Northern Arizona Citizen photo.
WILLIAMS – You have probably seen the Babbitt-Polson Warehouse Stage in the visitor center parking lot. Some may remember its construction in 2011. A few may remember when the warehouse was moved into its present location around October of 1997. You may have never seen this one if not for the efforts of Laura Cole and the Historic Committee at the time.
Photo by Opal Means.
The example in Williams is not the only one that was built. According to Vice-Mayor Don Dent—councilman when the warehouse was moved—these warehouses were built all along the road. This is one of the last examples in existence.
He credits Laura Cole for saving this historic piece. It was her efforts that led to obtaining the grant to move it to its present location.
Photo by Opal Means.
The Babbitt-Polson warehouse was not the only warehouse. There were a few in the area where the Skate Park is located now. They were used by Tru-Value Hardware when they were located in what is now the Recreation Center.
In October of 1997, they were moved out of the area to make room for the Skate Park. The Babbitt-Polson Warehouse was moved into its present location by Dale Perkins. Williams resident Opal Means said that she acquired one of the warehouses for her own property.
The Williams Historical Society originally hoped to turn it into a museum. It eventually morphed into its original use as a warehouse by the City of Williams. Mr. Dent stated that this was not intentional. He explained that after the $35,000 grant to move the building was used up, it left little money to do any repairs or set up.
Northern Arizona Citizen photo.
He said that the cost of making the warehouse safe for a museum in addition to hiring a full-time curator turned out to be prohibitive at the time. He did say that using the building as a warehouse is not necessarily the final use. If the city receives a proposal for a better use for the structure they will consider it.
In July of 2011 the community stage addition was approved and completed by the end of the year.
The interesting thing about the warehouse is the inside.
Northern Arizona Citizen photo.
Northern Arizona Citizen photo.
Great article Glen! I was interested in the comment by Don Dent, that the city is looking for a better use of the warehouse interior.
Here is my suggestion: In Kanab, UT, the Parry Lodge maintains an historic barn on their property. Inside, they show old western movies for free to anyone who wanders in.
Go to http://www.parrylodge.com/oldbarn.html for more information.
My idea is to make something similar happen in Williams, since the Sultana never shows movies anymore. A small, free theater, showing a relevant movie with popcorn and soft-drinks for sale each night after the train arrives, might generate more visitor interest in staying longer in town. The inside of the warehouse could have local business paid advertising to offset costs of operation. If you think the idea is viable, please share it with those who might be interested.
I will volunteer to help.
Thanks for what you do for the community!
Al Messimer