John Wayne, Legend of Monument Valley

Join us at the AZ Heritage Center on June 22 from 1:30-2:30 pm for
John Wayne, Legend of Monument Valley, a presentation by Bill J. Harrison, "Arizona's Road Scholar."

An undisputed American icon, John Wayne is recognized the world over for his signature drawl and confident swagger: the ultimate personification of American courage and honor. But it wasn't always that way. Early in his career, John Wayne starred in dozens of poorly written and amateurishly directed B-movies that were quickly relegating him to the scrap heap.  Then three things changed his life: John Ford, the famous movie director; Harry Goulding, an Indian trader and sheep farmer; and Monument Valley. This presentation will introduce the participants to a unique chapter in the legend of John Wayne.  Participants will enjoy this remarkable true story that not only launched John Wayne's career, but also introduced the world to the grandeur and mystery that is Monument Valley. Join us as Bill Harrison shows us how Harry Goulding saved John Wayne from obscurity and from fading into the background of Hollywood!
Cost: $5.00, $4.00 for AHS members. Book in advance at 480-929-0292. Does not include admission to the museum. Museum tour available following presentation for additional $8.00; book in advance.

BBQ in Monument Valley

Cow did not want to move

Despite the rain and a cow in the road, we took covered trucks to a remote area for a BBQ. The rain stopped, the food was delicious, the views amazing and the entertainment unique. Nothing like steak on the grill, beans with fry bread in the great outdoors.

Happy Birthday in Navajo

Deb Hester, Leslie Christiansen, Pat Faur keeping warm

Rain on the horizon

Covered trucks to transport us

All aboard

Katie Tovar, Karolee Hess, Sharron McKinney

Members send pictures of Historical League bus trip to Monument Valley

Ready for Canyon de Chelly on a chilly morning

Thanks to so many Historical League members who sent photos of the three day trip to Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation.
Linda Fritsch, Zona Lorig, Mary Parker, Carolyn Hartman, Nancy Evans, Kay Holcombe and more.
The photos are still coming in. Stay tuned.

Lindy Isacksen, Zona Lorig

Tour organizers Mary Parker, Nancy Evans, Bonnie Newhoff, Dianne Linthicum

Katie Tovar, Karolee Hess, Carolyn Hartman, Renee Donnelly, Ruth Ann Hogan, Zona Lorig

Trip into Canyon de Chelly

Peter McDonald tells about Navajo Code Talker training

Deep in Canyon de Chelly

Navajo Weavings

Pat Faur watches a weaver at Cameron Trading Post

The detail in the weavings is stunning. Made by the Navajo women using no pattern . . . they create as they go. Traditional dyes are made from plants. Lucy and her brother at Gouldings entertained us in a hogan in Monument Valley. Showing us how to card the wool, use a spindle and roll it into yarn for weaving, we were impressed with her skills.

Lucy at Gouldings

League members watch the demonstration

Tour organizers did a fantastic job to Monument Valley

Thanks to Bonnie Newhoff, Dianne Linthicum, Nancy Evans and Mary Parker, the 3 day bus tour to Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly was outstanding. So much to see and experience. What a wonderful time learning about Arizona's history.
What a wonderful time to spend with other Historical League members.
We are most appreciative of the time and energy it took to organize such a fantastic tour. Three days of meals, lodging, shopping, BBQ in the rain, tours into Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, guest speaker Peter McDonald, Navajo National Monument, Hubbell Trading post, Navajo Code Talkers Museum, even box lunches from Chapparal Pines Country Club in Payson and Happy Hour on the bus each day.
Did I mention turquoise and silver jewelry shopping was involved too?

Navajo Nation trip with Historical League

Put this on your "Bucket List". It was an amazing trip through beautiful and rugged country with the Historical League. The bus trip was sold out with 40 ladies going to Monument Valley. The blue sky and vistas were awesome.
We were prepped on the bus with the John Wayne movie Stagecoach.