May 2024
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Before it was the Indian Bend Wash, the area was known as "the slough" (pronounced slew) |
The Indian Bend Wash flood control project transformed a serious flooding hazard into a world-renowned network of parks, lakes, paths and golf courses traversing through the heart of Scottsdale. In 1985, Scottsdale officially dedicated the $54 million project, nearly 20 years after the first park in the Indian Bend Wash was built.
Join Scottsdale historian Joan Fudala on a virtual, photo-intense flashback tour, covering the evolution of the Indian Bend Wash, from epic floods to the present-day greenbelt flood control system that includes five parks, two aquatic centers, several golf courses, walking paths, three urban lakes and more. Best of all: the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is one of Scottsdale's nationally recognized examples of a citizen initiative, accomplished through a public-private partnership - a true point of pride that gives Scottsdale a sense of place.
The virtual presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.
The Oldest Buildings in Scottsdale - Part 1
By Tom Droze
Thanks to local history buff, Tom Droze, a docent at the Scottsdale Historical Museum, we're able to share this three part countdown on the oldest buildings in the city, featuring his thorough research on the subject:
12. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church - located at 3821 N. Brown Ave., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church was built in 1933 and was home to the Catholic Church until the new church campus was completed in 1957 on Miller Road and 2nd Street. Known today as the Old Mission Church, it serves primarily as a museum and is the oldest surviving church building in Scottsdale. Placed on the National Historic Register on September 2018 and the city of Scottsdale Historic Register on April 3, 2001.
11. Los Olivos Mexican Patio - located at 7328 E. 2nd St., the original structure of Los Olivos was built in 1928 by the Corral family. Although the building has been added onto several times over the years, the original structure is still a part of the restaurant. Food service began in 1947 and today, Los Olivos, still owned and operated by the Corral family, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Scottsdale. This building is not historically registered, but holds a special place in the heart of Old Town.
10. Scottsdale Grammar School - located at 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale Grammar School was built in 1928 and replaced the Little Red Schoolhouse as Scottsdale's primary grammar school. The school became known as the Loloma Elementary School in 1957 and closed in 1981. Today, this building is the home of Scottsdale Artists' School. It was placed on the city of Scottsdale Historic Register May 23, 2000.
9. United States Post Office - located at 3944 N. Brown Ave., this building was built in 1928 and was the first purpose-built U.S. Post Office in Scottsdale. The post office relocated to Scottsdale Road in early 1948, and the building became the home to Ranchera Fashions, which sold to Porter's (purveyors of fine western merchandise) during November 1949. Today, this building is the home of Porter's Western Saloon, an establishment that pays homage to its former occupants with a horse statue named General who overlooks the premises. The building was placed on the city of Scottsdale Historic Register May 23, 2000.
We'll continue to count down the oldest buildings in the next two issues.
For more information on Scottsdale history, check out the Scottsdale Historical Society or visit the Scottsdale Historical Museum at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 7333 E. Scottsdale Mall.
June Days features Scottsdale Stories & Sweets
June Days is a celebration of all things that make Old Town Scottsdale so unique. There are daily activities and events including art exhibits, wine tastings, crafting workshops, live performances and family-oriented outings.
Scottsdale Stories & Sweets will return to June Days sharing tales of the city's past and sweet treats from local businesses. Each Tuesday in June, stop by the Community Design Studio for a sweet treat and listen to storyteller Bruce Wall as he shares a fascinating story about Scottsdale's rich history.
- June 4: Scottsdale Innovation
7-8 p.m. Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Few communities have a legacy of innovation that equals that of Scottsdale. From a revolutionary solid waste removal invention to the founding of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale's history is full of creative solutions. Learn about the people and controversies behind these innovations. Register.
- June 11: Scottsdale Stories Rediscovered - Part 1
7-8 p.m. Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Learn about the connection or lack of connection between a breakfast cereal launched in the 1890s and one of Scottsdale's nicest resorts. Our storyteller will dig into the historical record in this fun presentation full of lesser-known facts about the West's Most Western Town. Register.
June 18: Scottsdale Stories Rediscovered - Part 2
7-8 p.m. Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. In 1962, a Scottsdale Deputy Marshall was involved in a life-threatening motorcycle collision. His chance of survival hinged on the recent transformation from a small town to a growing city with amenities and resources. Hear the story as part of Scottsdale Stories & Sweets. Register.
- June 25: It All Started in Scottsdale
7-8 p.m. Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. When you think of Scottsdale, you probably don't think of any past crime sprees, but in 1997, a local boy teamed up with his girlfriend from another state to become notorious throughout the western U.S. Hear a forgotten story that once gripped the nation. This presentation may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Register.
Famous Alumna
The Olympics are coming up this summer, so we thought a former Olympian alumna would be appropriate. This alumna was a record-breaking swimmer while attending a SUSD school. She graduated around 2000, and attended college in California. She represented the U.S. in the 2004 Olympics.
Scroll down to find out who this famous alumna is.
Hear Hip Historian Marshall Shore deliver a dynamic discussion on Arizona's LGBTQ+ history
Hip Historian Marshall Shore shares Arizona's history, emphasizing the perspectives of the queer community members who shaped it. The free program begins at noon Saturday, June 1, at the Civic Center Library auditorium. Learn more.
History videos added to Scottsdale Heritage Connection
Did you miss one of our Neighborhood College classes about Scottsdale history? Check out the Scottsdale Heritage Connection digital collection and see what you've been missing! Some of the titles in our collection include:
- Scoundrels, Rascals, and Cutthroats and the Scottsdale Lawmen that caught them
- From Scott to Drinkwater: The history of Scottsdale
- The Great Desert Escape from Papago Park Prisoner of War Camp
Search "Scottsdale Neighborhood College" in the library's catalog at ScottsdaleLibrary.org.
Scottsdale recognizes state historian Marshall Trimble with a tree planted at the Civic Center
On April 26, Mayor David D. Ortega and friends of Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble recently came out to recognize Marshall with a tree planted in his honor on the Scottsdale Civic Center. He was recognized for sharing Arizona and Scottsdale history for more than 40 years.
Well-wishers included current and former city council members, board members of the Scottsdale Historical Society and the Museum of the West, and many Trimble fans.
Scottsdale Historian Joan Fudala emceed the event. The tree was planted just north and west of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Marshall was not able to attend, but the Mayor delivered the certificate and shared the photo. Congratulations to Marshall Trimble from a grateful city of Scottsdale!
Answer to famous alumna
Kaylin Keller was born in Phoenix in the mid-1980s and attended Arcadia High School. According to her yearbook, she broke the record for the 500-meter freestyle and won gold at a race. She attended college in California.
Kaylin Keller swam for the U.S. Olympic team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. She swam in the 400-meter freestyle and the 800-meter freestyle. She came in fourth in the 800-meter just missing a medal.
Kaylin retired from swimming in 2008 due to a medical condition, but she used her expertise to serve as a commentator for the Olympics that year. She married Keenan Robinson in 2012, who was the head athletic trainer for the 2012 and 2016 summer Olympic teams.
Next Time
You won't want to miss our Scottsdale History August/September Newsletter with information on the fall Scottsdale history classes. There will be more news and resources about Scottsdale's history to come!
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