Elfrida in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Old Camp Rucker Ranch
Theodore Hampe, a German artist, and his wife Mathilde purchased Old Camp Rucker Ranch from Gray in 1896. Mathilde’s description of the ranch upon first seeing it was:
“Just before arriving at the ranch we had to drive up a short steep hill. [The old road was located near the Bakery]. Coming upon the house suddenly, [originally the Commissary] a pleasant surprise awaited me, for there was a large adobe house set in a mass of flowers, many kinds of shrubs and trees, There was also a vegetable garden in the corner.”
The Hampes raised goats and cows. They were also artists, some of whose illustrations and watercolors depict life in Rucker Canyon. They painted the ceiling of the small adobe house here.
Charles and Mary Rak bought the ranch from the Hampes in 1919. Charlie Rak was a cattle rancher. Mary Rak, from San Francisco, was new to ranching, but soon adapted to the way of life. She described many of her experiences in books she wrote while living at the ranch. Two of the best known are “A Cowman’s Wife” published in 1934 and “Mountain Cattle” published in 1936. The Raks branded their cattle “O C R” for Old Camp Rucker.
The Raks sold the ranch to Mrs. Ella Dana of New York in 1943. She used this historic property as a restful retreat before transferring it to the Forest Service in 1970.
Erected by United States Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 31° 45.237′ N, 109° 21.505′ W. Marker is in Elfrida, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from North Tex Canyon Road near East Rucker Canyon Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elfrida AZ 85610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. How Camp Rucker received its Name (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp John A. Rucker A Military Outpost (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Rucker and the Indian Scouts (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Rucker Timeline (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Rucker Bakery and Commissary (within shouting distance of this marker); John Ringo (approx. 8˝ miles away).
Additional keywords. Ranching
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2011, by James Nuti of Bisbee, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,435 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 30, 2011, by James Nuti of Bisbee, Arizona. 5. submitted on June 6, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.