Riordan Mansion
In the history of Flagstaff, some names stand out. There were (are) the Babbitts, the Verkamps, Thomas McMillian, James Vail and several others. One name that was respected as much as it was prominent was that of the Riordans. Denis Matthew Riordan was the first of the brothers to come west from Chicago in search of adventure and to seek his fortune. While working as an Indian Agent at Fort Defiance, he was noticed by E.E. Ayer, owner of the local lumber yard. Ayer was looking for a hard-working, intelligent person to manage the mill with an eye toward taking it over. Riordan took the job and soon sent for his two half-brothers, Timothy and Michael, to work with him. Before long the Riordans owned the lumber mill and, not much later, Denis sold his share to his brothers.
Tim and Michael were an unlikely pair. Tim Riordan–looking every bit the Irishman– was 6’2 and a rugged outdoorsman. Michael appeared to be more delicate and had planned on becoming a Jesuit priest before contracting tuberculosis. The two brothers married two sisters from Cincinnatti, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz. In 1904 the two families built a 13,000 square foot, Arts and Crafts-style duplex, designed by renowned architect Charles Whittlesey. The two wings mirror each other and are connected by a large, wood-paneled billiards room (or Ballroom, as the occasion called for.) Dubbed Riordan Mansion by the city, the homes contain servant quarters, indoor bathrooms, kitchen and dining rooms as well as multiple bedrooms. The surrounding land sits perilously close to N.A.U. but is beautifully landscaped with flowers, shrubbery and shade trees. Tours of the home are available throughout the week and special events– as well as lectures and fairs– are often free to the public.
