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WELCOME to the Cornville Historical Society Website!
MISSION
The mission of the Cornville Historical Society is to gather, preserve and share information about the history of the Cornville-Page Springs area from the time of pioneer settlement in the 1870's to the present. The Society does research, keeps records, collects historical items, and sponsors educational activities relating to rural life in the historic Lower Oak Creek area.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1. GATHER: Collect Historical Information
2. PRESERVE: Store Collections Safely
3. SHARE: Inform Community & Be Visible
4. GAIN COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Strengthen Organization
WHAT'S NEW?
CORNVILLE HOLIDAY EVENT DECEMBER 8 AT WINDMILL RANCH
The Cornville Historical Society is pleased to announce its Holiday Fundraiser Event, to be held this year at Windmill Ranch, 6625 N. Sycamore Pass Road, Sedona (north of State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona). The event will be from 1 to 4 pm, Sunday, December 8, 2024.
"The Story of Windmill Ranch” will be introduced by Don Godard, a well-known Cornville old-timer who has a wealth of knowledge about area ranching. Speakers will be Ranch Owners Becki & Dustin Ross, who will explain current operations, and Clancy Sage, Historian from the Sedona Historical Society, who will cover the history of the ranch. The family ranch was established five generations ago on 85 acres of deeded land and runs cattle on National Forest and State lands that span much of the Cornville area. The event offers a great opportunity to take a Sunday afternoon drive and learn about another historic ranch!
The program will be followed by the Society’s popular raffle of holiday gift baskets that feature gift certificates and themed items. Refreshments will be served. The event will be indoors in a spacious arena. Seating may be limited, so bring a lawn chair if you can. There will be no smoking allowed on the property.
The cost of the event is $10 per person for tickets purchased in advance; or $15 per person at the event. All ticket holders will be entitled to ten gift basket raffle tickets, which will be issued at the door. Raffle tickets will also be sold during the event for $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Tickets may be reserved and purchased in advance by contacting Karen Wilkens at 920-650-1702 or kewilkens500@gmail.com. After reserving your ticket, send payment to the Cornville Historical Society, P.O. Box 1200, Cornville, AZ 86325. Tickets paid for in advance will be held for pickup at the event.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING FEATURED "Life in Cornville in the 70's"
Cheryl Chamberlain, presiding officer, welcomed members and guests to the 17th Annual Meeting of the Cornville Historical Society at 1 pm at Cross Church in Cornville. Board members were introduced. Diana Stipek, who was unable to attend, was recognized for her ten years of service on the Board.
Financial Report: Cindy Snyder presented the financial report and the proposed budget. As of 12/31/23, our total bank balance is $14,955.96. Projected income for CY 2024 is $4,200, projected expenses are $4,562. The budget was approved by voice vote.
Election: Nominees as continuing board members through March, 2025 were Cheryl Chamberlain, Cindy Snyder, Cindy Traverso and Muffy Vallely. Candidates for re-election for 2-year terms through March 2026 were Pat Nomm and Karen Wilkens. New candidates for a 2-year term through March 2026 were Judy Miller and Ginny Rench. One vacancy remains. All nominees were elected by acclamation.
Program: Guest Speakers John Alvey and Buddy Rhodes were introduced by moderator Judy Miller, for a conversation about "Life in Cornville in the 70's".
John Alvey was born in 1959 and moved to Cornville with his parents, brother and two sisters at the age of 12 in 1972. His mother was born in Jerome. Today, John owns Alvey Signs in Cottonwood and lives on property that was part of the family ranch.
Buddy Rhodes was born in 1954 and is a third generation Cornvillian. His grandmother was part of the Tissaw family. Buddy owns Building by Rhodes Construction Company. He and his wife live in the family home that was built in 1924.
Both men recounted their experiences as young men in Cornville, with plenty of humor and back and forth remarks. Many would be the day they would go exploring early on, not to return until dinner. Chores after school were always a part of life. Wisely, not all adventures were revealed. Both heartily agreed that the whole community looked out for each other, providing help and even discipline if needed. After a very enjoyable presentation, both speakers were presented with gift certificates to the Star Bistro; and refreshments were served.
2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMED
Immediately after the Annual Meeting, the Board met to choose officers for the 2024-24 term: Cheryl Chamberlain, President; Pat Nomm, Secretary; and Cindy Snyder, Treasurer. Karen Wilkens will continue as Membership Coordinator; and Judy Miller will edit the Newsletter and monitor the Website. After a summer break, the next Board meeting will be scheduled for October.
2024-24 Board of Directors (l to r): Judy Miller, Pat Nomm, Cheryl Chamberlain, Karen Wilkens, Cindy Snyder, Cindy Traverso and Ginny Rench. Missing is Muffy Vallely.
OLD POST OFFICE GETS FUNDING FOR A 10-YEAR FACELIFT
In January, the Society was awarded a $1,500 "Jumpstart Grant" from the Arizona Preservation Foundation to match with CHS funds and labor for restoration work at the Old Cornville Post Office. Repainring of the wood siding to refresh the exterior, solar lighting, and exhibit improvements are planned, along with a special event to mark the ten-year anniversary of the restoration and dedication of the historic structure. Former Cornville Postmaster Patrick Shamrell lead's the Post Office Committee, with assistance from Dan Derrick and Bob Snyder. The committee will plan for the painting and upkeep needed as time and weather permits.
To learn more about the Cornville Historical Society, contact info@cornville-historical-society.org.
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News & Events
NEW POSTS:
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER DECEMBER 8 AT WINDMILL RANCH
NOVEMBER
Cornville Courier
NEWSLETTER
ANNUAL MEETING FEATURED "Life in Cornville in the 70's"
2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMED
OLD POST OFFICE GETS FUNDING FOR A FACELIFT