Schools -- Mesa (Ariz.) -- History

Abstract Patterson gives some of his family's history including that his grandfather homesteaded in Arizona in 1888 and his father ran one of Mesa's first telephone companies. Patterson, who farmed in Mesa, gives a brief overview of the history of farming in the area. He describes some of the machinery used in harvesting and baling hay, and talks about the water supply in Arizona. He discusses the future of farming in the area, the price of land, and the government's interference. Patterson responds...

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...

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

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.

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...

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,...