The Arizona Folklore Preserve story would not be complete without a tribute to Rose Ellis.  In Dolan's words:

"There were many people who donated their time, money, and talent to make this venture work, so many I would not dare to try to name them.  The names are on plaques around the AFP buildings, and there are others who come to show after show, supporting the AFP in another important way.  However, there is one person above all, Rose Ellis, my wife of many years, without whom there would not be an Arizona Folklore Preserve.  Rose and I are now living separate lives, but I hope she is always remembered as the lady who helped me to realize my dream, and in doing so, created a special home for Arizona folk artists to present their shows."

We hope you'll visit the special page (coming soon) saluting Rose and the important role she played in establishing the AFP.

Dolan Ellis had been Arizona's Official State Balladeer for more than 15 years when, in the early 1980s, he was browsing the Scottsdale City Library and checked out the folklore section. There were just a handful of books, including Katie Lee's Ten Thousand Goddam Cattle and a songbook by Burl Ives. Something was wrong. Dolan knew personally of 100 or more people who made or supplemented their living as folk singers or cowboy poets or storytellers. He thought to himself, "Where are those people's work represented?" And, humorist that he is, he also thought, "Where is my work represented?"

Thus, the concept of an Arizona Folkore Preserve was formed. There was an article about "The Balladeer's Dream" in the Arizona Republic in 1983.

Initially, Dolan thought the AFP should be in Fountain Hills, and he and Rose bought property for a home, with enough acreage to allow for a cultural center. But a trip in 1990 to Ramsey Canyon south of Serra Vista, and a stay at the Bed & Breakfast there, changed all of that. The third morning, they hiked down the canyon instead of up, and saw a FOR SALE sign on 15 forsaken acres, with two major buildings. The larger building was a home that had been built in the 1880s and remodeled in the 1950s. The other, which became known as the Moffett House, was a ranch house that had been built in the 1920s.

Ramsey Canyon, at 5500 feet elevation, is one of those rare Arizona spots that has four real seasons.  The photo at top right shows Ramsey Canyon Creek, which sometimes appears to be completely dry, with much water.  The Canyon is especially beautiful in autumn with the tapestry of colors.  Both photos by Rose Ellis.