Glendale Arizona Historical Society
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE STAFF
We also need facilitators for our March weddings. There are three, March 11, 18 and 25. If you are interested please let us know. Please let the office staff or Lorraine Zomok (602-619-8894, lorrainezomok@gmail.com) know as soon as possible. Thank you, We can give you hours and details at that time.
Shifts start at 8 AM.
Please let the office staff know as soon as possible.
Thank you.
WANTED: Couples to Renew Their Vows for a GAHS 50th Anniversary Special event
The Glendale Arizona Historical Society is celebrating 50 years of preserving and promoting history with a yearlong lineup of special events and activities in 2023. The Golden Anniversary year includes a special vow renewal celebration in the Rose Garden at Historic Sahuaro Ranch.
On March 18 2023 at 10 AM, the Glendale Arizona Historical Society is planning a special ceremony at the Rose Garden in Sahuaro Ranch for couples who wish to repeat their vows as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the society.
As many as five special couples will be chosen based on one or more of the following criteria: 1. Married at the Rose Garden 2. OR Married in Glendale; 3. OR Glendale resident. You do not need to be celebrating an anniversary, and there is no cost to participate.
If you wish to participate, please submit a short letter telling about your marriage and why you would like to be part of this special event. Include your name, phone number and email address in the letter and send it to GAHS, P. O . Box 5606, Glendale, AZ 85312-5606 or E-mail gahs73@gmail.com.
The office staff now has standard office hours at Sahuaro Ranch Park in the Guest House with hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00AM-1:00PM.
We are doing limited tours by appointment only. The City is not opening the Main House this Fall. Manistee tours start in Oct. on the 1st and 3rd Sat.
Honoring the Proud History of Glendale, Arizona
OUR MISSION
KEEPING YOU INFORMED Brenda Bartels, GAHS President
To promote public awareness and appreciation of the history of Glendale and the surrounding region, the Glendale Arizona Historical Society collects, preserves and interprets documentary material and material objects. It disseminates historical information and supports scholarly research.
The society fosters interest in the past, formal historical inquiry and informal information exchanges, believing that an understanding of the past illuminates the present and gives vision for the future.
The Glendale Arizona Historical Society website is an important communication tool with our membership and visitors. This report will be a periodic update on the activities of the Society and news regarding Glendale’s history. The Mission of the Society is to promote and preserve Glendale’s history. Click here to view what historical properties we're tracking for you now.

Founded in 1973, the Glendale Arizona Historical Society is dedicated to the historic preservation in Glendale, including: collecting and preserving artifacts, photographs, oral histories, written materials; researching Glendale's histories, buildings, people and lifestyles; and disseminating information about Glendale's history.
The GAHS newsletter is published eight times per year during the active Society season, October through May. In addition to being available for viewing here, it is also mailed directly to active and lifetime members, city officials and other historical societies. We hope you enjoy it.

Glendale and Central Avenues (or Lateral 18) circa 1940s
OUR NEXT PROGRAM MEETING
Save the date
Monday March 27
7:00 PM
History of the Federation of
Women’s Clubs
Grace Kobojek
Arizona State President
Monday, April 24
7:00 PM
Golden Anniversary Celebration
7 PM at MANISTEE RANCH
5127 W. NORTHERN AVENUE
(USE ENTRANCE OFF OF 51ST AVENUE)
Never Forget Rose Garden Dedication
Manistee Ranch 2022
Never Forget Rose Garden


HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER WITH THE NEVER FORGET GARDEN AT HISTORIC MANISTEE RANCH
Perhaps the most notable addition to the historic Manistee Ranch Park is the “Never Forget Garden”, that honors the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). through the Anasazi Chapter created the concept of a way to honor the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Chapter was provided $1,000 donation from Major Jerry Weiers for a project. The Chapter reached out to the Glendale Arizona Historical Society for any suggestion. Manistee Ranch Volunteer and GAHS member John Geurs contacted the Chapter and offered to create a garden of roses at historic Manistee Ranch.
John Geurs and his wife Paulette Geurs took on an extensive and difficult project by themselves. John was able to get various private companies and vendors to donate time and materials. John asked the City of Glendale Parks and recreation for help. The DAR members helped. The majority of 500 man/women hours was both John and Paulette physically building the “Never Forget Garden”. The Manistee Ranch security camera captured the two toiling almost daily with wheel barrel and hand equipment. The total project done by a contractor would have cost $11,000. John coordinated the project with DAR.
John then worked jointly with DAR representatives in developing the wonderful April 30, 2022 dedication ceremony. The Mayor, city representatives and DAR and historical society members attended. There were forty people attending the ceremony. Dr. James Cates provided a stirring and information presentation on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
John Geurs went to a grower of roses and was able to get donated 21 white rose bushes to reflect the 21 steps taken by the single sentry guarding the tomb day and night. The sentry walks one half hour before a change in sentry in the summer and an hour in the winter.
John and Paulette voluntarily worked for months to complete the “Never Forget Garden” project. Both have given of themselves with this project as a work of love for their country and community. Thank you, John and Paulette.
Never Forget Rose Garden Dedication Program

Speakers at the dedication
Dr. James Cates Glendale Mayor Weiers



Dar Donators John Geurs Paulette Geurs


