Mesa (Ariz.) -- History -- 20th century

Abstract Born in Mesa, Fuller recalls many details of everyday life: children's activities, schools, stores, and economics. She mentions several places people went for recreation including the swimming pool, the state fair, and the opera house. Her mother was a seamstress and her father owned a mercantile store that operated like a trading post for Indians. Fuller's father also served on the city council at one time. She remembers the first Catholic church, the first car of the Stapley family and...

Abstract Gibson recounts her childhood in Mesa where her family settled in the late 1800s. She was born and lived at 42 S. Center where the first Mormon Church is now. Mrs. Gibson had diphtheria as a child and the whole family was quarantined. Later her older sister died of typhoid and it was discovered that their well had been contaminated from their outhouse. Gibson talks about her father being very active in the Mormon church and in politics. She remembers that her family went to Phoenix on the...