a history of rubyIn Ruby, Arizona - Mining, Mayhem, and Murder, we present the histories of both the Ruby mining camp and the Montana mine it supported. We "weave" these "threads" chronologically through the life of the mining camp adding anecdotes of the interesting people who affected the mining operation.
Ruby's story is largely the story of the miners, their families, and people who braved the frontier to support them. For many years Ruby was known as Montana Camp, dirt poor and sparsely populated. We portray the challenging life in Montana Camp during Arizona's territorial period to 1912. These "people" stories illustrate almost unbelievable perseverance and optimism. We recount the stories of two notorious double murders of Ruby general store proprietors by Mexican bandits, first the murders of the Fraser brothers in Febrμary 1920, and then the murders of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pearson jn August 1921. The history includes not only the crimes, but also the aftermath - the capture of the murderers, dramatic escapes and recaptures, and the murderers' fate. We draw upon previously unpublished Fraser and Pearson family records, including letters and photographs. Trial transcripts add a sobering note to the amazing story. Suddenly in the 1930s, Ruby became a boomtown of 1,200 people! Our story highlights life in Ruby during the Montana mine's most productive period, when the mine produced more lead and zinc than any other mine in Arizona. We capture recollections of former Ruby residents through personal interviews and oral histories. Wonderful family photographs from this period depict what life in Ruby was really like. By Bob Ring, Al Ring and Tallia Pfrimmer Cahoon, |
Buy from Caretaker - $35
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HoursThurs.- Sun. 9am - dusk
Permit required to enter gate. Please let us know if you cancel. Please bring exact cash. (There is no bank.) THANKSGIVING: NOT OPEN until 4:00 pm |
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WEBSITE www.rubyaz.com |