by J. J. Lamb
“Most significant and successful historical/educational restoration project in Arizona.” Those were the powerful words from Chris Cody, the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office Deputy Director speaking about the 1915 Section Foreman’s House at Esmond Station K-8. The Vail Preservation Society is so proud of the 350 Cienega High School Construction Tech students who have worked on the rehabilitation of the 1915 Section Foreman House over the past four and a half years! And, we are thankful for the support, both through partnerships, grants, donations and sharing of skills and technical support, that has made this project possible.
Grand opening celebration of the 1915 Section Foreman House at Esmond Station K8. Vail Preservation Society.
If you missed the October 29th grand opening, watch for the next open house so you can get a close up look at the students’ work. The windows are especially amazing, historic preservationist Simon Herbert worked alongside students to train them in this specialized trade skill. Mike Pena of Lucas Electric has invested many hours training students in wiring. And, Cienega High School Construction Tech teacher Michael Keck and assistant Wade Cross’s investment in the project has been key.
SHPO Deputy Director Chris Cody shares remarks at the grand opening of the 1915 Section Foreman House. Vail Preservation Society.
The 1915 house is ready for its next 100 years as a student hub at Esmond Station K8 for the Section Gang Museum Club, garden club and art gallery. Historic preservation is serving present and future needs at Esmond Station K8. So many took a leap of faith to make this unique learning experience possible! Thank you to the Vail Unified School District Board, Vail Preservation Society Board and everyone who has supported the rehabilitation of the 1915 Section Foreman House.
The 1908 adobe Vail Store & Post Office, Vail’s oldest building, is the next student preservation project and is already in the works! The drainage issues related to the Colossal Cave Road project that have slowed down the start of the project are being resolved. The architectural drawings are complete and we can’t wait to begin. The first step will involve additional work related to drainage and grading. Students have already been involved in meeting with the Arizona Historic Preservation Officer and architect, as well as project architect Phil Swaim, and engineer John Grenier. We have set a high standard with the 1915 Section Foreman House rehab that includes experiential student learning that we will continue with this project. Students will gain hands on experience working with adobe, windows, doors, electrical, project management and more as this important historic rehabilitation project moves forward. Watch for monthly updates.
A Little Girl’s Gift – 1935 Christmas Between the Tracks
It was Christmas Eve 1935, a cool, crisp evening in Vail. Conversations, friendships, shared beliefs, specially prepared dishes and music filled the air around the Shrine of Saint Rita in the Desert. Long tables made from wooden planks laid on sawhorses and covered with tablecloths held a holiday bounty. This Christmas was especially joyful for the small congregation. It was their first Christmas in the new church. A gift from Mrs. Beach to Vail, in honor of her deceased first husband Dr. Jokichi Takamine. The Shrine was dedicated on March 31, 1935.
Postmistress Dovie Woolsey, who had been the pianist when the congregation met at the Vail School, did not get to be a part of this first Christmas, she had passed away earlier in the year, but her family would. Mary Jane Warner, Dovie’s oldest daughter had taken over as postmistress. On this first Christmas in the new church Mary Jane’s youngest sister would be a special part of the celebration.
Jacqueline Davis in her Christmas sweater at the Shrine of Santa Rita in 1935. Davis Collection, Vail Preservation Society
Jacquilene had been playing her violin for about a year and already shown great promise. She would go on to play in orchestras for her entire life. This night was her first public performance. The little seven-year-old stood up straight, took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her small fingers coaxed the lovely strains of Silent Night and other Christmas carols from the strings of her violin for the railroad workers, homesteaders and ranchers who joined her in song. Listen closely this Christmas Eve and perhaps you’ll hear a little girls’ gift of music and the joyous songs sung by early Vail Villagers carried on the breezes between the tracks in historic Vail.
