News

Henry Zipf

The Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) Board members are saddened to announce the passing of our friend and President Henry K. Zipf.  Henry was the great-grandson of George and Mathilda (nee Feldman) Pusch, grandson of Gertrude (nee Pusch) and Henry W. Zipf, and son of Henry (Hank) G. and Ann (nee Lourie) Zipf.  Henry is survived by sons Nolan and Stephen and his partner, Debra.  Henry is also survived by a sister, Laurie and brother, Donald. The Pusch/Zipf family has long historical roots in both the Greater Tucson and Oro Valley areas.

Henry was an active member and board member of the Society for many years.  He dedicated much time and many resources to the organization.  He had a great deal of local knowledge of Oro Valley’s early years.  Henry was full of entertaining stories that included ranch life and his lifetime in the Tucson area.  Henry could “spin a good yarn” and his chuckle was infectious!

OVHS is grateful for Henry’s dedication to our mission.  Henry generously donated many Pusch family heirlooms and archival material to the OVHS for its collections.  He was intent on preserving the Pusch family history at Steam Pump Ranch somewhat as a personal legacy but more so, for the benefit of Oro Valley history and the community.  The Oro Valley Historical Society will do its best to continue to carry out Henry’s wishes in that effort.  We will miss him!

Henry and son, Stephen installing a display at the Pusch House Museum

Henry Zipf receiving grant check from Arizona Historical Society representative.

A Celebration of Life Service with be held on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

300 N. Tanque Verde Loop

Tucson, AZ 85748

Memorial donations at the family’s behest can be made in Henry’s name to:

Oro Valley Historical Society

P.O. Box  69754

Oro Valley, AZ 85737-0021

The Oro Valley Historical Society greatly appreciates the support of the Lisa Bayless Team at Long Realty for contributing to the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough!” fundraising event at the Master Gardener Level of $1000 and The Colmar Family Foundation at the Gardener Level of $500.

Proceeds from the event will allow the Oro Valley Historical Society to fulfill its mission to promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of history related to the Greater Oro Valley Area.  It will allow OVHS to continue exhibits, lectures, tours and programs in service to the Oro Valley community.

We thank the Lisa Bayless Team @ Long Realty and the Colmar Family Foundation for helping with this effort!

The Road to Arizona Statehood was a long trek!  On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1912 it became the 48th State of the Union and the last state to be admitted to the continental United States.

Discover the details of statehood and how George Pusch is connected.  See a flag with 48 stars on display in the exhibit.

The museum is open on Saturdays from 9 to Noon.  A $5 donation is requested.

Proctor Leiber House

You might have driven along Oracle road and passed Steam Pump Ranch a thousand times and wondered….what is that?  You might have visited the Heirloom Farmer’s Market and never gotten past the last food truck to see the Pusch House Museum.  You might not know that Steam Pump Ranch is an “Historical Park” and on the National Registry of Historic Places.

You might not know that walking tours of Steam Pump Ranch are available and can answer many of the questions you have about the property!  The Oro Valley Historical Society offers walking tours of the property on the THIRD Saturdays of November (17), January (21), February (18), March (18) and April (15).

Tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and leave every 15 minutes.   Sign-up at the Oro Valley Historical Society booth at the south end of the Farmer’s Market.  Look for our banner!  Please note the docent guided tours are about 45 minutes on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather!

We hope to see you and answer all your questions about Steam Pump Ranch Historical Park!

Suggested donation $5.