How do you remember Phoenix? Stories from long time residents... (Scottsdale: movie theater, construction)

[Marshmello]

Wow, downtown actually looks pretty happening back then.

[HX_Guy]

From what I've heard, it was! It was actually where people used to go for shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc. That is why today they are trying to RE-vitizile downtown, because it once was a vital part of Phoenix, before sprawl took over.

[nikkzone]

I have been living here in the valley since 1983. I also remember Bell Rd back then. It was like the end of the city...I remember cotton tails lined up at the edge of the road watching cars go by. I have skated at Metro Center. Used to go to Organ Stop pizza on Missouri and 7th Ave or 7th St? Shopped at AJ Bayless, Gemco, Smitty's, Yellow Front...

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Phoenix's original light rail system, which ran until the mid 1940s.

Ehhh, so Phoenix did look like any other "normal" town before the forces were set off to destroy downtowns and the sense of community... I've seen similar pictures of Tucson in the 40s, too.

So, what happened to this light rail? Cars took over... no longer needed...

I kinda envy you, guys... It's nice to live in your home town.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Greatday made a comment in another post about how he remembers when Sky Harbor Airport was a grass strip...out in the middle of nowhere. That had to have been quite a while back...but I love to hear of how Phoenix used to be.

I don't remember the authors name, and I know the book is out of print, but, I DO KNOW that the book Phoenix -1870 to 1970 (in photographs) is available at the library - if you get a chance, look through it. It is Marvelous -

And yes HX_Guy - that was quite a while back. It was when a lot of the AJ Bayless stores had hitching posts in front - as many of us still road our horses to the grocery stores.

It was when there was no "freeway" (the Black Canyon -- now I-17) - much of the area between McDowell and Northern was 25th Ave - and we had a saddle club (the Black Canyon Saddle Club) in the middle of what is now the freeway a little south of Glendale.

It was when we lived in a REAL adobe home - before evap cooling. I remember when my job as a "youngin'" was to go out and soak the walls of the house with a hose in the morning before school (rode the horses to school sometimes too) - my mother would soak the "drapes" with water by mid day and put a fan in front of them - that was our evap cooling.

The Irrigation ditches were our "swimmin' holes" - and the Grand Canal was great for Cat fishing -

[HX_Guy]

Great stories Greatday. If you don't mind me asking, about what year are we taking?

I'll have to check out that book.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Great stories Greatday. If you don't mind me asking, about what year are we taking?

I'll have to check out that book.

Late 40's

OBTW - in that book, there is a picture taken circa 1920 - with the entire Phoenix police force - it was kept very secret (that they were taking the picture) as there were no officers on the streets!

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Greatday

I don't remember the authors name, and I know the book is out of print, but, I DO KNOW that the book Phoenix -1870 to 1970 (in photographs) is available at the library - if you get a chance, look through it. It is Marvelous -

And yes HX_Guy - that was quite a while back. It was when a lot of the AJ Bayless stores had hitching posts in front - as many of us still road our horses to the grocery stores.

It was when there was no "freeway" (the Black Canyon -- now I-17) - much of the area between McDowell and Northern was 25th Ave - and we had a saddle club (the Black Canyon Saddle Club) in the middle of what is now the freeway a little south of Glendale.

It was when we lived in a REAL adobe home - before evap cooling. I remember when my job as a "youngin'" was to go out and soak the walls of the house with a hose in the morning before school (rode the horses to school sometimes too) - my mother would soak the "drapes" with water by mid day and put a fan in front of them - that was our evap cooling.

The Irrigation ditches were our "swimmin' holes" - and the Grand Canal was great for Cat fishing -

Greatday,
I have to ask you a personal question since soooo many people think you can't go outside here during the summer and it's impossible to survive without air conditioning: Are you certain you're still alive? Is there a chance you died of heat stroke as a child and didn't realize it? If you did it would be understandable, having spent your entire life here and being a product of Arizona's educational system that you wouldn't have recognized heat stroke if it had jumped up and bit you in the a. Would you please check your pulse and get back to us? Thanks -aj661

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by aj661

Greatday,
I have to ask you a personal question since soooo many people think you can't go outside here during the summer and it's impossible to survive without air conditioning: Are you certain you're still alive? Is there a chance you died of heat stroke as a child and didn't realize it? If you did it would be understandable, having spent your entire life here and being a product of Arizona's educational system that you wouldn't have recognized heat stroke if it had jumped up and bit you in the a. Would you please check your pulse and get back to us? Thanks -aj661

It was a "dry heat" back then!!!

[LadmoFan]

LOL!! A dry heat well it was. I also think there was a bit less pavement and a few less swimming pools to contribute to the heat and humidity.

Thanks for reminding me of the adobe houses. Nothing better than a real adobe house to beat the heat.

As I wrote earlier, I lived in Phoenix without air conditioning, it can be done. I wouldn't recommend it unless you have no other choice.

LF