The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Proceedings found in the 1898 Archives from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
*** Special Note from WM Hurtt ***
I have been diving into historical stuff from the 3 lodges that formed Central AZ Masonic Lodge 14. I have found so many cool things, including a lot of old pictures from Sedona Red Rock 63. I found a book of old petitions dating from 1917, when they were UD, until the 40’s, from Clarkdale 25, along with all the old minutes from Verde 14 dating back to 1902. I am still working on a Historical book and display case, and if anyone has pictures or stories they would like to share, I would be happy to include them.
534 S 12th St
Cottonwood AZ (928) 339-0188
Email:centralaz14masons@gmail.com
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
We had a wonderful evening at our stated meeting. We were especially pleased to welcome MW Brother Bill Bray back to lodge. Brother Jake Kowalski returned his proficiency in the First Degree and is scheduled to be passed to the Fellow Craft Degree in the coming weeks. We also held a raffle to support our scholarship fund, featuring a two-seat kayak, which Brother Joshua Hastings won.
Our Central Arizonia Lodge 14 started there as Verde14
Here is a page from the 1897 Archives when the Lodge was Chartered
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Arizona Grand Master
Most Worshipful Leigh Creighton
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Scottish Rite Eastern Star Rainbow GIrls Shriners International York RIte DeMolay for Boys Job's Daughters
The 1897 Jerome fire was a catastrophic blaze on Christmas Eve that destroyed a large portion of the town’s notorious “tenderloin district”.
Cause & Conditions: Jerome was highly susceptible to fires due to cheap wood-frame housing packed tightly on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lack of adequate water, and heavy reliance on kerosene lamps and wood stoves.
The Aftermath: The fire left many residents in tents. This blaze was part of a string of devastating 19th-century conflagrations in Jerome, which eventually prompted the town to incorporate in 1899, establish strict building codes, and organize a formal fire department.
Jerome 150th Anniversary
Jerome was built on Cleopatra Hill above a vast deposit of copper. Prehistoric Native Americans were the first miners, seeking colored stones. The Spanish followed, seeking gold but finding copper. Anglos staked the first claims in the area in 1876, and United Verde mining operations began in 1883, followed by the Little Daisy claim. Jerome grew rapidly from tent city to prosperous company town as it followed the swing of the mine’s fortunes. Jerome was the talk of the Territory, a boom town of its time, the darling of promoters and investors. The mines were nourished and exploited by financiers who brought billions of dollars in copper, gold, and silver from its depths. Changing times in the Territory saw pack burros, mule drawn freight wagons, and horses replaced by steam engines, autos, and trucks. Fires ravaged the clapboard town and landslides destroyed whole sections. Jerome was always rebuilt. At the mercy of the ups and downs of copper prices, labor unrest, depressions and wars, Jerome’s mines finally closed in 1953.
After the mines closed in 1953 and “King Copper” left town, the population went from a peak of 15,000 in the 1920s to a low of 50 people. The Jerome Historical Society guarded the buildings against vandalism and the elements, the Douglas Mansion became a State Park in 1965, and Jerome became a National Historic Landmark in 1976. During the 60’s and 70’s, during the time of the counterculture, Jerome offered a haven for artists. Soon newcomers and Jerome old timers were working together to bring Jerome back to life.
Today, Jerome is very much alive with writers, artists, artisans, musicians, historians, and families. They form a peaceful, colorful, thriving community built on a rich foundation of history and lore. Visit the Jerome Historical Society to learn more.
MW Brother Earl Wunder and his wife, Barbara, Secretary of Eastern Star Chapter Verde Valley #7, spoke at the anniversary about Freemasonry in Arizona and the history of our lodge in Jerome.
Upon further reading it appears the lodge suffered a fire.
Central Arizona Masonic Lodge #14
Worshipful Master
Chris Hurtt
Central Arizona Masonic Lodge © 2013 All Rights Reserved