Edited by Brenda Taylor, Bob Harner, & Andrew Somerville - A compilation of previous Days Past articles by Barbara Patton, Lane Burkitt, Marguerite Madison Aronowitz & Al Bates.

Approximately 160 years ago, the Arizona Territory and, almost by default, the Village of Prescott was established. The Territory was new and unexplored for the most part, and Prescott was in its infancy. 

by Kristen Kauffman

Albuquerque calls it their Twinkle Light Parade. Sacramento calls it their Holiday Parade of Lights. St. George has a Christmas Light Parade, and Tacoma has an Electrical Light Parade. Many cities all over the country have Christmas parades at night, including the APS Electric Light Parade held in Phoenix every year since the late ‘80s.

by Worcester P. Bong During the U.S. Civil War, the Union Army expanded its reach to the west. The Union’s goal—finding resources to finance their war effort. The establishment of the Arizona Territory, carved out of the New Mexico Territory, cleared the way to explore for precious metals, especially gold.

By Marjory J. Sente

Isabella Greenway arrived in Arizona in 1922 and became so well known that she would be called “Arizona’s Sweetheart.” In 1928 Isabella was named the Democrats’ National Committeewoman for Arizona and worked to elect Alfred E. Smith as president. However, all but three counties voted for Herbert Hoover. Four years later, she still held the position. It took on greater significance when FDR, husband of her good friend Eleanor, decided to seek the  nomination for president. After a hard- fought battle, FDR received the party’s nod, and Isabella gave one of the seconding speeches at the Democrats’ Convention.

By Bradley G. Courtney

On Friday, December 20, 1935, the Prescott Evening Courier published a report entitled, “Unusual Rug Shown In Downtown Window.” The window belonged to the Bashford-Burmister company on Gurley Street. The rug’s braider was described as “an unusual old lady” living in the Arizona Pioneers’ Home. The 86-year-old was “stone cold deaf and still suffering from the effects of the sting of the vinegarroon (a large whip scorpion).” The rug was oval-shaped, approximately 2082 square inches, and fashioned “with her throbbing foot perched on a pillow on her bed.” The rug was impressive: “So clever is the artistry of the rug—an art belonging to an older generation and just about passing out—it is more than passing interest.”

By Darlene Wilson

Nestled in the heart of Prescott, Arizona, the Hotel Vendome is rich in history, charm and an air of mystery. It was built in 1917 by Texas cowboy turned Arizona rancher, John “Jack” Benton Jones,  who bought a house and adjoining lot on South Cortez Street and quickly began building his small hotel. As more people moved to Prescott, including miners, they needed a place to stay. When construction was completed, the hotel had 30 rooms and 16 bathrooms. It is unclear where a Texas rancher got the name Hotel Vendome. However, there happens to be a famous octagonal square named the Place Vendôme in Paris, France.

By Parker Anderson

Prescott’s longest-operating community theater, Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts, closed at the end of September of 2024 after 55 years of operation and of bringing the joy of live theater to Prescott area communities. The organization was founded as the Prescott Fine Arts Association (PFAA) but underwent two name changes in later years. Since the Center is now gone, it seems fitting to recall how this cornerstone of the arts community began.

By Marjory J. Sente

When William “Tertius” A. Clark III, grandson of former U.S. Senator and mining magnate William A. Clark and principal heir to the United Verde Mine, moved to Clarkdale in 1931 to lead the United Verde Copper Company, he had lofty goals. One was to establish the Verde Valley Air Lines, Inc. and seek a franchise to operate a mail and passenger service route between Douglas and Las Vegas. Another was to learn to “fly blind”.

By Parker Anderson

Burial practices and customs have long been studied worldwide, and they have often changed over the millennia. One aspect that has not been frequently focused on is the artistry in gravestones, particularly in bygone eras. Tombstone art is not as prevalent anymore, especially since cremation has now become the most preferred choice for disposing of corpses instead of a full casket burial.

By Marjory J. Sente

March 1, 1900, when free mail delivery was instituted, was a big day for Prescott’s mail services. From 1864 until February 28, 1900, anyone who received mail addressed to Prescott, Postmaster A.T. had to pick it up at the post office. The Prescott Post Office’s new status meant people living in Prescott could have free home delivery, provided they had a mail receptacle, fixed their sidewalk, put up a house number and used their street address for mail delivery. Businesses still had to retrieve mail at the post office.