History adventuring and the personal reference point


I've always enjoyed history, and while for me it starts with reading some books, it also includes going there, and of course sharing it, which I love to do on this blog.

It's all about your personal reference point, however, and if you don't have one to Phoenix history, I wouldn't blame you for having no interest in what I share. It just makes sense. No offense, but even if you're a friend of mine I would have no interest in your collection of sea shells, especially after the first two hours of your explaining every detail to me. I have no reference point there, sorry.

If you're here, I'm assuming that you have a personal reference point to Phoenix history. If you're just reading this because you're a friend of mine, I appreciate that, but don't expect me to listen to you go on and on about your sea shell collection. Sorry.

But let's talk about you. I really have no idea what your personal reference point is to Phoenix history, so I'll throw some stuff out and see if I can hit it. Let me know how I do! Let's go.

The most common reference point for Phoenix history is personal nostalgia. Memories are wonderful, and bittersweet, and often a photo of something from our youth triggers a wonderful rush of pleasure. I know a lot of people who absolutely love seeing photos of their school, or maybe the car that their parents drove. The list goes on and on, and for people who have lived a very long life, they can get nostalgic about what Phoenix was like before the freeways were built, for example.

Another very popular reference point is classic cars. Old photos have old cars, and while they were just common when the photos were taken, they're the kind of cars that nowadays sell for the big bucks at the Barrett-Jackson, or are displayed with little velvet ropes around them. I gotta admit that this is a reference point for me. I love the old cars!

Since I'm a graphic designer, I have an interest in all types of design, including advertising, and architecture. I get a big kick out of seeing the old ads, and I've always enjoyed looking at buildings, both old and new. I couldn't do the math to become an architect, but I can still look at stuff!

Let's see, what else? I could assume that you're a bad guy, and seeing the photos of the cars with the windows rolled down, and most of them with the keys in the ignition, may appeal to you. The old houses had windows that were easy to break into, and no burglar alarms. On the other hand, you may be glad for the Miranda laws, which protect you if you're innocent and just seem guilty. I've known people who were as honest as the day is long, and yet had kind of a criminal look. No, I don't mean that they wore long drooping mustaches, top hats, and cutaway coats, they just might have had eyes that shifted back and forth suspiciously.

Every once in a while someone grabs me by the lapel and starts gassing on and on about something that doesn't interest me at all. I may try to find a reference point, but if I can't, it's just torture to have to listen to them. If they mention Phoenix history, my ears prick up, and I may just buy the next beer.

Thank you for enjoying Phoenix history with me!

Image at the top of this post: Glendale, Arizona in 1968, when Glendale Community College was new.
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