Victorian Baby Carriage

The PCHS Museum has a Victorian baby carriage that was generously donated by a couple from Gold Canyon, AZ.

Victorian attitudes and changed thinking in the late nineteenth century brought interest in nature and children into the outdoors. Bassinets and perambulators (prams) allowed mothers to take their babies outside for viewing. The health benefits were a consideration as well. Fresh air and sunshine fit well with the Victorian mother's concern for proper ventilation and hygiene. Wicker design allowed the air to circulate and was lighter when moving from porch to street. Changes in design made them easier to steer.

This passion for mother nature fueled the demand for baby carriages. Catalogs offered the latest designs and styles. Miniature carriages were even designed for dolls.

The terms "Wicker" and "Rattan" are often confused. Rattan is the material used in construction and comes from the Calamus vine. Wicker refers to the method of weaving the material.

The golden age of the Victorian baby carriage came to a close in the early 20th century with the beginning of the arts and crafts movement favoring straight lines and less ornate design. The earlier style of carriage became unfashionable and many factories closed. Many were discarded, making them rare, especially in good condition.

To take a look at this baby carriage visit the north wing of the PCHS Museum in Florence!

Victorian Baby Carriage

Original 1889 Patent for a "Modern Baby Carriage"

First Saturday - 5 April 2025

Arizona Gives Day

Arizona Gives Day is 1 April 2025! Arizona Gives Day is an annual giving movement uniting nonprofits, big and small, new and established, to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving. The event helps raise awareness about the critical role Arizona nonprofits play in our communities. The site is currently open, so please consider the PCHS Museum on this day (PCHS should be on there by 1 April)!

AZGives.org

Get a Museum Tour!

If you are planning to visit the museum with a group, special tours are now available. We have a couple of our most knowledgable volunteers who can provide your group with expertise on our museum.

Lynn Smith is a past president of the PCHS board and is one of our most experienced guides. She has been a member of the museum since the 1990s, and with her sister created many of the displays in the museum.

Christine Reid has also been with our museum for many years and is currently the Historian for the Town of Florence. Both Chris and Lynn are two of the authors of the "Images of America: Florence" book.

To obtain one of these tours please call 520-868- 4382 to make a reservation. Times and days are limited.

Lynn Smith, PCHS Volunteer

Florence Car Show - Thank You!

The 8th annual "Memories on Main" Car and Bike Show took place this past February 22nd on Main Street in Florence. The show included about 370 cars and drew a big crowd. The PCHS Museum was also represented with a booth selling items from our gift shop. We had a sucessful day, with $165 in sales that will go towards museum operations. A big "Thank You!" to all of you who supported us!

Check out our selection of quality Gift Shop items! We have jewelry, including items made by Native Americans, as well as items created by some of our more talented volunteers. We also have books and toys for children, and educational books for adults.

We welcome you to our Gift Shop Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.