The history of Phoenix, Arizona, including everyone


As I learn more about my favorite city, Phoenix, Arizona, I am beginning to understand why so many histories written about it are so distorted. At some point, and for whatever reason, many histories are written as if a particular group of people didn't exist.

I guess people need to try to keep thing organized. Maybe it's so books can fit into particular classes being taught, segregated by race, or nationality. Maybe there are just so many shameful things that historians would just rather not dwell on them (and there are some terrible things!).

So, people wonder if I'm interested in Indians, or Chinese, or black people. And yes, I am. I am also interested in learning about the impact that women in Phoenix have had on its history. And no, I don't fit into any of the above categories, but I fit into the most important one: a person who has been part of Phoenix history. And that includes everyone, including you.

The moment you stepped off of that plane, or hopped off of that freight train, you became part of Phoenix history. The vacation you took in Phoenix made you part of its history. Even if you've never been there, and have only seen photos from Arizona Highways, or something, you are part of it.

I collect old photos of Phoenix and post them on the web. It's a bit of a mess, because real history is that way. It's a story of a bunch of people who are living somewhere. I wish that I could explain it better than that, but really, I can't. And if you ask me to, I will fail. Like all of life, it's a tapestry, and the weaving never ends.

Above: A cartoon poster that I did for a Bank One in the 1994.
If you like pictures of old-time Phoenix, please become a member of History Adventuring on Patreon. I share a LOT of cool old photos there, copyright-free, with no advertising. If you like Phoenix history and would like to help support my efforts to preserve and share precious digital historic images, please consider becoming a patron. Thank you!

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Comments

  1. Slick MickAugust 17, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    aint it the truth....

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 18, 2016 at 6:10 PM

    I love your work and share it on fb and with my parents. They love your work. My parents are both 71 years old and the love your pictures and stories. It helps them remember stories and events.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brad HallJanuary 18, 2016 at 6:21 PM

      Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Phillip. I am so glad that other people enjoy this kind of stuff. I love doing the collecting, and learning more and more.

      Delete

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