About Us

Originally known as the Eagle Hall, the building currently occupied by the Greenlee County Historical Society Museum was built by Antonio and Ambrose Spezia in 1913. Its parapet is covered with elaborate cornices and the designation: Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 1690. The Eagle organization was then, as it is today, a social-charitable organization made of workmen and artisans. The upper floor was originally used for meetings and for periodic dances—the dances were sometimes colorful masquerades lasting until the early hours of the morning. At one time, a balcony ran the full length of the building on the upper floor, east side. During parties, guests frequently went out on the balcony for fresh air and also to settle disputes. At least one person was known to fall from the balcony to the ground below, with no injuries. The upper floor was also used for offices of the city's Police Court with Justice of the Peace Matt Danenhauer serving as judge. In contrast the lower floor was occupied by J. Alvarez's Meat Market. Meat sold there was obtained from local ranchers (Medina, Gatti or Zorrilla) and was displayed and sold from large screen cages in the store.