Vern Swaback 2019 Arizona Historymaker photographed by Paul Markow

 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.

Scottsdale Progress writes in-depth article about 2019 Historymakers Gala

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2019 Historymaker Gala with Alfredo Gutierrez, Merrill Mahaffey and Vern Swaback

Alfredo Gutierrez

Alfredo Gutierrez

Merrill Mahaffey

Merrill Mahaffey

Marshall Trimble making presentation

Young Vern Swaback with Frank Lloyd Wright

Vernon D. Swaback

Membership Open House at 'Skyfire'

Vern and Cille Swaback with event organizers Susan Dale and Pam den Draak

Linda and John Fritsch

This sold out evening at the home of Vern and Cille Swaback in north Scottsdale was magical. With black clouds billowing in the sky, the scent of rain and very chilly winds, it looked doubtful during the afternoon set up. But by 5:00 pm, the sun shone through, bathing 'Skyfire' in a glowing light. Food was served from recipes in the recently published Tastes and Treasures II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona. Thanks to organizers Susan Dale and Pam den Draak for creating a lovely event with beautiful view and fabulous home, a chance to socialize, enjoy the presentation from renowned architect Vern Swaback with Vern signing his new book "Designing for the Life of Community
at a Time of Great Change" and have several new people join the Historical League. We are also thrilled to have Vern Swaback as an honoree in the 2019 Historymakers Gala and Recognition Program. The Gala will be held February 23, 2019 at the Arizona Biltmore.

Susie Brinegar

Mary, Karen, Renee and Mary

Cille Swaback, Barbara Davis

Bonnie Newhoff, Cindy Tidwell-Shelton, Leslie Christiansen

Tom Lorig, George Filippi, Dean Hebert

Fabulous Membership Open House evening at Swaback home

Skyfire

Organizers Susan Dale and Pam den Draak

Vern remarks that Ruth McLeod's colors match the guest house in the background.

Despite the dark skies and wind, the Membership Open House on February 23 turned out to be fabulous. Thanks to Susan Dale and Pam den Draak for creating such a lovely event. With so many Frank Lloyd Wright influences, yet distinctly Vern Swaback's designs, this home has unique details, architecture, views and amenities. Vern and Cille Swaback are excellent hosts.

Note Pinnacle Peak in background

Susan Dale and Linda Corderman work on crockpots of Bison Chile and Corn Chowder. 

Recipe from The Palace Bar in Prescott

Davie Garrison and Bonnie Newhoff rearrange patio furniture for guests

Wind and cold did not stop Karen Overton, Pam den Draak, Nancy Knight and
Davie Garrison from setting up the tables and cloths. Those heaters were much appreciated!

New Member Open House at Historymaker Vern Swaback's home, Skyfire, Feb 23

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend the upcoming New Member Open House from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday, February 23rd!
You are invited to bring a prospective new member for a tour of the beautiful home of renowned Frank Lloyd Wright-trained architect Vernon D. Swaback and his wife Cille. Vern will also be signing his new book, which will be available for purchase, and discussing the relevance of Frank Lloyd Wright in today’s world.
Delicious light fare will be served from recipes in the new Historical League cookbook! Thanks to Susan Dale with Pam den Draak for organizing this event.

 Helping with the event are Bonnie Newhoff and Leslie Christiansen. Also Cille Swaback
with her lovely home in the background

AZ Biltmore Hotel Tour October 15

A visit to Phoenix for health issues in 1910 gave Warren McCarther the idea to build in Phoenix. Joined by his brother, Charles, in 1914 they started the first Dodge car dealership, then the first radio, KTAR, giving free radios to ranchers so they would advertize on the radio, then the first recreational vehicle "Wonderbus", a dodge truck with extra seats for tours to Sedona, Indian Reservations and the Grand Canyon. 

Small wonder that the first high-quality hotel was next on their list. With a proposal of $1 million they sold stock certificates and William Wrigley bought $50,000 worth. The property was 600 acres and 8 miles from Phoenix with no water or electricity. 

The architect was their brother, Harvard trained Albert Chase McCarther, who had studied under Frank Lloyd Wright. The original library now houses historic photos including the key dropped from an airplane for the grand opening. The original Belgian linen tapestries are still gracing the walls of the Gold Room along with the restored 24 K gold leaf ceiling. These designs are a tribute to the Zuni and Hopi and Navajo tribes. The Aztec Room is accoustically perfect and was the sight of many elegant dances. Guests had to be "invited" to check in and arrived by train with steamer trunks, children, nannies, nurses, and other servants and stayed "for the season" (often 3-6 months). 

The rich and famous were often seen. Carole Lombard and Clark Gable were married at the Biltmore and he lost his wedding ring on the golf course. The original pool is called "Marilyn's pool" since she was photographed so many times there. Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" by "Marilyn's pool." Half of the Historical League tour group pose in front of the waterfall/ water slide designed by Vern Swaback, a Historical League member. Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland woke up guests with an imprompty piano session after a performance at Gammage Theatre. Billy Joel was recently a visitor and warmed up the piano again. Ogiliva Wright donated the original glass window creation from her husband called Sahuaro forms and Cactus Flowers. 

Keri Christian, one of the knowledgeable historians at the Biltmore conducted this fabulous tour. If you get a chance, sign up for one of these fascinating visits through this bustling hotel in the heart of Phoenix.