A visit to Phoenix, Arizona in the 1960s

Let's time-travel back to the 1960s, and go to Phoenix, Arizona. This is before I moved there, so I'll have to use my imagination, and use this photo that I found on the Duke University site ROAD (Resource of Outdoor Advertising Descriptions). They're interested in historic advertising, like that billboard, but my interest is time-traveling. Come on, let's look around!


First of all, we're looking north on Central towards Thomas Road, on Edgemont Road. That's Bob's Big Boy up there on the corner, which is fondly remembered by many long-time Phoenicians. I never saw it, because by the time I got to Phoenix, in 1977, it was gone. I understand that young people would drive their cars up and down Central at night, and maybe stop in for a burger and fries, maybe a malted. Sounds good! Hey look at the price of gas!

The price of gas started going up quickly in the early '70s, when I was learning to drive, so I've never known a time when people weren't complaining about the cost of gas. I wonder if they complained about paying twenty-five cents a gallon? Probably. Look! Free glassware, and Gold Bond stamps. Check out the Lincoln, with the suicide doors. Of course Phoenix has always had beautiful palm trees.


I see a First Federal Savings, and it's 98 degrees. I wonder how Patrick W. (Pat) O'Reilly did in the election? You can see the Financial Center back there (the "Punch Card Building"), which is on Osborn (yes, it's still there). I just love wandering around Phoenix! A banana split at the Dairy Queen sounds good - do you have a dime?





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