The ranch was started in 1874 by German immigrants George Pusch and Johann Zellweger. In order to make the ranch viable, they needed a lot of water. So the partners purchased a steam-powered water pump to draw water from the aquifer.
With adequate water, Pusch and Zellweger created a much-desired rest stop on the old Camp Grant Road (now Oracle Road), as well a successful farm that provided fresh produce, chickens and eggs to the residents of Tucson. Today, Steam Pump Ranch is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
So the second Saturday in November, I picked up my friend Patty to visit the Ranch and Market to see how it has changed in the past 10 years. In short, not much. I had specifically come to see what they had to say about Native American Heritage Month as they appear to be one of the few that recognizes this honorariam. But perhaps it will catch on. BTW, each month they feature a different sector or subject. And assuming that the “Friends of Steam Pump Ranch” are on a tight budget, good for them. Or perhaps they get a budget from Oro Valley government. Not our focus here. Regardless, there is a large community of volunteers that contribute to the community.
Here’s the point, Steam Pump Ranch is still active and the Farmer’s Market is hoppin’ with gifts, goodies and food, although it was difficult to find any vendor who was offering something to drink. it is part of the service provided by the Heirloom Farmers’ Markets which serves up Farmers’ Markets throughout the region. There is no problem with parking. Just follow the signs.
On this particular day, one of the most interesting things we ran across was Roxy, the daughter of the “Rattlesnake Lady” , who collected and sold Rattlesnake hides in the early 1900’s. you can read more about the Rattlesnake Lady in one of the rooms at the Historic Steam Pump Ranch. Worth a visit.
Heirloom Farmers Market Oro Valley
Open every Saturday, year-round,
Historic Steam Pump Ranch.
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – noon (Mid-April – September)
Winter Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (October – Mid-April)
 Oro Valley Government: Steam Pump Ranch
History, Events, Community
Part of Oro Valley Recreation Department
520-229-5050
recreation@orovalleyaz.gov
