We follow Aurora Hoffman into Riordan Mansion. The billiard room is like a collection from a Western movie, from the log beams to the buffalo head mounted above the fireplace. A billiard table is at one end of the large room, a seating arrangement is at the other—perfect for visiting or playing board games—and a piano. In the center of the room are two rocking chairs in front of the fireplace. The room almost echoes with the children’s laughter and good-spirited comments by the adults playing billiards.
Hoffman, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park Ranger, enthusiastically explains that the house, built by two brothers, Timothy and Michael Riordan, in 1904, is one of the finest examples of American Arts and Crafts homes in the nation.
The men were prominent pioneer businessmen who developed the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company and created the duplex-style home for their growing families in Flagstaff.
Hoffman explains how each end of the 13,000-square-foot house was a living space with a shared central living space. “This way, they could come together at the end of the day to enjoy each other’s company in what they called the billiard room.”
Timothy and Michael married the Metz sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth. Timothy and Caroline had two daughters; Michael and Elizabeth had six children.
Hoffman tells us the Riordan brothers came to Flagstaff seeking professional opportunities and ended up helping to build the community, which included churches, medical care, public school, and Lowell Observatory.
We follow our guide into a beautiful dining area with sunshine filtered through ornate stained glass. We tour other rooms, including the formal dining room, kitchen, library, bedrooms, and servant’s quarters.
When we leave the first part of the house and walk into the other half, we discover a museum with informative placards and photos of the men, their families, businesses, and the city.
The house is a lovely idea: two brothers with privacy for their wives and children and a common area for the extended family. Hoffman continues to answer guests’ questions before the last person leaves this enchanted piece of history—this authentic look back in time.
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I’ve been to Flagstaff a number of times and have never heard of this place. Need to check it out next time I’m there — thanks for bringing it to our attention.
The guides do a great job of bringing the history to life. You’ll enjoy it!