When the U.S. Army built Fort Verde in the late 19th century, they never intended for it to be a permanent installation.
Now under the care of the Arizona State Parks system, work is regularly required to keep the adobe walls of the remaining buildings in usable condition.
Apparently, gingerbread wasn’t meant to last either.
Several years ago, Nikki Miller built a replica of the old military post’s commanding officer’s quarters out of gingerbread and other potentially edible treats.
The model was brought out each December, said Park Manager Sheila Stubler, when the fort celebrated its Victorian-themed Christmas events.
As comes with time, the miniature fort building started to fall apart, Stibler said.
“The gum was starting to dissolve,” Stubler said.
Although Miller has a lot to do, including planning events like this weekend’s Fort Verde Days celebration with Camp Verde Promotions, she stepped up to the job of replacing her earlier gingerbread creation.
This time around, Miller decided to make the structure a little more permanent.
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Oct. 8, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
