Even though the town of Clarkdale is close to celebrating 100 years of existence, today it is celebrating a historic 50 years of incorporation.
The town was founded in 1912 by William A. Clark, who owned Jerome’s United Verde Copper Company. It was the very first planned community in Arizona, perhaps in all of the territory west of the Mississippi. The copper smelter operation was located in Clarkdale, prompting one resident to declare, “Jerome mined, Clarkdale refined.”
The male heirs of founder Clark operated the company until 1934. Following their demises, the female heirs opted to sell the company, which included the Clarkdale town site, to Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation. No longer a family business, Clarkdale was now a tiny piece of a large corporation.
In 1953, all company operations ceased. The smelter site, including Clarkdale, was put up for sale. All equipment that could be used by other Phelps Dodge branches was shipped out, and much of what was left was discarded into Jerome’s mine pit.
The smelter property was purchased by William Allison of Allison Steel, who dismantled many of the steel frame buildings. Allison Steel was in turn sold, and the Clarkdale town site changed hands several more times.
Dissatisfied with the management of the various owner companies, the citizens of Clarkdale sought to incorporate. It is for this reason that though completed as a model company town in the 1930s, it was not until 1957 that Clarkdale was incorporated.
Clarkdale citizens celebrated the 50th anniversary in bang-up style on the Fourth of July 2007.
The day began early, with a blessing by a Yavapai-Apache elder and the raising of the American flag. The policemen and firemen took over, serving up a pancake breakfast to benefit the Fire Department.
As folks enjoyed a hearty morning meal, the focus was on the gazebo where area dignitaries shared their thoughts on Clarkdale. Children from the Discovery Center presented A Brief History of Clarkdale, a play depicting their views of local lore. Yavapai-Apache dance groups provided a local glimpse into authentic Native American culture.
At 10:00 a.m., the not-to-be-missed (and never-to-be-equaled) Children’s Parade marched down Main Street, with kids festooned in their patriotic best. Following the parade, the Clarkdale Chamber booth was a hive of activity, as the “town photo” was finally unveiled. In May, local photographers Donna and Ken Chesler hovered over the waving crowd in a cherry picker, taking photos to commemorate the Clarkdale clan of the new millennium.
The Verde Canyon Railroad commemorated Clarkdale’s 50th anniversary with an invitation for residents to ride at a discount, and the Clarkdale Heritage Center, erected with funds provided by a grant from Arizona Office of Tourism, finally opened its doors for the first time.
Copper banners, created by Drake Meinke and Ellie Bauer as part of the Chamber’s Signs of a Town project, were on display, hanging from the quaint lampposts in the historic business district. A beautiful sculptural sign, designed and built by Clarkdale artists Eric and Julia Verderame, was installed on the 89A entrance to the town. This monument is constructed from various metals, including a copper Arizona star.
An old-fashioned ice cream social, music from the Cottonwood Community Band, rides on a real fire engine, and plenty of booths and activities for kids of all ages rounded out this wonderful 50th anniversary celebration.
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