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The Tempe Bakery/Hackett House, at 401-405 S. Maple Avenue, is the oldest fired red brick building in Tempe, and possesses the most original integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association of any territorial commercial building in Maricopa County. It has a high percentage of original material remaining from the time of construction and a very high percentage of material dating to the Territorial period (through 1912). The construction of these two buildings is associated with the first significant phase of commercial development in Tempe. In response to the establishment of the Territorial Normal School in 1885 and the arrival of the railroad in 1887, the Tempe Land and Improvement Company purchased land and laid it out in blocks for sale. The bakery complex was a part of this speculation. It was purchased by William Hilge, a German immigrant, who produced bread in his ovens and delivered it daily in Tempe and Mesa. Hilge committed suicide in 1905. In 1907, the Craig family arrived from Texas, and they converted the buildings to a residence. Their daughter, Estelle, later married Roy Hackett, and lived on the property until it was sold to the City of Tempe in 1974. This property was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1974. The building is currently the home of the Tempe Sister City organization.

Today, you can find many treasures at the Hackett House including a wonderful gift shop and lots of different programs for you to enjoy. Programs include cooking classes featuring local and international chefs; relaxing teas with tasty savories, desserts and scones; and Passport to Understanding—an award winning series for children 7-12 designed so children can take an imaginary carpet ride to different parts of the world. In addition to these programs Tempe’s sixth graders are treated to free field trips through the program “Around the World in Your Own Back Yard”; the Young Artists program features the art of local students as well as those from Tempe’s Sister Cities; and Hackett House volunteers co-sponsor the annual Geography Bee for elementary students.

If you would like to find out more about one of these programs, either to participate or to volunteer, please call the Hackett House at 480.350.8181 or email Delores Salhuana. Hackett House is open Monday—Saturday from September to May and open limited hours on Wednesdays through the summer. We would love to have you stop by.