Historymaker Bil Keane

 Honored as a Historymaker in 1992, Bil Keane's cartoons have timeless appeal. Glad to see his son Jeff continuing the legacy.

Historymaker Hall at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park is filled with photos and artifacts from all of the Historymakers.

Historymaker Bil Keane statue

Honored as a Historymaker in 1992, Bil Keane contributed much to Arizona. A beautiful statue of his famous cartoon "Giddy-Up Daddy"
was recently installed at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale as another tribute to this generous Arizonan. Many of his fellow Historymakers contributed to this installation including The Bombecks (Erma was a Historymaker in 1993 ), Audrie and Joe Garagiola (Joe honored in 2008) and The Long family (John F. Long honored in 2001). The Railroad Park is a popular place for children and families, complete with train rides, train museum and carousel.

Centennial book popular with history teachers

History teacher Vaunee Ann Lewis needs research on WWII for her class. After showing her the biographies and photos of  John Rhodes, Morrison Warren, Eugene Grigsby Jr, Bil Keane, Navajo Code Talkers,  and Bill Kajikawa, she was ready to encourage her students to use this Centennial book.

4th graders at Franklin at Brimhall in the Mesa Public School district are learning more about individual stories and the human side of history through Arizona Historymakers.

Historymaker Bil Keane 1922-2011

Going to Bil Keane's home in 2010 to talk with him and obtain photos for Arizona Recollections and Reflections An Arizona Historymakers Centennial Commemoration was a highlight for me. He was gracious, witty and full of stories about his family, fondly remembering his beloved wife, Thel.

Honored in 1992 as a Historymaker, Bil Keane was a living legend. Artist and creator of "Family Circus" many of his works are on display at the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park in Historymakers Hall. He was very supportive of the museum, attending the Historical League Open House when Sandra Day O'Connor spoke.

Tastes & Treasures cookbook has a beautiful contribution from him. No . . . not a recipe but an original cartoon. Priceless.

Look closely at the Eller billboard. Bil and Thel (on ladders) are putting the final touches on it.

More photos and biography of Mr. Keane in Arizona Recollection and Reflections.

Historymakers at the Centennial Gala

The Kick-Off to the Centennial for Arizona was a wonderful event at the Historymakers Gala. Photographed that evening are Arizona Historymakers (back row) Bill Thompson, Eddie Basha, Ed Mell, John Driggs, Elisabeth Ruffner, Karl Eller, Barbara Barrett, Bill Shover, Calvin Goode, Alberto Rios and chairman Marilyn Parke. Seated J. Eugene Grigsby, Sandra Day O'Connor, Dinky Snell, Bil Keane, Stevie Eller, and Navajo Code Talkers Joe Kellwood, Keith Little and Samuel Tso.

We were pleased to introduce the new Centennial book, ARIZONA RECOLLECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS featuring rare photographs, memories and biographies of our Historymakers with a timeline of our heritage from pre-history to the present. Presented in a rich, leather-bound book it is a wonderful remembrance of the Centennial.

For more information and photos www.HistoricalLeague.org

Sandra Day O'Connor/ League Open House photos

Smiling faces all around as Sandra Day O'Connor greeted friends and fans at the new Exhibit Opening/Historical League Membership Open House Oct 21. Dr Peter Welsh points out highlights of the exhibit to Justice O'Connor, including a poster from her career.
Barbara Barrett was instrumental in procuring and moving the O'Connor House to the AHS property.


Justice O'Connor visits with Family Circus artist and fellow Historymaker Bil Keane.

Part of the Historymakers Hall exhibit includes photos and artifacts of Justice O'Connors career, even a Barbie doll in judicial robe.
Greg Novak, Justice O'Connor and Bil Keane. Marilyn and Robin Parke with Barbara Barrett.