Interviews

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...

Abstract Schornick tells of her family's move to Mesa from Cherryville, Kansas, in 1909, to help her father's bronchiectasis. She recalls crops grown in those days: almonds, peaches, cantaloupe, citrus, dates. There were many ostrich farms and they ate ostrich eggs. She also talks about keeping cool by sleeping outside and wrapping water jars in wet burlap. Schornick married her husband Eugene (Gene), in 1917, and they had two children. Gene fought in World War II and retired from a career at Salt...