Looking forward to better days in old-time, and modern Phoenix, Arizona


Since I collect old photos of Phoenix, and write about its history, a lot of people have confused me with one of those people who are pining away for "the good old days". But that's not me. I'm not a historian, I'm a time-traveler. When I imagine old-time Phoenix, I imagine being there, and always looking forward to better days.

What you would call me is a "progressive". I really don't see any reason not to be. This is what Arizona historically has done, progress. Even the old Valley Bank logo at the top of this post has the slogan "Progressing with Arizona".

If I had lived in Phoenix during the early 20th Century I would have been enthusiastic about a gigantic dam being built on the Salt River, about the possibility of statehood, a future when all of the roads would be paved, that sort of thing. I would look forward to a time when the city would control the terrible floods, which happened all too often.

If I had lived in Phoenix right after World War II, I would look forward to prosperity, and peace. If I were black, I would dream of a day when segregation would no longer be the law of the land. If I were a kid, I'd learn how to open a savings account at Valley National Bank, and look forward to a future that included things like owning a house, or a car.

Back when I first saw downtown Phoenix, in 1977, I imagined that one day the downtown area would be revitalized, with nice new shining buildings, places for people to live, to work, to shop, maybe even a light rail system. That was very far-fetched! But it's happened.

Yes, of course I know that there are a lot of people who wish that everything could just go back to the way it was. You know, when children respected their elders (not that we ever did!), but that's not me, I'm looking forward to better days.

Thank you for coming along with me. The best is yet to come!
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