Central business districts -- Mesa (Ariz.) -- History
Subject
Subject Source: Local sources
Found in 10 Collections and/or Records:
Oral history interview with Charles Innes Robson and Clara Phelps Robson, 1979 June 14, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-034-1
Abstract
Mr. and Mrs. Robson, along with the interviewer, Charles Mitten, discuss some of the first automobiles in Mesa, Arizona. They reminisce about who owned what car and what the roads were like. They also mention some early residents and buildings in Mesa.
Dates:
1979 June 14; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Dave and Helen Duckworth, 1986 November 6, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-008-1
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...
Dates:
1986 November 6; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Owen Grant Macdonald, 1981 March 23, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-177
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...
Dates:
1981 March 23; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Owen Gray, 1986 June 3, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-013-1
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...
Dates:
1986 June 3; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history interview with Wayne and Zoe Phelps, 1988 January 8, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-030-1
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...
Dates:
1988 January 8; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history of Angy Booker, 2002 June 15, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSAoh-j638a-V02
Abstract
Booker, born in Naco, Arizona, talks about her family's history and her experiences as an African American woman in early Mesa. Her great-grand parents were slaves, and her grandfather and father were Buffalo Soldiers in the army. Her mother did laundry for a living, including for the O.S. Stapley family. She describes early downtown Mesa and mentions some businesses such as Everybody's Drugstore, the post office, J.C. Penney's, the hospital, and some churches. Booker discusses race...
Dates:
2002 June 15; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history of Clara Emmett, 1985 October 23, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-009-1
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...
Dates:
1985 October 23; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history of Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Kent, 1980 April 14, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM97-174
Abstract
Dr. Kent discusses his education and how he decided to come to Mesa in 1931 to practice medicine with Dr. Ralph Palmer. He mentions his musical background and how he and Mrs. Kent have supported the Mesa Fine Arts Association. Mrs. Kent describes Mesa when they arrived: a population of 3500, and one square mile bordered by University and Broadway, and Mesa Drive and Country Club Blvd. She describes the downtown area and mentions several businesses including First National Bank, the Rex...
Dates:
1980 April 14; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history of Iser Tibshraeny, 1985 February 21, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MSM02-51
Abstract
Oral history talk during which the audience asks questions.
Dates:
1985 February 21; Digitization: 2006 March
Oral history of Walter Haws, 1985 August 16, 2006 March
Item
Identifier: MHM2005-027-014-1
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...
Dates:
1985 August 16; Digitization: 2006 March