28 June 2019 THE AREA OF STRAWBERRY was once home to large numbers of Native Americans like the Tonto Apaches and the Yavapai. An increased presence of soldiers in the area during the 1860s, unfortunately, forced the tribes to migrate to other locations. The area eventually was resettled by Mormon settlers beginning in about 1875. They named the area "Strawberry" due to the abundance of wild strawberries that grow in the region. Gold discovery became a magnet to new settlers that embodied the pioneering spirit that is still evident in Strawberry's rustic atmosphere. The population of Strawberry is about 2,000 very lucky residents. Many vacationers buy summer homes and make Strawberry their home away from home. Strawberry is a serene, tranquil place where outdoor lovers will enjoy the hiking trails, lush area campgrounds and fishing the mountain blue lake waters that surround the area. Strawberry is about 100 miles north of Phoenix, 17 miles east of Payson AZ and just 3.5 miles from Pine. FOSSIL CREEK A perennial stream near Strawberry that is a tributary of the Verde River, it flows from its headwaters on the Mogollon Rim to meet the larger stream near the former Childs Power Plant. In 2009 President Barack Obama signed legislation designating Fossil Creek as a National Wild and Scenic River, after a long campaign by the Arizona Nature Conservancy. pack-it-in/pack-it-out as there are no trash services past the parking area. Bring a towel and some very sturdy water shoes. The area at the waterfall is rocky and can be rough on exposed feet. Hammocks can be seen strung up on the many trees near the waterfall. Pack snacks, a light lunch, and drinks that you can bring in a small cooler. STRAWBERRY SCHOOLHOUSE The Strawberry Schoolhouse is a historic one-room school building. It was built in 1884. The families living in the Strawberry Valley petitioned the County School Superintendent to establish a school. The petition was granted and District #33 in the Strawberry Valley was established. A local dispute over the site for the school building was solved by cowboys using a calf rope and counting the number of lengths between the Hicks-Duncan cabin on the west end of the valley and the Peach cabin on the east end. They retraced their steps to the mid-point. There the school was built and still stands. Fine pine logs were cut and dragged to the site. Shingles were split for the shake roof and glass windows were installed, two on the east side and two on the west. They were double-hung and could be raised and lowered. A bell hung over the door on the south side and a wood burning stove sat in the middle of the room. The ceiling was originally cloth but was later replaced with wood. The floor was made of 1" x 12" sawn boards. Sections of stone slate extended across the north wall for a blackboard. The usual wooden benches and tables were by-passed in favor Many people visit to sunbathe, hike, birdwatch or swim in the crystal clear waters of the creek. Day-use permits are required for anyone who wants to visit between April 1 and October 1. Reservations can be made one month in advance beginning on the first day of the month at Recreation.gov. Reaching Fossil Creek can leave you a bit jarred from the relentless washboard road on the way in. Call the Fossil Creek Hotline at 928-226-4611 for up-to-date information on the road conditions. The swimming holes in the area are outstanding. From the Fossil Creek Bridge, the swimming hole is just a couple steps down to the creek. This is a great area for families with small children that can't quite make the mile hike back to Fossil Creek Waterfall. Think ahead and bring some shade with you on hot sunny days. If your permit is for the Waterfall Parking Area, drive past the bridge until the road ends and find your designated parking space at the Waterfall Trail parking area. Plan for at least a 30-minute hike back to the falls. Pack light and don't forget to