Arizoniques

Arizontynes

During the 1930s nearly every issue of Arizona Highways featured a page filled with oddities and information on people, places, and things uniquely Arizonan. The feature, called “Arizoniques,” was written by Editor Raymond Carlson. And this month, we invite you to join us in the revival of this discovery of the exceptional.

REX ALLEN DAYS AND RODEO OCT. 7-9

Arizona's favorite singing cowboy rides into his hometown of Willcox for the opening of the 32nd Annual Rex Allen Days and Rodeo, October 7-9. The celebration includes a parade with over 150 entries; a country fair; a stage show “featuring Rex Allen, Jr., and his band, plus singer-comedian Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez square dancing; and the Rex Allen Professional Rodeo: A professional rodeo in a small town like Willcox may seem unusual, but Rex Allen Days is a big-time event, attracting name performers. Willcox, in the heart of southeastern Arizona cattle country, triples its population during the celebration, and townspeople go all out to entertain visitors.

Just in time for Autumn Gardening

The Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, holds its annual Fall Plant Sale, October 1-2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Garden fills its auxiliary parking lot with hundreds of species of d desert cacti, shrubs, and trees -both native and introducedpriced from $2.00 to $35.00. Each plant comes complete with information on planting location, watering, species, dormant times, and origin. Telephone: (602) 941-1217.

Eucalyptus trees growing in the desert areas of Arizona originally came from Australia via California. There are more than 75 varieties of eucalyptus in the Southwest, and more than 500 in Australia.

How far can you waterski without stopping? Five miles? Ten miles? You're still trying to get up on the darn things? The best speed skiers from California, Nevada, and Arizona show you what long-distance waterskiing is all about October 21-22 in the London Bridge 50 and 90 Mile Waterski Marathon at Lake Havasu City. Professional skiers age 13 and up compete in these grueling races on 44-mile-long Lake Havasu, skimming over the blue water at an incredible 70 miles per hour. Telephone: (602) 453-7722.

Specialists at the University of Arizona report apples grown in southeastern Arizona are the sweetest anywhere. Apples from the Sulphur Springs Valley have a sugar content of 16 percent compared with 14 percent in better apples grown elsewhere.

Being something of an almanac...a sampler... a calendar...and a guide to places, events, and people unique to Arizona and the Southwest. THIS IS THE LAUGHING GAS STATION

WHERE WE SELL GASOLINE ILE AND TAKE YOUR MONEY WITH A SMILEOLD ROKEFELLER MADE HIS PILE AND MAYBE WE WILL-AFTERWOLE WE ARE HERE TO FILL YOUR TANK AND GET YOUR MONEY IN OUR BANKSO STOP AND SEE US AS YOU PASS FILL YOUR TANK WITH LAUCHING GAS YOU DONT HAVE TO CROSS THE TRACK WHEN YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR JACKDRIVE RICAT UP WITH YOUR OLD BUS AND LEAVE YOUR MONEY HERE WITH US YOU WILL GET YOUR DOLLARS WORTH IN GASOLINE OR ELSE IN MIRTH. VI WILL TRADE YOU ANYTHING MINING STOCK FOR A DIAMOND RINGFIFTEEN ACRES OF SAGE BRUSH LAND FOR AN OLD CALLIOPE SECONDHANDFIVE NEW TIRES WE WANT TO SELL-CANNED TOMATOES AND BLACKBERRY JELLKE CREAM, SODA AND ALMOST BEER ACETYLENE WELDING DONE RIGHT HERESALOME WATER-PAINTED JOKES WILD GOAT GLANDS GOOD BYE, FOLKS.

DICK WICK HALLS Famous Salome Frog

Dick Wick (short for Wickenburg) Hall, Arizona pioneer, newspaperman, promoter, humorist, and philosopher, put the tiny desert town of Salome (population 19) on the map in the early 1920s, and in the process gained international fame. Hall painted his entertaining verse on billboards to advertise his Laughing Gas Station in Salome, and cheer motorists driving the dusty, rutted road between Phoenix and Los Angeles. He also published the Salome Sun, a one-page mimeographed newspaper of droll desert humor and philosophy. It was free to anyone who stopped. A copy of the Sun, with stories about the Salome Frog, who carried a canteen to keep its back green, Chloride Kate, and the Reptyle Kid, found its way into the pages of the Saturday Evening Post. From there, major newspapers syndicated Hall's work worldwide. Dick Wick Hall's gentle wit has often been compared with Mark Twain's and Will Rogers'. Only Hall's untimely death in 1926 prevented him from fully joining the ranks of America's best-loved humorists.

THE SHARLOT HAIL MUSEUM,

415 W. Gurley, Prescott, currently features "Forestry in the West: Rangers, Peaveys, and Permits," an intriguing display of memorabilia from the early years of forest conservation. A showroom condition 1921 Dodge Brothers forest service truck, a 1910 forest supervisor's office, early day forestry tools and tack, and an excellent display of historic photography make this exhibit an intriguing trip back in time. The artifacts displayed are part of the extensive United States Forest Service collection formerly housed at the Continental Divide, New Mexico, training center. On October 9, from 1:00 to 5:00p.m., the Sharlot Hall Museum hosts an annual Folk Music Festival. Registration is at the reception desk. Telephone: (602) 445-3122.

Every man's a gunslinger and every woman's a saloon girl...when Helldorado Days explode on the streets of Tombstone, October 14-16. "The Town too tough to die" celebrates its Wild West heritage with reenactments of the shootout at the OK Corral and a make-believe hanging or two. There's also an oldfashioned style show, a beard contest, a carnival, and a parade. Telephone: (602) 457-2205.

Above are only a few of the fascinating events scheduled this month in Arizona. For a more complete calendar please write: Arizona Office of Tourism, 3506 North Central Avenue, Department CE, Suite 506, Phoenix, AZ 85012

BOOKSHELF

Inquiries about any of these titles should be directed to the book publisher, not ARIZONA HIGHWAYS.

OVER THE CHIHUAHUA AND SANTA FE TRAILS, 1847-1848; GEORGE RUTLEDGE GIBSON'S JOURNAL. Edited and annotated by Robert W. Frazer. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM 87131. 1981. 111 pages. $7.95, softcover.

In the summer of 1846 Second Lieutenant George R. Gibson (a journalist and lawyer) came to New Mexico with Colonel Stephen W. Kearny's expeditionary force. His keen ability to perceive and interpret varied and exciting experiences articulately is evident in his spring 1847 and spring 1848 diaries of his return from Chihuahua to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, via Santa Fe. Professor Frazer's introductory sections and substantive notes are of great value in understanding the era and area described by Gibson in this the most extensive first-hand account of the New Mexican sector by any participant in the Mexican War.

GUIDE TO PREHISTORIC RUINS OF THE SOUTHWEST. By Norman T. Oppelt. Pruett Publishing Company, 2928 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302. 1981. 208 pages. $6.95, softcover.

After a comprehensive study of prehistoric ruins throughout the Southwest and beyond, the author's research and travel have resulted in an inclusive guide to archeological sites of all types in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Following an introduction to the Anasazi, Hohokam, Mogollon, and Salado cultures, chapters cover ruins and sites in 13 Southwestern geographical areas. Every chapter is preceded by a map indicating highways, campgrounds, and approximate locations of sites. For each entry a succinct description summarizes pertinent facts of location, history, excavation history, and accessibility. Except for those sites open to the public, directions are deliberately kept vague to avoid vandalism. In all, over 200 ruins are summarized in an interesting and factual manner, with nearly 100 black-and-white photos of better-known sites. A good bibliography, the text of the "Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979," and an index conclude this timely, factual guidebook.

ROADSIDE GEOLOGY OF ARIZONA. By Halka Chronic. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Post Office Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806. 1983. 314 pages. $9.95, softcover.

To aid travelers, students, and others intrigued with Arizona's landforms, the geologist-author has amassed a large quantity of geologic data on Arizona and presents it in a logical, readable arrangement. Section One introduces basic concepts of geology (a good glossary aids the novice). And succeeding chapters, organized by geographical area, major highways, or national parks and monuments in Arizona, instruct the reader in comprehending geological concepts as they are encountered in road logs and on the road. This guide, containing numerous photos, maps, diagrams, and charts keyed to the text, is one readers will want to put to use immediately.

REMINGTON & RUSSELL: THE SID RICHARDSON COLLECTION. By Brian W. Dippie. University of Texas Press, Post Office Box 7819, Austin, TX 78712. 1982. 188 pages. $29.95, hardcover.

Sid W. Richardson, a wealthy Texas oilman and philanthropist, began his collection of Western art in the early 1940s. He actively acquired the paintings of Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and other major Western artists until just before his death in 1959. Historian Dippie has compiled a comprehensive catalog of Richardsonson's most important paintings, complete with annotated biographical information on Richardson, Remington, and Russell and interpretive essays and pertinent collection data on each of the 81 paintings carefully reproduced in full color. There is also a selected bibliography for additional reading on Western art. The many devotees of Remington and Russell and of Western art in general will want to add this handsome volume to their collection.

MOUNTAIN MEN AND FUR TRADERS OF THE FAR WEST. Edited by LeRoy R. Hafen. University of Nebraska Press, 901 North 17th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588. 1982 (reprint) 401 pages. $8.95, softcover.

During the mid-19th century the exploits of fur trappers and traders and mountain men of the West were obscured by events before, during, and after the Civil War. The last quarter-century has witnessed increased attention to and publication about these fascinating figures. This volume, first published in 1965 by the Arthur H. Clark Company, is a compendium of 18 short but factual biographies written by Western historians. It brings to our attention many of the deeds and much of the life of notable men like Manuel Lisa, Pierre Chouteau, Jedediah Smith, Peter Skene Ogden, Jim Bridger, and, of course, Kit Carson. Harvey Carter's competent biographical and bibliographical essay and an extensive index make this study all the more valuable.

APACHE INDIAN BASKETS. By Clara Lee Tanner. University of Arizona Press, Sunnyside Building, 250 East Valencia, Tucson, AZ 85706. 1982. 204 pages. $35.00, hardcover.

A noted authority on Southwestern Indian arts and crafts, Mrs. Tanner has produced the definitive work on Apache basketry. Beginning with a historic overview of Western, Jicarilla, and Mescalero Apache tribes, she subsequently details the technical aspects of their baskets, including materials, techniques, and forms. She devotes much attention to units and elements of design, styles, and motifs as exemplified in coiled and wicker baskets and addresses aspects of dating, symbolism, and distinguishing characteristics of Apache basketry. Many drawings and black-andwhite and a few color photographs illustrate this complex book. There is an excellent index, along with notes and a bibliography.

YOURS SINCERELY

Comments and questions from around the state, the nation, and the world.

Dear Editor, Beula and I believe the time has come for us to subscribe. We were keeping current with the monthly issues at our dentist's office-but we ran out of teeth.

Sol R. Collier Carlsbad, CA Dear Sol, Whatever the circumstances, we welcome your subscription. You have increased our circulation in Carlsbad to an even 200.

- the Editor Dear Editor, I would be grateful if you would publish this letter in your column. Some years ago, while in Switzerland, two dear friends, Ann and Bob Robbs of Phoenix, gave us a Christmas subscription to your splendid magazine. We have been receiving Arizona Highways ever since, and now back in New Zealand I am proud to have your magazine on display in our reception area at our school - that is after they have been, thoroughly read by our family at home. You will be pleased to know how popular your excellent publication is with students and parents alike. May I thank Ann and Bob through your column, for their continuing gift to us. We appreciate it very much.

John Sinclair Christchurch 1, New Zealand Dear Mr. Sinclair, You are one of our 288 New Zealanders. Many of our out-of-state and overseas recipients are given our magazine by Arizonans as a way of staying in touch 12 times a year.

To the Editor Dear Editor, With misty eyes, I've savored the August issue of Arizona Highways. As the daughter of forester Pat Murray, another of the great "cronies," I was raised in the special company of several of the "Strip Characters and Strip Cronies." Thank you for bringing back such fond memories. This issue will be placed with family treasures.

Bobbi Murray Suttlemyre Monticello, UT P.S. I think Tuffy Swope is really Tuffy Swapp.

Dear Mrs. Suttlemyre, You are one of six readers who caught 48/Arizona Highways Magazine Charley Niehuis's error. I guess Charley's typewriter is developing arthritis from the wear it's taken for 55 years.

- the Editor Dear Editor, I have always had a desire to visit Arizona from the beauty of films based there and description of it from people who have actually visited this beautiful American state. I have been interested extremely in the - is it - Pueblo Indians of Arizona? I have heard that some of the Indians of Arizona are actually living "close to the earth" Indian origins. A friend of mine and her brother were driving through Arizona a few years ago and came across an Indian on horseback, near, said my friend, to the romantic Indian ideal. I don't pretend to believe that some Indians have not been changed in their lifestyles, as with our native people, but I would very much like to write to an Indian who is fairly close to his level and has pride in his people's culture despite the changes. If there is an Indian reading this and would like an Australian pen friend, I'd love to hear from you. I am twenty-one years old and greatly interested in the North American Indian cultures. I am quite happy to write to a man or woman, boy or girl of any age. My address is 19 Turnbull Street, Barnsdale, Victoria 3875, Australia.

Heather Nicholson Victoria, Australia Would any of our Arizona Hopi Indians - some of whom live in villages continuously occupied for 20 centuries - wish to respond?

To the Editor Dear Editor, From an old gravestone in Cumberland, England, comes this message: The wonder of the world, the beauty and the Power, the shape of things, their colors, lights and shades; these I saw. Look ye also while life lasts. The people responsible for Arizona Highways must have seen this inscription.

Frank Eggers Hermann, MO Dear Editor, We have had Arizona Highways in our home nearly 20 years. At one period we crossed the state 14 times in 17 years.

Every time the magazine arrives it gives us the opportunity to relive many happy memories including a delightful vacation at the Curly Horse Ranch near Sonoita, then owned by Ollie Hammond.

We spent last October and November in Green Valley and spent many hours at De Grazia's Home-Chapel-Art Gallery and Museum. We had great admiration for all his work.

Margaret Thornburgh Indianapolis, IN Dear Editor, I and my family visited the Grand Canyon State three years ago and were pleased with Arizona staying. Then we made a friend with a certain family who are living in Phoenix. The family, Mr. Zale, have continued to present us the wonderful magazines every month. Due to their present we could have learned lot of splendid natural interesting places without the Grand Canyon. Almost visitors from Japan may visit the Canyon, however. I would like to let them know the other wonderful view in your state, for example, Petrified Forest in the number February and the Gadsden Purchase in April. I and my family are looking forward to visit the above mentioned parks and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument by my next opportunity. We are thanking you and my friend.

Tai Takahashi Sakura City, Japan Dear Mr. Takahashi, You may be interested in learning that we are sold on the newstands in Tokyo and count 488 loyal paid subscribers in Japan.

— the Editor (Inside back cover) These tools of the cow trade recall the life of the rawhide man atop the hurricane deck of a Spanish pony; of loneliness and disaster; of half-wild horses and red-eyed beeves; of wide open country under a sky so blue you'd swear it could crack. Jerry Jacka photo (Back cover) Autumn dress costumes a rocky niche in the Chiricahua National Monument. More than 17 miles of trails within the Monument link nature's pockets of life, in the custody of the National Park Service. Willard Clay photo