ARIZONA PIONEERS HOME OPEN TO ARIZONA MINERS
By Harold Hough -- Feb/Mar 2010

Do you know a disabled or indigent Arizona miner who needs some help?  They may be eligible to move to the Arizona Pioneers Home, which currently has openings at its home for Arizona miners.

The Arizona Pioneers’ Home is a continuing care retirement home operated and funded by the State of Arizona.  It is the brainchild of three prominent Prescott citizens, A.J. Doran, Frank M. Murphy and Johnny Duke, to repay the faithful and longtime Arizona residents who helped pioneer and build the state.  A.J. Doran sponsored a bill to create the Pioneers’ Home in Arizona’s Territorial Legislature in 1907.  The initial bill failed, but it gained the full support of both houses two years later, and was signed into law by then Territorial Governor Joseph H. Kibbey, on March 11, 1909. 

Frank M. Murphy donated four and a half acres in southwest Prescott as the building site, and later T.G. Norris donated adjacent land to the North.  The original red brick three story building with porticos was designed by local Prescott architect, W.S. Elliot and built for $25,000.  The Pioneers’ Home opened its doors on February 1, 1911, situated atop a granite promontory overlooking the City of Prescott, Arizona.  A.J. Doran was named the first Superintendent and served from February, 1911 to August, 1912.  In 1927, it also became the state’s hospital for disabled miners.

Over the nearly century of operations, the Arizona Pioneers Home has become home to many historical figures.  One was Mary Cummings (Big Nose Kate), who was the long time companion of famed western gunfighter and gambler Doc Holiday.  Another was John Miller who some think was Billy the Kid.  Others include several Harvey House Girls and Frances Knagge, who was in movies with John Wayne.
The home has also been a background for a movie.  Scenes from the 2008 movie Jolene were filmed in the Pioneer's Home in 2006.

The current group of members may not include any gun fighters or their girlfriends, but they do keep busy with a wide range of individual and group activities.  Three meals are prepared a day in a home-like setting.

There are currently openings in the home for three dozen or so men and a short waiting list for women seeking admission.  Couples can apply if they both qualify.  Miners must be 60 or older, must have mined in Arizona, and either suffered an injury or illness due to mining or be financially unable to support themselves.  Cost is based on monthly income and ability to pay.

If you would like more information, log on to www.azph.gov for more information or call (928) 445-2181.