Mesa Historical Society

Abstract Macdonald was born in Mesa in 1903. His grandfather was the first mayor of Mesa and also the first president of the Maricopa Stake of the LDS church. MacDonald Drive was named for him. Macdonald worked as the postmaster for 30 years and chief clerk for the City of Mesa for nine years. As a young man he delivered telegrams for Western Union. Macdonald gives great detail about stores and buildings in downtown Mesa including the Toggery, Stapley's, Vance's bakery, A&B grocery, Little...

Abstract Gray tells the story of his family's move to Arizona in 1880 after being asked to help settle the area by the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He jokes about having been related to most of Mesa's residents when he was young. Gray describes early Mesa with its wide, muddy streets, horses and wagons, and lots of people coming to shop on Saturdays and Sundays. He mentions many downtown businesses including McDowell's service station, the Rex Hotel, the F.P. Drew...

Abstract Wayne Phelps begins by giving his family's history and telling how his grandparents moved to Arizona at the request of Brigham Young. He recalls several early Mesa families and the houses they built. He reminisces about selling newspapers as a young boy, and about a trip he took to the Grand Canyon. He also recalls several local business including the Rex Hotel, Gus Wendel's jewelry store, F.P. Drew Lumber Company, and a few blacksmithing shops. Mr. Phelps talks about his schooling, mentions...

Abstract Emmett begins by telling how she and her husband moved from Wyoming to Mesa, Arizona, where they have lived in the same house since 1930. She discusses her volunteer work running the school cafeteria during the Depression, and helping the local Mormon Church start a welfare program. Emmett tells of losing all three of her children and two grandchildren. She describes the development of the streets and sewer systems in early Mesa, and the work she and her husband did on their house. She also...