Description

An autographed photograph of Fiorello Enrico LaGuardia prior to becoming Mayor of New York City in 1934.

In April 1935 LaGuardia and his wife, Marie, visited Prescott. They landed in Winslow on April 17 and spent several days resting and sightseeing at the Grand Canyon. They planned to fly to Prescott from Winslow, but early on April 20 a caravan of vehicles led by Prescott Mayor Charles F. Robb (Fiorello’s former schoolmate) departed for the Grand Canyon to pick up the LaGuardias. The welcoming party included Grace M. Sparkes, Prescott Chamber of Commerce Secretary. Returning through scenic Oak Creek Canyon and the Granite Dells, they arrived in Prescott the same day. They saw a movie, attended Easter service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, ate at The Palace Saloon, visited Fort Whipple (then Whipple VA Hospital) and met former schoolmates. On April 22 he and his wife were driven back to Winslow to return to New York City by plane.

On September 14, 1938 Fiorello and Marie returned to Prescott. This time they landed in Phoenix and were driven to Prescott by Robb and Grace Sparkes. A parade group consisting of dignitaries, the Prescott High School band, the Fire Department, ex-servicemen and school children met them at the south end of Prescott. The parade proceeded up Montezuma Street and ended at the north side of the courthouse for a welcoming ceremony. Fiorello gave a public address on the north steps of the courthouse. During this visit, he attended a breakfast with former classmates, spoke at St. Joseph’s Academy and visited the Whipple VA Cemetery. The highlight of the visit was the dedication of the highest point in the Granite Dells, named for his father, Achille. Although he promised to return in 1939 to participate in the dedication of a new high school project (now Mile High Middle School), Fiorello and his wife never returned.