How do you remember Phoenix? Stories from long time residents... (Gilbert: jury duty, damaged)

[jukebox47]

Originally Posted by Arizona Mike

One of the last farmers of the Japanese Flower Gardens that used to be on Baseline Road passed away on Sunday, George Kishiyama. He lived quite a life and had a devoted family:

George Kishiyama, age 85, passed early Sunday morning, January 19, 2014, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 23, 1928 in the farming community of Brawley, CA to Kajuro and Sumi Kishiyama. Ten days later, the family moved to Arizona and began farming. As was common amongst young Japanese immigrant farming families striving for the best opportunities for their children, George was raised in Japan from 1938-1947 by his grandmother Kiku, aunt Umechan and uncle Kiyoshi. Upon return to the US after the war at age 19, George met his beautiful wife-to-be Betty on the 3-week ship ride back. They married in July 1955 and were married for 59 years. George served our country in Korea from 1952-53 as a translator in the Military Intelligence Service of the US Army.

For over 50 years, George and Betty owned and operated the South Mountain Flower Gardens on Baseline Road in Phoenix. This is where they raised their family, shared many experiences with other Japanese flower growers and watched Baseline road evolve from a two-lane dirt road to a six lane thoroughfare. George was active in the South Mountain Lions Club and served a term as President of the Japanese American Citizens League. He was a big ASU fan, especially ASU football. This was due to his cherished friendships with the coaches and staff. George spoke three languages, retained an unending number of jokes and stories and most impressively could relate to anyone from any background.

George was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Tomiko Collins and Iiko Iwakoshi. He is survived by his wife Betty, brother Charlie, sister Janice (Jim) Kobashi, daughters Cindy (Dave) Harbottle and Michelle (Luke) Koons, and three grandchildren he loved dearly: Alexis Harbottle, Stephen Koons and Joji Koons. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and former employees at South Mountain, many with whom he retained lifelong friendships. He is already deeply missed by all. Please join us in laughter at the celebration of George's life and legacy. Memorial service will be held on February 1, 2014, at 10:30 at Lakeshore Mortuary 1815 South Dobson Rd, Mesa AZ 85202. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project (Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project, digital archive of video oral histories of Japanese-Americans incarcerated or interned during World War II, Japanese-American internment stories) 1416 S. Jackson St. Seattle, Washington 98144. Home - Lakeshore Mortuary - See more at: George Kishiyama Obituary: View George Kishiyama's Obituary by The Arizona Republic

I will always remember the incredible fragrance of those acres of flowers growing along the road in the early morning sunlight as we drove to San Diego during the summer...

The flower gardens were so beautiful. I wish I had taken lots of pictures when the gardens were at their highest popularity. Especially nice to ride by on an old motorcycle. My wife went to school (South Mountain High) with some of the kids. I believe they were the Watanabe family. I hope I spelled their name correctly. Great people who provided the flowers for our wedding in 1968 at St Catherine's.

Oh, Welcome back Roosevelt!!

[roosevelt]

A billboard photo taken about 1970 is interesting for the background. You can see the Cine Capri free standing marquee on the corner of 24th and Camelback. Behind it is not the theater but Barrow's Furniture store that was also designed by Haver to match the theater. The vacant lot is where Cafe Casino went in later. To the right should be the Clown's Den and Arizona Manor Hotel but hard to tell with the cars and truck in the way.

[Arizona Mike]

Originally Posted by roosevelt

Attachment 124584

A billboard photo taken about 1970 is interesting for the background. You can see the Cine Capri free standing marquee on the corner of 24th and Camelback. Behind it is not the theater but Barrow's Furniture store that was also designed by Haver to match the theater. The vacant lot is where Cafe Casino went in later. To the right should be the Clown's Den and Arizona Manor Hotel but hard to tell with the cars and truck in the way.

Probably April or May of 1970, based on the first run movie on the marquee.

[observer53]

The vacant lot across 24th St, not the one where the billboard is.

That Barrows store was a beautiful building in its own right. There were those big trees in the front that, in the Christmas season, had these beautiful clusters of white lights on them. I loved going by there at night to see those. (especially when the Phoenix bird at Town and Country was still facing Camelback).

[roosevelt]

Originally Posted by observer53

The vacant lot across 24th St, not the one where the billboard is.

That Barrows store was a beautiful building in its own right. There were those big trees in the front that, in the Christmas season, had these beautiful clusters of white lights on them. I loved going by there at night to see those. (especially when the Phoenix bird at Town and Country was still facing Camelback).

The vacant lot at the billboard was Koko's, later the Embers. The portion of the political sign might be for Jack Williams running for governor.

[bassoonorama]

Originally Posted by Old-Larry

Lou Grubb was the general manager of the Chev dealership before he took it over. But for the life of me I can't remember the name of it originally...

Lou Grub Chevrolet used to be Rudolph Chevrolet.

[bassoonorama]

Originally Posted by Old-Larry

I remember another TV commercial for a place called Carpet Time. I think the address was 1205 E Indian School??? Some guy (had an accent) would have the carpet hanging and beat the crap out of it with a pointer he had to demonstrate how durable the carpet was. Used to crack me up. Anybody remember that?

Yep...remember those Carpet Time commercials....older European-accented guy would also have a hand saw and scrape the hell out of the carpet sample...quite impressive. I'm sure the saw had it's teeth ground down to nothing but still, was fun to watch on Saturday mornings!

[bassoonorama]

Originally Posted by Old-Larry

How many people remember Comptons car wash on Central and Camelback? I worked there in the summer of 1968 if I remember right.

I remember it well. My family lived near there (11th and Missouri) and would visit Comptons regularly. It later became a Weiss Guys Car Wash; and the Weiss family had a bunch of washes throughout the valley. Now my question to the forum is...what happened to those car washes? When did the close? Why did they close?

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by roosevelt

The vacant lot at the billboard was Koko's, later the Embers. The portion of the political sign might be for Jack Williams running for governor.

Sure does look like it... K and S showing only letters showing. 1970 would be his last run for governor and first of the four-year terms. Nice late 1960s Olds Delta or Delmont to the right of the political sign.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by SluggoF16

Sure does look like it... K and S showing only letters showing. 1970 would be his last run for governor and first of the four-year terms. Nice late 1960s Olds Delta or Delmont to the right of the political sign.

Except that the picture looks like the guy had a mustache, which Gov. Williams did not. It really doesn't look like him.