Judging by a picture postcard that Aunt Lill wrote to her niece, Fern Cunningham, in 1916, from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the woman must’ve been in a tizzy.
“Dear Fern – This is one of the views back of our mansion am in a hurry good bye. Aunt Lill”
The front of the card shows a fading photograph of the Army fort with what appears to be the headquarters building. Aunt Lill was being a bit sarcastic because my research shows there were no mansions present during that time near the fort.
Fort Huachuca, located in southeastern Arizona near the city of Sierra Vista, stands as one of the most historically significant military installations in the American Southwest. Established in the late 19th century, the fort has played crucial roles in the Indian Wars, border security, military innovation, and continues to serve as a vital center for intelligence and communications in the modern era.
Fort Huachuca was founded on March 3, 1877, by Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside of the 6th Cavalry Regiment. The fort was strategically situated at the base of the Huachuca Mountains to counter Apache resistance led by the famed leader Geronimo and to protect settlers and travelers in the region. Its location provided a reliable water source and a defensible position, making it an ideal site for military operations during the turbulent period of the Apache Wars.
During the late 1800s, Fort Huachuca became a key operational base for the U.S. Army’s campaigns against the Apache tribes. The fort’s troops, including units of the famed Buffalo Soldiers (African American regiments), conducted patrols, secured supply lines, and participated in expeditions that ultimately contributed to the surrender of Geronimo in 1886.
The presence of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Huachuca is a celebrated chapter in the fort’s history, highlighting the contributions of African American soldiers to the nation’s military heritage.
As the Indian Wars ended, Fort Huachuca’s mission shifted. The fort was deactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting changes in national security needs.
During World War II, the fort experienced significant expansion, serving as the home of the 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions—both composed primarily of African American soldiers. The fort’s facilities were expanded to accommodate the influx of troops, and it became one of the largest training centers for Black soldiers during the war.
After World War II, Fort Huachuca continued to evolve. In the 1950s, it became a center for testing electronic equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. The fort’s mission further expanded to include intelligence and communications. Today, Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, making it a hub for military intelligence training and cyber operations.
Fort Huachuca’s historical significance is recognized through its designation as a National Historic Landmark. The fort maintains several museums, historic buildings, and monuments that preserve its rich legacy. It stands as a testament to the evolving role of the U.S. military in the Southwest, the contributions of Buffalo Soldiers, and the ongoing importance of technological innovation in national defense.
From its origins as a frontier outpost during the Apache Wars to its current status as a center for military intelligence and technology, Fort Huachuca has played a pivotal role in American military history. Its enduring legacy continues to shape the region and the broader mission of the United States Army.
Miss Fern Cunningham, the recipient of the postcard, was born September 15, 1906, in Junction City, Kansas. A high school photo shows her to be a beautiful young lady. Fern’s dad and mom were Thaddeus and Theressa Cunningham. Thaddeus worked for the railroad as a switchman.
Fern married Tom Encell, and the couple lived in Junction City for a while, where Tom was involved in construction. They eventually moved to California. Fern Elaine Cunningham-Encell died on August 24, 2001, at the age of 94, and is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, along with her husband.
Aunt Lill was Lillian Schlatter, born in Wakefield, Kansas, on April 19, 1887. The Schlatter family hailed from Germany. Theresa was Fern’s mother, Lillian’s sister. Lill married Roy Thomas Dalton on October 7, 1907, in Geary County, Kansas. The couple had two boys.
Also involved in the building industry, like Tom Encell, Tom Dalton went on to become a highly successful contractor. Lillian was most likely living in Fort Huachuca because her husband was constructing government housing. The “mansion” Lillian made a sarcastic mention of living in was undoubtedly one of those less-than-stellar dwellings.
The Encells eventually moved to Granada Hills, California, where they accrued substantial property. Lillian and Tom divorced around 1942. Tom continued to build and was very wealthy when he passed away in 1957.
Lillian Schlatter-Dalton (Aunt Lill) died at the age of 85 on November 5, 1972. Ironically, Tom Encell’s second wife, Elizabeth, passed away that same year. Lillian is buried in prestigious Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, where her niece, Fern, is interred.
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