Recognition Luncheon Photos

Mary Parker announcing all the new board members.

Jeannine Moyle turns over her President's report to
our new President, Ruth Ann Hogan.

Mary Parker and Dee Steen

did a wonderful job arranging the event
at Lon's at Hermosa Inn.

Recognition Luncheon

Our annual recognition luncheon for volunteers was held at Lon's, the Hermosa Inn's world renown restaurant. A historic recap of the Hermosa Inn can be found on page 94 of Tastes & Treasures. Members and guests were served Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Prickly Pear Vinaigrette, (a Lon's recipe featured on page 96 of Tastes & Treasures,) and a chocolate mouse dessert.

Dr. Robert Kravetz was our featured speaker. The author of two books, the retired physician spoke about medical practices in AZ in the 1850s when miners inhabited the state (along with Native American tribes.) Treatment mostly involved 2 methods: whiskey and herbal concoctions.

Dr. Kravetz also showed medical equipment and talked about the methods for care during the Civil War. When the war began, the North was not equipped to handle the medical needs generated by battle. Doctors were trained to treat illnesses, not wounds. They learned on the job and from it the medical triage system was developed. The South fared better with their physicians, but because of the blockade by the North, they were unable to get supplies.

There were no antibiodics, and sterlization was unknown. The lead balls shot in battles were 1/2 inch in diameter and the damage done to soldiers was a major factor in the high number of casualties. Dr. Kravetz also pointed out many soldiers came from rural communities and had never been exposed to childhood illnesses. 100,000 died from measles, for example, and infectious diseases rivaled the number of casualties that died from battle related wounds.

An interesting tidbit: silk was used to stitch wounds. Because the South was blocked by the North from receiving supplies, Confederate doctors resorted to horse hair. Horse hair is very stiff and the hair was boiled to soften it. Boiling sterilized the hair and a soldier's recovery would likely have been more successful than a wounded Union soldier's.

I hope Dr. Kravitz returns to speak at a future meeting. He touched on health history post Civil War, but he's also an authority on Native American care, health seekers to Arizona and quack medicine.

Awards Chair Kay Holcombe announced that between the League and the Museum, 7,036 hours had been logged by volunteers. Kay recognized individuals who had reached certain levels of hours. Our out-going president Jeannine Moyle then thanked the 2008-2009 officers and executive board, and passed the gavel to our 2009-2010 president, Ruth Ann Hogan.

A big thanks to Dee Steen and Mary Parker for organizing the event.

Ping Golf Factory Tour

This was not our typical historical tour but after 50 years being in business, the Ping Golf factory fits the reguirements. Twelve League members enjoyed the guided tour April 16 and learned a lot about manufacturing. Ping is trying to have all the products made entirely in the USA and they are close to doing that. The exception is one driver going to China for titanium coating but most of the machinery from Mexico is now here in Phoenix.
Joan Galloway and Delores Tomasek stand by Ping color chart.
Karsten Solheim was an engineer and, admittedly, a terrible golfer. After a disastrous round of golf on a company picnic, he experimented with a popsicle stick and a sugar cube deciding he could create a better putter...and he did. Any pro golfer who wins a major tournament with a Ping putter now is awarded one in solid gold. Ping also keeps one in gold plate. They have so many putters now in the vault, they are expanding the room. Linda Fritsch, Pat Faur and Sharron McKinney take their seats at the presentation.
Ping must treat their employees well because so many of them have worked there for 15-20-25-30 or more years. That type of retention speaks volumes for a company with almost 1,000 employees.
Gail Lucky and Ruth Ann Hogan adjust their ear phones and glasses prior to the tour.
I was surprised to find many small buildings grouped together at their factory, not a huge modern plant. Karsten slowly acquired land and existing buildings as his company grew, including an old bank on the property.
A driving range is available to try out new clubs and it is now surrounded by tall, green mesh fences. Apparently pro golfer Bubba Watsen hit a drive 362 yards past the range and into the city of Phoenix bus depot. oops.
Lunch was enjoyed at the Art Institute of Phoenix culinary school. Pam Ryan inquires about the menu with her young waiter.

Dr Peter Welsh writes for Front Doors Magazine

Wonderful historic photo and article by Dr Welsh in the latest frontdoors.biz page 17. Party at the Tafel House is from Christmas 1906 in Phoenix. Check it out.

Governors Award Winner Gerry Murphy

Congratulations to a long time League supporter Gerry Murphy for his award. There is a write up about this in frontdoors.biz page 17 along with a great picture of Peggy and Gerry. He deserves the recognition after so many years of dedication to the arts.

MYCE opening day Saturday, May 9

Lots of talking, laughing, speeches, children, parents, dignitaries (including Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman) and excitement...that was the opening of the Museum Youth Curators Experience at the Museum. Honor students from the 8th grade at Greenway Middle School worked since September to research and create exhibits with the theme "From the 60's and 70's". Kudos to Megan Gately, Heidi Cocco and Kyle McKoy for all their hard work and inspiration to so many students. Everyone enjoyed themselves, tasted sweet treats and followed the students through the exhibits. They will remain open for several months. My daughter, Candice, and I learned more about the program from Megan. It is rewarding to see that funds raised from the Historical League go to such great community outreach educational programs.

Chocolate Lover's Delight Pie pg 152

My mouth is watering. Look at this rich, sinful, luscious pie. Two ladies made the same pie for the League meeting Monday and every morsel was gone. Nancy Evans is holding her creation with the beautiful topping of chocolate curls. Tobe Daum learned quickly that this pie cannot survive the drive to the museum in the 100 degrees. Hers went right into the freezer to "firm up". Nancy transported hers in an insulated container. Tobe also made these Sour Cream Muffins pg 41. By the time I got in line for the buffet, they were all gone so guess I have to make them myself.
The guest speakers, George and Donna Hartz, were very informative about their book, "The Phoenix Areas Parks and Preserves." George also serves on the Museum Board. Kay Holcombe and I tried to buy the book at the Museum gift shop but they were sold out so I will go online to purchase it...a "must" read. The League presented the Hartz's with a copy of "Tastes & Treasures."