The Victorian

We wanted an office that would attract people and decided that the Victorian style would be unique to the area. An office floor plan was chosen and sent to Gail Rutherford, one of the foremost Victorian architects in the United States.

The building Gail redesigned is a Queen Anne, which was prevalent in the late Victorian era - circa 1890. The conical tower to one side is representative of the style.

Construction began in June of 1989. Because of its unique style, there were many challenges when Marty Solesky, the project manager from Show Low, was in the construction process. The tower was an especially difficult project.

The pine and spruce moldings, made on-site from mature kiln-dried lumber, came from the Reidhead Mill in Show Low. Particular attention was paid to keep all details in construction and painting as authentic as possible. Much research was done throughout each phase.

When we were ready to do the exterior painting scheme, we received advice from Patricia Eldredge, archivist of Sherwin Williams Paint Company, Ohio. The paint is from their Heritage Color Collection - circa 1820 -1920. The colors chosen are modeled after the Queen Victoria Inn in Cape May, New Jersey. The 2005 restoration color scheme came from the book, Daughters of Painted Ladies.

After construction we called Phyllis McConnell, who lives in Lakeside, to decorate the interior. Each room is distinctive and retains the character of the period. Phyllis picked the wallpaper patterns and coordinating fabrics for the drapes and shades, which were then made locally by Velma Smithson of Smithson's Custom Draperies. The furniture is either antique or a period reproduction. Several furnishings are noteworthy.

A Victorian display case in one of the first floor offices was used in the TV series, Father Murphy. A table in another office was a prop in the movie, Poltergeist. Also, there is an old Ediphone, a dictation machine invented by Thomas A. Edison, which was used in the 1930's and 1940's.

The conference room is especially noteworthy because of the grand conference table surrounded by elegant chairs and lighted by an exquisite crystal chandelier. The bathrooms contain vintage, pull-chain water closets and pedestal sinks.

There is a small kitchen with an electric stove and refrigerator, which provides an eating area for the employees. The heating and cooling systems, installed by HAC Contracting of Show Low, are very efficient because each floor has its own Lennox HVAC unit.

In addition to the exceptional décor, several rooms have pictures of the surrounding area when it was first settled. There are rooms dedicated to Holbrook, Pinetop/Lakeside, Show Low and the White Mountain Apaches. The hallways contain pictures of McNary when the lodging industry was thriving. Perhaps you might find a relative in one of the pictures. We are still looking for vintage pictures of the area if anyone would like to bring them in.

History of Christmas Decorations

The Christmas decorations are a tradition, which began at the McCarty home in 1963. When the home was sold, the decorations were moved to our old office. When the Victorian office was built, the decorations were moved there. Through the years we have added to the display, but some of the original decorations from more than forty years ago are still being used.

Businesses Located in the Victorian

The Victorian building is home to a variety of businesses operating under the umbrella of McCarty Enterprises. This includes Park Valley and Fools Hollow Water Companies, McCarty Construction, Navajo Construction and White Mountain Vacation Village. In addition, a Sales Associate from Windermere White Mountain Properties is available on the premises for walk-in customers interested in area real estate.

Summary

People stop in at the Victorian out of curiosity, and sometimes because it brings to mind a similar house from their past. Many times people pause in their travels to take a picture or come in for directions. Some people think the Victorian is an old house, which has been moved to the site. We hope the house will age with dignity and style reminiscent of the Victorian era when life evolved at a slower pace and people surrounded themselves with a touch of elegance.