100 YEARS AND COUNTING

ARIZONA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS


Upon arriving to Phoenix when only a million in the valley lived back in the late 70's, I have come to appreciate the stories of High Jolly, a camel, from the US Postal Service that delivered the mail to residents of Arizona.  Yet, with the anticipated increase of postage to 50 cents/letter, I now realize what really "ages" you in Arizona:

To much sun, Too many tamales at Christmas and the in ability to ride horses due to weak knees!


February 14, 2012 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Statehood of Arizona. A grand occasion for our glorious state. Celebrations at the State Capital in Phoenix last weekend included 5 stages for musical acts, countless "shows", military tributes, artists and many food vendors. This educational event was fun for the entire family and instilled pride in our state which will live on in the memories of the participants for a lifetime. My writing club: "Phoenix Writers Club" has written a play to celebrate the anniversary. The play will be the focus of our May 2012 meeting for guests and members alike.

Personally, I am very fond of the "cowboy" town of Prescott where the capital first started. The original courthouse still stands in the town square. The courthouse  park is the host of many occasions putting Prescott on the map as a vital city of growth in Arizona history. Barry Goldwater kicked off his Presidential Campaign from the steps of this courthouse several decades ago.

Recently, a friend and I went to Prescott to assess a camp for our annual "Church Family Camp" late in April, 2012. In keeping with  the "pioneering spirit" of the original settlers, we chose a new family camp outside of Prescott blessed with grand grounds of cabins, a huge fire pit area for stories, songs and s'mores and areas to play pool, ping pong, softball or just hike and enjoy the searing moss green pines. Also, time to share our own stories of life and lore in Arizona over a cup of hot coffee.

Photo from Advent Festival, Dec 2011 at Shepherd of the Hills Congregational Church

Phoenix, Arizona

That Spring day we checked out the campsite, it actually snowed on us with only a slight elevation from Phoenix. Even in Phoenix it has been known to snow on our  current capital city. A gorgeous view of the Historical City Square that day included a huge number of Arizona flags waving in the bitter wind while snow pelted the grand grounds on what we so proudly call the beginning of Arizona Statehood. The flags so proudly waved for all to relish the splendid state we call "Home"... A place where roadrunners,  cowboys and even several State Universities are doing research which  focuses on NASA projects and Medical Research  alike while we relish our roots of statehood 100 years ago! Yes indeed, Arizona has become a grand state with a future of golden footsteps for our states contribution to history.

---Cynthia Loewen