Mesa (Ariz.) -- History -- 20th century
Subject
Subject Source: Local sources
Found in 49 Collections and/or Records:
Oral history interview with John Lovell Hibbert, 1981, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-173
Abstract
Hibbert was born in Mesa at corner of Morris and Second Avenue and married Ruth Hansen in 1932 at the Arizona Temple. He describes what Mesa was like growing up with no running water, no electricity, and dusty streets. He talks about his siblings and his parents who were very active in the Mormon church. Hibbert discusses his education and mentions his graduation from Mesa High School in 1922. He names every person in his graduating class. He recalls going to Phoenix for a parade when...
Dates:
1981; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Lenna Isley, 1986 January 16, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-016-1
Abstract
Isley tells the story of meeting her future husband, Guy Isley, at school and falling in love at first sight. They married and relocated to Arizona from Illinois for his health. She recalls that they moved just after the flu epidemic of 1918. She talks about the first house where they lived, the ranch that Mr. Isley bought with his brother, and how the area has grown. She discusses some church activities and her family, including the business that her son, Guy Roe, started. Isley describes...
Dates:
1986 January 16; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Lillian Millett, 1981 October 28, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-219
Abstract
Millett moved to Mesa from Los Angeles in 1916. She describes the trip that took her family seven days in a Model T. Ford. She describes the big changes from Los Angeles including having no refrigeration or electricity, and being completely dependent on mesquite wood. She also describes using wet burlap to keep things cool. Millet married Williams Howard Millett, a native of Mesa, and they had six children. Howard was in the first group that went to World War I from Arizona. The Milletts...
Dates:
1981 October 28; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Lin Werner, 1977 May 18, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-217
Abstract
Werner, an important civic leader in Mesa, was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1901. He came to Mesa in 1925 when the J.C. Penney Company transferred him. Werner talks about his career with Penney's in Mesa and in Burbank, California. He discusses his civic activities in Mesa where he was elected mayor in 1936. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board and in Rotary Club. Werner gives detail about the development in Mesa including building parks and recreation venues, improving...
Dates:
1977 May 18; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Lorenzo Dow Rhoton, 1986 April 14, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-032-1
Abstract
Rhoton begins by describing his childhood in Shumway, Arizona, where his parents settled in 1888. He discusses his 51-year career as a teacher in Arizona, 24 of which were in Mesa. He talks about the schools in Mesa, the unification of several small school districts in the area, and names several teachers and principals. He mentions attending the dedication of the Mormon Temple in 1927. Rhoton talks about courting his wife and marrying her in Holbrook, Arizona, in 1917. He also describes the...
Dates:
1986 April 14; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Marjorie Entz, 1980 March 17, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-150
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.
Dates:
1980 March 17; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Martha Louise Libhart, 1981 April 10, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM02-55
Abstract
Libhart begins by telling the story of her surname. Her grandfather, a recent immigrant, was lost in New York City; when he was found on Libhart Street, that was the name given to him. Libhart moved to Mesa after her parents died and became a music teacher at the Franklin School. She gives a general history of life in Mesa and recalls many parades, going to the movies, and the value of a dollar. She and her husband owned a deli on the corner of Robson and University which they later sold to...
Dates:
1981 April 10; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Mary Strauch, 1985, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM02-62
Abstract
Strauch begins by telling of her father's journey to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she grew up. She talks about her brother, who was a successful anthropologist. Strauch tells the story of her husband, Don, traveling through the West to find a place to live with good weather. She tells of following him to Mesa, Arizona, where he started a very successful printing and stationery business. Strauch talks about the family business, which later included a gift shop, and how she balanced work and...
Dates:
1985; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Mason W. Davis, 1980 October 6, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM02-26
Abstract
Davis describes his childhood in Mesa, Arizona, where his family settled in the late 1800s. He discusses his schooling and recalls several businesses in downtown Mesa.
Dates:
1980 October 6; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Maynard Henry Sargent, 1981 May 6, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-182-1
Abstract
Sargent tells of his family's move to Mesa from Kansas via Los Angeles, California. He retired from a career at Salt River Project, but also worked as a farmer. Sargent gives great detail of farming operations, harvesting processes, and irrigation practices in the early and mid 20th century. He discusses various crops and products including dairy, almonds, citrus and grains. He also recalls the locations of many early farms and farmers such as the Longmores, Dobsons, and Stapleys. Sargent...
Dates:
1981 May 6; Digitization: 2006 March