WHISKEY ROAD TO RUIN SALOON AND THE MAYER BAR

 The historic saloon in the “living-history” Museum is a reconstruction of the “Road to Ruin” Saloon which once served Gila Bend. 

The bar and accompanying pieces (liquor cabinet and table) was manufactured by Brunswich-Baker-Collender in 1861 and shipped around the horn to San Francisco and then to Virginia City, Nevada by 20-mule team. When the silver boom diminished, it was sold to a saloon keeper in Jerome, A.T. (Arizona Territory.) in the 1880’s. 

Joseph Mayer founded the town of Mayer, AZ  located approximately 40 miles north of Pioneer Arizona off 1-17. In 1888, Mr. Mayer purchased the bar and again moved it by 20-mule team from Jerome to his new town of “Mayer”. 

It is one of two originals from the territorial period still in the state. All of the pieces are Originals including the chocolate marble base; all glass doors and the mirrors. Each mirror is 1 1/4 inches thick and weighs several tons. 

The foot rail is a piece of narrow gauge from the Crown King area in the Bradshaws. The front bar originally had the towel clips hanging on the underside edge. This allowed the early day patrons to wipe the suds from their moustaches - - but the present day health department felt that was a no-no and made us remove them 15 years ago.

 Pioneer Arizona is particularly indebted to the two daughters of Joseph Mayer who made it possible for us to acquire this bar.