[Source: Carol Broeder, Arizona Range News] -- For 34 years, Mary Leighton's name has been synonymous with the Rex Allen Museum in Wilcox. Now retired from her post as manager, Leighton wants to see the museum continue and grow. "I want it to go on like it is. I want people to remember whom those things belong to. They are not just 'things;' they're a part of Rex."The museum in historic downtown might never have existed if not for Leighton and other Willcox residents who cared. When Leighton and her husband, Charlie, moved here in 1970, old buildings were being torn down. "They had just torn down the old high school, and were tearing down the hotels downtown. Coming from New England, I couldn't have that," she said. "We're all stewards of our history. Once it's gone, it's gone. You can't get it back again."
So, Leighton founded the Sulphur Springs Valley Historical Society in 1971. The non-profit organization was "a vehicle through which we could do things," she said. The society was named for the whole area, not just Willcox. From 1972 to 1973, Leighton was the executive secretary for the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. One day, Allen walked into the visitor's center to see Leighton. A Willcox native, Allen had heard about the new historical society in town and asked her if she wanted his "stuff" for its collection. Leighton asked if he meant a museum, to which he replied, "Call it anything you want, Honey."
[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Arizona Range News.]
