1921: The Birth of the Smoki People

As the end of the 20th century approached, Smoki ceremonies, performed by Anglos disguised as Native Americans, became increasingly controversial and were finally discontinued. 

However, the first of their performances was held as fundraisers to save the cash-strapped Frontier Days, and was called the “Way Out West” show. In these, the Smoki were only a portion of the festivities.

The Dynamite Attack on JS Acker's House

JS Acker in front of his home.

It seemed just a normal sleepy night in Prescott early on Saturday, April 21st, 1917, when at 2:30 am an explosion rocked the city.

It was "a diabolical attempt to blow up the home of JS Acker, [at] 205 North Mt. Vernon Street." (*1)

It seemed someone wanted to see the future donor of park land to Prescott dead. But why?