ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, Arizona - November 20, 2009) - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park dresses up for the holidays and offers tours and educational experiences in December 2009.
On Monday, December 7 at 12:15 PM, the Brown Bag Lunch Lecture will feature, "Lindbergh's Trains & Planes: The First Transcontinental Flight Route, " presented by Jerry Snow, Historian. New York to Los Angeles in an unheard-of 48 hours in 1929! And what a way to go-luxuriously appointed Ford Trimotor Airplanes, meals served aloft, and a window seat for every passenger. We show original footage from those flight and learn how close they flew to Flagstaff.
On Saturday, December 12, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will host the annual Holiday Party and Crafts which will be held in the Visitor Center from 9 to 11:00am. Santa will be on hand to give out candy and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to the children. In addition, there will be crafts for the children to make and take home, as well as Christmas music and general good cheer. To help fend off the cold, hot cider and cake will be served. The party is free to the public. The FALA Choir will perform at 10:00 AM.
During the entire month of December, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will be festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present. The first tour is at 11:00am and the last tour is at 4:00pm. Tour reservations are recommended. To make a tour reservation call (928) 779-4395.
The Riordan Family
Timothy and Michael Riordan were prominent pioneer Flagstaff businessmen who developed a successful logging business, the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. The two brothers were known for their essential contributions to the development of the social and economic structure of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. Tim and Mike married the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. Tim and Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The two close-knit families built a large mansion comprised of two separate homes connected by a common area known as the billiard room.
Riordan Mansion
Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, the 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.
For more information call Riordan Mansion State Historic Park at (928) 779-4395. The Park is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road. Riordan Mansion is open 5-days a week from Thursdays through Mondays and will be closed Christmas Day. Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children aged 7 to 13, children aged 6 and younger are free.
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.
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Learn more about Riordan Mansion State Historic Park 
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http://azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_11-20-09.html
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