Jefferson Park Neighborhood, three blocks north of the University of Arizona, will open one of Tucson’s historic homes to the public for four hours. The owners of this private home will open it on this special occasion to help raise funds for Jefferson Park’s National Historic District nomination. Admission: $10; children 12 and under free.
Jefferson Park invites its residents and all of Tucson to join the celebration. Come enjoy the live entertainment of the Way Back Machine and other local bands. A silent auction will include antiques and specialty items such as a helicopter ride and gift baskets especially for mom. Local businesses have donated gift certificates for raffles which will be ongoing during the festivities. Guided tours outside and inside will be continuous. Antique cars from the 1920’s will help you travel back in time. Come May 7th and have an historic experience?one for the family, especially Mom!
The features home is a very large 1920 Craftsman Bungalow Home. It was built by the neighborhood’s homesteader and pioneer. In 1898, a twenty-six year-old German-born woman named Anna Stattelman made claim to the 158-acre tract of land encompassing Park Avenue toward Campbell, from Lester Street north to Grant. According to the official homestead documentation, Anna testified to the primary residence being “32’ x 32’, plus five chicken houses and a barn, with 10 acres fenced, a well, windmill, tank and other small buildings.” That residence was located in the area of Santa Rita and Linden. In 1899, she married Frank Lester, who was the superintendent of Mammoth Mines. Anna rode in the wagons that traveled back and forth from the mines sometimes carrying gold. Such is the heritage in this historic neighborhood north of the U of A. Come visit a truly historic home and learn about an amazing Tucsonan, the first “developer” of Jefferson Park. She was an immigrant, a homesteader, a wife and mother, a speculator, a developer, a landlord, and a very strong woman.
NEIGHBORS: We need cool auction items and volunteers for the day. If you have not already volunteered you may call Joan Daniels, 323-2165 (cell) 300-1980 or email jdchama@msn.com, Let’s make this the event that retires our debt to the city!