Deadline Jan. 10 for Phoenix History Ball award nominations

Each year at the Phoenix History Ball, the Phoenix Museum of History honors individuals, families and organizations that have made significant and enduring contributions to the history of our community. Nominate a deserving person or group you know by downloading and completing a 2008 Honoree Nomination Form. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 10. Nominations must be postmarked on or before that date or delivered in person to the Phoenix Museum of History, 105 North 5th Street, Phoenix 85004. For more information, call 602-253-2734.

The Phoenix History Ball raises essential funds to support the Valley's first and oldest museum. Community support for the Phoenix Museum of History ensures that future generations will have access to the wisdom and inspiration of their ancestors.

Progress being made on Second Pinal County Courthouse

The 1891 Second Pinal County Courthouse at 31 N. Pinal St. in Florence is undergoing a major roof repair that will greatly improve the preservation potential for the building. The Town of Florence has contributed a significant amount of money to help with these repairs. Grants also have come from the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation Heritage Fund, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with the help of U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi.

Although nearly $1 million has been spent thus far on the roof alone, additional funds are still needed to repair the building's chimneys and dormers, which are among the major defining features of the roof. Pinal County is still trying to raise money to repair these items, as well as the building's front porch and moisture-damaged brick.

What you can do

• The county intends to once again apply for funds to the Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation Heritage Fund. Citizens can help by making sure the state legislature does not raid this fund to make up for its budget shortfall. To locate or contact your legislator, click on http://www.azleg.state.az.us/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp
• Others interested in donating to the cause can contact Ernie Feliz, Pinal County Grants Coordinator, at Ernie.Feliz@co.pinal.az.us or 520-866-7221.
• Information on the brick campaign to raise funds can be obtained by going to the Pinal County website -- http://www.co.pinal.az.us/ -- and scrolling down to the 'Brick Paver Project' link.
• For those interested in going through the building, the courthouse will be on the Tour of Historic Florence scheduled for Saturday Feb. 9. Details on the tour can be obtained by calling 520-868-4496.

Take a tour of Phoenix's Pioneer and Military Memorial Park

What: The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is giving free self-guided tours of the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park. Dating to the 1880s, the seven cemeteries that make up the park are the final resting place for about 3,700 veterans and such Arizona pioneers as Jacob Waltz, known as the "Lost Dutchman," and John T. Alsap, Phoenix's first mayor and Maricopa County's first probate judge.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 30, and April 27

Where: Pioneer & Military Memorial Park, 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street

Information: 602-534-1262 or www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/pioneer.html

Supporters of Scottsdale’s Kerr Cultural Center ask for your help on Jan. 10

[Source: Arizona Preservation Foundation "Action Alert!"] -- The Kerr Cultural Center (KCC), a cultural icon for Scottsdale performance arts for nearly 50 years, is a Valley historic treasure -- a valuable vestige of the John C. Lincoln family, and a fitting remembrance of Louise Lincoln Kerr, one of Arizona's brightest composing and performing lights. KCC has been a performance venue for lectures and musical performances from the likes of Barry Goldwater to Pablo Casals. Today, it continues to serve the community with a variety of cultural events. It is listed on the APF’s 2007 Most Endangered Historic Places List.

Now you -- people who care about Arizona's cultural heritage -- are needed to attend a meeting Thursday, January 10, at 5:30 p.m. when the Scottsdale Historic Preservation will vote on whether to designate KCC. ASU representatives will be present, and a huge turnout is needed to show them and the Commission that there is major community support for KCC historic designation.

A grassroots committee -- Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center (CCKCC) -- continues to be proactive on behalf of this longtime (since 1959) and unique cultural venue in Scottsdale. Increased nearby development (e.g., Borgata makeover) and a rezoning request last March for the adjacent property north of the Kerr prompted citizens to take action. Their goal is to focus attention on this irreplaceable property, bequeathed by Louise Lincoln Kerr to ASU to be used as a public performance resource.

Last June, CCKCC requested historic preservation designation for KCC via the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission. They are now in the second phase: presentation to the Commission. Next will be consideration by the Scottsdale Planning Commission. Final action will require a vote by the Scottsdale City Council (likely in Feb. or March).

Historic overlay increases the visibility of the value of the property to the entire community, not just the owners. The 1977 will of Louise Lincoln Kerr clearly spelled out her wishes that the KCC continue to be a venue for Valley performance arts. It was with this understanding that she bequeathed the property to ASU. At this time, ASU has issued no official response, pro or con, regarding the preservation move. But CCKCC has heard that some ASU administrators oppose historic designation for KCC.

What you can do

CCKCC presents its case for the KCC historic preservation overlay at a very important meeting, and it needs many people there to show support. APF members and friends are encouraged to attend (and forward this information to others who care about Scottsdale's heritage; just click on the envelope symbol at the bottom of this entry).

• When: Thursday, January 10, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
• Where: One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, First Floor Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3

For more information about this issue, contact Patricia Myers, CCKCC Chair, c/o P.O. Box 4201, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4201. For more information about historic preservation in Scottsdale, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/historiczoning.asp.

Quote of the Day

"We too often neglect what's already here for what's shiny and new. We get back to it eventually...but sometimes it takes us a little too long and there's unnecessary decline in the interim." City of Phoenix Council Member Maria Baier during her January 2, 2008 swearing-in ceremony remarks about the need to pay more attention to the city's established neighborhoods

Grant funds help spruce up Kingman's buildings

[Source: Andraya Whitney, Kingman Daily Miner] -- The City Development Services Department is now accepting requests for Community Development Block Grants, funds that may be used for infrastructure, facility, and housing projects. According to Bill Shilling, grants administrator for the city, the Arizona Department of Housing is expected to award Kingman approximately $746,000 in federal CDBG funds next year, to be taken from the HUD Regional Account. The city also may apply for an additional $300,000 in State Special Projects account funds.

The city will conduct the first public hearing regarding the grant program Jan. 10, and the deadline to submit requests is Jan. 28. Funds received from the CDBG program must be used to benefit low- or moderately low-income populations or to address community blight areas or immediate health and safety hazards. Between Jan. 10 and Jan. 28, Development Services will provide technical assistance to individuals seeking information about how to apply for such moneys.

Types of projects

Possible uses for CDBG funds include public infrastructure improvement, community facility remodeling, housing rehabilitation, public service upgrades, and economic development incentives. In the past, the city has utilized such funds to rehabilitate the Central Commercial building (pictured), located on Fourth Street, between Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street. Shilling said the city participated in that project to eliminate health and safety hazards and an overall blight on the area. When the city first began drawing up a proposal for the project, requested by building owners Joe and Carol Ott, some downtown denizens were unhappy with the "blight" designation, Shilling said.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Andraya Whitney, Kingman Daily Miner.]

Preservation at center of conflict between Peoria vice mayor and recall foe

[Source: Cecilia Chan, Arizona Republic] -- Peoria Vice Mayor Vicki Hunt and recall proponent Kathy Montoya-Moore have taken their differences to the streets. Both women are citing a confrontation last month at North 79th Drive in Peoria to seek an injunction prohibiting harassment against each other. A judge is to hear both sides at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Goodyear Municipal Court.

Montoya-Moore is part of a group seeking to boot Hunt from office. The group claims Hunt has not done enough to preserve the city's historic parts, namely the downtown area in her Acacia District, which is being refurbished.

Montoya-Moore claims Hunt tried to run her over with her car on the downtown Peoria street while she was gathering recall petition signatures. Hunt claims Montoya-Moore intentionally walked out into the street in front of her car. A police report states the responding officer could not determine who instigated the Dec. 15 incident. "Her anger is escalating, and I want it to stop," Hunt said. "I can't predict what she will do next. It's terribly debilitating for my job."

Montoya-Moore said she's still shaken by the confrontation. "She tried to run me over," she said. "I don't have any choice. This has gotten out of hand." City Attorney Steve Kemp called the matter a private one between the two women. Because it is a civil issue, an injunction would not affect Hunt's role on the council, he said. Peoria's only involvement would be to enforce any injunction issued, he added.

Arizona Heritage Alliance urges you to help protect the Heritage Fund

[Source: Don Farmer, President, Arizona Heritage Alliance] -- The Morrison Institute, in a 2007 study of ideas and public policies for livability and competitiveness, stated, “The Heritage Fund stands out in part because of the diversity of programs it supports. Funds have been used to maintain trails, acquire and maintain habitat for endangered species, preserve historic and archaeological sites, create and improve community and state parks, and provide environmental education.”

We have been so fortunate the past few years. Arizona’s economy has been robust without any budget shortfalls. That has made the Legislature much less difficult to deal with in regards to fully funded Heritage projects.

A look to 2008 has potential storm clouds. The Heritage Fund is not voter-protected. It can be diverted at any time by our state legislature. With the current state budget shortfalls and if history proves the teacher, the Heritage Fund will be subjected to diversion attempts.

The Arizona Heritage Alliance Board has been busy with the visionary project of a more protected and additive funding concept for both Arizona State Parks and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. We have engaged a public dialogue, with the goal of a consensus among the parties. One of the goals of this public working group is to see that the Arizona Heritage Fund survives the 2008 Legislative session unscathed. The working group has composed a “Pledge” for our lawmakers. We are asking them to sign onto our “Pledge” to support the protection of the Heritage Fund, wildlife programs, and State Parks from any cuts in the state’s budget during this session.

The full wording of the “Pledge” is located on the Arizona Heritage Alliance’s webpage at www.azheritage.org/. Click on link “2008 Pledge” on the left side. We already have several legislators who have made this commitment. If these are your representatives, please thank them for caring to make a difference. If your senator or representative has not yet signed the “Pledge,” please ask him/her to do so by contacting the Arizona Heritage Alliance at 602-528-7500 or mail@azheritage.org.

Now is the time to work with the legislature to avoid any knee-jerk actions that threaten the Fund. We ask you to please take action this session to protect one of the most successful programs ever approved by Arizona voters – the Arizona Heritage Fund. It is not too early to contact your state senator or state representative. Just click on www.azleg.gov/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp. Thank you for your support!

Supporters of Scottsdale's Kerr Cultural Center plan events

The "Care for Kerr" Benefit Concert will be presented on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Kerr Cultural Center, starting with a 2 p.m. silent auction and music at 3 p.m. The Joseph Wytko Saxophone Quartet and musical guests are donating their time and talent for this event. The quartet will perform a diverse program: a Renaissance piece, a lighter original work, a dramatic "anchor" selection, a multi-movement piece, Scott Joplin composition, jazz (Gershwin or Porter), and an impressive closing work. The group has performed at the White House, with Phoenix Symphony Pops Orchestra, and festivals in Mexico and Newport, OR.

ASU recently restored the adobe walls and wooden doors this past year, so proceeds from the concert will go for interior refurbishment and enrichment. Cost: $65 reserved, $50 general, call 380-596-2660. In addition to raising emhancement funds for the Kerr, this benefit concert will be a clear message to development-friendly Scottsdale and owner ASU that the Kerr Cultural Center is important to the community.

Background

In March 2007 a grassroots committee was organized on behalf of the ASU Kerr Cultural Center. The committee's concern started when a rezoning sign for condos and commercial use was placed on the property immediately adjacent to this exceptional adobe structure. CCKCC (Concerned Citizens for the Kerr Cultural Center launched a petition campaign aimed at gaining historic preservation status for this jewel in the desert. The legal process started in June, and the issue will be voted on in February or March by the Scottsdale City Council. The nearly 50-year-old cultural venue also was added to the Arizona Preservation Foundation's Most Endangered Historic Places list, and key constituencies, including state legislators, were informed.

Efforts toward historic preservation overlay is intended to gain new visibility and support for the Kerr so it's not as easy for preservation-unfriendly developers to infringe on or acquire the property.

What you can do

Support for the Kerr preservation can be expressed by phoning Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross and members Scottsdale City Council at 480-312-2550, or e-mailing them at citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov. You do not have to be a Scottsdale resident or a registered voter to express your opinion.

Something for everyone in Prescott

[Source: Coty Dolores Miranda, Arizona Republic] -- Prescott has so many fans that it has earned a variety of names and descriptions. "Everybody's Hometown" is one, thanks to the small-town hospitality and Western flavor, particularly on display during Prescott Frontier Days and World's Oldest Rodeo each July Fourth weekend. A "Top 10 True Western Town," bestowed by True West magazine, is another, not to mention an "Emerging Art Town," according to Southwest Art magazine, a "Distinctive Destination," according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a "Preserve America Community," so named by first lady Laura Bush, and a spot on Money magazine's "Top 5 Places to Retire" list. But no matter how you refer to Prescott, be sure to pronounce it "Preskit," as the locals do. Here are some of the city's highlights.

Things to do

• HERITAGE PARK ZOOLOGICAL SANCTUARY. This park got its start 15 years ago as a home for creatures rescued from the wild or from inappropriate captive situations. Here they're displayed in natural habitats, making a visit educational and fun. The best way to enjoy this 10-acre zoo is by taking a guided tour with a docent. It's an up-close and personal look at tigers, jaguars, black bears, a mountain lion and creepy-crawlies such as those in the Tarantula Grotto and the soon-to-be completed Reptile House. Bring a picnic and let the kids unwind on the playground. Details: www.heritageparkzoo.org/ or 877-778-6008.
  
• THUMB BUTTE TRAIL. With more than 450 miles of multiuse trails winding past ponderosa pines, granite boulders, Native American petroglyphs and pristine lakes, there's no end to outdoor activities around Prescott. One of the closest trails to downtown (and one of the most popular) is Thumb Butte Trail. This moderate, 1.75-mile hike on a paved path takes about an hour to complete. From the top, you can see the city, the Bradshaw Mountains, Sierra Prietas, Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain and the San Francisco Peaks. Details: Prescott National Forest, www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott or 928-443-8000.
  
• PEAVINE TRAIL. Another favorite hiking and biking route, this flat, easy trail, which follows the route of the old Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railway, leads through riparian areas to the Granite Dells, above Watson Lake. It's about 10.4 miles round trip. Details: www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/trails or 928-777-1588.
  
• DRIVING TOURS. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce has itineraries and driving directions for four self-guided driving tours: Williamson Valley, Walnut Grove, Limestone Canyon and Bradshaw Mountains. All start at Courthouse Plaza. Pack a lunch and plenty of water and enjoy nature while learning some history of central Arizona. Details: Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 800-266-7534.

Historic buildings

Here are two of note in a city with numerous historic structures:

• YAVAPAI COUNTY COURTHOUSE. The courthouse (pictured), constructed of white granite and ringed by towering pine trees, is the centerpiece of Courthouse Plaza, a popular public gathering place that features two bronze statues by sculptor Solon Borglum. One is Memorial to the Rough Riders, which has been called one of the finest equestrian bronze sculptures in the world. Locals refer to it as the "Buckey O'Neill statue" in honor of a former mayor who died at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War. Cowboy at Rest is the other Borglum statue on the plaza. Borglum's brother, Gutzon, sculpted the faces on Mount Rushmore, in South Dakota. Details: 120 S. Cortez St., 928-771-3312.
  
• ELKS OPERA HOUSE. The restoration of the 102-year-old structure is ongoing, funded by contributions. Local author Christopher E. Hoy has written a children's book, The Elk in the Attic, to raise money for the work. The elk in the book is named Bill, as is the majestic elk statue that was restored to the top of the opera house after having been removed in 1971. Made of Arizona copper, Bill was restored to his former glory. The opera house's dated, modern-era marquee is scheduled to be removed to further the restoration. Details: 117 E. Gurley St., 888-858-3557 or www.elksoperahouse.com/. The Elk in the Attic ($12) can be ordered at the opera house Web site or www.elkintheattic.com/

[Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Group discusses how to save historic Florence adobe

[Source: Florence Reminder] -- A charrette led by architect Stephanie Rowe was held recently for the historic Celaya, Long, Sweeney House at 170 West Ruggles St. "A charrette is a collaborative session in which a group of designers drafts a solution to a design problem." Participating in this session were: Connie Hills, Jerry Ravert, John Edwards, Kate Edwards, Jess Knudson, Bonnie Bariola, Bob Ingulli, and Jim Garrison. The group first met at the site and examined the building. State Historic Preservation Officer Jim Garrison explained several distinct differences in this building from other historic adobe buildings. He said the vertical cracks in the walls in this building are different because adobe walls usually have horizontal or angular cracks. Once Jim explained that square nails were used prior to 1890, some members of the group found square nails, verifying the house had been built prior to 1890.

Since Connie Hills lived in this house when she was young and her relatives lived in it until it was abandoned after a storm in 1997, she was able to provide specific information about the original building. The original windows were still in place when she lived here. New energy efficient windows should be installed that are more compatible with the historic character of the building than the ones that have replaced the original windows. Jerry Ravert pointed out the importance of rehabilitating the high lintel above the kitchen door. Together the group determined the original building had only two rooms with the long room across the front on Ruggles and a smaller room to the northeast creating an "L" shape building. A kitchen was added later to the northwest side of the long room creating an almost square building. A porch on the west side was enclosed in 1970 to make a small bedroom and a bathroom. Kate Edwards suggested this room be saved if possible and suggested it could be used for storage or a small office space in the rehabilitation. [Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Florence Reminder.]

Architect, historian look at old-time Mesa

[Source: Mesa Republic] -- Who says history can't be fun -- and funny? Architect Ron Peters and historian Vic Linoff, both past-chairs of Mesa's Historic Preservation Committee, look back to a time when downtown Mesa was bustling with shoppers and tall buildings. Then they'll talk about why it's not quite like that anymore. "Mesa's Lost Architecture - A Disappearance Tale," a free lecture, will be presented Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Mesa Historical Museum's auditorium, 2345 N. Horne, north of McKellips Road. The entertaining presentation will include photographs and address other questions about early Mesa. The auditorium is south of the museum. [Photo: Chandler Court building on Main Street in Mesa, circa 1920s.]

Casa Grande to try to save Fisher and Meehan-Gaar homes

[Source: Harold Kitching, Casa Grande Dispatch] -- Casa Grande's Housing and Community Development Department is stepping in to see what can be done to save two historic buildings that the Central City Redevelopment District Subcommittee has pointed out are in danger of being lost because of deterioration and neglect. They are the 1903 Meehan-Gaar House on First Street near Sacaton Street and the Fisher Memorial Home (pictured) at Eighth Street and Olive Avenue, a former funeral home built in 1927. The subcommittee had taken its complaints to the City Council, leading to a decision to hire, at city expense, inspectors qualified in historical renovation to see if the buildings can be saved. Nothing was firm on how the renovations would be financed. A switch came at this month's subcommittee meeting when Planning and Development Director Rick Miller said that Housing Director Rosa Bruce has the experience and the methods of funding, including grants, to step into the picture.

"Rosa, through her program, has been able to assist owner-occupied residents who qualify for three pretty good programs to help them do what we all want to accomplish, and that is to get these things stabilized," he said. It was pointed out that Bruce's programs are not limited to just historic structures and that other residents are able to call her office to ask about assistance. "It occurred to us when Rick and I were talking that it looks like we have sort of parallel conversations with you, what my division is doing, what this committee is trying to achieve, and we would just love to contribute any way that we can," Bruce told the subcommittee. "We've been very successful in getting funding for historical structures, or at least structures that have some kind of significance, and we have done several of them in the city." Bruce said it would fall under the Neighborhood Revitalization Division's owner-occupied housing program, which the city has had since 1975. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Chandler's farmworkers cemetery being neglected, some say

[Source: Edythe Jensen, Arizona Republic] -- A 90-year-old cemetery for Hispanic farmworkers, surrounded by the Fulton Ranch development, is being neglected in what preservationists worry is an attempt to justify moving the graves off valuable land. Two years ago, Fulton Homes fenced the cemetery and installed benches and trees at the entrance as it prepared to develop the surrounding land. The home builder doesn't own the cemetery, but investors who bought it following a tax auction have told volunteer caretakers to stay out. That has angered a Chandler police group that has vowed to intervene -- with weed-removal equipment to cut down the overgrown tumbleweeds.

"It's an ethical thing," said Chandler Police Sgt. John Shearer, who is organizing the cleanup as an officer in the Chandler Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 14. "The cemetery used to be back in a field. Now it's in the middle of Fulton Ranch behind a beautiful wall. The gate is unlocked; you walk in . . . and there's a mess." The cemetery is one of the few remaining links to Chandler's once-thriving Goodyear farming community. Shearer said he has been unable to contact current owners of the Goodyear-Ocotillo Cemetery, northwest of Chandler Heights Road and Arizona Avenue. Pat Florence, a member of the Pioneers' Cemetery Association, said a representative of the previous owner ordered her group to halt regular cleanups because the land was private property. Florence said she feared she would be sued if she defied the order.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. To view Channel 12 video on the cemetery, click here. Photo source: Arizona Republic.]

National Trust's best and worst of 2007

[Source: Preservation Magazine] -- Is preservation becoming more hip? This year, celebrities like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Darryl Hannah showed their support of historic architecture and wide open spaces. Longtime building buffs like Diane Keaton, who likes to restore Los Angeles houses, were joined by fellow showbiz types like director Michael Moore, who has promised to rehab a historic Michigan theater. Here’s the best and worst in the world of historic preservation news of 2007, compiled by the National Trust's Preservation magazine editors. (Note that Phoenix and Tempe are mentioned in the "Worst" section)

Best of 2007

• Floodwaters Spare Farnsworth House. A few weeks after Brad Pitt’s August visit to the iconic Farnsworth House (pictured), floodwaters reached the front steps of the Plano, Ill., house designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1951. Miraculously, only the landscape suffered damage.In 2003, the National Trust for Historic Preservation paid $7.5 million at the auction of the Farnsworth House, rescuing the 58-acre property from potential development. It’s now open to the public as one of the National Trust’s 29 historic sites.
  
• The Sun Rises on Hemingway’s Cuban House. After crumbling for decades, a restoration of Ernest Hemingway’s house, Finca Vigia, outside Havana was completed this year. Hemingway, who lived at “Lookout Farm” off and on from 1940 until his death in 1960, wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls in Cuba. With help from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Cuban preservation group repaired Finca Vigia, built in 1886, and opened it to the public for the first time.


• Celebs Chip in to Protect Telluride Valley. The town of Telluride, Colo., managed to raise a whopping $50 million to protect 250 acres of its valley floor from development. Tom Cruise and Darryl Hannah pitched in to meet the May 11 deadline. “The town is elated,” Mayor John Pryor told Preservation Online. “Everyone is smiling.”
  
• Philip Johnson’s Glass House Opens. Next to the Superbowl, the most sought-after tickets this year were to see the inside of Philip Johnson’s home and masterpiece, the Glass House in New Canaan, Conn. The house, which Johnson left to the National Trust for Historic Preservation after he died in 2005, opened to the public for the first time in 50 years in June as one of the Trust’s 29 historic sites. (Nearby, however, another Johnson house is threatened.)

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: National Trust.]