A few years ago, we visited Show Low and stopped at Buffalo Nickel Brewing Company. With my background in beer, that part probably doesn’t surprise anyone. But while we were there, I learned the story behind the town’s unusual name.
It involves two ranching partners, a disagreement, and a card game with considerably more at stake than I’d be comfortable losing.
A ranch riding on a card game
According to local legend, Corydon E. Cooley and Marion Clark decided to end their ranching partnership in the 1870s. To settle who would keep the ranch and who would move on, they played cards.
As the game wore on, Clark challenged Cooley to show a low card and take the ranch. Cooley produced the two of clubs and replied, “Show low it is.”
And that, as the story goes, is how Show Low got its name.
The details vary. The city’s history page describes poker, while the Show Low Historical Society’s account identifies the game as Seven Up. Both tellings end with the same card and the same name.
A story hiding in plain sight
If you’ve driven through town and noticed the main street’s name, Deuce of Clubs, now you know the connection. It commemorates the card from that legendary game.
That’s one of the things I enjoy about visiting places around Arizona. A brewery stop can turn into a little history lesson, and suddenly a town name or street sign means something more.
The story has stayed with me since that visit. Next time you’re in Show Low, take a look at those signs.
And if someone suggests playing cards for your property, maybe offer to buy the next round instead.
Read more about the legend in the Copper Courier’s recent article.