Ruby Ghost Town (11/17/2023)
Trip Cost: $15.00
Ruby, located about 12 miles beyond Arivaca, was an active mining town producing the most lead and zinc in Arizona in the 1930's. The history is extensive, beginning in the 1700's with the discovery of gold and silver. At one point, the population of the town reached a peak of about 1200 tough citizens. And with the number of murders, including a couple of double homicides, you obviously would have to be!
In May 1975, Ruby was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration plans have been in the works for some time but, unfortunately, have not made much progress. As a result, the remaining dozen or so buildings are in various stages of decay. There is a lake on the 300-acre property and lots of mine tailings that look like beautiful white sand, hence the original name of the region was "Oro Blanco," or white gold.
This will be a on-guided tour so you will be able to wander, photograph, and enjoy the property at your leisure. However, Leslie will give a history of Ruby on arrival. A minimum stay of 2 hours is recommended. Check out the website for further information here.
Important Accessibility Note: The elevation is 4500 feet and in the middle of nowhere! You will encounter not only rough ground, but all the flora and fauna that would normally be found in the Sonoran Desert. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water is a must for this trip! Long sleeves is also recommended.
Lunch is on your own, so you can pack it in or go to the cantina in Arivaca. If you want to eat at the cantina, please let the trip leader know so he will be able to give a heads-up to the cantina. The trip will end around 2:30 PM.
Meet at the Photography Club at 8:00 AM for departure at 8:15 AM. Travel time to Ruby is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
Please wear your GVR Photography Club or GVR Camera Club nametag, if you have one.
GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a waiver prior to departure absolving GVR or any liability. GVR has started a new waiver requirement, and the waivers are now good until December 31st. You may sign the waiver at the Photography Club or the morning of the trip, if you have not completed one already.
Dale Brokaw will be our trip leader. Contact Dale at 231-414-2727 or dbrokaw12@gmail.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.
Last date to cancel for a refund is November 10, 2023.
If you need to canceI, please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com. We may have people on the wait list to take your place. If you have to cancel on the day of the trip, please call Tom Parker as soon as possible.
NOTICE:
This is a walking tour that lasts about 2 hours. All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.