Ed Mell (1942-2024): a legend as an Arizona artist, and a very dear and humble man. Arizona landscapes have never looked more fabulous than in his paintings. He will be missed.
Honored as a 2008 Arizona Historymaker, Ed Mell's video, oral history and photos are available at https://www.historicalleague.org/historymakers/ed-mell
Thanks to Clede Gorrell and Mary McMahon for organizing this tour.
Another AZ Historymaker photo by professional photographer Paul Markow. This one features Vern Swaback, honored in 2019 as Historymaker. Paul remembers Vern took out his trumpet and Blaze marched right over to Vern.
 |
Spring Baseball Training in Arizona kicks off February 22. Thanks to Dwight W. "Pat" Patterson (1912-1999) Rancher and "Father" of Arizona Baseball Spring Training. Honored as an AZ Historymaker in 1993. For all his efforts to get baseball to Arizona, we are grateful.
Forward thinking with his marketing, home builder John F. Long hired actor Ronald Reagan for promotional advertising in the 1950's.
February guest speaker and professional photographer Paul Markow documented early Phoenix including these pictures of John F. Long.
Realizing that VA loans for returning WWII vets didn't cover essentials (ex. refrigerators and stoves), Long lobbied Congress to change that. He hired popular actress Jane Russell to showcase a kitchen featuring included appliances. The Historical League honored John F. Long in 2001 as AZ Historymaker.
 |
| Paul Markow shows photo of Ronald Reagan with John F. Long |
 |
| John F. Long promoting his new home kitchen appliances with Jane Russell |
 |
| How would you like to be remembered as the diapered man ushering in 1947 on New Years Eve? As guest speaker at our February meeting, photographer Paul Markow has given us some great memories with these pictures. |
 |
| Celebrating Black History month with historic picture from professional photographer Paul Markow. |
Valentine's Day dinner? flowers? candy? If you can't get reservations or have run out of ideas . . . Give the gift of history and cooking and storytelling with Tastes & Treasures II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona. www.HistoricalLeague.org/shop
Insightful visions of 1950-1970 Phoenix were presented by professional photographer Paul Markow at our February Historical League meeting. He was there to capture so many faces and times. With his dry wit, his commentary on each photo made you feel like you were part of the moment.
With Dr. Kristen Rex reporting on National History Day AZ at our February Historical League meeting, we know the program is in good shape. Judging will start Saturday, February 24 with the option of using your laptop or notes, thanks to Stacey Trepanier and Kristen Rex.
Monthly meetings are busy with reports from committee chairs. Thanks to Lindy Isacksen, AHS Vince Bradley, Joclyn Clark, Pat Faur and Pat Grogg introducing guest and Diana Smith for keeping us informed of Historical League events. Thanks to Cathy Shumard for updating www.HistoricalLeague.org with event details.
 |
| AHS Vince Bradley |
 |
| Pat Faur introduces her guest Ardon Tunell with Pat Grogg on mic |
 |
| Joclyn Clark |
 |
| Lindy Isacksen |
 |
| Diana Smith on mic with Nancy Evans, Davie Garrison |
Norma Jean Coulter from Historical League writes, "National History Day AZ Students talk about their projects with Carey Pena of Center for Positive Media. The Historical League is grateful to Carey for taking time to encourage these students.
We are grateful too for League volunteers Cathy and Tom Shumard, NHD liasons and NHD teacher extraordinaire Stacey Trepanier who also attended and continue to work with NHD students.
Angel Delgadillo is a wealth of information on AZ Route 66 history, Stacey Trepanier is our National History Day teacher extraordinaire so Brad must have had his BEST interview ever!!
