Springerville, Arizona

Springerville grew up around a trading post operated by Henry Springer. Although the town was officially named in 1876, it wasn't incorporated until 1948. The early days saw lots of cattle and sheep ranching in the area, and that still goes on these days. But in recent years, tourism, forestry and construction have popped up as major local businesses, also.

Springerville and Eagar are "sister cities," located as they are right against each other. Both towns are surrounded by thousands of acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest with lots of great fishing streams and lakes within easy reach. Because of all the nearby natural recreational opportunities and excellent four-season climate, this area has attracted a lot of retirees from other parts of America in recent years.

I drove into Springerville late in the afternoon on a Saturday in late July. You can see all the hustle and bustle going on in town from the photos on this page. As usual, I was looking for buildings of older architectural interest. I didn't find an awful lot but the rain kept coming and going and when a heavy downpour started, I got on the road and headed west for Show Low. I'm going to have to go back again when I'm not trying to stay ahead of the weather...