Elsewhere in this publication my colleague and friend, Martin Levowitz, leaves no doubt about his views of Donald Trump. I write not in opposition to Levowitz’ basic premise, for I share his disdain for how our president has comported himself and his concern that the president’s heart’s desire may be dictatorship. Rather, my purpose in […]
Bob Brandt
Posted inLocal News
Town Truck Ordinance Challenged
Carolyn Shafer speaks at the town council meeting on November 29, urging passage of the heavy truck traffic ordinance. Photo by Bob Brandt A state legislator who represents parts of Pima and Pinal Counties has filed a complaint against the town of Patagonia in response to the ‘heavy truck traffic’ ordinance passed at the November […]
Posted inLocal News
Town Council Notes – March 2017
Following warnings against adoption of its proposed truck traffic ordinance, the Patagonia Town Council went into executive session at its meeting on February 8, to get legal advice on the issue. After nearly an hour, council returned to quickly table the ordinance pending further review of the town’s legal standing to regulate truck traffic and […]
Posted inCommunity
Zay Hartigan: A Tale of Transition
The threads woven through the fabric of Patagonia’s human tapestry are many and varied, and Zay Hartigan’s thread is one of the most colorful. If you encounter him face-to-face, you will no doubt be taken by his physical presence and countenance. You will note his long lanky frame clothed in typical western shirt and jeans […]
Posted inCommunity
The Anne Stradling Story, Part 3: Legacy and Remembrance
Having shed the trappings of her upper-class beginnings (but not her money) and having been transformed into a genuine cowgirl, Anne C. Stradling found in Patagonia a community that embraced her and her Museum of the Horse. Although diminutive in physical stature, Anne was a larger-than-life figure in this town for more than 30 years. […]
Posted inCommunity
The Anne Stradling Story, Part 2: The Making of the Museum of the Horse
Opened in 1960, the museum never attracted the numbers Anne had hoped for. But it was nonetheless an economic shot in the arm for the region at a time when the local mining industry had already gone bust and the railroad was about to do its disappearing act.
Posted inCommunity
The Anne Stradling Story, Part 1: The Making of a Cowgirl
Anne & Jack. As I walk into the lobby of the Stage Stop Inn to talk with owner Gerry Isaac about the history of this place, I notice the pattern of cattle brands neatly and uniformly imprinted on the tile floor and I realize that this detail is a fitting start to the writing journey […]
Posted inCommunity
When Patagonia Was a Mecca for Wagon Restoration — Part 2: Craftsmen at Work (and Play)
In this chapter: Wagon restorationist Doug Thaemert strikes out on his own, building a skilled team of local talents to meet the growing national demand for their work. Plus: beer, pranks and ‘Dougerizing.’
Posted inCommunity
When Patagonia Was a Mecca for Wagon Wheel Restoration — Part 3: Building a Legacy
As its reputation grew, Southwest Wagon and Wheel Works drew some very high-powered clients, including Anheuser Busch, the National Park Service and ‘Heaven’s Gate’ film director Michael Cimino. And then there was a certain wealthy dentist from Tucson…
Posted inArts & Culture
When Patagonia Was a Mecca for Wagon Restoration — Part 1: The Museum Connection
The wagon building and restoration industry that flourished in this modest town in the latter half of the 20th century was perhaps the premier facility of its type in the world.
Here’s a look at how it started.