Park History Photos


	A Stroll Through Time...

		...The Early Years

	Do you have photographs of any of the homes here on Block 14 through the years? We would love to see them and make them part of our online park history.

	To submit a photo, please email or snail mail a scan or copy of your photograph to: Rosson House Museum, Attn: Early Park History, 113 N. 6th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Include historical information (when the photo was taken if known, by whom, did the photographer live near by or at one of the homes...), your name & permission to use the photo, as well as how you would like the photo caption to read.

The Rosson House, circa 1947, submitted by Steve & Marianne (Kelly) King. Marianne’s parents, Thomas and Filomena Kelly, rented a room at the home during this time. The Kelly’s were originally from Newark, New Jersey.

The Rosson House, circa 1947. Notice the automobiles along 5th Street compared with the late 1970s restoration in progress photo below. Both images from the Rosson House Museum Collection (Gammel-Valliere Family Folder & Restoration File).

Above: The Duplex, circa 1928. One can just see the Rosson House in the background. Photo caption listed the group as “Mae Gimmell, Jimmy Gimmell and Catherine McDonald”. From the Rosson House Museum Collection.

Rosson House, early 1900s Higley Postcard

Above: Billy Gammel acquired the Rosson House in 1914 on a warranty deed. He and his family lived in the home until the late 1940s. The above image shows young party goers taking time out to pose for a photo on the front porch. From the Rosson House Museum Collection (Gammel-Valliere Family Folder).

Above: Rosson House, Higley Family Postcard, early 1900s. The Higley Family owned & lived in the Rosson House from 1904 to 1914. Rosson House Museum Collection (Higley Family Folder).

Rosson House, Child playing in front yard

Above: Rosson House front yard with child and pet dog, early 1900s. Notice the young girl’s cute outfit and vines growing up the porch. Rosson House Museum Collection (Higley Family Folder).

Above & Lower Left: Silva House & Silva Family members. The Silva House was originally built for the A.F.K. Kirchoff family in 1900. Mr. Kirchoff was the owner of a Phoenix business, the “Family Liquor Dealer”. Alejandro Silva, a Glendale rancher and warehouse owner, purchased the home in 1906. This family would still occupy and own the home until the late 1970s. Photographs courtesy of the Silva Family Collection, SRP.

Family member posing on Silva front porch

Have an early photo of buildings, people or events at Historic Heritage Square you would like to share? Click Here! to email.


	Fast forward to 1974 through 1980. The Creation of a Park Begins...

The 1970s will be remembered as a decade when Phoenix citizens preserved an architectural turn of the 20th century gem. Restoration of the Rosson House and the surrounding homes at Historic Heritage Square preserved the last original block from the first Phoenix townsite. During his time as Mayor, John Driggs worked to acquire for preservation one of the most unique houses left - the historic Rosson House here at 6th Street and Monroe - gaining a special federal grant for that purpose. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this classic Victorian home was completed in 1895 in a period of only six months, at a cost of approx. $7,500 for Dr. Roland L. Rosson. Contrary to what most people think, the home was not moved from another location but stands today where it was originally built. The restoration began in 1975 when the City Council appointed a committee headed by Mr. Driggs to work on the project. The Rosson House and Lath Pavilion would officially open to the public on May 4, 1980. The Burgess Carriage House and Silva House opened shortly thereafter. To see an image of Mayor John Driggs lending his ear to the Rosson House Speaking Tube during the restoration Click Here!.

The following images were taken during the restoration of the Rosson House and the other structures. These historical buildings* were originally built where they stand today. (Rosson House Museum Collection).

*The historic Thomas House & Burgess Carriage House were moved from nearby locations.



				The aerial photo above shows a view looking south from Monroe Street. Notice the Rosson House on the lower right and the beginnings of the Lath Pavilion. At left: Many visitors enjoying the opening of Historic Heritage Square in May, 1980. Thousands and thousands of hours went into the creation of Historic Heritage Square. Many individuals, companies and organizations such as the Junior League were involved along with the City of Phoenix in preserving this wonderful area for all to enjoy. To see a list of those who assisted in the very beginning Click Here! While the park has been completed for 25 years, if you would like to be a part of the continuing effort in support roles and other activities please visit our Donor Opportunities and Volunteer pages.


	At right: One of only two historic structures moved to the park, the Burgess Carriage House arrives. This building today serves as the Rosson House Museum’s Ticket Office & the Heritage Square Emporium Gift Shop.


	All images are property of their respective owners listed in the line credits.