Quartzite historical Tyson Wells Museum

The drive between Phoenix and Los Angeles can get pretty dull so next time you go, stop in Quartzite for a taste of history. Tyson Wells Stagecoach stop was busy in 1870. Then it converted to Oasis Hotel Site until 1924. Not sure how they survived the summers but the museum shows you what the pioneers would have experienced. Of course, there are tales of Hi Jolly, the army camel driver. Next door to the museum is Sillie Al's Pizza. Filled with artifacts (even an old water bottle) and newspaper headlines, it will keep you entertained and the pizza is quite good.

Frank Barrios guest speaker

Fascinating talk about Pioneer Cemetery in Phoenix. Frank is a wealth of information about early Arizona. His presentation at the Historical League April meeting kept us spellbound while we learned who is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, who was unearthed and moved to another cemetery and the background to the stories.

We presented him with our new Centennial book but he already purchased it. Arizona Recollections and Reflections is getting to be more well known, a good read and wonderful reference book.

Guest Speaker Author Jan Cleere at October League meeting

We thoroughly enjoyed the Powerpoint presentation from our speaker, author Jan Cleere. Jan graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University West. She writes about the unique characters, creatures and vegetation of the desert southwest. Her writings have appeared in many Southwestern periodicals. She has received many awards for her writing and belongs to many associations including The Arizona Historical Society.

Jan discussed her new book "Amazing Girls of Arizona: True Stories of Young Pioneers". It’s so fascinating to hear about pioneer women, what they went through and how they did it without air conditioning!

Jan autographed her books for League members after the talk and Sharron McKinney presented her with our Historical Cookbook.