Original Home of Ira E. and Marion Hinton Bradshaw
Built 1906-08
(Placed on the National Register of Historic Places - 1991)
This plain carpenters' Victorian eclectic style home, with a cross-wing and stone foundation and cellar was the first permanent home built in Hurricane. During the first and second year of families settling in this valley, public gatherings such as socials, dances, church meetings, and the first Christmas Program were held here.
The first school for this new community was also held in this home. There were approximately 20 pupils, with one teacher. Each pupil had to supply his own chair and desk, which were mostly made of packing boxes. The home later served as the first Hotel, being known as the Bradshaw Hotel or "Traveler's Home," and also as a Boardinghouse for teachers.
The Bradshaw's were primarily farmers, like most of the early settlers. They became prominent citizens and business men of Southern Utah. As the boys and girls grew up they were very much involved with the economic survival of the family. They helped haul wood from the mountains, dry fruit, make molasses and sold-or more often-traded for flour, cheese and other commodities unavailable here.
A 50-gallon wooden barrel was kept under a tree by the backdoor to provide the family with water. This water came from the nearby irrigation ditch or from the Virgin River, a mile away.
The lot in back was well planted to a variety of fruit trees and berry vines. A well kept garden produced fresh vegetables and melons. There was also a corral and barn with milk cows, hogs, chickens, work horses, etc.
Ira E. served as a Mormon missionary to the Northern States during 1893 and 1894. He left a wife and five children behind so he could respond to his call from the Lord and traveled for two years without "purse or script" in the mission field; a great tribute to his religious zeal and faith.
He served as a Trustee on the Virgin City School Board for 20 years before moving his family to Hurricane. He was one of the eleven families moving here that first year, but while others were living in tents, granaries, and other temporary shelters, he began work on this house.
From 1901 to 1907 Ira E. served as President of the Hurricane Canal Company and supervised its completion. Without the life-giving water furnished by this canal, this desert valley could never have become the "Garden of Eden" that it is today.
The Bradshaws were a typical Mormon family known for their honesty, dependability, and hard work. They were never known to swear or curse. They never kept any record of their works nor wished for any honor, and yet they deserve to be honored and remembered.
This Pioneer Corner is dedicated to honor them, along with all the other Pioneer families, who came with faith and tenacity, to lay the foundation of our beautiful city.
Marion Hinton Bradshaw was born 27 April 1866 and died 19 February 1924.
Ira E. Bradshaw was born 25 January 1857 and died 1 July 1934.
Both are buried in the Hurricane Cemetery.
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