Pioneer Living History Museum in North Phoenix is similar to other living history places we have visited around the country. Covered wagons, old buildings, board sidewalks are similar. Still it is fascinating to visit these places and image what it was like for settlers over a 100 years ago. Add the desert to the mix and I cannot image how bumpy those covered wagon rides were over the rocks in the desert. Or how stifling the heat would be.
One of the first buildings we saw was the jail from the late 1800s. It reminded me of a primitive Mayberry RFD with the side-by-side cells exposed to the central area. No walls, just one large room. This was one of several original buildings from the late 1800s. Some of the buildings were from the local area, a few were moved here. (see list -- click on picture to enlarge)
The entire area is quite large. On a cooler day, we would have explored more of the grounds. Instead, with temperatures creeping near 100, we did the Reader's Digest version, staying to the central core of buildings.
Outside of the jail, the church was another beautiful building. It reminded me of some of the old country churches where I grew up. The inside was a large open area with wooden pews, floor and minimal altar area. Near the church was the one room schoolhouse and the teacherage, the single room house for the teacher. All this set in the desert landscape, very barren in comparison to the Midwest living history villages we previously visited.
On our way to the exit, we stopped by a more modern, luxurious farmhouse. The crew was busy cleaning and they allowed us inside. Since the ropes limiting access were removed, we were free to wander inside a bit to see an old, large organ in the parlor. The cast iron stove, the main and almost only item, defined the kitchen. Oh it made me grateful to live in the time we do.
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