History of Our New Home - Kino Rocks and Minerals
1974 photo of the Pardo/Kino Rocks and Minerals rock shop building.
**This information is duplicated from the New Home page, so we could share on social media.
History of Kino Rocks and Minerals Rock Shop
We pulled the old permits, talked with folks who have visited and have scoured the internet, though we believe there is still so much more information out there to gather, here’s what we’ve found so far on the history of Kino Rocks and Minerals.
The house, constructed in 1941, was one of the first structures in the area. While cleaning up a back room in the house, we found a black and white aerial photo labeled “airport and us 1954” with the house being one of the only structures in the entire area and a very small Tucson airport. We have spoken with a couple of folks who have been in the neighborhood since the 70s and they remembered the area used to be farm land.
The first commercial use, that we can find, was originally a gem and gift shop operated by Lois K. Davis in the 50s. On 11/17/58 she requested a sign permit. Around 1964 Louis and Stella Pardo purchased the property and converted it to Pardo Rocks and Minerals.
In June/July of 1974 the Pardos sold the property to Tony and Carol Amshoff. August 7, 1974 Tony requested a business permit under “Pardo Rocks and Minerals”. On February 14, 1975 Tony requested a business permit under “Kino Rocks and Minerals”, changing the name.
Upon the closing of our sale, we were gifted an appraisal dated May 1974 detailing the property in the sale from the Pardos to the Amsoffs. Included was a write up of the rock on the property and estimated value, indicating the Pardo’s transferred the stock and business as well as the house, rock shop, storage and house next door. Seen in the photos (above) of the property are a number of trees that are no longer on the property, a distinct lack of the large saguaros that currently grace the front yard, a number of the pieces of old mining equipment, and a wagon that we really wish was still there.
The Amshoff’s included Tony and Carol and their two sons, Marcus and Michael. Tony passed away in November, 2013. His obituary reads “June 11, 1932 – November 21, 2013 proud owner of Kino Rocks and Minerals for 39 years.” Carol passed away in November, 2015. Marcus passed September, 2019 and Michael passed a few years ago.
In March 2014 there was a fire on the property, that appears to have started in the lapidary area, attached to the rock shop, due to one of the very large saws (which is still on the property). From what we understand, the requirements from the City of Tucson and utility companies needed to bring the property back to operable were extensive and Marcus closed the rock shop.
We came along a few years ago, and working with Marcus’s widow, were able to purchase the property. This property has had an incredible history so far, we’re hoping we can add to it in a way that the property, and past owners who loved it so much, deserve.
If you’ve visited the property in the past or have any memories of the previous owners, we would love to hear from you. We’re trying to piece together a more complete picture of the history of this important part of the Tucson rock world. You can reach out through email, phone or text. Thank you so very much!