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The efforts to replace Holbrook’s historic courthouse on Navajo Blvd. continue to grow. Last Saturday evening the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted their second annual food truck social and cornhole tournament to help the Navajo County Historical Society in their mission to collect the $200,000 needed to purchase a new roof for the building. Pulling in just over $1,300 with a generous $80 donation from the Empty Pockets Saloon.
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The old courthouse, originally built in 1898 had its roof replaced in 1929 with John-Manville asbestos shingles, which were advertised as “the everlasting shingle.” The unfortunate reality of the shingles not living up to their name and the Johns-Manville Corporation now owned by Warren Buffet, disinterest in aiding in the efforts to save this main street attraction from an untimely demise has forced the historic society to seek other means of repairing the Old West building.
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In 2018, the Navajo County Historical Society applied for a Route 66 Corridor grant through the National Park Service but was not selected for the grant. NCHS board member JoLynn Fox will continue applying for grants to fund the project, but because grants can take an indeterminable amount of time to be approved and the condition of the roof worsening, the society has reached out to the community for help in repairing the courthouse. Understanding the severity of the situation, the chamber has become a constant driving force in the efforts to raise the funds needed.
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During Saturday’s event, hundreds of residents from Holbrook and the surrounding areas came together in support of the courthouse. When asked why she had attended the event, head coach for the Holbrook High School spirit line and native to Holbrook, Alaya Darling said, “I grew up here, this is part of my history too. I used to come here as a kid. I still go in there. It’s a big part of Holbrook and its history. I will always come out and support any community efforts for Holbrook.”
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Tara Young, who works at the Petrified Forest and is also a chamber of commerce board member put it into perspective when she was asked why preserving this vital piece of the town history was so important. “Anytime you have a historical icon that is at the center of the community, how you take care of it is symbolic to how you take care of your community.” Pointing out that it is the most prominent subject in almost any picture one will see throughout the town’s history.
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The NCHS still has their gofundme account and continues their efforts to repair the historic building. To date they have $51,000, not including the funds raised at last weekend’s event.
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