Visiting the Burnt ranch in 1919, near Phoenix, Arizona


Let's time-travel to 1919, and visit the Burnt ranch. No, not the one in Prescott, the one near Phoenix. Yeah, it's long gone now, but if we follow our imaginations, and our nose, I know that we can find it.

Let's start with this article that I found in the Phoenix newspaper on April 30th of 1919. "One of the largest beef feeding stations in the Salt River valley, and a model of efficiency, is the Burnt ranch of Cleve Cavness, where 1,000 steers are fattened yearly. Upon the Burnt ranch the most modern methods of feeding are employed and the results which have been obtained this year should attract many farmers to the industry. Mr. Cavness bought his feeders at 4 cents a pound and started feeding last December. His herd is now in prime condition and is a splendid example of what may be expected with up-to-date feeding methods. Mr. Cavness recently refused a bid of 8 cents a pound for his cattle."


How about that! Let's go take a look. The ranch is on Grand Avenue between Indian School Road and Camelback. Here's a map from the 1930s:


Yeah, it's waaay out in the country, but it's worth the trip. I suggest that we head out west to Five Points and take Grand northwest towards Glendale. Yes, it's beyond Christy Road, and Maricopa Road, and even past the town of Alhambra, but we'll get there. Follow your nose!



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