Bonelli House: A Glimpse into Kingman's Past

Step back in time at the Bonelli House, a historical home located in Kingman, Arizona. Built in 1915 by contractor Pendergrast for the Bonelli family, the house was continuously occupied by family members until the City of Kingman acquired it in 1973. The Bonelli House stands as an excellent example of Anglo-territorial architecture.George Bonelli, the son of Swiss immigrants, constructed the home for his wife, Effie Tarr, after their first home on the same site was destroyed by a fire in 1915. The original house, built in 1894, was a wedding gift. The new home was built with fire-resistant materials, including volcanic rock and a special plaster. The house also featured an innovative cupola for passive air conditioning.Inside, visitors can explore furnished rooms with period pieces from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Many items are original Bonelli family possessions, including clothing, accessories, books, and other family treasures. The house provides insight into the family's life and the history of Kingman.The Bonelli House is part of a trio of museums under the Mohave County Historical Society, along with the Arizona Route 66 Museum and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. A single admission fee grants access to all three.