Heritage Colorado

Abstract

Entz, born in Illinois, came to Mesa, Arizona, at the age of four to recover from pneumonia. She describes life in Mesa including the transition from horse and buggy to car. She recalls early downtown businesses and describes recreation including dances at the Mezona. She talks about her career as a teacher and the history of Mesa schools.

Abstract Robertson begins by recounting her family's move from California to Arizona in 1911. Her father, Paul Baxter Beville, a citrus farmer, moved to Mesa to grow citrus because the land was plentiful and the temperatures were ideal. Robertson recalls that her father became a community leader, serving on the Mesa City Council and as mayor in the mid-1910's. She mentions several prominent Mesa families and local businesses including Everybody's Drugstore, the Toggery, Wendel's jewelry store,...

Abstract

Openshaw gives an account of life in Mesa, Arizona, where his family moved in 1902. Openshaw was one of the founders of the United Dairymen of Arizona, which helped establish the dairy industry in Arizona. He mentions some of the local businesses, and talks about recreation and the value of a dollar in earlier times. He also describes transportation and freight operations in Mesa in the early 20th century.