How Phoenix's Van Buren looked 1950-1960 (Williams: hotels, neighborhoods, live)

[wit-nit]

Great story and information on Phoenix's downtown VanBuren as it looked in the 1950's and 1960's.
Van Buren, gateway to Phoenix, as it used to be

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by nitram

Great story and information on Phoenix's downtown VanBuren as it looked in the 1950's and 1960's.
Van Buren, gateway to Phoenix, as it used to be

YUK, I hate old....

[Elyse Margardino]

Wow! Very interesting

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by dc1225

YUK, I hate old....

Different things for different people: I vastly prefer neighborhoods built before 1980 (provided they are still in good repair).

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

Different things for different people: I vastly prefer neighborhoods built before 1980 (provided they are still in good repair).

you said it my dear...different strokes for different folks! I can respect that.

[asugraduate]

I lived on Van Buren for a couple of years but on the East side (52nd St. area). It was interesting to read some of the history knowing what it is like today. Even though the area in which I lived wasn't too shabby, I was still not comfortable going too far west at night.

[Magnum Mike]

Originally Posted by nitram

Great story and information on Phoenix's downtown VanBuren as it looked in the 1950's and 1960's.
Van Buren, gateway to Phoenix, as it used to be

It's nice to look at those old pictures, and it was definitely a different world back then on Van Buren.

[garisonthebull]

Of the thousands of cars traveling on Van Buren every day, probably none know they are driving by the oldest cemetery in Phoenix. Most of them probably don't even notice the graveyard. Like Van Buren, it is decrepit and abandoned. It is also unmarked. At about 4750 East Van Buren lies the Crosscut Adams Family Cemetery. Actually, it is officially known as the Crosscut Williams Family Cemetery. It ain't much to look at, but since it was established in 1879 it is the oldest existing graveyard in Phoenix (Note: The Phoenix Pioneer cemeteries were established in 1884. There was an earlier one at 6th Ave and Jackson but the bodies were moved to the Pioneer site when it was opened). Back to the Van Buren cemetery... The records say about 80 people were buried there, but less than 10 graves are still visible amid the broken glass, weeds, beer cans, and other items of urban trash. This also is sad. Mike was not buried here.


This is a shame!!!!!!!!! If anything in the valley ever deserved presservation and civic restoration funding it is this place. The are must be addressed and givin trees and grass along with historical marker with the names of all burried there. The corner is among some of the valley's most decayed areas and a little civic pride could go a long way for the people that reside there.

If the city does not address it then perhaps the possibility of making it into a community garden from public funding may be in order.

[arizona palms]

Moved to Phx. in 1958 when Dad bought Arizona Palms Motel at 3725 E. Van Buren. It was a great era and we had a blast. Thank you for a trip down my street.

[fcorrales80]

My grandmother had has great pictures of some nicely manicured hotels and motels along the area back in the 30's and 40's. How areas transition from good to bad, or bad to good.