The Totem Monument in Strawberry
Totem memorializing long-time Strawberry resident Ernest Ralls. Photo Credit: Sam Lowe
STRAWBERRY — Here among the tall pines of Arizona, there stands a totem pole in memory of Ernest Ralls, a member of the citizenry. During his lifetime, Ralls expressed a desire to own a totem pole, and the urge became so strong that he hired Arizona woodcarver John Quick to create one from a tree that had been killed by lightning. It stands about 25 feet tall and features a bear, a frog and an eagle.
After Ralls died, friends and relatives dedicated the totem to him and had a plaque installed near the base. It reads: “In Gratitude of Ernest R. Ralls Jr., March 18, 1920-December 14, 1998, for the creative planning, love, dedication and beautification of this area.”
The memorial totem watches over Fossil Creek Road about 1.25 miles west of State Route 87 as it passes through Strawberry.
The totem pole was not in great shape this year, the last time I saw, it was leaning over. Friends say the base rotted. The Ralls property sold recently. Friends say that someone in the neighborhood was working to restore the pole, but its not clear where it will go– but you will not see it anymore along Fossil Creek Road.
How unfortunate! We hope it gets restored soon.