Dr. Jose Burruel photos of early Scottsdale

Francis assists her husband Dr. Burruel while Lee Hann
gets an autographed book

Dr Burruel's stories of growing up along the canals in Scottsdale are fascinating. His family were "squatters", homesteading on Salt River Project land. As a boy he would hunt rabbits and dove and work in the cotton fields. His service in the Navy during WWII took him to many places but he returned to Arizona to study, earning degrees at NAU and ASU.

Pres. Jackie Berkowitz and Dr. Burruel visit as Carolyn
Hartman gives Francis Burruel Tastes & Treasures cookbook.

March meeting Guest Speaker Dr. Jose Maria Burruel

Mexicans in 1930-60's Scottsdale

After three days of celebrating his 90th birthday, Dr. Jose Maria Burruel said he wasn't quite as sharp as usual but he provided an interesting reflection on growing up in Scottsdale during the 1930-1960's. Encouraged by his friends to tell his story, he wrote for Arcadia Publishing "Images of America" producing a photo filled story of early Scottsdale.

Many of his friends joined the service during WWII even though they were not US Citizens. Several started family restaurants that were very popular (and still are), many played college and pro baseball - all greatly contributing to the growth of the area.