Reliving the Old West

The raucous laughter of Jacob Walz, the Dutchman of Lost Dutchman's Mine fame; the gay, pulsating rhythm of a Mexican serenade; the nerve tingling click of castanets; the exotic action of Spanish dancers; the gayety and laughter of fiesta; the eerie mysticism of reverberating drums and dancing moccasined feet; the mournful song of the cowboy-all the ancient lore and legend of the romantic days of the Southwest, an inexhaustible source of intriguing material-have been called upon by the Don's Club, energetic organization of young Arizona businessmen, in their efforts to preserve traditions and bring the Old West back to the West.

Perhaps the most colorful and outstanding event staged by the Dons is the world famous Lost Gold Trek into the Superstition Mountains in search of the Lost Dutchman's Mine. This has been an annual event since 1934, until it was temporarily discontinued in 1943 for the duration of the war. Thousands of visitors from all parts of the world have made the hike up beautiful Peralta Canyon to the summit overlooking Weaver's Needle to view the area in which the fabulous Dutchman's Mine is supposed to be located. The thrill of adventure, in a setting of scenic grandeur, lures young and old to make the long hike to the summit.

After a Mexican dinner served at sunset, the guests gather in a natural amphitheater at the base of a towering 500 foot cliff. A huge bonfire lights the evening show, which features a two-hour variety entertainment program of Indian dances, Mexican music, Spanish dances and cowboy songs. Even the "voice" of Jacob Walz has been known to swell out of the eerie darkness to explain to the amazed audience how he happened to find and eventually lose his mine.

The day is brought to an end by a spectacular fire fall from the top of the 500 foot cliff which provides a backdrop for the ampitheater.

The Dons Travelcades to other points of scenic and historic interest, such as the Vulture Mine at Wickenburg and the Arboretum at Superior, also will be resumed after the war.

The latest contribution of the Dons is a series of programs dedicated to the Indians of Arizona. Started as a substitute for the Lost Gold Trek last year, this series, dealing with the culture, dances and customs of the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Pima, Papago and other Indian tribes, has grown in popularity until it promises to become a permanent project in popularity.

Staged without admission charge, for the information of the public, in co-operation with the Phoenix Union High School, the programs have featured the famed Apache Devil Dancers, the Maricopa Buzzard Dancers, the famous Yei-Ba-Chai dance of the Navajo and many other interesting Indian ceremonials. Lectures and exhibits of Indian craftsmanship acquaint the public with the history, culture and legends surrounding the life of the Arizona Indian.

Ten thousand feet above sea level in the White Mountain country, sheep graze peacefully while the sky, seeking to match the beauty of the scene below, rolls up its symphony like organ music; full and free.