Hispanic America USA
Arizona Pioneers
Copyright (c) 1996-97 All Rights Reserved

La Culebra School
Rev Pedro Maria Badilla

At one time Concho was a thriving, prosperous
and well run business community, especially
when the sheep industry was at its height.

Records in the files of the Concho Historical
Society, and accounts in early day newspapers,
along with interviews and talking to "old timers"
finds quite a variety of business establishments here.

For instance: Theodoro Lopez Butcher Shop, "A place where people can
buy their fresh beef". A Market that lasted for a number of years in Concho.

And, Concho New Car Dealer Agency, Tobias Younis was the dealer
for the Star-Durant cars in Concho. He had a display of cars in a
yard nearby. He sould throughout the area.

"The Apache County Merantile Company". Around the year 1895,
The Apache County Mercantile Company was established in Concho
by Alfred Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz had previously owned, or managed a
general store in San Juan (St. Johns).

The St. Johns Herald, Sept 5, 1895 ran the
following advertisement:

Apache County Mercantile Company
Headquarters for
dry goods, boots, shoes,
hats, caps, and furnishing goods,
and a complete line of
General Merchandise.
Concho, Apache County, Arizona
Alfred Ruiz, manager 

St. Johns Herald, Sept. 19, 1895:

"Alfred Ruiz, the head of a big mercantile
establishment at Concho, reports business as very
flattering, and, if Alfred's appearance denotes the
condition of business, it must be very prosperous."

Historian's note: (Concho Historical Society)

Mr. Ruiz was well known for his careful dress and pride
in his appearance. many who knew him described him
"as always looking as if he just came out of a band-box".

St. Johns Herald, Feb. 22, 1896:

'Mrs. Alfred Ruiz, wife of Concho's popular merchant,
is visiting in St. Johns with her son Frank, for a few days.
She attended the Social Club Ball the evening of the 18th,
and enjoyed a merry evening with old time friends of
herself and husband.  Mrs. Ruiz has endeared herself to all,
and is deservedly popular throught the County".

CONCHO SALOON

Leandro Ortega, Prop.
Wines & Liquours
also the cheapest of cigars.
It is his intention
to keep a quite, orderly
house and to extend
courteous treatment to his
customers.