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Rough Riders Living History Presentation and more at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in August 2009
 
(Phoenix, Arizona - July 31, 2009) - August 2009 at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park features the Rough Riders living history presentation, tours of the Mansion and lectures.
 
On Tuesday, August 11, the Brown Bag Lunch Lecture will be presented by Lori Rome, Park Ranger. The "Salt & Soap: A True Canine Story of Friendship and Adventure at Grand Canyon" lecture will be held at 12:15pm. Lori Rome's book for children, "The Adventures of Salt and Soap at Grand Canyon," is the true story of two puppies that wandered into the Grand Canyon and experienced great adventures in the grandest of all canyons--multiple rim-to-river hikes, a river trip on the mighty Colorado and a helicopter ride out of the canyon's depths--while ultimately snuggling their way into park rangers' and visitors' hearts. Join Lori, the park ranger who adopted Salt and Soap, as she shares their unique and inspirational story.
 
On Saturday, August 22, the Arizona Rough Riders will present a living history presentation from 10am - 4pm. The Arizona Rough Riders is a commemorative group that brings the Spanish/American War era (1898) to life for audiences. Dressed in authentic period clothing of the famous Rough Riders, and their ladies, and carrying 100-year-old weapons for the public's examination, the Arizona Rough Riders describe the era, the war, the effects, and the social mores of turn of the century America. The troop depicted actually came from Prescott 100 years ago. Flagstaff men also went to the war in the famous "cowboy cavalry." The Rough Riders are the most famous "all volunteer unit" in the history of the US Military.
 
On Saturday, August 29, Paul Hirt and Yolanda Youngs, from Arizona State University, present the Evening Slide Presentation Series with "Ain't it Purty: Tourist Impressions of Grand Canyon," at 7pm. Over the years, the Grand Canyon was publicized to tourists and the general public through popular images: from penny postcards to magazines like Arizona Highways to motion pictures. Join Arizona State University Professor of History Paul Hirt and Arizona State University Geographical Sciences Ph.D. candidate Yolanda Youngs as they explore how visual images of the canyon helped make it a monumental national playground and iconic American landscape. Reservations are recommended due to limited availability. For reservations, call (928) 779-4395.
 
Guided tours of Riordan Mansion are given daily, at the top of each hour. Tours begin at 9 am. Tour size is limited and reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are made by calling the Park at (928) 779-4395. Your guide will lead you through a pristine historic home filled with original artifacts, handcrafted furniture, and personal mementos of the Riordan families. The impressive home contains an exceptional collection of Craftsman furnishings with appointments by Edison, Stickley, Ellis, and Steinway. The first floor of the West Wing is included as part of the tour and provides displays about the family, the Arts and Crafts movement, and other local interests.
 
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure -- a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, more than 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servant's quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey.
 
For more information or reservations call (928) 779-4395. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is Riordan Mansion is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.
 
The park entrance fee is $6 per person for those aged 14 and up and $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13 (There is no charge for children younger than 6).
 
For more information about the 30 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.