By Russ Sherwin

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, one of the best power sources the small farmer had, or could readily obtain, was horses. If he didn’t have his own, he could borrow or rent some for a short period of time. A horse just requires a little water and some hay for fuel and he’s good to go. And it’s generally scalable: Need more power? Get more horses. Then, because of advances in crop processing machinery, a need developed for stationary rotary power. The problem is, how do you turn a walking horse into a rotating shaft?

By Al Bates

In last week’s article we traced Arizona’s early days as a neglected part of New Mexico Territory and how the Gadsden Purchase started the concept of a political subdivision by that name.  This week we look at the shaping of Arizona (literally) by the United States Congress and how its first government was formed.

By Al Bates

Arizona’s path to statehood began 150 years ago today when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Organic Act that separated it from New Mexico Territory and established it as a territory of the United States in its own right.  However this was not the first recognized Arizona Territory, for a previous version existed briefly as a part of the Confederate States of America.  And even before that early residents attempted to establish a “provisional” Arizona Territory.

By Nancy Burgess

The Cactus Derby of 1914 combined all of the drama of today’s Indy 500 along with the elements of a modern mud bog race.  The race was a great and significant event for the drivers, mechanics and machines involved.  The first prize, $2,500, hardly covered the costs of the racers, but the real prize was a highly coveted trophy inscribed “Master Driver of the World.”

By Nancy Burgess

As the automobile was beginning to gain popularity in the early years of the twentieth century, auto racing was evolving into a sport of national significance.  In Arizona, the annual Los Angeles-to-Phoenix Road Race, otherwise known as the “Cactus Derby,” was held each year from 1908 through 1914.  The race gave manufacturers the opportunity to promote their automobiles and related products – everything from tires to magnetos.  It also served to demonstrate the need for a good road between Los Angeles and Phoenix.

By John P. Langellier, Ph.D.

Prescott, named after the author of the epic Conquest of Mexico, can trace more than street names of Cortez, Montezuma and Marina to its storied past.  In fact, the Spanish also came north from Mexico.

By Jan MacKell Collins

Of all of the wild women serenaded by the famous Earp brothers and Doc Holliday, Big Nose Kate was the first to woo the men who would later find fame in Tombstone. Born in Hungary in 1850 as Mary Katharine Haroney, Kate immigrated with her family in 1860. They were living in Iowa when Kate’s parents died in 1866. She and her siblings were sent to a farm, where grueling work conditions enticed Kate to run away. She stowed away on a steamship for New Orleans where she entered the Ursuline Convent.

By John P. Langellier, Ph.D.

John Charles Frémont’s first view of the world occurred on January 21, 1813 in Savannah, Georgia.  He was the son of a young Southern belle married to a man far her senior, and who was not John’s father.  In fact, his father was a tutor for the young unhappily married woman. Their liaison would result in John’s birth out of wedlock. This fact proved a serious social handicap at that time, and made for a difficult upbringing.  His quick mind, however, aided him albeit he was less than a model student.

By Parker Anderson

(This article was originally published in the Prescott Courier on February 20, 2005)

Last week, we learned how the Prescott Elks Lodge #330 raised funds to construct the Elks Building with an added opera house.  This week the story continues.

By Parker Anderson

(This articles was originally published in the Prescott Courier on February 20, 2005)

Many long-term Prescottonians have fond memories of movies and events in the auditorium, and it has played an important role in local entertainment throughout its history. Those familiar with its history know that it has been rocky at times, but the Elks Theater has proven itself to be a survivor, and it is still with us when many other theater of its age around the country have long closed their doors and/or met with the wrecking ball.