Living in Tucson was primarily due to George’s business interests that included a butcher shop and an Ice and Storage business that included a brewery.
Mathilda bore nine children; twins, Tillie and Jinnie (departed 18/19 days after birth 1882), Gertrude (1883), George, Jr. (1885), Henrietta (1888), Wilhelmina (1890), Maybelle (1891), Fred (1894) and Walter (1898).
Due to George’s prominence in the Tucson community as a businessman and civic leader, Mathilda took on the duties of a being a gracious social hostess at gatherings at their home. She was also a member of the Pioneers Historical Society and the Congregational Church. One of Mathilda’s favorite pastimes was gardening. Some of the bulbs she planted (now heirloom bulbs) are still planted by present-day family members.
When George became ill and had a stroke in 1914, Mathilda and the family gradually took to overseeing the businesses.
In 1917 the family formed the Pusch Land and Cattle Company and Mathilda held full control. By 1918 Steam Pump Ranch included 1120 acres of land. George passed away in 1921. Mathilda survived George by twelve years. She passed away at their home at 425 Fourth Avenue in 1933.
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Resources: Claiming the Desert by James A. Williams Barbara McIntyre – Great Granddaughter of Mathilda Pusch
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This month Oro Valley Historical Society is featuring “Wonder Women of Oro Valley and Beyond” at the Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch (10901 No. Oracle Rd.). The museum is open on Saturday, March 12, and 26 from 9 to Noon and March 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations are appreciated. Outdoor walking tours of Steam Pump Ranch are available March 19 from 9 to Noon. Check www.ovhistory.org for details of both events.
