Benson Historic Preservation Committee

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📚✨ Benson Then and Now: A Glimpse into Our History ✨📚

Today, we’re excited to share a piece written by Alvah Fenn about the iconic school bus at the Benson Historical Museum. This bus is more than just a vehicle; it represents the memories of countless students who rode its familiar routes, connecting generations and fostering community spirit.

"Benson's First Bus Driver
The Territorial Industrial School, a reform school, was built in Benson during 1903. During 1913 the institution was transferred to the vacant. Fort Grant camp, north of Willcox, leaving a big, empty, two-story building. The community obtained the building, fixed it up somewhat, and a school was started. Benson Union High School District was formed. Students came from Benson, Pomerene and a few from St. David.

I want to mention here, just before I took the Benson school bus job, we moved to the Street home in Benson. After living in Mexico in primitive conditions so long, any comforts were appreciated. Mr. Street was foreman for the Boquillas Cattle Co. He and Mrs. Street had had a fight and when we moved in things were all broken up. Carmen cleaned the house and we were comfortably situated for the first time. The house had running water inside and a bathroom. Carmen said it was like heaven.

When I was in town I brought my horses to the back yard. One day Mr. Street saw the horses in the yard, and he didn't like it. He asked us to move. We moved into a shack on the John McNeil place in Pomerene. It was a sad parting.

I was offered the job of driving the school bus. I sold my transfer
company and took the job for $45 a month.

The school board bought an old bus in Bisbee. I went after it, taking Count Majestic and another horse. The first night I stopped at the stables in Fairbank. The next day I followed the old road through Charleston, over the mountain west of Bisbee. I passed the convicts who in those days were used to build roads with pick and shovel.

I arrived in Bisbee about 4:00 p.m. and rode up opposite to the rear door of the Copper Queen warehouse. I stopped to ask a man at the door for the address where I was to find the bus. The loading dock was about five feet high.

At this time a miraculous thing happened. I was leading Count Majestic and I had his rope tied to my saddle horn. I had two harnesses on the Count. As I started to talk to the man on the dock, I untied the rope from my saddle horn and stepped the horse I was riding up so Count stood where I had been. I had no more stepped up when the brick paved street caved in all around not more than eight inches from the heels of my horse. Down the huge hole went Count Majestic.

If I had stood my horse where I had been previously, and if I had not untied my horse from the saddle as Count went down, it would have pulled my horse backward into the hole on top of Count and me under him. Within a few minutes a large crowd gathered. The men put a rope around the hole to keep people back. My poor prize horse was in the caved in mine shaft up to his sides in muck. They succeeded in pulling him out. He was skinned up but nothing was broken.

Perhaps my life was saved. I realized my close call and gave thanks to the Lord. I have thought of that incident many times. I wondered who am I that the Lord is mindful of me, and watches over me. (Now it is many years later, and this is the first time I have tried to tell this experience. As I do my eyes are full of tears in gratitude).

I did all this free of charge as all of us in the community were trying to start the high school."

📍 Go see the bus and immerse yourself in Benson’s rich history!

📸 Benson Then and Now Thursday! 📸

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Bob Nilson! 🙌 He has been so generous with his time, speaking with me multiple times and answering all my questions — and then some! 😊

The "now" photos are from 2019, and the "then" photo is from 1910 taken off 4th Street between San Pedro and Huachuca. These incredible photos and the research behind them are all thanks to Bob! I love looking at these images and comparing how the buildings have changed over time. 🏘️✨ It’s amazing to see how much has transformed!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to reflect on where we once were and look ahead to where we’re going. 🍂 What a wonderful reminder to give thanks for both our past and our future! 🙏

I hope you enjoy spending time looking through these photos and joining me in appreciating our town's journey. 💛

🎄 Benson Then and Now Thursday 🎄

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! For many years, up until about 1971-1972, Floyd Meracle from Saint David played Santa at the old movie theater here in Benson. He would hand out gifts, every boy and girl received an orange, apple, a bag of nuts, and those classic candies that are nearly impossible to find today! 🍊🍏🍬

Around the same time, John McGlumphy from Benson, played Santa for the VFW, spreading holiday cheer to all. 🎅✨

I’ve posted a picture of the theater as it is today, but I’d love to see any old photos with Santa from that era, or hear your stories about those magical holiday moments! 🎅📸

A big thank you to Nick Maldonado and Ed Ellsworth for sharing their Christmas memories of years past here in Benson. It’s heartwarming to see how our local history is passed down. Let’s keep sharing and passing on these memories! 💖

What was your favorite part of those Christmas celebrations? Drop your memories and pics in the comments below! ⬇️