John Wayne Penthouse at Francisco Grande hotel

When they heard that John Wayne had often stayed at the Francisco Grande hotel, Karen Swanson and Ruth McLeod decided to investigate. The front desk was most helpful and gave them the key. Check out the lovely views and comfortable spaces that the Duke had when he came to Arizona. 1,000 acres of his Red River Ranch were sold to Shamrock Dairy Farms so they could grow their farm, moving from Phoenix to the Casa Grande area. Lunch at Francisco Grande was included in the Shamrock Farms Historical League tour. Judy Blackwell did a wonderful job organizing such an informative trip.

Karen enjoyed this view

Driving range views from patio

180 degree patio has tremendous views

Thanksgiving Dinner - Formal Place Setting

Haviland china

Marge Jantz dressed in period costume as tour guide

Marge Jantz, our tour guide through the historic White House in Casa Grande, had this beautiful Haviland china place setting on the dining room table. All ready for Thanksgiving dinner. But what is the curved dish used for? Also the tiny little bowl to the right of the curved dish?

Lindy Isaksen presented her with a copy of Tastes & Treasures cookbook as a thank you for opening up her home to us. The cookbook has wonderful recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Historic White House in Casa Grande

Beautifully restored and furnished, Marge Jantz has created a retreat in her 1929 Casa Grande home. The historic designated "White House" is filled with antique treasures and Marge gave
an educated and informative tour. Dressed in period outfit, she was very entertaining and thoughtful, sharing her home and garden with 42 Historical League members on the bus tour.

Marge was delighted when Lindy Isaksen, tour chair, presented her with a copy of Tastes & Treasures cookbook.

Marge cooks on her 1929 stove

Historical Casa Grande Tour

Patti gave us the tour on her first official day of retirement. Volunteers never retire!

Dee Rinda was most helpful in the lobby.

A sold out Historical League tour to Casa Grande was filled with history.  Casa Grande Historical Society Museum was our first stop. We were greeted with warm smiles, coffee, cookies and an explanation of the Museum, adjoining schoolhouse and beautiful rock church.

After previewing Tastes and Treasures cookbook, they now carry it in their gift shop.

Thanks to Tour Chairs Lindy Isaksen and Linda Fritsch for arranging everything.

Happy Birthday Bus to Casa Grande

Nothing like celebrating your birthday with 42 of your closest friends on a historical tour to Casa Grande. The gals in the Historical League enjoyed their fabulous tour yesterday filled with musuems, lunch, restored theatres, stores and buildings. Casa Grande gave us the royal tour.

Turns out Julie Moore and Joan Galloway were having birthdays too!

Julie Moore smiles while we sing "Happy Birthday" to her.

Joan Galloway (in B&W) enjoys her serenade of "Happy Birthday".