Bonelli House | Kingman

Bonelli House – Comprehensive Detailed Overview

Location and Historical Context

The Bonelli House is situated at 430 East Spring Street in Kingman, Arizona, within the heart of Mohave County. This historic residence was built in 1915 by George A. Bonelli, a notable pioneer and businessman whose family played a significant role in the development of Kingman and surrounding communities. The house stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture adapted to the unique desert environment and reflects the lifestyle and ambitions of prominent settlers during that era.

Architectural Significance

Style and Materials:
The Bonelli House is a fine example of Anglo-Territorial architecture, a style that combines Anglo-American building traditions with local Southwestern materials and techniques. The home is constructed primarily from locally quarried tufa stone, a lightweight volcanic rock prized for its excellent insulating properties. This stone construction was specifically chosen to endure the extreme heat of the Mojave Desert, keeping the interior cool during the hot summers and warm during winters.

Structural Features:
The house’s thick walls - approximately 14 inches thick on the first floor and 12 inches on the second floor - contribute both to its durability and thermal efficiency. The roof is a hipped design with dormers, crowned by a central cupola often referred to as a “captain’s lookout,” which provides ventilation and an elevated vantage point. The design also includes wide verandas (porches) on both the first and second floors that create shaded outdoor living areas, aiding in natural cooling and social interaction.

Interior Details:
Inside, the home features wooden flooring, plaster ceilings, and a spacious layout reflecting the needs of a growing family and their social status. Many original furnishings, fixtures, and architectural details remain intact, offering visitors a genuine sense of early 20th-century domestic life in Kingman.

Historical Background and Family Legacy

Early Construction and Fire:
Prior to the stone house, the Bonelli family lived in a wooden home built around 1894 on the same property. Unfortunately, this original house was destroyed by fire in 1915, attributed to an electrical short circuit - a common hazard in early electrified homes.

Rebuilding with Fire-Resistant Materials:
George Bonelli swiftly rebuilt the residence using fire-resistant tufa stone, completing construction within approximately nine months. This decision reflected both practical concerns for safety and a desire to create a lasting family home that would stand the test of time.

George Bonelli’s Role:
George Bonelli was a key figure in Kingman’s early commercial development. The Bonelli family operated various businesses, including a general store, jewelry store, and meat market in Kingman, as well as a general store and meat market in nearby Chloride, Arizona. The house’s size and quality mirrored their social prominence and economic success.

The Bonelli House as a Museum

Ownership and Preservation:
The Bonelli House is currently owned by the City of Kingman and operated as a museum by the Mohave County Historical Society. It serves as a preserved historical site that educates visitors on local pioneer life, architecture, and the Bonelli family’s legacy.

Museum Exhibits:
The house museum maintains many of the original family furnishings and personal artifacts, including period furniture, photographs, household items, and documents. These exhibits offer an intimate look at the domestic lifestyle of early settlers in the American Southwest.

Tours and Educational Programs:
Guided tours are available, providing detailed narratives about the architecture, family history, and daily life in early 20th-century Kingman. Educational programs tailored to schools and special interest groups help contextualize the Bonelli House within broader regional and historical themes.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours:
The Bonelli House is open Tuesday through Friday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with last tours admitted at 2:30 PM.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $10

Seniors (60+): $6

Children under 12: Free with paid adult admission

Family/group rates available

Accessibility:
The museum provides accessible entryways and accommodates visitors with mobility needs.

Location and Contact:

Address: 430 E. Spring Street, Kingman, AZ 86401

Phone: 928-753-1413

Architectural and Cultural Importance

The Bonelli House stands as a rare and well-preserved example of pioneer architecture designed for desert living. Its use of tufa stone not only showcases early sustainable building practices but also highlights local adaptation to environmental challenges. The house’s preservation offers invaluable insights into the domestic, economic, and social history of Kingman and Mohave County.

The residence symbolizes the optimism and industrious spirit of early Arizona settlers who laid the foundations for the communities existing today. As a museum, it bridges past and present, inviting visitors to experience the lived realities of early 20th-century pioneers through immersive environments and storytelling.

Summary

The Bonelli House in Kingman, Arizona, is a historically and architecturally significant pioneer residence built in 1915 from local tufa stone after a devastating fire destroyed the original wooden home. Serving as a museum today, it offers an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century life, showcasing original furnishings, artifacts, and architectural features designed for desert conditions. Owned by the city and operated by the Mohave County Historical Society, the Bonelli House preserves the legacy of the Bonelli family and educates visitors on the rich cultural history of the American Southwest.