Dancing to the big bands on Saturday nightHolding hands in a theater that seemed like a palace
Believing in heroes
And sharing dreams of becoming a star . . .
These are the good times we love to remember
And no matter where you grew up chances are you remember them, too
Join us for a look at the things people did and places they went to have fun in Phoenix in "the good ol' days." Using historic photographs, archival film and rare home movies, Arizona Memories takes you on a nostalgic journey.
Theaters
The Orpheum was Phoenix's first grand movie palace and the city's only historic theater that still exists today. It opened in 1929 offering everything from stage shows to first run movies. Patrons remember the glamour of the theater; its beautiful architecture, cloud machine and most important of all, the air conditioning. You'll meet former employees, patrons and a woman who began dancing on the Orpheum stage when she was only four years old.
Canal Swimming
Today it's illegal to swim in canals, but in the 1930s it was enjoyed throughout the summer. Before there was air conditioning or a pool in the back yard, children took relief from the hot Phoenix summer by taking a dip in their local canals. In this segment of Arizona Memories you'll meet some of the people who made the canals a favorite summer hangout. Sometimes they would swim. Sometimes they would surf. They always had a really good time.
Riverside Pool
The swimming pool at Riverside Park was always a popular place to cool off in the summer. Built about the time Arizona became a state, Riverside pool was somewhat of an aquatic amusement park. It was the city's largest fresh water pool with a huge ten meter diving platform and a tall cement slide. Only the bravest could dive from the ten meter board, but everyone enjoyed the slide. In this segment you'll see historic footage of Riverside Pool and hear childhood tales about the incredible slide from long-time Phoenix residents like the late Barry Goldwater and former governor Jack Williams.
Riverside Ballroom
When the big bands came to Phoenix, they usually played at Riverside Ballroom. It was built in 1919, and is reported to have had the largest hardwood dance floor in the Southwest. For about a dime a dance you could dance to the music of Benny Goodman or maybe a local favorite such as Bob Fite and His Western Playboys. Sunday nights always featured Latin music. Phoenix's hispanic community turned out in droves to hear the world's top Latin stars or to dance to the music of Riverside regular Pete Bugarin and his orchestra. In this segment of Arizona Memories we'll take you to Riverside Ballroom with historic photographs and rare sound recordings of some local bands that played there. We'll also talk with the past owner of Riverside, Bob Fite orchestra leader Pete Bugarin and the people who spent their weekends dancing at Riverside Ballroom.
Softball
In the 1940s and '50s, women's softball was as popular in Phoenix as the Suns are today. Phoenix had two championship teams, the Ramblers and the Queens. They were fierce rivals and always played an incredibly competitive game. In this segment of Arizona Memories we'll meet the fans and players, including former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford. You'll see rare home movies of the Ramblers practicing at Rambler Field. And you'll find out why the stands at Phoenix Softball Park were filled every time these two teams met.
Masque of the Yellow Moon
It was the Super Bowl halftime show of its time. The Masque of the Yellow Moon was an extravaganza, produced by students from Phoenix Union and other valley high schools. In this segment of Arizona Memories you will meet members of the cast and see rare color film footage of this incredible event. Learn about the thousands of hours it took to rehearse and create sets and costumes. And find out how The Masque of the Yellow Moon has stayed in the memories of those former students throughout their lives.
Yes, a lot has changed over the years, but not our Arizona Memories.
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