“We are proud to be ambassadors for Holbrook as we meet people from around the world,” said Navajo County Historical Society Director JoLynn Fox as she introduced Society President Jill Diemer and Vice President Mary Bragg at the Holbrook City Council meeting on May 8.
Diemer gave a brief PowerPoint presentation that included pictures throughout the years of the historic Navajo County Courthouse that houses the Navajo County Visitor Center and Museum as well as the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce office.
Diemer said that since the visitors center opened in 1980s, there have been more than 700,000 visitors that have come through the doors, including visitors from Australia, Africa, Germany and many from around the United States. The museum is open daily except legal holidays and is free to the public. “Please, if you live in town, bring your kids,” said Diemer “They should understand our history. People love the museum, and the courthouse is an impressive, magnificent building; an old queen that is falling apart.”
Diemer showed a picture of the damage to the roof, while holding a piece of the original shingle from 1929. “The current shingles are asbestos. They are falling off and we are getting a lot of water damage. We need to do something pretty quick,” Diemer shared. The new roof is estimated to cost $175,000 with Navajo County and Holbrook’s Community Development Director Kathleen Smith exploring grant options. Smith said she submitted a grant this week that will bring in $30,000 if accepted.
Diemer also noted that the society is putting all the membership money for 2018 toward the roof and everyone is welcome to join. “Currently, we have 57 members and the cost is $20 for a person and $15 for a senior,” Diemer said.
