Rogers, Mona

Abstract Dave Duckworth begins by telling how he and Helen came to Mesa in 1943 so he could work as a pharmacist. He talks about living in the Evergreen district, owning a drugstore with his father, and how medicine has changed in 40 years. He describes what Mesa was like in the 1940's with wide streets, a thriving downtown district, and good schools. Mr. Duckworth talks about the semi-rural environment that allowed people to have horses in their yards in the middle of town. He mentions being a...

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...

Abstract Haws begins by telling his story of being born in Mexico on the national holiday and being given the middle name Profirio, after Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz. He tells about working in the mines in Globe, Arizona, marrying his wife, and moving to Mesa to ranch with his brother. Haws discusses losing his cotton farm and becoming a truancy officer to make a living ? a job that he had for 37 years. He describes the area surrounding his first house near Southern Avenue and Mesa Drive and how...