Sunday, May 8, 2016

Fred Harvey and the Harvey Hotels

Join us May 12 at the AZ Heritage Museum for
Fred Harvey and the Harvey Hotels of the Great Southwest, a presentation by Bill J. Harrison, "Arizona's Road Scholar"
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Train travel could be dangerous to your health!  In the early 20th Century, rail travel was primitive at best: wooden bench seats, smoke-filled air, no food, no water, no bathrooms. When the train stopped in tiny towns for fuel and water, the unfortunate passengers had only railroad eating houses that served unsavory food of questionable quality.  There is a reason why the food was called “grub”, and the hotels along the way, “flea bags”.  All this changed dramatically with Fred Harvey, who helped to civilize the Wild West with his restaurants, hotels, and railroad dining cars. Join us for Bill Harrison’s presentation filled with exciting stories and amazing tales of Fred Harvey, the Harvey Girls, and the Harvey Hotels that still grandly serve travelers across the Southwest.
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.

Cameron Suspension Bridge history with Lindy Isacksen


Linda Fritsch, Renee Donnelly, Lindy Isacksen,
Sharron McKinney, Ruth Ann Hogan and Katie Tovar.
As we pulled into Cameron, AZ Lindy pointed out the bridge her grandfather had worked on. Lindy comments, "My Grandfather, F.E. Stearman, was the engineer who designed the Cameron Suspension Bridge. I remember staying in Cameron for a short time with my family in a trailer home in the mid to late 1950's while he and my father supervised and oversaw the constuction of this bridge."
Historical League bus tours are filled with so much history.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Gouldings Trading Post sells Tastes & Treasures cookbook

Gouldings gift shop buyer Alexa Law
"People always ask for the recipe for Navajo Tacos." That's the first comment Gouldings gift shop buyer Alexa Law said. Now they have the recipe and an award winning historical cookbook as well. Tastes & Treasures A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona continues to be popular. With almost 20,000 books sold, we are always happy to see that it is still in demand. The beautiful hand woven Navajo rugs in the gift shop are being traded daily. Native Americans often come in with a finished rug to sell to Alexa. It's a piece of history that has not changed in the last century.
Historical League arrives at Gouldings




Friday, May 6, 2016

Kentucky Derby Theme at Recognition Luncheon

Wearing hats with the Kentucky Derby theme for the Recognition Luncheon made for lots of fun and excitement. Feathers flew, flowers abounded, ribbons and scarves adorned the hats at the Wrigley Mansion. Mariamne Moore brought extra hats and a hat stand in case someone was without head cover. She assisted several ladies in getting the proper style and color to suit their outfits.


Posing for pictures with hats

Mariamne Moore poses by peacock lamp
Mariamne Moore assists Danialle Filippi with her hat

Happy hat wearer Danialle Filippi


Thursday, May 5, 2016

More hats and happy faces at Recognition Luncheon, Wrigley Mansion

Kay Holcombe, new member Jolene Beard
Incoming President Anne Lupica thanks outgoing
President Margaret Baker

 Photos of fabulous hats and smiles at the Annual Meeting and Recognition Luncheon, Wrigley Mansion, May 3.

Nina Filippi putting finishing touches on Raffle Table


Pam den Draak, Norma Jean Coulter, Museum director Tawn Downs



Renee Donnelly introduces Barbara Barrett
Ruth McLeod with Tastes & Tresures cookbooks, Soleri Bell, aprons, Historymaker books



Wrigley Mansion lobby

Susan Dale, Sandy Loeffler and her daughter, Margie Herman

Susan Irwin accepts $17,000 from League for
National History Day program. Funds raised
from Evening Under the Stars at the David
Wright House April 9.

Tawn Downs accepts grant money for museum

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Recognition Luncheon at the Wrigley Mansion BIG Success

Nina Filippi arranges Raffle Table items
Co Chairs Barb Erhard, Nina Filippi, Pat Phee
With 93 attending, the ballroom at the Wrigley Mansion was, as guest speaker Barbara Barrett called it "Chock a Block" full of interesting and influential people. We enjoyed the beautiful views, the stunning hats for the Kentucky Derby theme, Barbara Barrett's wonderful comments on AZ, raffle items, tours of the home and delicious lunches. The May 3 event is also the time to hand over the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs to the upcoming year. We are pleased to have Anne Lupica accept the Presidency of the Historical League for 2016-2017.


Next years President Anne Lupica accepts the
gavel from President Margaret Baker
Barbara Barrett speaks about "Why Arizona is a great state to live in."

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

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?