How did Phoenix grow?

Guest speakers and authors Jim McPherson and Suad Mahmuljin gave us terrific insight to what has been happening with historic buildings, transportation and the growth of the city. Together they have written Downtown Phoenix Images of America filled with photos of days gone by.

Phoenix started growing in 1860 with water from Hohocam canals.  Jack Swilling started his Ditch Company creating canals that were lush and green. You could drive from Phoenix to Tempe in the shade of cottonwood trees. Then came roads and rails.

By 1880's the city streets were full of bicycles, pedestrians, horse and carriages and streetcars. Most building had awnings and trees to shield the sun. Central north of McDowell was open space and a toll road but bicycles were free.

In 1890 and 1891 Phoenix had 2 major floods and the prominent residents moved north of the city from the low-lying areas. Many elegant Victorian homes were never rebuilt in south Phoenix.

The Fleming Building 1896

Pam Ryan presents the authors with Arizona Recollections and Reflections

1929 brought the automobile, traffic jams and service stations.

Norma Jean Coulter help distribute books

Norma Jean has worked on writing and editing Arizona Recollections and Reflections and now she is helping distribute the donated books to school libraries. At the request of Judy Jones, President of Alumni Association in Tucson Unified School District, Norma Jean delivered a book to her for the Tucson Badger Foundation.

We are pleased to see the demand for our Commemorative book and know that students will learn about Arizona history and the contributions of our Historymakers for years to come.

Steelhead Trout or Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

1. 1. Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small bowl, mix all marinade ingredients except salmon.
   2. In 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish, arrange salmon pieces skin side up in single layer. Pour marinade over salmon; turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 20 minutes.
   3. Heat gas or charcoal grill. Brush grill rack with oil. Remove salmon from marinade; discard marinade. Place skin side down on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with fork.
   4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredients. Serve with salmon.Serves 

Louise McCall supports AZ Recollections and Reflections

Historymaker Robert McCall had incredible artistic talent. His wife, Louise, has her own amazing art and will be featured at the Phoenix Art Museum exhibit April 4-7.

We appreciate the continued support Louise gives to the Historical League with donations to the our program to provide Arizona Recollections and Reflections Centennial book to all libraries in the state.

AZ Women's Hall of Fame 2013 Honorees

The Arizona Women's Hall of Fame is proud to honor women who have contributed to Arizona's history during their lifetimes.

March 14, 2013 Honorees:
Rose E. Collom (1870-1956) Botanist, authority in the native plants of Arizona

Jean Chaudhuri (1937-1997) Indian activist, author and storyteller

Helen Sekaquaptewa (1898-1990) Hopi author, matriarch of the Eagle Clan

Jacque Yelland Steiner (1929-2003) Legislator, Founder of the Children’s Action Alliance

Dorothy Elaine Powell (1921-2003) Community and social activist, advocate for elderly.

The museum is located at the Carnegie Library Center on Washington near to the Capital. 

Historical League members Pam Stevenson and Norma Jean Coulter are volunteers and supporters of this organization.

A series of custom made quilts featuring images of the inductees dating back many years is on display. More information at www.azlibrary.gov/azwhf

Mini Easter Bunny bread with chocolate surprise

Fun for the whole family....
MINI Easter Bunny Bread

Ingredients:
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
5-1/2 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
16 small milk chocolate eggs
ICING:
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon water
1 drop red food coloring

Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, oil, egg, salt and 4 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. For each bunny, shape a 3-in. ball for the body; press a chocolate egg into each ball. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. For each head, shape a 2-in. ball; press a chocolate egg into each. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. Add a 1-in. ball for the tail and two 2-in. x 3/4-in. pieces for the ears.
Place bunnies 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
 
For icing, in a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and water; tint pink with red food coloring. With a small new paintbrush, paint a nose and whiskers on each bunny. 

Yield: 8 servings.

News of the death of Eddie Basha saddens Arizona.

EDDIE BASHA (1937-2013)
Honored as Historymaker 2001

Humanitarian and Grocer Extraordinaire, Eddie Basha was head of Arizona’s only family owned supermarket chain. A multifaceted man, he also avidly collected contemporary Western American and Native American art and shared his collections via his private museum. He can trace his Arizona roots back to Territorial Arizona and his grandparents who were immigrants from Lebanon.

Acknowledging his father as his mentor, Basha has given broadly to his home state in the name of education and children. His service includes the Chandler School Board, the State Board of Education and the Arizona State Board of Regents. A dedicated passion for history had not lessened since he earned a degree in this subject from Stanford University. Because of Basha’s diverse interests and skills, he was often recruited by civic groups and organizations for board membership, or to enter the world of Arizona politics where he made a near-miss run for Governor. He has fed the hungry and involved himself in building stronger economic and social bonds between Native American and other minority communities in Arizona. Basha, a strong family man, has almost done it all.