ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, Arizona - November 14, 2008) - On Saturday, December 13, 2008, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will host the annual Christmas Party and Crafts which will be held in the Visitor Center from 9 to 11 a.m.
Santa will be on hand to collect Christmas wishes and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to the children. In addition, there will be crafts for the children to make and take home, as well as Christmas music and general good cheer. To help fend off the cold, hot cider and cake will be served. The party is free to the public.
Enjoy musical performances by the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Choir at 10 a.m. and the Adult Handbell Choir from Trinity Heights United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. The day's performances are free to the public. Regular park fees will apply for tours of the mansion.
During the entire month of December, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will be festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Historic quilts loaned by the Coconino Quilter's Guild will also enliven the Mansion's interior. Guided tours include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present. The first tour is at 11 a.m. and the last tour is at 4 p.m. Tour reservations are recommended. To make a tour reservation call (928) 779-4395.
The Riordan Family
Timothy and Michael Riordan were prominent pioneer Flagstaff businessmen who developed a successful logging business, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. The two brothers were known for their essential contributions to the development of the social and economic structure of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. Tim and Mike married the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. Tim and Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The two close-knit families built a large mansion comprised of two separate homes connected by a common area known as the billiard room.
Riordan Mansion
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure - a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, more than 13,000 square-feet of living area and servant's quarters.
For more information call Riordan Mansion State Historic Park at (928) 779-4395. The Park is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road and will be closed Christmas Day. Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13, children aged 6 and younger are free.
For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
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Learn more about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2008/PR_11-16-08.html
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