Historymaker Esther Don Tang 1917-2015 Remembered

Esther Don Tang 97, of Tucson, Arizona, died Saturday, February 28, 2015. She was born March 5, 1917 in Tucson to Don Wah and FokYut Ngan.  Her childhood home was a store/house at the corner of Jackson and Convent streets, where the Tucson Convention Center now stands. Growing up in the Tucson Barrio/Chinatown, she became fluent in Spanish and Chinese. She and her husband David were owners of a Campbell Avenue retail center in Tucson. Esther helped establish Pio Decimo Neighborhood Center, serving 20 years as Executive Director. Her later career included real estate development as part of an all-woman company whose vision was to create a unique brand of quality living facilities for the elderly and families with children.

Esther was named Tucson Woman of the Year in 1955. Her volunteerism, leadership, and achievements included works for the YWCA, The Diocese of Tucson, The Salvation Army, Pima Community College Board of Governors, Pima Council On Aging, La Doña de los Descendientes del Presidio de Tucson, Tucson Chinese Cultural Center and countless others.

The Historical League was very pleased to honor Esther Don Tang as a Historymaker at the Gala in 2003. Her story is remarkable and an inspiration to all. It was a pleasure to work with her documenting her life with video, oral history, photographs and artifacts. We are deeply saddened to lose this remarkable lady.

Esther Don Tang’s energy and enthusiasm for life is an inspiration to the next generation. During her Historymaker interview she was quoted, “A person should never do any kind of work unless they’re happy in it. That’s the only way you’re going to succeed. So I say, never do anything unless you enjoy it and then you grow with it.” As a community activist, Mrs. Tang continued to promote diversity and tolerance of age, ethnic, and religious differences. She was diminutive in stature, but her achievements for the Tucson community stand tall.

Excerpts from Arizona Recollections and Reflections, An Arizona Centennial Historymakers Commemoration and the Arizona Daily Star (Mar. 8, 2015)

Soleri Bells with Historical League logo

Pam den Draak presents Historymaker Marshall
Trimble with an Old Ned Soleri bell at the
Recognition Luncheon

Who wouldn't want one of these in their yard?
Our latest fundraiser is this beautiful copper Soleri bell with the unique Historical League Old Ned logo. Thanks to Pam den Draak for helping to create this one of a kind bell with the Arcosanti Musuem.
The Historical League Soleri Wind Bells are a one-of–a-kind handmade bronze bells with original artwork from world-renowned artist Paolo Soleri.   A five-inch fin with a cutout of the League’s “Old Ned” logo hangs from the bottom of the bell, giving it an overall length of 22 inches. The bell is 3.25 “ h and 2.5” w.  There are variable colors ranging from green to turquoise and red to orange, with all shades mottled on the same piece.  The colors and patterns are random and will vary.  Each bell is a unique design handcrafted by a skilled artisan.

Historical League members purchase Soleri bells
from Pam den Draak. Attractive gift box available.

These authentic Soleri Wind Bells make a perfect gift for all occasions.  The proceeds assist the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park. They can be purchased for $99.95.  Gift Boxes $5.50.

Contact RuthMcLeod@earthlink.net to order.

Glamour shots with Hair Nets at Eagle Ranch Pistachio Farm

Our tour of Eagle Ranch Pistachio Farms in Alamagordo, N.M. required us to wear hair nets during part of the tour. We had so much FUN!
Check out the Historical League fashionistas:

Eagle Ranch Pistachio Farm tour

Pistachio tasting, ice cream tasting and wine tasting .  .  . what's not to like?
Eagle Ranch Pistachio Farm in Alamagordo, N.M. was one of the last stops on our Historical League tour and we enjoyed it immensely.

Pistachio tree

Sorting pistachios

Margie Kesler and Dianne Cobb shopping in the warehouse

St. Joseph Apache Mission

Front entrance

We never expected to see such a beautiful cathedral in Mescalero, N. M. The Historical League tour took us to the St. Joseph Apache Mission built by Father Albert Braun, O.F.M., who first came to Mescalero as a young Franciscan friar in 1916. Father Braun worked on building the cathedral between 1916-1940. Yes . . . it took that long to build.

Father Braun, a chaplin in WWI, raised funds and asked for donated labor over 25 years to create this fabulous stone cathedral. The parishioners have spent the last 14 years restoring it. Built the way European castles are created with the lime putty mortar between the rocks, it requires repairs every 100 years.

Lindy Isacksen and Linda Fritsch listen
to tour guide

Crumbling mortar needing repair

Mescalero Apache Indian Cultural Center tour

Small but full of information, this museum told the story of the Mescalero Apache community. They plan to build a much larger facility to showcase their many artifacts.

Freddy Kassin, the great, great grandson of Cochise, told us the history of his tribe.

Puberty Dress

Assisting Nancy Evans, Norma Jean Coulter and
Dianne Linthicum is our guide Freddie Kassin
a great great grandson of Cochise.

Signage in the Cultural Center

Traditional Apache skirt

Inn of the Mountain Gods tour

Guide Jackie explains the significance of the decor

Amazing fountain at the entrance

With beautiful views of the mountains, lake, golf course and zip line, our guide, Jackie, told us about Inn of the Mountain Gods. A Mescalero Apache Hotel/Casino, we learned that the lake is stocked with spotted trout; the ski hill is very popular; elk, duck and brown bears often visit the golfers; and the walls of the hotel are filled with the works of Native American artists.

We gathered at the base of the beautifully detailed
lobby fountain to listen to the history of Inn of the
Mountain Gods. The fountain resembles a woven basket