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Ever wonder what life was like for a country doctor in Pinal County a hundred years ago? Dr George Huffman would certainly know.
Dr Huffman was born in May, 1875 in Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa (then known as the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons) in 1900. He served in Iowa as a doctor for 2 years while in college and then 10 more with his own practice, traveling by horse and wagon or sled to see many of his patients.
In 1910 Dr Huffman moved to Arizona, where he started work in Winkelman. Winkelman at the time was a rough mining town that boasted 22 saloons. After an altercation with injured miners he began carrying a .25 caliber pistol. He would travel to his patients on horseback, leading a mule with his supplies.
In 1916 Dr Huffman moved to Florence, having a house built at the corner of Butte and Park. During this period he worked as the Pinal County doctor, the State Prison doctor, and the local doctor for the Southern Pacific Railroad. For a time his house functioned as the local hospital, with many operations performed there.
During his 40+ year career he delivered over 3500 babies, including 3 generations of Florence residents. Dr Huffman passed away on 24 Dec, 1945.
When Dr George Huffman died his son, Dr John Huffman, donated his equipment to the PCHS museum. This included his instruments, operating table, and an Engeln X-Ray machine. This X-Ray machine (shown in the picture in the upper right) is one of the first commerically available machines, probably purchased in the 1920s. For a look at these (and other) wonderful pieces of Pinal County history stop by and give the museum a visit!
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