A black and white postcard of the Phelps Dodge store in Douglas, Arizona. The front caption at the bottom reads: “Phelps Dodge Mercantile Company, Douglas, Arizona.” The postcard is unused and was published by the HHT Company. Iris Siek collection.

The Copper Queen Mercantile, later the Phelps Dodge Mercantile, functioned as the Super Wal-Mart of its day. Anything the miners or their families needed could be found here: fruit, vegetables, dry goods, clothing, furniture, children’s toys, or hardware. If there was a need, the Mercantile could usually supply it. The Copper Queen Mercantile in Douglas opened in 1903 and operated out of a three story building. The store closed down in Douglas after the smelter shuttered in 1987. It was later remodeled and now serves the community as the Douglas Government Center-Cochise County Regional Service Center.

1986.38.3