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George Babbitt Jr. Papers, ca. 1890-1970.
NAU.MS.255
Creator:
Babbitt, George, 1900-1980
Title:
George Babbitt Jr. Papers,
Inclusive Dates:
ca. 1890-1970
Physical Description
7 linear feet (9 boxes), 1 photo album
Abstract
The George Babbitt Jr. papers consists mostly of various
government reports, pamphlet, maps and clippings that have a western or southwestern
focus -- specifically including water development and Native American issues. Some of
Babbitt's personal correspondence, notebooks and manuscript material can also be found
in the collection. The collection has a large amount of primary material that Babbitt
collection, such as hotel registers, court dockets and other related material from
Coconino County.
Collection Number
NAU.MS.255
Language
English.
Repository
Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives
Department.
Northern Arizona University
Box 6022
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6022
Phone: 928 523 5551
Fax: 928 523 3770
Email: Special.Collections@nau.edu
Biographical Note
Born in Flagstaff on June 4, 1899, George Babbitt Jr. was a member of the well-known
Babbitt family of Flagstaff, Arizona. His father, George Babbitt Sr., came to Northern
Arizona in 1886 with four brothers. The brothers set up a trading post and soon expanded
into the ranching business. The Babbitts rapidly acquired political power in Northern
Arizona and throughout the territory. George Babbitt, Jr. went to college at Loyola
University in Los Angeles, California. By 1920 he had finished his Bachelor of Arts and
went on to be awarded a Master of Arts from Loyola. Babbitt married Ruth Behn in
1929.
Throughout the 1920s, Babbitt worked at various jobs, including sales manager for the
Babbitt Brothers Trading Post from 1927-1930. During the 1930s, he served as Coconino
County Democratic Committee chairman. In 1936, he became Postmaster of Flagstaff and
continued in that position until 1953. In 1942, Babbitt organized the Babbitt Investment
Company, which he later merged with his own George Babbitt Land Company to form the
George Babbitt Company in 1957. Among his contributions to the Northern Arizona
community was his service to business and community organizations. He was a board member
or chairman of as many as 20 organizations, ranging from the Bank of Flagstaff to the
Pioneer Living History Museum to the National Mental Health Association. He helped form
Greater Arizona, Inc. which became one of the forerunners of the Arizona Town Hall.
After his first wife, Ruth Behn, died, Babbitt married Madeline Hunter, a Los Angeles
real estate broker. In 1964, the Babbitts moved from Sedona to Paradise Valley, where
George Babbitt had contributed land to the new country club. His interests beyond
business were principally in history and historic preservation. He was a member of the
Arizona Historical Society and the Northern Arizona Pioneers' Historical Society.
Babbitt collected many rare books and informational material on topics ranging from
water development to Northern Arizona History. He also conducted oral history interviews
of some of Arizona's oldest living pioneers.
George Babbitt, Jr. died October 24, 1980.
Scope and Content Note
The majority of the George Babbitt Jr. Papers consists of history and travel information
and represents the most valuable part of the dealing with the establishment and
construction of Hoover Dam, as well as information concerning the Salt River project and
the Central Arizona Project (these items are kept in the Water subseries). Another
interesting part of this collection are brochures and pamphlets for towns and parks in
Arizona and the Southwest. Many of the items of this type date back as far as the early
twentieth century. Other topics that are addressed include the mining and cattle
industries.
Much of the material in the George Babbitt Jr. papers are secondary sources related to
research activities, grouped according to research subject(s).
The oral history interviews section includes 48 interviews, the majority of which were
conducted by George Babbitt Jr. Most of the interviews occurred in the 1940s and 1950s,
and were primarily of Flagstaff pioneers and Northern Arizona pioneers. Unfortunately,
many interviews were not dated. Narrators discussed Northern Arizona events from the
1870s through the 1960s. Highlights include interviews with several Arizona Rangers,
cowboys, and early settlers.
Views of Flagstaff, Ariz., streets, residential dwellings, parades, business buildings,
railroad depot, churches, and Arizona Normal School (ca. 1890-1915). Portraits of early
pioneers of Flagstaff and Oak Creek Canyon; Flagstaff and Prescott, Ariz., street scenes
ca. 1900-1905; Coconino County Courthouse and Northern Arizona Normal School shortly
after their construction; postcard image of Harold Betts' painting, Pena blanca
tienda.
Arrangement
The George Babbitt Jr. papers were arranged in 6 series by SCA staff:
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner
of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her
transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for Northern Arizona University, its
officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person
asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.
Colorado River Controversy manuscript collection, NAU.MS.248
Hochderffer, George manuscript collection, AHS-NAD 3.
Books from George Babbitt Jr.'s rare book collection have been separated from his
archival materials and catalogued for circulation and access through Special Collections
& Archives' general stacks.
Click here for a list of all the books from George Babbitt Jr.'s collection
currently available through the Cline Library catalog.
George Babbitt Jr. papers, NAU.MS.255, Cline Library. Special Collections and
Archives Dept.
George Babbitt Jr. papers, NAU.OH.57, Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives
Dept.
George Babbitt Jr. papers, NAU.PH.91.21.1-25, Cline Library. Special Collections and
Archives Dept.
George Babbitt Jr. papers, NAU.PH.92.08.1-14, Cline Library. Special Collections and
Archives Dept.
George Babbitt Jr. papers, NAU.MS.255.map.[ ], Cline Library. Special Collections and
Archives Dept.
In 2019, Special Collections and Archives changed the title for
this group of material from the "George Babbitt collection" to the "George Babbitt
Jr. papers" in accordance with Describing Archives: A Content Standard.
Previous to 2020 all SCA maps were assigned map numbers. In 2020 our extensive map
collections were reorganized. Maps which were not associated with collections were
assigned Library of Congress call numbers while maps that were associated with
collections maintained the original map number within the associated manuscript
collection. For assistance with maps, please ask an SCA employee.
Series One, History and Travel consists of 67 folders arranged broadly by
subject. The greater part of this portion of the collection contains an array of
pamphlet and related material from the time frame covering the 1940-early 1970s.
Most of the travel oriented material draws from Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, and
contain pamphlets from national parks and monuments, and commercial publications
from chambers of commerce and business groups. Also included in Series 1 are
materials pertaining to Glen Canyon and Colorado River water issues.
Box
Folder
1
1
Collection Information and Separation sheets
1
2
Geology- Arizona
1
3-18
Arizona
1
19
Arizona National Monuments and National Parks
1
20-23
Flagstaff
1
24-31
Native Americans
Box
Folder
2
32-35
Native Americans
2
36
Navajo Army Depot
2
37
New Mexico-National Monuments and National Parks
2
38
Northern Arizona University
Box
7
Northern Arizona University-Student Union proposal
Series Two, Personal Papers contains 30 folders of varied materials covering
1908-1978. There are some interesting materials (like the draft of Flagstaff Whoa
by George Horchderffer), and an array of art and rare book catalogs. There are a
number of personal and business oriented papers, records and related
materials.
Box
Folder
2
58-59
Personal Papers- correspondence
Box
Folder
3
60-61
Personal Papers- correspondence
3
62-65
Personal Papers- notes & manuscripts
3
66-71
Personal papers- Clubs & organizations
Box
9
Personal papers- Clubs & organizations -Grand Army of the Republic
(1892-1910)
Box
Folder
3
72-74
Personal Papers- Art & related information
Box
Folder
4
75-83
Personal Papers- Rare book information
4
84
Personal papers- Rare book ledger
Box
Folder
5
95-96
Personal Papers- correspondence
5
97
Personal Papers-Art & related information
Box
7
Personal Papers-Art & related information-Frederic Remington's
Buckskin prints
The George Babbitt collection includes 48 interviews. Most of the interviews
occurred in the 1940s and 1950s, and were primarily of Flagstaff pioneers and
northern Arizona pioneers. Unfortunately many interviews were not dated. Narrators
discussed Northern Arizona events from the 1870s through the 1960s. Highlights of
the collection include interviews with several Arizona Rangers, cowboys and early
settlers. The majority of the interviews were conducted by George Babbitt.
Box
Folder
57
1
Arizona Rangers, Joe Pearce and Rube Neill, interviewed by George
Babbitt,
May 30, 1957
Joe Pearce was a cowboy on the Hashknife Ranch from its inception in 1885. He
tells how the Hashknife came into existence, how it was stocked, and about the
cowboys brought in from Texas to operate it. He explains why the ranch was not
a successful ranching operation. His family operated a ranch near Heber and
Pearce, and he became acquainted with many of the participants in the Pleasant
Valley war, including Andy Cooper (Blevins), the Tewksburys and Grahams. Pearce
knew them well and describes their character and the incidents that turned
ordinary ranchers into deadly antagonists. He provides details of the Blevins
gang attack upon the Tewksbury ranch house and describes the subsequent
shooting of Andy Blevins by Sheriff Commodore Owens. The sheriff was a frequent
visitor at the Heber ranch. Pearce knew him well, and furnishes many details
about Commodore's characteristics, appearance, and of the events that proved
his courage. At age 28, Pearce was eager for adventure and joined the Arizona
Rangers. He tells about the pay, and how badge number 13 came to be assigned to
him.
Rube Neill also was a Hashknife cowboy. He describes how the Hashknife outfit
was formed and gives particulars of the cattle they ran, the condition of the
range, and their constant troubles with drought and rustlers. In addition to
ordinary rustlers, Neill mentions the "rawhide artists" who came in and made
off with many cattle by altering a rancher's cattle brand with their own new
creation. The Hashknife ranch suffered also from this manner of thievery. Neill
names the five Daggs brothers that brought in the first bands of sheep. He
describes the type of sheep and where the lambs were marketed. They hired the
Tewksburys to take the sheep down into Pleasant Valley for winter pasture. And
he describes this act as precipitating the killing of an Indian sheepherder and
the start of the Pleasant Valley war between the Tewksburys and Grahams.
Jack Redmond enters the conversation during tape 3. Redmond was born in New
York and worked at the the Calument and Arizona Mining Co. at Lowell. He was a
member of the Arizona Rangers.
Transcript and 4 audio tapes available.
57
2
Charles Babbitt,
June 3, 1949
Year and the order the Babbitt men came to Flagstaff. Babbitt stores and Opera
house and the establishments that Flagstaff had at the time; homesteading and
railroad development.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available.
57
3
Space Tapes Recorded in Sedona,
November 1959
57
4
Ralph Cameron.
Ralph Cameron was one of the earliest settlers in Flagstaff. He describes the
first buildings erected and names some of the builders. One of those was the
surveyor whose party erected the first flagpole at Flagstaff. He describes the
living conditions of mill workers, how saloons were constructed, and how
whiskey and water were sold. Cameron tells how the two boilers that powered the
sawmill were brought into Flagstaff by ox team, which was before arrival of the
railroad. He describes Flagstaff as not particularly lawless, but gives
particulars of how Holbrook suffered from the wild Hashknife cowboys and what
happened to nine of them. Cameron and Tom McMillan ran a band of sheep on
shares and the pair had a gun battle with some 25 Mexicans who had brought in
their own large band of sheep and tried to run them off the range. Cameron
gives details of their gunfight and ultimate disposition of the 18,000 to
20,000 sheep.
He tells of the expense he endured upon going to Prescott for jury duties. That
led to his forming a group of Flagstaff citizens to divide the large Yavapai
County, an effort that spanned six months. To split the county required getting
Governor Zulick to sign the legislation to do so, and Cameron describes how he
persuaded a friend of the governor to obtain Zulick's cooperation. He tells how
quickly the state records were seized in Prescott after passage of the
legislation and how they got to California and eventually back to Phoenix.
Abstract, written summary, and 1 audio tape available
57
5
Samuel Irby, Claude Dick Richardson, Hubert Richardson, and Tony
Richardson,
March 3, 1950
A round table discussion with four veteran Indian trading post operators who
tell of their arrival in Arizona, and of the various trading posts they
operated. Hubert Richardson describes meeting Lorenzo and Charles Hubbell on
his way to the Sunrise Springs trading post. C.D. Richardson recalls the
killing of a Navajo who refused to send his children to the government school.
And the group discusses dangers the traders face from their Indian customers.
S. I. outlines the attempted arrest, and resulting battle, when a posse comes
upon a camp of angry Navajos. Billy Roden, an early day cattleman, claimed an
enormous part of northern Arizona as "his" ranch, and S. I. describes the
manner in which he poisoned Navajos when they transgressed upon it. Hubert
tells how he and a party were the among the first white men to penetrate the
Navajo Mountain area, and their effort to construct a road to remote Rainbow
Lodge trading post. He explains how the post became the property of Barry
Goldwater.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available.
57
6
Bill Wilson-Knots and Packing.
A veteran mule packer, Bill Wilson, shows George Babbitt how to tie four types
of hitches to fix a load atop a mule. The different hitches are designed to
best serve various kinds and sizes of burdens. He first became interested in
mules and packing when in the Philippine Islands. Wilson describes how a pair
of men will load the pack mules, how long it takes them, and how much an
average mule ought to carry. He tells how a bell mare is used to get the pack
mules to follow along. And relates how many hours the mules can work and how
far a typical mule train would travel in a day. "Keeping the hair on your mule
is important," he advises, and explains that a blanket and pad should always be
used to cushion the load. Wilson and Babbitt engage in discussion about other
old mule packers. Babbitt urges Wilson to organize a reunion of old packers,
and if he should do so, Babbitt offers to supply the whiskey for the
get-together.
Abstract, written summary and 1 audio tape available.
57
7
First Pioneer Reunion.
George Babbitt, as interviewer, presided at the First Pioneer Reunion at
Flagstaff, Arizona (date unknown) and invited comments from those present.
Those making brief comments of their early day experience were: Pete
Micheldorf, Bill Sweitzer, Bert Cameron, and George Babbitt. The microphone was
passed among the attendees with the request they state name and date of their
arrival in Flagstaff. Some of the names and dates were inaudible on the tape.
Twenty-six were partially, or fully, audible. Many arrival dates were in the
1880's and 1890's.
Abstract, written summary, and 1 audio tape available
57
8
Joe Kellem,
1960.
1 audio tape available
57
9
Mr. Wise.
Joe Wise describes Tucson in the 1880's and of the promotion of Calabasas by
Sykes, who later was to become his father-in-law. Sykes was an exceptionally
able promoter who spurred development of Calabasas with railroads and mining.
Wise tells about the changing fortunes of that community, as well as of Sykes
who had a phenomenal run of luck in real estate development and mining that
finally ended in disaster on Wall Street. Wise discusses the close encounters
he had with the Apaches, and tells of the heavy toll that Apaches inflicted
upon the early settlers of southern Arizona. Wise knew and interacted with many
of the well-known names of early Arizona history, such as Pete Kitchen, Charles
Posten, Louie Parker and Edwin Tewksbury. He tells of negotiating with Kitchen
for purchase of Kitchen's fortified ranch that was made famous by Kitchen's
successful defense against Apaches raids. And of how Kitchen fared
thereafter.
Joe Wise filed numerous land claims but he found himself frequently fighting
other claimants for clear title. He ascribes his losses, in words plain and
blunt, to southern sympathizers who dominated the courts. Since his claims
involved land on several Spanish land grants he gives the history of their
origination. His court battles involved the Baca Float land grant and he tells
how the U.S. government settled conflicting claims to it. Wise settled in
Nogales and describes its appearance in the late 1880's
As a young man, he operated a ranch, and tells in detail how the lush grazing
land of southern Arizona produced so many cattle. But, the appearance of cattle
on the range was a mixed blessing. He explains how cattle caused the spread of
mesquite trees that subsequently crowded out the desirable grasses. He notes
the degradation of the Santa Cruz River by erosion that he attributes to the
absence of those grasses.
Abstract, written summary, and 2 audio tapes available.
57
10
Will Sweitzer,
February 2, 1961.
Sweitzer came to Flagstaff in September of 1883, at age 15 by train from Los
Angeles. Father worked in the logging camps in the winter. Discussed how
Flagstaff got its name and the businesses that used to be here. Talks about
well-known persons who lived here at that time; watched as cattlemen entered
the area.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available
57
11
Cliff Kramer,
February 4, 1961.
Born in 1895; moved to Flagstaff in 1908. Also lived in Little Spring where he
worked on a ranch rounding up wild horses. Served in the army in 1918.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available
57
12
Reunion Verde Pioneers-Jerome,
1949.
3 audio tapes available
57
13
Joe Lee-Navajo Trading, Henry "Tag" Garris, Mrs. Cart,
1949.
Joe Lee was born in 1870 and came to Tuba City at the age of 3. Later in life
he prospected for gold and iron, and worked as a wool and rug trader at
McGovern's trading Post in Preston Mesa. He was also nicknamed Aold gambler
Henry "Tag" Garris was born in 1873. He came to Arizona from Missouri as a
child. His family settled in Camp Verde in 1875. He worked at a cattle ranch at
Rogers Lake
Mrs. Cart was born in 1870 and moved to Arizona from California in 1879. Her
family brought 1000 head of cattle/horses. The settled in old Bristol Place in
Verde Valley.
Abstract, written summary, and 1 audio tape available.
57
14
Anniversary/Birthday,
June 29, 1957.
57
15
Senator Henry Ashurst interviewed at the Monte Vista Hotel in
Flagstaff,
May 19, 1959.
Ashurst was born in Winnemucca, Nevada on September 13, 1874, in a wagon. His
family herded sheep to California.. In 1883 he moved to Flagstaff where he
lived in a log house and attended school. Later in life he became involved in
politics.
Transcript and 2 audio tapes available.
57
16
Mother's Day-Oak Creek Blizzard,
1957.
57
17
Troutdale Advertisement.
,
57
18
Old Medicine Man.
,
Translated by Nelly (?) Because he spoke in Navajo. Purpose of interview is to
ask questions about a painting the old man has (dying man has around him
objects that belong to him and that he will distribute to relatives). Medicine
man describes the painting and tells a story around it; Indian name is Sam
Joe.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available
57
19
John/Amy Neal, Ed Johnson.
1 Audio tape available
57
20
Stanley Sykes.
Emigrated to Arizona in 1886 from England. He started a cattle operation at
Turkey Tanks east of Flagstaff. He was involved with forming a band and helping
to build Lowell Observatory. Remembers Indian trouble, guns and gun men. He
married Billy Switzer's sister.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
21
Charlie Clark.
Arrived in Flagstaff June 15, 1883, at the age of 15, from New Hampshire. His
uncle, John Clark, was one of the first white men to settle in Flagstaff. He
talked about the history of the Old Clark ranch and related family stories
about the origins of the lumber mills, cattle ranches etc.
Abstract, written summary, and 1 audio tape available.
57
22
Durward McKinney.
57
23
Oak Creek-"Old Cowboy."
57
24
John Kimball,
1949.
57
25
Pow Wow.
57
26
Post Office Christmas Party,
1948.
57
27
J.H. Macia interviewed in Tombstone, Arizona,
January 1, 1949.
Early days in Tombstone around 1900; father was a miner there. Drove a freight
train and mined as well; met wife in 1887.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
28
Mrs. Cook interviewed in Oak Creek,
July 12, 1949.
Cook was born in March of 1858 near Yosemite, California. She married Steve
Purtyman and had 6 sons; moved to Oak Creek in 1887. Remembers the animals in
the area, Indians, guns, parties in Oak Creek. Son Albert and daughter-in-law
both interviewed as well.
57
29
Lynk Smith.
Came to Flagstaff in 1876-77. Discussed Apache Indians and how they rustled
horses and cattle. Talked about the RR not coming to Flagstaff until 1882 and
how the mail was delivered before then. Road 40-50 miles a day on a dirt trail;
talked about the old cattle brands, rustlers, and cowboys. Talked about early
days on the range; met Billy The Kid once.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
30
Shine Smith, Joe Lee.
57
31
Les Hart (Dean Howard).
57
32
Colonel George Hochderfer,
June 11, 1952.
On its 61st anniversary, George Hochderfer tells how he organized Company I of
the Arizona National Guard at Flagstaff, Arizona, and introduces two men
present who are two of the last three living enlistees of that original muster.
Details of the military uniforms they wore are given. He tells how he was
motivated to form the guard unit as a result of danger to his family from
outlaw Indians. He explains how Sheriff Francis of Flagstaff, fearing an Indian
massacre, appealed for help from the newly formed National Guard unit and how a
severe rebuke was received from the Adjutant General for his doing so. That
prompted Hochderfer and the commander of Company C to tender their
resignations, but the governor refused to accept that of Hochderfer. He traces
the campaigns of his unit, in coordination with the sheriff, against two
separate groups of Indians who posed a threat to overrun Flagstaff, and how
their leader was arrested and the remainder disarmed.
Hochderfer and his fellow guardsmen discuss the story about the hanging of nine
men in Flagstaff for robbery and their reasons for believing it to be true. He
tells about Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson whom he knew when he was deputy
sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas, and how the shootings in Dodge were primarily
among the lawmen, which contrasted with the conduct of peace officers in
Flagstaff who always came to the aid of each other.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available.
57
33
Boy Scout Meeting-Silver Beaver Award.
57
34
Mr. and Mrs. Terry "Tump" Freeman.
Came to Flagstaff in 1879; settled there for awhile and then migrated south.
Got grazing contracts, but then cattle were stolen by Mexicans. Discussed
family's first settlers; in Phoenix in 1890 worked on a ranch and land
ownership.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
35
Charlie Stemmer, George Buckler.
Interviewed in 1949; early settler in early days of Flagstaff. Arrived in
Flagstaff in 1885 when population was only 300 people. Babbitt family
remembered; killing of lumberjacks at saloons. Also lived in Oak Creek and
Sedona.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
36
Mamie McMillan Fleming.
Mamie born in 1894; talks of her father's life. Arrived in Flagstaff in 1876;
homesteader w/ a log house and 320 acres. Grand Canyon stage, Hart Prairie and
origins of McMillan Ranch talked about.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available.
57
37
City Zoning Meeting/Greater Arizona.
Abstract and 1 audio tape available
57
38
Ralph Cameron,
May 5, 1951.
Came to Flagstaff in 1883; worked in sawmill out here; started the road to
Globe. Spoke of people like the Riordans, E.E Ayer, Dave Babbitt. He had
business affiliations with many of them. Remembers impressions, history and
personal involvements. No houses, no tents, no buildings in the area while they
were deciding on a name for the town. Describes types of entertainment and
recreation; lobbyist in politics and re-drew the lines for the state capitol.
Transcript and 1 audio tape available.
57
39
Jack Wheeler (abstract only).
Tape 1, Side 1, 2: Learned to drive oxen in the 1880's as a child; describes
the ox yoke, ox bow and the way they are used to harness oxen for pulling
wagons. Led pack mule to Arizona in 1905; talks about techniques and methods
and personality of the oxen.
57
40
Northern Arizona Historical Society Meeting.
57
41
Charles Burrus, John Cooney, Pete Michaelbaugh, Pauline
Roland.
George Babbitt collection, [photographs].
, ca. 1890-1915
Scope & Content
1 album (25 photographs) : b&w : 18 x 26 cm. Views of Flagstaff, Ariz.,
streets, residential dwellings, parades, business buildings, railroad depot,
churches, and Arizona Normal School (ca. 1890-1915).
Digital versions of these images can be found by clicking here.
NAU.PH.92.08.1-18
George Babbitt collection,
[photographs]. , 1895-1959.
Scope & Content
16 photographic prints : b&w. 7 negatives : gelatin dry plate. 2 postcards : col. Portraits of early pioneers of
Flagstaff and Oak Creek Canyon; Flagstaff and Prescott, Ariz., street scenes
ca. 1900-1905; Coconino County Courthouse and Northern Arizona Normal School
shortly after their construction; postcard image of Harold Betts' painting,
Pena blanca tienda.
Digital Material Available
Digitized materials from the George Babbitt papers are available
through Digital Collections. Select "Colorado
Plateau Archives." Use the advanced search menu to search for "George Babbitt Jr."
in the "Collection name" field.
