcorn and told us a bit about the history of this sweet little theater, now owned and operated by a young man from Phoenix with imagination and an interest in the past.
It was the Desert Caballeros Western Museum that kept us occupied for the better part of one day. Inside, we were treated to tableaux of local history, sculptures by Frederic Remington, and a photo exhibit of area ranchers who are continuing the lifestyle of their forebears. Here's Wickenburg in days of old:
On the museum's lower floor were interactive displays that rival any I've ever seen, including those of the Seattle Children's Museum. We played down there for a long time. The replica of a real general store captivated me.
We stood and stared for ages. The old general store, of course, was usually the only store for miles around, so it carried everything imaginable for the household.
Along with a replica of the old Bucket of Blood tavern, which was closed down with Prohibition in 1920, are displays of tools and paraphenalia of the time with opportunities to guess their use. That was fun.
We also played the guessing game which offers the chance to figure out what cattle brands mean.
No wonder the kind and funny museum docent at the reception desk offered to give us the child's rate next time we're there!
A wander around the streets of Wickenburg gave us more entertainment.
Scattered around town are these life-size sculptures. Beside each is a button to push to hear the story connected with the figures. We heard from a Mexican caballero and from Henry Wickenburg himself.
Here's Henry's mule, packed for prospecting:
Richard made a point of showing me the Jail Tree which surely must be unique.
A passing policeman, noticing our interest, offered to take our photo instead of tethering us to the Jail Tree, which was good of him.
Thanks, Henry...and thanks to the fine people of Wickenburg who made this occasional cowgirl feel real welcome.
I know of some renegades of modern time who could learn a few lessons whilst sitting there chained to a tree for long periods of time. My "line them up and shoot them" Grandmother would agree strongly!!!! What a great learning trip you are on.... Arizona sure has a lot of stories to tell.
Posted by: Gretchen Goodliffe | June 30, 2012 at 05:42 PM
Looks like fun! Love the photo of you and Richard!
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Posted by: Jeanne | June 29, 2012 at 02:52 PM
Candice, you look wonderful! And what a fun place to visit. Fascinated by the Jail tree..wonder how long they kept them chained...never heard of such a thing!
Posted by: Char | June 29, 2012 at 06:12 AM