By Goodie Berquist, PhD

In the archives at the Smoki Museum in Prescott, there is an unusual document: a copy of a letter addressed to the "Captain and Crew of the Smoki Bomber." It has no date or address given. Did such an airplane actually exist? If so, what role did the City of Prescott play in its creation? Did such an airplane see action in wartime?

(This article was written by Sharlot M. Hall, founder of Sharlot Hall Museum, and first appeared in the Prescott Courier on December 24, 1930.)

Sixty-six years ago the snow lay white over the hills; the tops of the high peaks were crystal white and cold; the pine and cedar and juniper trees were sparkling like trees on a Christmas card. Winter begun early in 1864, and by the middle of December the trails were mostly snowed under and lost – all but those often traveled which led to the placer gold mines on Lynx Creek, or to Walnut Grove and the camps on the Hassayampa.

By Richard M. Cesario

During the hard times of the depression years, Rosie earned a living as a carpenter and roofer while working for the WPA (Works Progress Administration). It was through the WPA that he got a job instructing in music at Fort Whipple. In 1933-34, he worked with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) as a tree skinner, climbing trees and cutting out the blight. In 1936, he was employed in the TB ward at Fort Whipple Hospital.

By Richard M. Cesario

Prescott’s beloved Leonard "Rosie" Ross died on April 21, 2009 at the age of 103. He was a patriot extraordinaire, a generous philanthropist and was honored and valued by all who knew him. You may have seen him on the TV commercial which aired on CNN, CNBC, Fox News and other networks for Genworth Financial where he mentioned he could be found "every Friday night at the Pine Cone Inn" Supper Club playing his trumpet and dancing. He was 100 years old at the time the commercial was made!

By Guy Coates

As we previously noted, Ken Lindley was held in high regard by those who worked with him and under him and was an inspiration to many in the Prescott community. He was a role model for Lt. Dan Olson who currently serves with the Phoenix Police Department. Ken and his wife Karen were Dan’s neighbors in the late 1960s and early 1970s. "As a boy I thought it was very exciting having the police chief as my neighbor," recalled Olson. "I was fascinated with his police car and the fact that he was chief. Being around Ken piqued my interest in police work and, as a result, in 1982 I became a Phoenix police officer."

By Guy Coates

Prescott’s rich history of lawmen stretches back well over a century, but Ken Lindley is remembered for much more than upholding the law. He is considered by some to be one of Prescott’s most popular chiefs of police because of his love and dedication to children, sports and his community.

By Donna Halper

Today’s radio talk show hosts tend to be angry and confrontational. But in the 1960s and 70s, one of radio’s most popular talkers was known for being polite, warm, and courteous. His name was Herb Jepko and, while he became famous for his "Nitecaps" program from Salt Lake City, he spent his formative years in Prescott.

By Georgene Lockwood

(Ed. note: In 1866, the U.S. Army implemented General Order #56 to recruit Indians into the regular force as scouts. With their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and tribal habits, the Indian scouts proved essential for the Army to pursue and attack rival, uncooperative warring Indians. In Part I, Al Sieber, a white civilian was contracted as a scout by General Crook and did not hold rank, although he did have the title of Chief of Scouts. On the other hand, American Indians were enlisted men and could even attain rank if they served repeated enlistments.

By Georgene Lockwood

(Ed. Note: Scouting and tracking has a history in many lands and over many years. It was especially important in the westward expansion of the United States in the 1800s. It’s an authentic chunk of American History of the old west. A few dozen white men came to master the wilderness and most of them began as trappers, mountain men and hunters. When the Army needed scouts it was an easy transition for these men. More than a thousand Indians, having been brought up to be hunters and warriors, proved to be valuable Army scouts between 1866 and the early 1900s.

By Bob Cornett

Arizona has long been promoted as a great place to live, work and play. One of the earliest promotions for the territory was a guidebook sold more than 130 years ago.