IN THE DAYS OF GERONIMO

IN THE

Geronimo, war leader of the Chiricahua Apaches, was born either in Southern Arizona or Southwestern New Mexico in 1829. As a young man, he was a warrior under the great leaders of the Apaches, Cochise and Mangas Coloradas. In 1858 Geronimo's mother, wife and three children were killed by Mexican troops in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Old Mexico, and forever after Geronimo's hatred for the Mexicans knew no bounds. He fought them with unsurpassed fury, so much so, the Apaches acclaimed him as their war leader after the death of Cochise. He had able lieutenants in such fighters as Nachez, the son of Cochise, Chihuahua, Loco, Chatto and Old Nana. War parties under Geronimo scourged the southwestern frontier and northern Mexico for years. The U.S. Army relentlessly pursued these groups but such was the cunning and courage of the Indians that it was not until the '80's that many of the renegades gave themselves up. Geronimo and Nachez fought to the bitter end. At last the odds against them were too great to be overcome. Geronimo surrendered to General Miles in Skelton Canyon in September, 1886. Geronimo's group consisted of thirty-eight people-twenty-four men and fourteen women and children. The U.S. Army, under

DAYS OF GERONIMO

This photograph shows a group of Chiricahua Apaches under military guard as they entrained at Bowie for banishment to Florida and later to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The officer in charge was Captain Lawton (seated next to soldier with striped trousers). Reckoning in front of him was Surgeon Leonard Wood, later to become famous as Surgeon General of the Army.

General Miles, had a force of five thousand scattered over Arizona and New Mexico. Geronimo was confined for twenty-three years, first in Florida and then in Oklahoma. He died at Fort Sill February 17, 1909, his death being caused by pneumonia contracted after getting drunk one stormy night and lying exposed and unattended by a roadside. Nachez eventually was returned to the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico, where he won the respect of Indian and white man alike for his fine and startling qualities. He died of influenza in 1921.

Apache war group in Old Mexico in 1886. Women and children were in flight with the men of the tribe.

Nachez and Geronimo at Fort Bowie just before being sent to confinement in Florida

Geronimo, his son, and two couriers

YOURS SINCERELY TRAVELING HIGHWAYS:

... I wonder if you have any idea how far some of your ARIZONA HIGHWAYS travel?

For instance, Mrs. Eldredge and I have just returned from an automobile trip to the Southwest, into Mexico, thence for a few weeks in Arizona, to Las Vegas, and home again to Massachusetts.

Accompanying us on the 9,300 miles was the November, 1959, copy of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS. This was the issue with a special article on the Apache Trail. When we drove over this trail, on March 12, we constantly referred to the article, which I had underlined in many places so we would not miss a single point of interest!

We followed your suggestion of staying overnight in Miami-a happy experience.

Thanks for your article regarding the Apache Trail. It was most helpful and added much to the enjoyment of the trip!

H. Burr Eldredge Winchendon, Massachusetts

AIR STATION IN GERMANY:

It will surprise your office to know that the one issue of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS that I receive each month is read by more than twenty-five people in my squadron here at Lindsey Air Station in Germany. There are only two people in this unit from Arizona but they all believe that you and the staff are doing a wonderful job on selling the state to all different types of people from all walks of life.

There have been several persons asking me about land, retirement and working conditions. I have been doing my best to show them we have the best state in all of the fifty.

S/Sgt. Don G. Mirick APO 633, New York, New York

A FRIEND IN SWEDEN:

Last summer I had a language course in my home for ten American high-school students. They had been awarded a scholarship from the American Field Service and were to attend Swedish "gymnasiums" during the fall of 1959. One of them was Claude Case from Phoenix, Arizona. During his three weeks stay here we all got the chance to listen and learn about Arizona and the life and customs there. When I was in the U. S. I studied in a high school in Texas and there I developed a friendship with a dentist from Phoenix. He was the first one who told me about the state of Arizona. Unfortunately I did not get an opportunity to visit Arizona but believe me, next time I go to the United States, Arizona will be a goal!

Claude Case was very kind to give us ARIZONA HIGHWAYS for 1960 so now we can follow what is going on in your state! The 1959 Christmas issue with its marvellous pictures has been used as demonstration material parallel with photo handbooks. Together with the "Notes for Photographers" it is very useful and helpful.

When I read ARIZONA HIGHWAYS I feel like a Westerner again. So there is another meaning of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS: it renews my relations with the United States.

Sten Sjogren Järsnäs, Ang. Sweden

HAVASU LAKE:

I have just had your April copy, featuring Havasu Lake. I just wanted to let you people know that it shows some of the most wonderful scenery I have ever seen either in England or on the continent. And I am quite sure that you all realize just how really lucky you are to be able to enjoy it all first hand. This I intend to do just as soon as it is possible. Until then my copies of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS give me the most wonderful insight of this region of America that I could ever hope to get.

Patrizia Rendle London, England

RED GERANIUMS

Small pots of red geraniums, Upon the window sill, Were not geraniums to her: Our mother called them "Will, Elizabeth and Jenks," the three Who were away from home. I never smell geraniums, No matter where I roam, But I can see our mother stand, As evening shadows fell, Beside the window and caress Those plants she loved so well.

She wore a special kind of look No distance could deter, A look that went beyond the hills To where her children were. And when she bent above each plant, To tuck it in with prayer, We knew she left her children too Within the Father's care. Time cannot steal that memory, Nor all the years erase The love that lit her tender eyes And glorified her face.

Our mother is not far away, We have her with us still: As close as red geraniums Upon a window sill.

HELEN FRAZEE-BOWER

EXCHANGE

Time is a pack-rat, uninclined to steal Unless it leaves some gift in trade behind. It pilfers youth and beauty, meal on meal, But drops an equal treasure in the mind.

PEGASUS BUCHANAN

NIGHT FLYING

The scenes were brilliant patterns Made up of precious gems: Diamonds, emeralds and rubies More lovely than cut by man. They laid on velvet carpets Fourteen thousand feet belowDisplayed more vivid than jewels In all their radiant glow! The traffic was moving slowly As one counting her beads A prayer of thanks was offered For such travel and speed.

AGNES FINCH WHITACRE

EARL G. HAMMOCK

The paintings on the opposite page and back cover are by Earl G. Hammock, noted Southwestern artist who resides in Phoenix.

Mr. Hammock is a mature and successful artist who has made a lifetime work of recording and presenting the art and culture of the Pueblo and Navajo Indians. His technique is outstanding and particularly adapted to the subject matter used. The work is unique, authentic, interesting, highly decorative and beautiful. It is being collected by institutions interested in Indian culture and by individuals who desire a striking decorative flair for the Southwestern theme home. He has done much research into prehistoric backgrounds to acquire an authentic foundation for some of the marvelous symbolic and conventionalized designs.

His paintings can be seen currently at O'Brien's Art Emporium, 62 Marshall Ave., S.W., Scottsdale, Arizona.