Explore rare photographs, personal items, and family stories of the Pusch family’s eldest daughter
Gertrude Pusch
Gertrude Pusch,12 Years Old
Gertrude Pusch was the eldest surviving daughter of ranch founders George and Mathilda Pusch, born into the early ranching era that shaped Steam Pump Ranch.
She grew up during the height of the Pusch family’s operations—when the ranch served as a watering stop for cattle drives, a home base for the family’s butcher business, and a waypoint on the long route to the Feldman (PZ) Ranch near Aravaipa.
Gertrude Pusch Zipf and Friends. She is in the front left with dark dress
Gertrude attended the University of Arizona andlived in Tucson until her death in 1974. Gertrude’s nickname was Tootsie (or Tutsie).
Learn more about Gertrude’s life with stories from her niece – History with Barbara McIntyre.
Gertrude Pusch-Zipf and Friends. She is center front row, wearing all white
Gertrude’s Trunk and Wedding Shawl
A huge thank you to the Arizona Historical Society for their grant in 2024 to the Oro Valley Historical Society!
This funding preserved a 100‑year‑old shawl owned by Gertrude Pusch and is believed to have been worn at her wedding to Henry W. Zipf. The shawl was previously stored in our archives and rarely exhibited. It is now permanently displayed in the Pusch House Museum above Gertrude’s steamer trunk, alongside other cherished family possessions.
We are also grateful to Mo Gaul and Corinne Blake of Mo’s Gallery for their expertise in framing, protective glass, and installation.