11 Most Endangered Historic Places

May Hicks Curtis House

Constructed: c. 1913
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona

Known as the “Betsy Ross” of Arizona, May Hicks Curtis sewed the first Arizona state flag in 1911. Located just off the original 1920s alignment of Route 66 in Flagstaff, the May Hicks Curtis House was built in 1913 by May adjacent to two boarding houses operated by May and her mother that likely served early Route 66 travelers.

May lived in the house for decades, and as the property most closely associated with her legacy, the house represents her active community involvement and contributions to Arizona’s history. May participated in Flagstaff’s Women’s Club and the Arizona Historical Society, among numerous other organizations, and devoted her life to improving her city and her state. She also carved out her role in Arizona's history by co-creating the largest existing collection of pre-WWII photographs of Flagstaff with her first husband Frank Curtis.

Exterior of May Hicks Curtis House, Flagstaff, Arizona — Exterior of the May Hicks Curtis House before its relocation.

New development is moving forward on the lot where the May Hicks Curtis house has stood since its construction. Relocation of the house is the only way to prevent demolition, but only temporary locations are currently available. Funding will be necessary to move the house to a permanent location, then rehabilitate the house.

Recognizing its significance, the City of Flagstaff has taken ownership of the May Hicks Curtis House and is moving the building to a temporary location. The City hopes to raise public awareness and seek new partnerships for rehabilitating, interpreting, and activating the house. Future uses could include serving as municipal offices or providing publicly accessible community space, along with public interpretation of the importance of May Hicks Curtis’s contributions to Flagstaff’s history.