How do you remember Phoenix? Stories from long time residents... (Scottsdale: museum, trader)

[David Wendell]

There was also a Pete's about 16th St and Henshaw (Buckeye Road, now). It was across from the Calderon Ballroom. Didn't Pete pass away several years ago? I may be thinking of the man who owned Arkie's Auto Parts on Van Buren, not too far from I-17. I used to go there to get parts to keep my old clunkers running. There was something about his death, maybe hidden money or something.

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by David Wendell

There was also a Pete's about 16th St and Henshaw (Buckeye Road, now). It was across from the Calderon Ballroom. Didn't Pete pass away several years ago? I may be thinking of the man who owned Arkie's Auto Parts on Van Buren, not too far from I-17. I used to go there to get parts to keep my old clunkers running. There was something about his death, maybe hidden money or something.

Pete was killed in his apartment in 1987. It was big news when I visited for Christmas that year. The killer had taken quite a few coins or proofs and tried to pawn them in Scottsdale.

[desertratz]

Originally Posted by David Wendell

There was also a Pete's about 16th St and Henshaw (Buckeye Road, now). It was across from the Calderon Ballroom. Didn't Pete pass away several years ago? I may be thinking of the man who owned Arkie's Auto Parts on Van Buren, not too far from I-17. I used to go there to get parts to keep my old clunkers running. There was something about his death, maybe hidden money or something.

I'd heard that the guy who owned Arkie's Auto Parts was a bit eccentric and supposedly kept money hidden in old oil drums. Probably just a Phoenix urban legend?

[baby sinister]

Originally Posted by trillcatz

And I think Jones was just north of B'way wasn't it?

That is correct...4 blocks north.

[David Wendell]

I believe the story is at least part true about Arkie's owner. There was some sort of an unusual circumstance. I wish I had a better memory. It always seemed like Arkie's had the biggest selection of auto/truck lights I've ever seen.

[locolobo13]

Haven't thought of Arkie's in long time. Dad used to go there to get parts and oil. It seemed to me back then like Dad spent most of his spare time fixing the car(s). It was always something needed to be fixed.

Near by just north of McDowell along I-17 was the only all night parts place. At least it was the only one I could think of. They were really busy and had one of those numbered ticket machines. Dad and I spent a few hours there in the wee hours off and on. It looks like a truck tire place nowadays. Not sure.

[roosevelt]

This is a 1938 photo of General Motors testing lab in Phoenix, they were making it a showplace for modern and streamlined, just like their cars, ha. I wonder where this was located. I recall a similar glass block building on Roosevelt and about 20th Street.

[slowesthand]

Originally Posted by roosevelt

This is a 1938 photo of General Motors testing lab in Phoenix, they were making it a showplace for modern and streamlined, just like their cars, ha. I wonder where this was located. I recall a similar glass block building on Roosevelt and about 20th Street.

Attachment 92944

I remember the similar looking building on Roosevelt that you're talking about. I think it was some kind of photo studio or lab for years and years.

[desertskies]

Originally Posted by roosevelt

This is a 1938 photo of General Motors testing lab in Phoenix, they were making it a showplace for modern and streamlined, just like their cars, ha. I wonder where this was located. I recall a similar glass block building on Roosevelt and about 20th Street.

Attachment 92944

The building design is virtually unchanged (except for the covered front windows), down to the window bars in the front.
2001 E Roosevelt.

Great to see the three palm trees are doing fine too.

[David Wendell]

Originally Posted by locolobo13

Haven't thought of Arkie's in long time. Dad used to go there to get parts and oil. It seemed to me back then like Dad spent most of his spare time fixing the car(s). It was always something needed to be fixed.

Near by just north of McDowell along I-17 was the only all night parts place. At least it was the only one I could think of. They were really busy and had one of those numbered ticket machines. Dad and I spent a few hours there in the wee hours off and on. It looks like a truck tire place nowadays. Not sure.

I went there a few times usually in desperation. I still have a trouble light that I bought there. It was on sale or I would not have bought it. Anyway, where else could you get auto parts at 2AM? I am trying to think of the name!