[Source: Vince Murray, Arizona Historical Research] -- The Wickenburg Historical Preservation Society was founded in 2000, the same year that the Town of Wickenburg purchased the property that contained the last home that Henry Wickenburg lived in prior to his death.That home was built in 1903. Henry Wickenburg was found dead outside the home in 1905, from what was thought to be, a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Boetto family purchased the Wickenburg home in 1913 and owned it until 2000. The intention for the Preservation Society was to become instrumental in saving and refurbishing the Boetto property, which had been slated for demolition. The dream may become a reality. The town of Wickenburg has finally recognized the historical significance of the property and has imposed stringent CC&R’s upon the property, so that a preservation group can purchase it at auction. The property has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. The completion for acceptance should be in early summer.
Bill Otwell and Associates, Architects, are monitoring the renovation of the project. While partial funding has been applied for, the estimate for the entire project is $254,443.
[For more information, contact: Cindy Thrasher, President, Wickenburg Historical Society, P.O. Box 771, Wickenburg, AZ 85358, 928-684-5129. Photo source: Vince Murray]
