Show Low had its beginnings as a ranch claimed by Marion Clark and Corydon E. Cooley on the banks of a creek called “Sha La”, an Apache word. Probably Americanized to Show Low creek. But the story that Cooley loved to tell and we love to hear, follows: Around 1876, the partners knew that one of them would have to leave. A card game would settle the issue. The game believed to be “7 Up” began and lasted through the night and into the early morning. Clark finally told Cooley, “Show low and you take the ranch!” Cooley turned over the lowest card and won a reported 100,000 acres, cattle, crops and buildings. A century later the main street through town would be called the “Deuce of Clubs” in honor of the legend.

The route of U.S. 60 was brought through Show Low by the influence of several Show Low community leaders. George Woolford was one of those men. Mr. Woolford's property, on the present day Deuce of Clubs, was cut in half as a result of the highway's right of way. George and his wife, Lillie, were among the first to operate a café to serve travelers on Route 60 in Show Low.

The Show Low Historical Society Museum, located at 561 E. Deuce of Clubs, consists of fifteen rooms, one of which is dedicated to the Woolfords. Their special room exhibits George Woolford's old roll top desk. This he used in his long service to the community as Justice of the Peace from 1912 to 1916, Navajo County Deputy Sheriff from 1921 to 1933, Judge from 1933 to 1936 and then as Justice of the Peace again in 1941 to 1948, is on display. Seeing the desk makes you feel that Mr. Woolford has just stepped away for a moment.

Lillie Woolford was known for her big heart in our community because she gave away more food than she sold at their café. You are able to see the vintage souvenirs that they had available for sale to early tourists. Also, a table and ice cream dishes, sugar dispenser and butter dishes that were used in the café are on display.

In the heart of the museum is a 1912-2012 exhibit designed by Carol Grossheim, Assistant Director. The theme is "Show Low Past, Present and Future." This delightful exhibit features items that have been donated by the City of Show Low, local quilters and a photographer who has taken recent photographs of buildings that were in Show Low in 1912.

The Silver Creek Railroaders model train club is building a replica of the "Last Train to Maverick." McNary was the main town in the White Mountains for years up to the 1980's. The logging industry was the economic base of the whole region. The Apache Railroad would bring the timber out of the mountains to the mill in McNary. The mill produced molding that was shipped by rail all over America.

In June of 2002, Show Low experienced the worse scare in its history. The Rodeo Chediski Fire began to bear down on our community. The museum honors this event and the men and women who worked tirelessly to save our town.

A room celebrating Eb Lewis was presented to the museum by his family in 1996. This is a favorite place for the many children that tour each year. Among Eb's treasures is his famous black derby, skin of the mountain lion Eb killed with a spear and a miniature brass canon. The famous Fourth of July Parade entry, the independently traveling Maytag automatic washing machine can be seen.

A Corydon Eliphalet Cooley memorabilia is on display in our main Show Low room. Also, Show Low's early days are exhibited with the use of photographs of people and places that adorn the walls. A wooden aqueduct found under East Cooley, as well as a telephone switch board, similar to the one telephone switchboard operator, Jenny Stock, used, triggers lots of smiles.

You must see the old post office. The U.S. Postal Service used the museum's post office exhibit as a Celebration Station on Friday, May 2, 2003. The City of Show Low celebrated its 50 years of Incorporation in 2003.

Everyone loves the jail cell. Because the building was formally used as a police department headquarters, it housed a holding cell.

Walking down "Memory Lane" you encounter the Angie Borrego kitchen. Angie was the first person to donate to the museum. You can see her old wood cooking stove that she said was, "Just the right size for her."

Everyone is invited to visit the museum located across the street from the Video Dome. Winter hours it is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. Admission is free, donations are accepted. Please call 928-532-7115 for more information.