Glendale Arizona Historical Society

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE STAFF

The office staff now has summer office at Sahuaro Ranch Park in the Guest House with hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 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.

If you have not paid your membership dues for this year, it would be appreciated. Without our weddings income for the past year our budget is hurting.

Honoring the Proud History of Glendale, Arizona

OUR MISSION

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.

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.

Glendale and Central Avenues (or Lateral 18) circa 1940s

KEEPING YOU INFORMED Ron Short, GAHS President

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.

OUR CURRENT NEWSLETTER

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.

OUR NEXT PROGRAM MEETING

Save the date

Oct. 24 7:00 PM
“Glendale History as I saw it”

PIONEER HISTORY OF GLENDALE

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.