Arizona Highway Commission Notes

Governor Calls Safety Meeting

Gov. B. B. MOEUR this month sounded the call to arms in Arizona's struggle with the mounting motor vehicle accident toll. In a letter to the citizenry of Arizona, the Governor said: "From the early territorial days the people of Arizona have been quick to unite their efforts whenever it has been necessary for the common good. Our resourcefulness has many times been the subject of National comment, but we have not as a community, given sufficient attention to the solution of a problem affecting all of us the motor vehicle accident situation. We have neglected individually and collectively our responsibility; we have allowed our streets and highways to become places of peril for those who use them. As a result, there has been a steadily increased number of accidents annually, reaching in 1935 a new high total of 217 persons killed and several thousand injured.

"There should be a complete cooperative action for the elimination of motor vehicle accidents. It is of prime importance that there be stricter enforcement of the laws now existing for the regulation of highway travel. Every highway user, every driver, every pedestrian should resolve to observe all traffic laws; to extend the courtesies of the road and so conduct himself and his vehicle that he may not cause an accident or become involved in one.

"Many civic groups the police departments, the sheriffs' departments and the various divisions of the state and county highway departments have been doing excellent work in highway safety, but it has been excellent individual work. Notwithstanding this work, accidents on the highways resulting in fatalities and injuries have increased.

"It is my personal opinion that there will be little improvement until these individual efforts are consolidated and organized for the entire state under a State Safety Council.

"That there may be a complete cooperative action for the elimination of motor vehicle accidents, I hereby issue a call to the people of Arizona to meet in Phoenix on April 27th, 1936, for the purpose of discussing the problem confronting us and for the organization of a Safety Council, charged with putting forth a coordinated intensive effort to reduce to a minimum motor vehicle accidents."

"I urge that this subject be given attention in appropriate manner in the churches, schools and in all public meetings and also in the press throughout the state."

"I further urge that all public spirited citizens, safety groups, civic organiza. tions, police, and sheriffs' departments, heads of county and state divisions of government, attend this conference and use their voice in offering suggestions, and by their actions assist in the organization and the continuing functioning of the suggested Safety Council for Arizona."

March 2. 1936 The Arizona State Highway Commission met in special session in their offices in the Highway Building at 10:05 A. M., March 2, 1936. Those present were Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman Angle, Commissioners Addams, Barth and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary and Assistant Attorney General A. I. Winsett.

State Engineer O'Connel recommended subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Showlow-Springerville HighwayW. P. H. 105-B A. F. E. 6022, be be awarded to the low bidder, the Packard Contracting Company, in the amount of $192,740.10. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Addams, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the State Engineer be accepted.

State Engineer O'connell recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Showlow-Concho Highway, W. P. S. O. 104-A-A. F. E. 609 be awarded to the low bidder, R. C. Tanner Company, in the amount of $155,756.73. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Barth, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the State Engineer be accepted.

State Engineer O'Connell recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Kingman-Boulder Dam Highway, W. P. S.S. 10.-A&B A.F.E. 6907, be awarded to the low bidder, N. G. Hill and Company, in the amount of $123,817.97. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Barth, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the State Engineer be accepted.

State Engineer O'Connell recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Kingman-Boulder Dam highway, W.P.S.S. 102-A and B-A.F.E. 6907, be awarded to the low bidder, N. G. Hill and Company, in the amount of $123,817.97. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Barth and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the State Engineer be accepted.

Chairman Dowell at this point presented Mr. L. J. Tuttle, Mayor of the City of Douglas, and Mr. H. P. Davis, secretary of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Tuttle stated that due to the fact that citizens of Douglas and the Douglas Chamber of Commerce had not been properly informed that the Commission were going to consider at their last meeting the taking over of certain roads in Cochise county, they had not been given an opportunity to protest the action of the Commission and, representing the whole people of Doug-las, he wished to make protest at this time. When asked by Chairman Dowell if he were protesting the inclusion of the three roads, Mayor Tuttle stated that the people of Douglas are mostly opposed to the taking over the Stein's Pass road and he had not heard any protests on the other two roads. Mr. Davis, in addressing the Commission, endorsed the statements made by Mayor Tuttle.

Chairman Dowell stated that the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. C. N. Posten, and the Chairman of the Roads Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, were informed of all the data he had at the time of leaving Douglas for Phoenix on private business; that he wasn't sure when he left Douglas there would be a meeting of the Highway Commission, nor did he know that this matter would be presented until he heard from the Board of Supervisors of Cochise county at eleven o'clock the night before the meeting.

Mr. F. C. Bledsoe, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Bisbee, addressed the Commission and stated that Chairman Cox of the Cochise county Board of Supervisors, had given a pretty good estimate of the will of the people of Cochise county, when he said that 80 per cent of the people of the county are in favor of the inclusion of the Stein's Pass Highway in the State System. Others endorsing the action of the Com-mer Mayor of Benson, and Mr. W. C. Sawyer, Superintendent of Public Schools, Willcox, Arizona.

State Engineer presented two communications from Mr. W. C. Markham, Executive Secretary of the American Association of State Highway Officials, dated February 24, 1936, acknowledging receipt of the request that U. S. 93 be extended eastward over U. S. 66 to Ash Fork, south over U. S. 89 to Mesa, then over State Route 87 to Picacho, then over State Route 84 to Tucson, then again over U. S. 89 to Nogales; and acknowledge receipt of the request for a new U. S. numbered route to be called 193 from the junction of State Route 87 near Sacaton, over State Route 187 to Casa Grande, then from Casa Grande to Picacho over State Route 84.

In the first communication relating to the extension of U. S. 93, Mr. Markham stated that it was the understanding of the Committee when approval was given for the extension of U. S. 93 to Kingman that a south-easterly route would be constructed at some future time and our suggestion simply requested the routing of 93 over U. S. numbered roads already established, excepting the State Routes between Mesa and Tucson, and he was sure the Committee will want to know if we are proposing that this shall be permanent for U. S. 93. Commissioner Addams, who made the motion that the State Engineer make the above requests, as well as Commissioner Seale, who seconded the motion, and Commissioner Angle, who voted for it, stated that they Intended it to be permanent U. S. 95.

In the second communication relating to U. S. 193, Mr. Markham stated that the Committee last year voted unanimously not to add any new additional routes, but he would be pleased to present to them at their next meeting our request for this new route.

Chairman Dowell, referred to the resolution presented by Mr. Frank Mosshammer, representing the Phoenix Real Estate Board, urging that the road from Gila Bend to Ajo, the Black Canyon Highway, the Horse Thief Basin Highway, the Bush Highway and the Boise Line Road for declared state routes and asked if the Commission wished to take any action on the communication. Commissioner Addams stating that inasmuch as Maricopa County had asked him to make a motion that the road from Ajo to Gila Bend be taken in as a state route, he moved that at this time the Commission make the Gila Bend-Ajo road a state route. The action was seconded by Commissioner Barth but failed to carry, Commissioners Addams and Barth voting "Yes", and Commissioners Seale, Angle and Dowell voting "No".

Commissioner Addams made a motion that the road from Kingman to Chloride be taken in as a state route, inasmuch as the people of Mohave county have made such a request many times at previous meetings. Commissioner Barth seconded the motion and in the discussion following, Commissioner Seale stated he thought the time to consider the taking in of highways should be at budget time. Commissioner Addams asked Commissioner Seale if he would like to have the procedure postponed until some future time and, upon Commissioner Seale stating he thought he would, Commis-

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

Commissioner Addams, with the consent of his second, agreed to Dr. Seale's suggestion and the matter was temporarily dropped.

The secretary read a letter dated February 17, 1936, signed by Mr. Fred Wilson, City Manager, Phoenix, advising that the City of Phoenix is now ready to go ahead with the actual work of widening Van Buren street between Central Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Commissioner Addams, after a short interval, reported that he had contacted officials of the City of Phoenix on the telephone and they advised him that they would call a special meeting Wednesday morning, March 4th, and attend to the signing of the maintenance agreement.

The secretary read a letter from Mr. W. A. Sullivan, Mayor of Globe, dated February 24th, relative to the construction of a monument, similar to that of the Hi Jolly monument near Quartzsite, on a triangular piece of ground about four miles west of Globe on the Globe-Miami Highway where U. S. 60 and 70 join with State Route 88, in memory of the late Geo. W. P. Hunt, seven times governor of the State of Arizona, and originally from Gila county. Commissioner Barth made a motion that if any money can be made available, the state engineer be instructed to go ahead with the request. No action was taken on the motion until further discussion could be had on the subject. It was brought up again later in the meeting and Commissioner Barth stated he would like to see the Highway Department take some part in the construction of such a monument, and he felt that as long as Governor Hunt came from Globe. Gila county would be the logical place for its location, and he would like to see the engineers of the department work out some plan to be submitted to the Highway Commission for their consideration. The matter was discussed further, and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Barth, and unanimously carried, that the state engineer be empowered to have drawn up for presentation to the Commission for their consideration, a design of a monument which will be suitable and worthy of the memory of the late Geo. W. P. Hunt, seven times governor of Arizona; the exact point of location for same to be decided upon at a later date.

Mr. A. C. Sieboth, Right of Way Engineer. presented to the Commission an application for a permit to construct an approach to the White Spar Highway from Indian Creek Recreational Grounds on the Prescott National Forest near Prescott, in the north quarter of section 19, township 15 north, range 2 west. The Commission, on the recommendation of the state engineer, referred the application for permit to Mr. A. I. Winsett, Assistant Attorney General, for his verusal and opinion inasmuch as it contained a special clause inserted by the forest supervisor. Later in the meeting, Mr. Winsett returned the application for permit approving same, and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that on the recommendation of Attorney Winsett and of State Engineer O'Connell, the application for permit to connect the White Spar Highway from Indian Creek on the Prescott National Forest be granted, provided, the construction work is done under the supervision of the state district engineer.

It was regularly moved by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that a resolution establishing, locating and relocating that part of the ShowlowSpringerville Highway. designated as Federal Aid Highway W.P.H. 105-B, be adopted.

A communication from Mr. Ralph A. Hoffman, Bridge Engineer, thanking the Commission for the resolution adopted in respect to the death of Mrs. Hoffman, was presented by the secretary.

Mr. F. N. Grant, district engineer, appeared before the Commission concerning the purchase of 800 tons of screenings to be used on the Holbrook-Lupton Highway. The matter was gone into with Mr. Grant and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimously carried, that in accordance with the recommendation of the state engineer, bids be called for 800 tons of screenings.

Mr. E. A. Peters, representing the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Commission and presented a resolution signed by Geo. A Nowlin, chairman, and E. A. Peters, member, of the Chamber of Commerce Board Committee, requesting that ample funds be appropriated for the completion of U. S. Highway 80 and 89 between Tucson and Florence and that this appropriation be included in the 1936-1937 budget. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded and carried unanimously, that the resolution be received and filed to be taken up and considered at the proper time.

There being nothing further to come before the Commission, it was regularly moved, seconded, and carried, that the Commission adjourn at 12:05 P. M., March 2, 1936, to convene again at 10:00 a. m., March 16, 1936.

March 11, 1936 The Arizona State Highway Commission met in special session in their offices in the Highway Buiding at 10:30 A. M., March 11, 1936. Those present were: Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman nAgle, Commissioners Addams and Seale, also, the Secretary. Those absent were: Commissioners Barth, State Engineer O'Connell and Assistant Attorney General A. I. Winsett. Deputy State Engineer Sid Smyth acted in the absence of the State Engineer, and Assistant Attorney General Elmer C. Coker acted in the absence of Attorney Winsett.

Deputy State Engineer Smyth recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Benson-Douglas Highway (Douglas Underpass) WPGM 79-Н, AFE 8069, be awarded to the low bidder, J. A. Casson, in the amount of $122,687.88. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the Deputy State Engineer be accepted.

Deputy State Engineer Smyth recommended, subject to the approval of the Attorney General and subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Hoolbrook. St.. Johns Highway-WPH 6-A be awardedto the low bidder, the Lee Moor Contracting Company, in the amount of $50,914.85. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Agle, and Seale, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the Deputy State Engineer be accepted.

APRIL, 1936 17 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS APRIL, 1936

A letter was read by the Secretary from M. W. A. Sullivan, Mayor of Globe, Arizona, expressing gratitude to the State Highway Commission for their recent action taken relative to the designing of a monument suitable and worthy of the memory of the late Geo. W. P. Hunt, seven times Governor of the State of Arizona.

Commissioner Seale stated that the Department would receive an application in the next few days for a permit to tie into the Prescott-Ashfork Highway, U. S. 89, near Prescott (In the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 26 on the Military Reservation, Township 14 North, Range 2 West) for the purpose of making a junction with U. S. 89 of the proposed Black Canyon Road. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Addams, seconded by Commissioner Angle and unanimously carried, that the request as stated by Commissioner Seale be granted, providing the work is done under the supervision of the State District Engineer and the application for permit meets with the approval of the Attorney General.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was regularly moved, seconded, and carried, that the Commission adjourn at 11:30 A. M., March 11, 1936, to meet at 10:00 A. M., March 24, 1936.

March 24, 1936

The Arizona State Highway Commission met in regular session in their offices in the Highway Building at 10:00 a. m., March 24, 1936. Those present were: Chairman Dowell, Vice Chairman Angle, Commissioners Barth and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary, ary, and Assistant Attorney General A. I. Winsett. Commissioner Addams was absent.

Chairman Dowell presented the following opinion from the attorney general concerning the awarding of the contract on the Holbrook-St. Johns Highway W.P.H. 6-A-to the Lee Moor Contracting Company on March 11, 1936.

State Engineer O'Connell recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Douglas-Safford Highway-W. P. G. S. 114-D, A. F. E. 8110, be awarded to the low bidder, the Lee Moor Contracting Company, in the amount of $54,918.71. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Barth, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the state engineer be accepted.

State Engineer O'Connell recommended, subjected to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Kingman-Boulder Dam Highway -F.L.H. 2-A-B-C-D & E-A. F. E. 6906, be awarded to E. L. Yeager on the Plant Mix or Alternate bid, in the amount of 140,668.51, which is the lowest of all bids received. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Barth, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the state engineer be accepted.

Awarding of bids received on 800 Tons Type "C" Screenings received by the Purchasing Department March 23, 1936, at 3:00 p. m.

State Engineer O'Connell submitted a letter from District Engineer Grant advising that a pit had been found 16 miles east of Flagstaff where satisfactory screenings can be produced at a cost of $1.00 per ton, which price is lower than any price quoted in the bids received, and recommended that all bids on screenings be rejected and the material produced by the highway department. In view of the information contained in Mr. Grant's letter, State Engineer O'Connell added his recommendation that all bids be rejected, and it was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Barth, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the engineers be accepted and all the bids received on 800 Tons Type "C" Screenings by the Purchasing Department be rejected, and the material produced as recommended in the district engineer's letter.

It was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that a resolution transferring funds in the amount of $46,250.3, be adopted.

A resolution from the Northern Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, together with communications endorsing same from the Yavapai County Chamber of Commerce, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Brewing Company, Phoenix, Korricks' Dry Goods company, Phoenix and Amos A. Betts, Phoenix, was presented to the commission. The resolution refers to a report made by Mr. George D. Whittle on the Parker Bridge project and requests the Highway Commission to give immediate attention to reviewing the report, plans and estimate of the Parker Bridge Project for approval as proposed by the Bureau of Public Roads and that funds for the construction of the Parker Bridge be set up in the next highway budget.

State Engineer O'Connell advised that Mr. Whittle's report had been received by the Highway Department recommending three or four bridge sites and particularly recommending the site just below and parallel to the railroad bridge. Further, that inasmuch as it is desired to start the design as soon as possible, so that immediately after the first of the fiscal year a contract for the construction of the Parker Bridge can be let, and inasmuch as Oddie-Colton or Federal Lands Funds may be involved, he had asked Mr. Sieboth to check up on the site recommended by the Bureau of Public Roads and also on whether or not Federal Lands Funds would be applicable State Engineer O'Connell further stated that the bridge department of the Arizona Highway Department is willing to recommend the site recommended by the Bureau of Public Roads, provided, it is applicable to the funds we have. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that the report of the state engineer be accepted and the location as recommended by the Bureau of Public Roads be accepted, providing it is applicable to Oddie-Colton or Federal Lands Funds.

A resolution was read from the Board of Supervisors of Yavapai County earnestly requesting the addition to the present highway system of the following highways: That highway known as the Pine-Payson Highway, beginning at State Highway No. 79 at Bridgport, near Cottonwood, and extending through Camp Verde, Fossil Creek, Pine and Payson, and ending at State Highway

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

No. 88 near Roosevelt, Arizona; that highway known as the Black Canyon Highway, beginning at Prescott and extending through Dewey, Humboldt, Mayer, Bumble Bee and Canyon, and ending at Phoenix; and that highway beginning at U. S. Highway No. 89 at Congress Junction and connecting with U. S. Highway No. 60 at Aguila, Arizona. The resolution was ordered received and filed by a motion made by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimously carried.

A delegation from Tucson headed by Mr. B. G. Thompson, City Attorney, and consisting of O. F. Verch, merchant; L. Roca, councilman; Geo. R. E. Butler, city manager; C. A. Wollard, chief of police; and Otto Myrland, attorney, appeared before the commission and requested the widening of the pavement a distance of approximately 2.1 miles from a point on the Oracle road where it turns off to Casa Grande, to Drachman street in the city of Tucson. It was pointed out that the shoulders of this road have been widening and the culverts have been left narrow and, as a consequence, the highway has become very dangerous.

State Engineer O'Connell advised the delegation that he had received just recently a mandate from the federal government to divide the lines of traffic on projects to be constructed adjacent to a City, and the project they requested would come under this mandate. Therefore, he asked the delegation, as well the City of Tucson, to help the State as much as possible in acquiring the necessary additional right of way so that by the time the funds are available, it will be all clear and ready. The delegation assured the state engineer and the ommission that they would assist as much as possible.

Arizona's Famous AllIndian Pow-Wow

Winter ceremonies, given on the reservation sonly during the cold months of the year, are to be seen side by side with summer and spring ceremonials.

Here will gather many types of Indians, the plains Indians, the nomads, the pueblo and village dwellers. The traditional rivals, Navajo, Hopi, Piute, Apaches and Supais will match their skill in many games. The superb Supai riders will vie with their legendary competitors, the Navajos in the horse races. The Navajo bronco riders think they are so tough they need no more than an untied rope on the toughest buckers the Pow-wow can produce, to conquer them and win the prize money. Other tribesmen equally as skillful have taken up their challenge, declaring their intention to place first in the bare-back bronco busting contests over the Navajos.

Competition rages among the various dance teams signed to appear in the Pow-wow performances. Each will try to outdo the other in exact and colorful dance costumes, headdresses and in the performance of their ceremonials.

Aside from a few of the contests and some of the dances, each of the five performances at the Pow-wow will be strikingly different. Only those spectacular numbers which the spectators demand will be given a second time.

The Santa Fe railroad, Santa Fe and Greyhound busses, and Fred Harvey cars offer good service to Arizona and the Pow-wow. For the motorist there are Arizona's perfect highways through un-matchable scenery, with points of vast interest all along the way. Highways reach Flagstaff from all directions. U. S. 66, east and west. U. S. 89 from the north, and U. S. 99 and State Highway 79 from the south, Phoenix and the Salt River valley.

Relax! You're on an Arizona Dude Ranch

(Continued from Page 9) treasured memories.

The children as well as the grown-ups find a variety of entertainment on the dude ranches which fits their particular interests, with horseback being the most popular.

Excellent private schools are located in many sections of Arizona; a number of the winter season ranches have well qualified tutors, or there are public schools. The educational system and schools in Arizona rank third in the United States.

The pleasure of a vacation on a ranch are varied, and no small part of these is the sights seen on pack or motor trips. The Grand Canyon National Park, fourteen national monuments, and many other places of unique interest may be visited.

The Wonderland of Rocks officially known as the Chiricahua National Monument is a point in southern Arizona that will delight the most jaded traveler. Near the Mexican border is Tombstone, notorious two-gun town of frontier days. The famous Birdcage theater, Boot Hill cemetery, The Epitaph, the Million Dollar Stope, the O. K. corral, the Can Can cafe, and the largest rose tree in the world can be visited here.

Mexico, with its brown mud huts, gay serapes, quaint winding streets and cantinas, is a matter of minutes from the border ranches or a few hours from the central part of the state. Nogales, Arizona has as its Mexican sister, Nogales, Sonora and across from Douglas is Agua Prieta.

Near Tucson is the Sahuaro National Monument, the Colossal Caves, which are said to rival Carlsbad Cavern, and the Tumacacori and San Xavier del Bac missions.

There are excavated pueblos and crumbling cliff dwellings which represent the physical remains of an Indian civilization which was old when Christianity was young. The scientist and layman will find meat for thought and pleasure for the eye in such ruins as Casa Grande near Coolidge; the pueblo now being uncovered at Globe; Tusigoot, King and Fitzmaurice in the Prescott region; Wupatki, and the Navajo National Monument with its Betatakin, Keet Seel and Inspiration House. These and other partially excavated mounds are gradually wiping the cobwebs from the dust covered archives of the centuries.

Museums at the ruins themselves or at nearby towns house the excavated artifacts. Among the most interesting are those at Tucson, Phoenix, Prescott, Flagstaff and Clarkdale. Globe has the nucleus of a splendid museum with the ceramics, jewelry, stone implements and burials now being excavated at the Gila pueblo.

The Prescott area offers unexcelled mountain scenery, such as Oak Creek canyon on the Jerome road; Sycamore canyon is reached from Williams; Walnut canyon is in the Flagstaff area.

There is a large and picturesque Indian population living on reservations in Arizona. Most numerous, and possibly the most interesting, are the Navajos who live on a tract of land in northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico. Yie Bi Chis and other great nine-day ceremonials are celebrated by these nomadic herdsmen after the thunder ceases in the fall. The Hopis live on three impregnable hills in the heart of the Navajo territory. Their Katchinas including the great Nimon or Farewell Katchina and the nationally famous Snake Dance are unparalleled.

The Apaches on the Fort Apache and San Carlos reservations, the Pimas, Papagos, Yumas, Maricopas and Yaquis are among the other primitives whose homes, customs and ceremonials afford an experience unique to the Arizona guest.

LEE MOOR CONTRACTING COMPANY 807 BASSETT TOWER EL PASO, TEXAS

At the Foot of the April Rainbow

(Continued from Page 13) Near on the malapai side hill or atop the gravelly mesa.

The Hedge Hog cactus is SO well spread all over the desert and lives at so many variations in clevation, that it is perhaps correct to say that it is one of the most abundant cactus plants in Arizona. There are a number of species of the tribe Echinocereanae, in which the Hedge Hog cactus has been placed. After a day of roaming in the flat desert along the highways of southern and central Arizona, or a day spent up in one of the deep washes near the foothills, the Hedge Hog cactus impresses one with its abundance.

There are several species of the cactus that bloom in the spring, but the ones that seem to be blooming in the most profusion in April, are the Echinocereus Engelmannii or straw berry cactus, and the Echinocereus Fendleri, also a straw berry cactus.

The above two cacti plants are the first to open their blossoms to the northward marching sun, as he gradually warms the earth from the jungles of the west coast of Mexico to the highlands of central Arizona. Earth's silent, but living things reward old Sol's bright sunshine by facing him with flowers whose colors have been taken from the rainbows arc, a transformation of his white light as it is reflected from the drops of an April shower.

This month from the arid wastes of the Mojave desert along the Colorado, to the deep canyons debouching from the Mogollon Rim, and to the high grassy plains of southeastern Arizona, does the Hedge Hog cactus open its magenta colored blooms. Away up in the White House canyon in the Santa Ritas near the Sonora line, a small cactus which seeks only the cool of the rocks and oaks along the rushing snow water stream puts forth a delicate flower, with petals of cadmium red, much different from the others on the desert, and with stamens of a dark green against a background of purple anthers. This variety is a very rare one and has only recently been noted. Go any direction from Phoenix Tucson and after reaching the desert, the Hedge Hog grows right up to the edge of the highway. Try the strawberry like fruit after it has matured and if you have patience enough to gather a dish full, see how it compares with any other berry.

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

Another desert plant, that blooms in April, is our old and everpresent friend the Creosote bush often called the Greasewood bush. This plant covers so much of Arizona, that it can be seen almost anywhere below the five thousand foot line. The Creosote bush is not a cactus plant, but it is the most numerous of all the plants of the desert. It covers the desert everywhere and winds around the mountain's base nearly to the oak tree line. All April, the Creosote bush blooms with a small yellow flower and brightens up the desert's grey.

The struggle for existence in the desert, between the members of the Creosote clan, is so intense that they grow just up to the line where the plant next to them claims as his boundary. The result is that in the flat places the Creosote bushes are almost mathematically spaced, and one can see down the rows of bushes quite like looking down the rows of corn or young trees in a new orchard.

There is one cactus plant, which is invariably drawn in by the artist, when making cartoons or other drawings of western scenes. The Prickly Pear cactus is probably more in the minds of people in other parts when they think of Arizona. They have some reason for so thinking as the Opuntia is a large family and covers many species, including the famed Jumping Cholla, and others.The most common Prickly Pear is the Opuntia phaeacantha. For instance, between Tucson and Benson, along Highway 80, there are square miles of Prickly Pear in bloom this month. The flowers are of several shades, yellow being the most common, with some red, brown or sometimes a magenta color. Some are almost a green color, which turns to yellow, and some of the yellow blossoms will turn to red before wilting, and leave the immature Prickly Pear fruit behind.

It is a very vigorous cactus plant and has marched northward from its southern origin clear up to Montana and Canada, where it lives in a climate often below zero in temperature. It will take root at any joint which has been cut off and fallen to the ground.

The Prickly Pear may be seen in bloom for several months, beginning early in the low desert and following the warmth of the soil until it is up to the high elevations around the Grand Canyon, where it is still in bloom later in July.The two cactus species, Hedge Hog And Prickly Pear, represent the two large tribes of Arizona Cacti. There are many other species of the same families here also.

The Cereeae tribe includes the Giant Sahuaro, as well as the small delicate Night Blooming Cereus, or Reina de Noche, Queen of the Night. The Opuntia tribe includes the Jumping Cholla, Bea-ver Tail and Tree Cactus.

To tell at a glance to which family any cactus plant belongs, look at the spot where the spines or thorns emerge from the fleshy stem. If there are many minute sharp hairlike spines, it is of the tribe Opuntia. If there are no small spines and the thorns radiate out from a common hard center, it is of the Cereus family.

Spring in Arizona means the blooming time in the desert. Warm days and a fresh breeze from away down on the Gulf of California bring just what mois-ture the cactus plants want. The clouds gather slowly over head or beyond the granite desert range, then move slowly out over the wide flat valleys. A shower almost diaphanous to the eye, drops like a thin veil from the ships of the sky, slowly sprinkling the rich soil where our friends the cactus plants are coming to life.

A sunset of gold leaves, a rainbow be hind, whose high arc dips downward and sweeps over the desert's silent but living things, transforming the newly born buds into flowers that match color with color, and shade with shade, with the curved celestial wonder, at whose feet lies no pot of metal gold, but a living thing fragile, but eternal, as the desert years roll onward toward the Infinite.

Editors Note:

The writer of the above article has gathered the photos and material for future articles during the next few months, taking up in detail the cactus plants that bloom during the current month.

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(Continued from Page 11) The maintenance will be afforded by a camp located near the site, and seasonal wild flowers will be planted to make this one of the outstanding show places on the desert. Another camp is under way at Four Mile Post. This fall will see the planting of shade trees and the development of water. As soon as the trees reach maturity, camping facilities will be installed to make the park complete. The Forest Service has granted us access to areas under its jurisdiction to be used for similar purposes. A little different in treatment is a project of interest to be developed in the Salt River Valley near Tempe. In the area between Washington Boulevard and Van Buren Street, a large cactus garden will be placed, affording the tourist a chance to see many of the most interesting varieties gathered together in a relatively small area for ready access. A lake, constructed by the C.C.C. is already in place, while the preliminary grading and roadway widening are being done by WPA forces. A number of wyes at junction points are to be landscaped this year and developed into beauty spots rather than left as a sort of desolate no man's land, as was the policy in the past. In the open desert, cacti and similar growth are being used, while where water is available, ornamental shrubs and plants requiring irrigation will be installed. In some of the junction points, articles of historic interest are being placed and preserved for public enjoyment. Another type of development along similar lines is being done by the maintenance division, namely the preservation and marking of historic battle sites and graveyards. Many of these, long since abandoned, tell a vital story of the white man's struggle for existence in a land filled with natural perils and hostile Indians. All of these stories are not of the happy ending variety, many being climaxed by stark tragedy. But they all play an important part in the history of the state, and show the most accurate and unbiased story of the development as it actually occurred.

The improvement of outlook points and small roadside turnouts are of particular interest in the mountainous country. One of these will soon be under construction by the C. C. C. at the head of Oak Creek Canyon. Another development of parking areas and a lookout will be established soon on the highway over Mingus Mountain, between Prescott and Jerome. Beside being developments for pleasure and spots of beauty, such areas serve a very definite purpose in the field of safety, for they allow the motorist to get off the road in making car repairs and pausing for a rest. Many of our roads are at this time definitely hazardous, for they provide no means for roadside parking, and he who stops, must necessarily do so on the main road. A number of these areas have already been built on the highway from Nogales to Benson, and have proven very successful. They are being included in all new construction where possible, and constructed on routes now in existence where they are not now in place.

Arizona in 1873

(Continued from Page 5) Salt River, Verde, San Carlos, Bonito, and Prieto from the north, and Santa Cruz and San Pedro from the South.

No one of the mineral-bearing territories of the Pacific slope is richer than Arizona, though the mines have not been generally worked. The inaccessibility of the territory (it being off from the great overland lines of travel and without sea-ports), and the fierceness of the Apaches, have prevented the full development of its mineral wealth. The mountains of Southern and Central Arizona are nearly all mineral-bearing, and contain lodes of gold, silver, copper, and lead. The ores of silver found in this region are argentiferous galena, native silver, auriferous sulphuret of silver, black sulphuret or silver, sulphate of silver, sulphate of iron, combined. The ores of copper are usually the sulphurets, principally gray. Nearly all the silver and copper lodes show traces of gold; and placers have been found at many points, but have not proved sufficiently extensive to attract much attention. Gold is found in Central Arizona, the ore yielding from $25 to $100 per ton. Iron in carbonates and oxides is abundant, and traces of tin and nickel exist. Platinum (metallic) is shown in the placers of the Black Canyon. Copper, silver, and quicksilver are found together in a rare combination but the lode is not large. Lime of a superior quality exists in large quantities near Prescott and Tucson, and is found at other points. Beds of gypsum exist in the San Pedro valley. The Salt Mountains near Callville and a few miles east of the Colorado are among the most remarkable formations in Arizona. The deposits of pure, transparent, and beautifully crystallized salt are very extensive, and no salt is superior for table and general use. Traces of coal have been discovered in this locality.

The bullion product of Arizona for 1868 was estimated at $250,000; 1869, $1,000,-000; 1870, $800,000.

The climate is mild and generally healthful. In Southern Arizona the tem-perature ranges from 34° to 118° F. The atmosphere is dry, and this region is singularly free from malarious diseases. Snow falls in Central Arizona, but, ex-cepting in the higher mountains, disap-pears in a few hours. The temperature in summer rarely exceeds 90°, and seldom falls below zero in winter. Rain falls daily in the months of July and August, but there are frequent showers in April and May, as well as in the winter months. The average fall of rain in Southern Arizona for 1867 was 2.94 inches; 1860 4.20; 1858, 8.57; 1857, 0.3. The climate of Arizona is said to be highly beneficial to those afflicted with bronchial or lung diseases. According to the census of 1870 the total deaths in the territory for that year were 252, of which 116 resulted from general diseases, 71 from local diseases, 60 from accidents and injuries, and 5 from poisons. Of the local diseases, 44 were diseases of the respiratory system and 15 of the digestive system.

The vegetation of Southern and Western Arizona is scanty and limited to a few general, such as cactus, aloe, artemisia, palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite, the last a remarkably hard wood. In the middle and northeast portions of the territory a more varied vegetation prevails. On the hills and mountain sides a rich and abundant pasturage is found. Pine and cedar forests abound; while along the course of the streams ash, walnut, cherry, willow, cottonwood, and many other forest trees grow, and large oak trees are seen on the summits of some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Prieta. The aridity of the table lands prevents their cultivation; the soil of the valleys is rich, but in places very arid. Where artificial irrigation is practicable, or where there is sufficient moisture, the crops are good, and the cereals yield abundantly. The greater portion of the territory south of the Gila river is a sterile waste; but the river valleys of this section contain many thousand acres of the most fertile bottom lands, which need only irrigation to make them yield abundant harvests. Indian corn, wheat, barley, oats, grapes, figs, oranges, lemons, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, the castor bean, etc., thrive here whereever the land can be irrigated; there is also much valuable grass land in this section. The valleys of middle and eastern Arizona contain much arable land. Here all the cereals and roots of the

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

northern Atlantic states are grown, while as a grazing country this region cannot be surpassed. A thick growth of gramma and bunch grass covers the whole country, and gives to the pine woods of this region the aspect of beautiful natural parks. Wheat and barley are usually sown from November to February, and harvested in May; the average yield of wheat is from 20 to 40 bushels per acre, and of barley from 30 to 60. After the wheat and barley are harvested, corn can be planted on the same soil with ample time for it to mature. Much of the land of Arizona is cultivated in this way, and produces two crops each year. The average yield of corn is from 30 to 60 bushels per acre. In 1870 there were 14,585 acres of improved land in the territory, producing 27,052 bushels of wheat, 32,041 of corn, and 55.077 of barley; and the estimated value of all farm productions, including betterments and additions to stock, was $244,998. Cash value of farms, $161,340; of all live stock, $143,996; of slaughtered animals, $9,400. There are no railroads in Arizona. The Atlantic and Pacific railroad company have obtained a charter with land grants to build a road along and near the 35th parallel to the Pacific ocean; this road has been completed from St. Louis into the Indian territory. A charter and lands have also been granted to the Texas Pacific railroad company to build a road on or near the 32d parallel, from Marshall in Texas to San Diego, California. There is a good wagon road from San Diego crossing the Colorado river at Arizona City, thence to Tucson and Santa Fe. The last named town is connected with Prescott by a wagon road via Albuquerque. From Prescott to Los Angeles, Calif., there is a wagon road by way of Wickenburg, Ehrenberg, La Paz, and San Bernardino, and also by way of Hardyville and Mohave. Four Weekly newspapers are published in the territory.

pottery, etc. The river banks are covered with ruins of stone houses and regular fortifications, which do not appear to have been inhabited for centuries. The walls are of solid masonry, rectangular in form, and usually two stories high. It is estimated that at least 100,000 people must have occupied the Gila valley at one time. The territory of Arizona was separated from that of New Mexico and organized by act of congress passed Feb. 24, 1863. The portion north of the Gila river was obtained by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Feb. 2, 1848, while that south of the Gila was acquired under the treaty made by James Gadsden at Mexico, Dec. 30, 1853. The act of Feb. 25, 1863, creating the territory, described it as comprising all the United States lands west of lon. 109° to the California line, which before that time had belonged to the territory of New Mexico. Since then the north west corner has been ceded to Nevada. No thorough exploration of central Arizona was attempted until 1862 and 1863, while much of the northern portion has never been explored.

As early as 1562 Don Jose de Vasconcellos crossed the center of Arizona toward the Great canyon, and the country was subsequently visited by other Spanish explorers. Numerous ruins of Spanish towns and buildings indicate that here was the seat of an early Spanish colonization, and that the land was highly cultivated. In the north west part of the territory, on the Colorado plateau, is a group of pueblos in ruins, containing estufas, reservoirs, terraces, aqueducts, and walls of at least four stories high. The most extensive ruins are found in the Gila valley, which is studded throughout with deserted pueblos and remains of irrigating canals, acequias,

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ARIZONA HIGHWAYS APRIL, 1936

vers judgment on them.

"It had been raining a little. Both riders wore long yellow slickers coverin' them from chin to toes. Each had a fancy silk handkerchief hangin' round his neck. The sand was so deep that it was about all the stage horses could do to strike a good fair walk. When the two riders were about a hundred yards from the road they spurred their horses into a dead run. Also each man pulled up his silk "hanky" so as to cover the lower part of his face from his eyes down. What was worse, there was a big old forty five Colt in each man's right hand. Things was beginning to look mighty funny specially to the eastern doctor. He wasn't much usened to such wild and woolly western ways."Before the two on the stage could realize what was a happenin' the riders were alongside the buckboard. 'A holdup by Heck', whispered the Mormon boy, usin' the regular Mormon cuss word. "'Stick 'em up, quick' one of the rob-bers snapped as he rode in front of the team to stop 'em. They sure stuck 'em up prontamento believe you me 'Out you come' was the next bit of conversation between the two parties.

"Dr. Yarrow tells me afterwards, that both his legs was so trembly that he could scarcely get out of the buckboard even with that long Colts lookin' him in the face. But the two of 'em fell off onto the sand, each holdin' their hands high above their heads. 'In regular hold up style' says the good doctor, grinnin' over the recollection of the affair.

"While the robber ahead sat on his horse with his six pistol trained on the two captives, the other chap slid off his pony an' frisked the two for arms, and coin, or any valuables.

"The driver was unarmed. 'I aint hired to fight, only to drive the stage and deliver the mail to the station agent at the railroad' was his husky statement, when the searcher asked him where his gun was. The search of the drivers' person netted only a cheap watch, a Navajo Indian bracelet, and about a dollar in small silver. Nothin' more. The robber gave the watch back to the kid. Told him it wasn't worth carryin' away. The doctor had a handsome gold watch and a silver mounted six shooter-which he had no earthly idea of usin.' Also he had quite a wad of currency on an inside pocket which went with the six shooter and watch."While the driver was being frisked, the doctor had the rare presence of mind to work a valuable diamond ring off his finger, as he held his hands high above his head. By stickin' his head forward he managed to drop the ring down the back of his neck inside his shirt collar. The robber settin' on his pony was so interested watchin' his compadre searchin' the driver that he never noticed what the doctor was doin'.

"Then the two gents cut open the mail sack from which they took a bunch of registered letters, mounted their ponies and with a stern command to 'Beat it, an' beat it fast down the road an' don't look back', the two bad men from the back country drifted out of sight as fast as their ponies could carry them.

"Naturally the two men in the stage lost no time in gettin' started for the stage station at the 'Salt Lakes' about four miles ahead.

"Afterwards when the doctor told me about the affair he chuckled over it all. "I was sure gettin' a big thrill out of the experience. Specially was I mighty proud of myself for the way I worked that diamond ring off my finger and dropped it down my shirt collar. I could feel it workin' its way down my back. It landed finally safe and sound in the seat of my pants'.

"As the stage moved along it began to rain. The stage team made poor progress because of the sand. About three miles from where the robber stopped 'em Dr. Yarrow noticed two riders, each wearing yellow slickers, come out of the cedars about a mile back from the road an' start ridin' towards us. 'We didn't have a red cent left, nor nothin' worth stealin', said the doctor, 'but we both felt sure they were the robbers comin' back to give us another goin' over.' "We didn't intend to have 'em go through us a second time if it could be helped. So the driver whipped up his team and made a run for the station which could be seen about a mile ahead.' "The two slickered men spurred their ponies up as if to head us off. One waved his hat. That only made the stage driver ash his team all the harder. About a quarter mile from the station one of the stage horses completely exhausted fell down in the road. His mate of course also stopped.

"The two men still some distance behind the stage pulled their horses down to a slow walk while the driver and the doctor jumped from the buckboard and hotfooted it for the stage station, a mere board shack. The station keeper met them at the door. Both were wild eyed an gaspin' for breath. 'We been robbed' gasped the driver. 'Them two fellers a comin' down the road back there, they done it. Get your gun quick for they're danger-ous men. I don't want to be held up twice in the same day'. He stopped plumb out of breath.

ous men. I don't want to be held up twice in the same day'. He stopped plumb out of breath.

"The station keeper smiled. 'Them two hombres?' He nodded toward the two in slickers just ridin' into the station. They had stopped for a few minutes at the stranded buckboard."

"Them two fellersOh shucks. That's Baldy Peters and Jim Sanders from the Long H hoss camp over on the Zuni Wash. They's comin' over to git the mail. Stage robbers. Hell! them boys ain't no robbers'.

"Baldy and Jim they simply like to busted theirselves laughing over the idea of them a bein' stage robbers. Minded me of what I heered a feller say about camels and how they looked. This feller, he's a Arabian lad who found his way out here some years ago, he said in his country the Arabs said that when the Lord saw the first camel the animal was so horrible homely that he couldn't say a word. He jist sat down an' laffed an' laffed, like to kill hisself."

"When Dr. Yarrow reached Albuquerque an' told his story, the papers played the affair up big. 'The station keeper was right', he told the reporters who crowded round him to git his story. 'Those two last men were cowboys from a camp a few miles distant. They were ridin' over to catch the stage as it passed down the road and give the driver a couple of letter to put in the way sack. What they said about us was a plenty. But anyway' he went on sort of pleased with hisself, 'I saved my diamond ring an' that was somethin' for a tenderfoot to brag about.'"

Little Bob knocked his pipe on his boot heel and started to roll out his bed roll for the night.

"Did the government ever catch the robbers?" one of the men asked as the meeting broke up. "Nary a catch" was the answer. "They drifted yonderly across the line into New Mexico an' nobody never heerd tell of 'em again. All the same a lot of us had our suspicions of a couple who was ridin' the chuck line about the range an' who dropped out of sight right after the affair."