Grace M. Sparkes

Last updated
Grace Marion Sparkes
Born(1893-01-21)January 21, 1893
Lead, South Dakota
DiedOctober 22, 1963(1963-10-22) (aged 70)
Years active1910-1963
EmployerYavapai County Chamber of Commerce

Grace M. Sparkes (January 21, 1893-October 22, 1963) was an influential booster in Arizona. As a secretary of the Yavapai County and Bisbee Chambers of Commerce, she managed community projects and tourism. During the Great Depression, she implemented federal and municipal projects employing Yavapai County citizens. After leaving Yavapai County, she was instrumental in the creation of the Coronado National Memorial.

Contents

Early life

Grace Marion Sparkes was born on January 21, 1893, in Lead, South Dakota, to Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Sparkes and Mary Ann Sparkes (née Martin). [1] [2] Grace was one of four Sparkes children. Mary Ann had previously been married and widowed; it is unknown what happened to her three children from the first marriage. Sparkes was known by her childhood nickname, "Babe", throughout her life. [2] During her childhood, the Sparkes family briefly lived in Alaska. [1]

In 1906, the Sparkes family moved to Arizona as "boomers", or people "always on the lookout for the big chance, the ground floor, the inside track..." [2] There, T.J. Sparkes, Sr. bought several mines, notably the Sioux Silver and Lead Mine. In 1930, he was elected Arizona State Mining Inspector. [2]

Sparkes converted to Catholicism at a young age. In 1910, Sparkes graduated from St. Joseph's Academy, a Catholic girls' school in Prescott. She then studied business and clerical studies at Lamson Business College in Phoenix. [2]

Career in Yavapai County

By 1913, she was secretary/manager of the Yavapai County Chamber of Commerce and the county's Immigration Commissioner. She held the immigration commissioner position until 1945. [2] Sparkes also served on the Arizona State Board of Welfare and the Northern Arizona State Fair Association. [3]

While working with the Yavapai County Chamber of Commerce, Sparkes was credited with greatly building the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo. [2] She became known as "the girl who bosses 200 bronco busters." [4] She was also influential in developing rodeo rules, many of which are still used. [4] Sparkes is credited with developing Prescott's slogan, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." [1]

In 1920, Sparkes led a group of Prescott citizens to raise funds for the Hassayampa Hotel Company, which opened in 1927. [4] [5]

In 1921, Sparkes co-founded the Smoki Tribe of Prescott ceremonial dances. [2] The Smoki was a men's organization that imitated Native American ceremonies. [2] [6] Sparkes was the marketer for the Smoki and their activities, describing the Smoki dances as "adapted to the mood of the white man and given in a manner which [left] no offense whatsoever from the standpoint of the Indian." [6] Sparkes was made an honorary member of the Smoki people. [7] Her success in marketing the activities brought it to the national interest. In 1924, the event was attended by Governor George W. P. Hunt, and Sparkes, on a trip to Washington, D.C., conferred honorary membership on Calvin Coolidge. The national interest in the Smoki Sparkes garnered criticism of their activities as well; also in 1924, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Smoki as a "highly offensive, objectionable and indefensible exhibition of bad taste." [6]

Relief work in the Great Depression

Due to the excellent state of Prescott's tourism, the Great Depression did not fully reach the town until the spring of 1930. [7] As the effects presented themselves, Sparkes endeavored to decrease the impact of the economic crisis on Yavapai County. [8] She was instrumental in creating projects funding unemployed people throughout the county. [3]

In 1930, Sparkes advocated for voters to endorse Proposition 108, authorizing road resurfacing, which she claimed would increase employment. She also encouraged all Prescott businessmen to employ at least one unemployed citizen for at least one day during the first week of November. In mid-November, she announced 250 jobs for unemployed Prescott civilians working on municipal projects. By 1932, Sparkes was the local chairman in charge of relief projects. In this position, she implemented federal and municipal projects. [8]

In November 1934, she was named chairman of the Yavapai County Civil Works Administration. In just twelve days to meet the December 1 deadline, she worked to organize and obtain funding for nine construction projects. When funds ran low, she worked to show Washington that the projects were so unique a special dispensation should be made to continue them. However, the whole project was terminated by congressional action in February 1934. In April 1934, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration was established in place of the Civil Works Administration. Although Sparkes had been unjustly criticized in a national scandal regarding the misuse of CWA funds and other irregularities, she agreed to continue her work coordinating local relief. [8]

Artifact in the visitors' center at Tuzigoot National Monument. Sparkes obtained funding for people who were unable to do manual labor to prepare and assemble artifacts. Tuzigoot artifacts 6.JPG
Artifact in the visitors' center at Tuzigoot National Monument. Sparkes obtained funding for people who were unable to do manual labor to prepare and assemble artifacts.

In 1930, Sparkes was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce's new Archaeological Committee, created to study, preserve, and promote Yavapai County's archaeological resources. This project hoped to identify archaeological sites to excavate, bringing in heritage tourism. They hoped to provide short-term economic benefits to workers and long-term tourism revenue. In 1933, Sparkes secured FERA funds for a project excavating, studying, and investigating the Tuzigoot prehistoric pueblo on United Verde Copper Company land and the construction of a museum. [3] Sparkes also secured CWA funding for people who could not do heavier manual labor. A laboratory staff of women and older workers, mostly from the Cottonwood and Clarksdale Hispanic communities, cleaned, repaired, and documented over 150 pottery vessels. [3] [9]

In 1934, when the Arizona legislature decided not to fund an exhibit for the Century of Progress exhibition, Sparkes raised funds and built an exhibit herself. [2]

Other work in Yavapai County

Sparkes was very interested in roads and road movement. Many scenic roads through the Southwest were successful due to her work. [7] Sparkes was instrumental in developing Interstate 10. [3]

In the 1930s, Sparkes successfully campaigned for more land to be added to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. [10]

In 1935, Sparkes, along with Sharlot Hall and Yavapai leaders Sam and Viola Jimulla, convinced the federal government to designate 75 acres (30 ha) of land to be a reservation for the Yavapai people. It was the first reservation solely for the Yavapai in the state. [1]

Later life

Creation of Coronado National Memorial

Coronado National Memorial Montezuma Pass view E - Coronado National Memorial Arizona.jpg
Coronado National Memorial

In 1938, Sparkes was involved in a dispute between the "old and new guards" at the Chamber of Commerce. She left the organization and began working with Yavapai Associates, an organization financed through the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, which disbanded in 1945. [2] Shortly after it closed, she moved to the State of Texas mine in Montezuma Canyon, which she had inherited when her father died in 1938. [11] In 1946, mineral production at the mine stopped. [11]

After moving to Montezuma Canyon, Sparkes became more involved in the proposal to create the Coronado National Park. She focused on the economic benefits of the park in Southeastern Arizona for all except the miners (a group she included herself in). By the end of 1950, Sparkes had become the chair of the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce National Parks and Monuments Committee. [11]

The park was established in 1952. When funding began in 1954, Sparkes rented a house in the State of Texas mine to house the park's superintendent. [11] [12] Facilities and personnel remained at the State of Texas until 1960. [11]

As the chairman of the Arizona Coronado Monument Commission and also served as the chairman of the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce National Parks and Monuments committee, she was involved in the proposal of the park and instrumental in the park's creation. [3] [12]

Death

In 1955, Sparkes was hired by the National Park Service as a seasonal caretaker. She was later promoted to Ranger/Historian. Sparkes either retired or was furloughed for a month in 1963. It is unknown if she intended to return to work at the park, as she died on October 22, 1963. [11]

Although Sparkes had begun proceedings for the National Park Service to acquire the State of Texas mine, they were unable to come to terms during her lifetime, and she left the mine property to her four nephews. [11] In 1986, the National Park Service acquired the property from her nephew Will Sparkes. [12]

Personal life

Sparkes was a close friend of Sharlot Hall. [13] She was also an excellent cornet player, who was able to "triple-tongue." [2]

Awards and legacy

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yavapai County, Arizona</span> County in Arizona, United States

Yavapai County is a county near the center of the U.S. state of Arizona. As of the 2020 census, its population was 236,209, making it the fourth-most populous county in Arizona. The county seat is Prescott.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prescott, Arizona</span> City in Arizona, United States

Prescott is a city in and the county seat of Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. As of 2020 Census, the city's population was 45,827.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Edward Campbell</span> American politician (1878–1944)

Thomas Edward Campbell was the second governor of the state of Arizona, United States. He was the first Republican and first native-born governor elected after Arizona achieved statehood in 1912.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yavapai-Prescott Tribe</span> Federally recognized tribe in Arizona

The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, formerly known as the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe of the Yavapai Reservation, a federally recognized tribe of Yavapai people. Fewer than 200 people are enrolled in the tribe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yavapai–Apache Nation</span> Federally recognized Indian nation in Arizona

The Yavapai–Apache Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe of Yavapai people in the Verde Valley of Arizona. Tribal members share two culturally distinct backgrounds and speak two Indigenous languages, the Yavapai language and the Western Apache language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viola Jimulla</span> Chief of Yavapai Prescott Tribe (1878–1966)

Viola Jimulla was the Chief of the Prescott Yavapai tribe. She became Chief when her husband, who was also a Chief of the tribe, died in an accident in 1940. She remained Chief until her death. She was known for improving living conditions, and for her work with the Presbyterian Church.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharlot Hall</span> American poet and historian (1870–1943)

Sharlot MabridthHall was an American journalist, poet and historian. She was the first woman to hold an office in the Arizona Territorial government and her personal collection of photographs and artifacts served as the starting collection for a history museum which bears her name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frances Munds</span> American suffragette & senator (1866–1948)

Frances Lillian Willard Munds was an American suffragist and leader of the suffrage movement within Arizona. After achieving her goal of statewide women's suffrage, she went on to become a member of the Arizona Senate more than five years before ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution granted the vote to all American women. She lived in Prescott, Arizona and represented Yavapai County in 1915. She was a Democrat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kate Cory</span> American photographer and artist (1861–1958)

Kate Cory was an American photographer and artist. She studied art in New York, and then worked as commercial artist. She traveled to the southwestern United States in 1905 and lived among the Hopi for several years, recording their lives in about 600 photographs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Museum of Indigenous People</span> Museum in Prescott, Arizona

The Museum of Indigenous People, formerly known as the Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture, is located in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona and holds collections of Native American artifacts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patricia Ann McGee</span> Native American Yavapai-Prescott tribal leader

Patricia Ann McGee (Yavapai-Hualapai) was a Native American tribal leader who served as president of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe. An effective advocate for her tribe, she garnered millions of dollars in federal and state funds to improve the infrastructure on the Yavapai reservation. She negotiated a water settlement agreement between the federal government and the tribe and established the first gaming license for any Indian tribe in Arizona. She helped develop a community center which earned a federal design award and served as an educational center to preserve both the culture and language of the Yavapai. In 2006, McGee was nominated by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.

Hecla is a former way station situated in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. Its name is derived from the nearby Hecla mine. It is also known as Stone Corral. Hecla has an estimated elevation of 4,596 feet (1,401 m) above sea level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walnut Grove, Arizona</span> Populated place in Arizona, United States

Walnut Grove is an archaic placename in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. It has an estimated elevation of 3,668 feet (1,118 m) above sea level.

Gideon Brooke was an American politician and businessman who was a member of the 8th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1875. He was a local businessman in Yavapai County, Arizona Territory and served on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors from 1870 to 1873 and again in 1877–1878. In between, he represented Prescott in the legislature at the territory capital Tucson and was chairman of the Committee on Roads and Ferries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prescott Armory Historic District</span> United States historic place

The Prescott Armory Historic District is a 12 acres (4.9 ha) historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It is a group of properties which "are all associated with Depression Era construction between 1929 and 1939."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. A. Johns</span> American politician from Arizona

Anthony A. Johns was an American politician from Arizona. He served a single term in the Arizona State Senate during the 4th Arizona State Legislature, holding one of the two seats from Yavapai County, as well as serving as President of the Senate. He also held one of the seats from Yavapai County in the Arizona House of Representatives three times, in the 2nd, 3rd and 13th Arizona State Legislatures, serving as the Speaker of the House during the 3rd Legislature. He was a long-time resident of Prescott, and one of the largest sheepherders in Yavapai County. Other business interests included mining and construction. Other offices held included a regent for the University of Arizona, chairman of the Arizona Highway Commission, chief of the Prescott Fire Department, president of the Arizona Wool Growers Association, and vice-president of the National Wool Growers Association.

Florence "Pat" Brookhart Yount was an obstetrician, pediatrician, and community leader from Prescott, Arizona. She was the first female physician in the community.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Grace M. Sparkes". Sharlot Hall Museum. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 McDuffie, Dana (May 2001). "Grace Sparkes photograph collection" (PDF). Arizona Historical Society.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dallett, Nancy; Guebard, Matthew (2016). "Crooked River: A Tale of Archaeological Excavation, Mine Tailings, and Who Interprets Native American History". The Public Historian. 38 (4): 56–78. doi:10.1525/tph.2016.38.4.56. ISSN   0272-3433. JSTOR   26420933.
  4. 1 2 3 "Grace M. Sparkes". AWHF. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  5. ↑ "Historical Prescott Women". Prescott Woman Magazine. 2020-04-28. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  6. 1 2 3 DeWitt, Jennifer (1996). ""WHEN THEY ARE GONE ...": The Smoki People of Prescott and the Preservation of Indian Culture". The Journal of Arizona History. 37 (4): 319–336. ISSN   0021-9053. JSTOR   41696296.
  7. 1 2 3 4 HISTORIC AMERICAN LANDSCAPES SURVEY PRESCOTT ARMORY HISTORIC DISTRICT (PDF). National Park Service.
  8. 1 2 3 Maxwell, Margaret F. (1982). "The Depression in Yavapai County". The Journal of Arizona History. 23 (2): 209–228. ISSN   0021-9053. JSTOR   41695660.
  9. ↑ New Deal Archaeology in the West. The University of Utah Press. 2023. doi:10.2307/jj.8763116. ISBN   978-1-64769-130-1. S2CID   265259714.
  10. ↑ Riley, Glenda (1999-01-01). Women and Nature: Saving the "Wild" West. U of Nebraska Press. ISBN   978-0-8032-8975-8.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Sánchez, Joseph P., et al. Between Two Countries a History of Coronado National Memorial, 1939-1990. National Park Service?], 2001.
  12. 1 2 3 Connell, Jim (May 15, 2017). "Grace Sparkes - Coronado National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)". National Park Service. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  13. ↑ Staff, Arizona Capitol Times (2014-08-01). "History of the Historian: Sharlot Hall". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  14. ↑ "Activity Center Rentals". City of Prescott AZ. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  15. ↑ "Photos: Williamson Valley Bridge rededicated to honor Prescott pioneer Grace M. Sparkes". The Daily Courier. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.