Our Guest Room is connected to our home. That means we are onsite hosts; however, our Guest Room has its own private, backyard entrance and private bath.
Yes, we have rules…
We have House/Room Rules that are set up to protect our private residence/home that we live in full time and our Guest Room that we also use to host friends and family. We also have rules because we need to keep the peace with our neighbors. Our rules could be viewed as extensive, but if you stop and think about our rules, we aren’t asking guests to follow any rule you might not have in your own home or when visiting friends or family.
A Guest Room with a View
Our Guest Room has a view of John Wayne’s historic 26 Bar Ranch (AKA: John Wayne’s Ranch) thru our big bay window. John Wayne purchased the cattle ranch from the Mars candy family and became an active Hereford cattle rancher with his co-owner, business partner, (and friend) Louis Johnson. The Mars family originally named the ranch the Milky Way Hereford Ranch, namesake their candy bar.
The Duke
John Wayne “The Duke” was said to be an active member of the local communities of Eagar (where the ranch is located) and Springerville. It’s reported that he frequently participated in the Eagar/Springerville annual 4th of July parade, majestically riding horseback. You can still find pictures around the community that support this history.
1997…
The Hopi Indian Tribe purchased the ranch in 1997, after claiming that the land originally belonged to their tribe. They supported their claim with evidence of rock art along the Little Colorado River.
Today, the Hopi Tribe continue to graze Hereford cattle on the ranch.
You can still see “26 HEREFORDS” outlined with rocks on the hill over the huge ranch that overlooks the Little Colorado River as it meanders through the historic property.
It’s not unusual to see cattle round-ups along the backroads of the White Mountains, where you’ll hear the yip-yip and whistle of the cattle drivers, and the deep moo of the cattle.
Annual Rodeo since 1912
Historically, the local community held John Wayne Days, which were reportedly discontinued in the late 1970’s. In 2015 Eagar resurrected the historic John Wayne Days, in honor of “The Duke” complete with rodeo events. This event was a fundraiser for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. There is a post on the web reporting there was also a John Wayne Days held in 2007.
Today, Springerville holds an annual rodeo at the Round Valley Rodeo on the 4th of July, which dates back to 1912.
Here’s some links about the history of the Ranch:
MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH… (JohnWayne.com)
For info about our Rustic Country Market’s Guest Room:
Visit our listing on Airbnb: http://airbnb.com/h/rusticcountrymarketguestroom
Our hope is that guests come as strangers and leave as friends.
Rustic Country Market’s Guest Room Hosts:
Jon & JoElla Younkin
Stay@RusticCountryMarket.com