Residents Wary of Town's Travel and Leisure Study

Need to evaluate and plan a viable path ahead for the town's destination marketing efforts
The Oro Valley Town Council discussed a Leisure and Travel Study the town has undertaken. The discussion was one of many topics at the council's February strategic planning study session. The study is an attempt to develop an effective destination marketing strategy and program. The study is badly needed because the town is...

"Babes in the Woods" when it comes to destination marketing

The town took over destination marketing from Visit Tucson last March. It did so without a plan and without experience. Since then, the town hired a destination marketing manager, developed a mobile app, and launched digital marketing efforts (Source). However, results have been minimal regarding significant leads, leading the two resorts most affected by the change to rejoin Visit Tucson on their own.  The town simply was not capable of or prepared to effectively engage in destination marketing. It should have done this study long before it made the change.

There are so many questions to be answered...questions that should have been answered before the town took on this reponsibility

At the February meeting, council members:

• Expressed interest in understanding how the $522,000 previously allocated to Visit Tucson are currently being used before committing to additional tourism investments. 
• Suggested that rather than increasing marketing efforts, the town should focus on evaluating existing programs to determine their effectiveness.
• Identified areas that could benefit from enhanced tourism investment like Steam Pump Ranch NS Sports Tourism
• Discussed upgrading recreational facilities to attract tournaments and large-scale events. Additionally, expanding arts and cultural programming was highlighted as a way to increase community engagement and strengthen Oro Valley’s identity as a destination for arts and outdoor experiences.
• Consider partnering with nearby communities that do not use Visit Tucson, such as Marana, Sahuarita, and Green Valley, to develop a regional tourism strategy... perhaps even engaging a shared tourism consultant

Town plans structured study process
Town has hired consultant CSL International to lead the study and established an internal steering committee, including
• Town Manager Jeff Wilkins
• Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher
• Destination Marketing Manager Crystal Franke
• Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting
• Tohono Chul Executive Director Jamie Maslyn Larson
• SAACA Executive Director Kate Marquez

But will that be enough? Some residents do not think so
Although there has been no public discussion of this study, some residents have expressed concern to regarding the study's focus, transparency, and execution. Some believe town staff may not fully understand the economic benefits of a well-structured tourism strategy...that they may not know what one is. The current Path Forward draft suggests increasing tourism to support resorts, hotels, and businesses, but critics argue that the true purpose of tourism should be to generate tax revenue for town services by attracting outside dollars into the local economy.

The cancellation of Visit Tucson without input from key stakeholders, particularly Oro Valley’s two world-class resorts, has also led to skepticism about the town’s ability to develop an effective tourism strategy internally. Group business, such as corporate meetings and events, generates far more tax revenue than leisure tourism, yet this is not reflected as a priority in the study.

Long timeline for completion
The study is expected to take six to eight months to complete, after which recommendations will be presented to the council. The first update is expected in April, which will provide a clearer picture of how the study aligns with Oro Valley’s long-term tourism strategy. At that time, concerned residents may have an opportunity to voice their thoughts on the process and its direction.

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Bits and Pieces

Drinking water use on town parks and golf course continues with no end in sight

The Oro Valley Town has no plan in place to eliminate the use of drinking water on Town recreational properties. Currently, there is no intention to invest in re-piping reclaimed water to these area's. August 2023 Potable Water Usage: 

• Pusch Ridge Golf Course: 3,568,000 gallons 
• Riverfront Park: 1,619,000 gallons 
• Jim Kriegh Park (irrigation only): 1,445,000 
•  Total – 6,632,000 gallons 

This is enough to supply 947 homes!

From a reader: A shopping experience like no other awaits

"... at The Cottage in Oro Valley! The pink house sits atop 420 E. Magee Road, across from the Immaculate Heart Academy, where shoppers delight in gently used treasures.

This tiny house was formerly a guest home owned by the Countess of Suffolk, England. The Countess lived in the large home off Magee Road now occupied by the Sisters of Immaculate Heart. Twenty years ago, Anne Marie Abbott used this tiny house for school parents’ storage and preparation for community sales. The Cottage soon became an idyllic spot for a non-profit thrift shop, with all proceeds supporting the Sisters. It flourished over the years but was forced to close during the pandemic.” (Source: A LOVE Reader)

Steam Pump Ranch ramada destruction case closed – unsolved

One of the Ramadas at Steam Pump Ranch suffered damage in July. Unfortunately, the case remains unsolved. With no remaining leads to pursue, the investigation has been officially closed. Typically, in situations such as this, someone from the community comes forward with valuable information to help law enforcement identify the responsible party. If you possess any information related to this incident, we urge you to reach out to our police department. Your assistance could be crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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Bits and Pieces

Steam Pump Ranch Bunk House and Barbecue done in July

The town reports that construction on the bunkhouses and the barbecue are coming along schedule and should be completed by July 29. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 am on July 18. (Source: Oro Valley Historical Society Newsletter)

“Jimkrieghite” will put Oro Valley “on the map”

Council Member Joyce. Jones-Ivey noted at last week’s town council meeting that a new mineral has been discovered in the Catalina Mountains. It has been named for Jim Kreigh, Oro Valley’s founder. The mineral was found by long-time resident and town volunteer Warren Lazar. University of Arizona geologists determined that that mineral only exist in the Catalinas. It was likely formed from a lightening strike. Major announcements are forthcoming. The mineral is on display at the Geology Museum at the University.

Former Council Member Parisi supports OVCN Sports Facility…misses the point

Former Town Council Member Paul Parisi supports the massive sports facility the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene wants to build. Speaking at last week’s town council meeting, Parisi stated that growth is inevitable and that residents have always opposed it. He noted that residents did not want the town to build Riverfront Park when he was on council (at the beginning of the century). Parisi also said that he respects the rights of property holders. The OVCN property is not zoned for a sports facility. OVCN is free to use it is currently zoned. No one objects to that.

Free document shredding Saturday

“The Town of Oro Valley will once again hold a free document shredding event for Oro Valley residents on Saturday, June 17. The event will be held at the Oro Valley Marketplace” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Relase)

Steam Pump Ranch: An Oro Valley Historical Site That Should Be Used As Such

Steam Pump Ranch is an historical property

Pima County purchased Steam Pump Ranch for $5 million in 2006. It was part of a Pima County Bond offering. Once acquired, they turned the park over to Oro Valley. "The property provides an excellent locale for developing a “sense of place” for Oro Valley and holds economic viability as an educational facility, special event venue and heritage park." (Source: Section 2) It is a 15 acre property acquired to "stregthen Oro Valley's firm connection to the past: (2008 Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan, Page 4).

Over the years, use of the park have changed

The town plans town offices there. Events that have nothing to do with the town's history are held there... including some drive in movies.. .and the "Second Saturday Farmer's Markets. 

Two upcoming events illustrate how far the town has strayed from using Steam Pump Ranch. Both events are this weekend. Friday is "Parent's Night Out" Event. "Drop off the kids at Steam Pump Ranch and go enjoy your evening. We will treat your kids to a movie, games, crafts, pizza, and snacks. We know you work hard, and we want you to play hard or maybe just take a nap without someone saying 'look at me" The other is family camping event for the following night.

The Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) has taken note of of this

Speaking at last week's "Call To Audience" Devon Sloan questioned why these event's are not being held at a town park. We include her remarks in their entirety.

"Why[are these two events] not at any of our larger, more family oriented other parks in Oro Valley, namely Riverfront Park with much larger grassy area, small trail, and a little playground? Or James Kreigh Park with again much larger grassy area, trails, playground, or the major park in Oro Valley, where we are spending tons of money - Naranja which has even larger grassy area, trails, and playground." 

Steam Pump Ranch was placed on the National Register of Historic Places based on the sense of place that it provides all of us

There is no playground and only a small grassy area surrounded by a historic home, a barbecue area under reconstruction and two small buildings that are being reconstituted as rest rooms. There is fencing around these buildings to protect citizens and the buildings. It doesn’t seem like the perfect place for family activities. 

In the Cultural Heritage and Preservation Plan of 2015, it is noted that Steam Pump Ranch is an “important part of the Town’s heritage” and that “a primary concern in the future is the protection of the historic core at the Ranch”. It also states that “partnerships will be a key element in maintenance of the property and providing public access .” 

Events at Steam Pump Ranch should have an historical and cultural perspective

The Oro Valley Historical Society would have been thrilled to be a part of either or both of these two Town activities by providing some historical and cultural aspect of the Ranch, if we had been included as a partner. We specialize in education - perhaps a short story about the Ranch, the people who lived here, how they changed the scope of our area in the 1800’s. We weren’t informed about these two events, however. 

It is our hope that the Town will reconsider the types of activities that are held at Steam Pump Ranch, to include the historical society in future events (like the parents’ night out in June or the camp out in October) and will consider maintaining the integrity of our most visible historic core in accordance with state and national guidelines. 

They didn’t have real playgrounds when George Pusch lived on the property, but we have them now in our three parks. Let’s use the parks as the family gathering place for parents and kids and truly allow the historical society to partner with the Town to inform, preserve and protect our history."

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Bits and Pieces

Celebrate Oro Valley Tomorrow at Steam Pump Ranch

"Come on down to Steam Pump Ranch on Saturday, April 8 for the Town’s annual Celebrate Oro Valley event! This free, family-friendly event runs from 8 a.m. to noon, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you like the monthly Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch events, then you’ll LOVE Celebrate Oro Valley. We’ve got all the great stuff from Second Saturdays...including your favorite farmers market."   Click for more details. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Jim Williams' Book "Oro Valley-The First 50 years" will be available on Amazon this summer

Oro Valley Historian Jim Williams has created a history of the Town of Oro Valley, from its inception in 1974 to 2020. Author of the book "Claiming the Desert", an early history of the Town of Oro Valley, Williams has been busy interviewing and researching for the past two years. The book is far more than a chronology of events. Rather, Jim chose to focus on topics that were important in each decade and how these issues were resolved.  Jim's latest update to LOVE: "I have formatted the entire book and loaded it into one file. I have added all the pictures but am waiting for release from the owners on a few. It should be all done and printed by Amazon by July."  We will let you know when the book is released.

Can "Council On Your Corner" sessions be done safely?

There was a time when representatives would meet informally with their constituents. All that changed on January 8, 2011. That was the day that Congressperson Gabrielle Giffords was shot about 11am outside of Safeway (Ina and Oracle). The gunman killed six people. There is a plaque there to memorialize that tragic day. 

Giffords was holding a "Meet and Greet" discussion with constituents. Nine year old Christina Taylor Greene was waiting in line to meet her idol when the shooting started. Christina was killed along with the five other victims on that most terrible morning.  Green Field in Kreigh Park is named for her.  No political figure has held such a session since that date.

During the last election, some current Oro Valley council members talked of reinstating our version of "Meet and Greet" called "Council On Your Corner".  Perhaps, with proper security, this can be done. You see. Giffords had no security that day.

(This is a link to a detailed report on this terrible shooting.)

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George Pusch and Arizona Statehood

George Pusch and Arizona Statehood 

Many Oro Valley residents are familiar with the historic Steam Pump Ranch and its original owner, George Pusch. Pusch, a German immigrant, along with his partner John Zellweger, a Swiss immigrant, established Steam Pump Ranch circa 1875. By 1902, Pusch Ridge was named after him because of his pioneering role in territorial ranching and his Tucson business endeavors. 

What isn’t as well known about George Pusch is that he was twice a member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature (1891 and 1899) and he served as a member of the Arizona Constitutional Convention in 1910.

Pusch refused to sign the finish Arizona Constitution
“Republican from Pima County”. “Cattleman and owner of a butcher shop. Partner in firm of Pusch & Zellweger whose cattle brand was well known throughout the area. Director of the Arizona National Bank. Member of the city council, Tucson. Served in the house of representatives 1891, 1899. Refused to sign the finished constitution. Died Tucson, August 20, 1921.” 

...Because it included a "recall" provision

Pusch’s refusal, noted above, to sign the Constitution is part of the broader picture of Arizona politics in the early 1900s. Arizona’s progress toward statehood was a lengthy one and the territory was not proclaimed a state until February 14, 1912, the last of the contiguous 48 states. Fifty-two delegates were elected to the 1910 Arizona Constitutional Convention held in Phoenix. Forty-one were Democrats and eleven were Republicans. The large majority of Democrats was attributed to voter dissatisfaction with a territorial government that gave considerable power to large corporations.  Pusch was one of the few Republicans at the Phoenix convention as were the other four representatives from Pima County.

...A provision that was rejected by the US Congress

The 1910 Constitutional Convention lasted 60 days. The Democrats wrote a constitution that contained measures for the recall of all public officials, including judges, who were often viewed as being controlled by large companies and the railroads. They anticipated that Congress would approve it. The Convention Republicans disagreed with the proposed state constitution and all except one refused to sign it. George Pusch and the other Pima County delegates went home so Pima County had no signatures on the state constitution document sent to Congress for ratification.

 

...A provision that was removed to gain approval for the 48th State

Congress did not approve the Constitution for two years, until Arizona removed the provision specifying that public officials, including judges, were subject to recall. Arizona voters finally complied. It was originally hoped that President Taft would sign the statehood document on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12. (Lincoln signed the Arizona Territorial Act, dividing Arizona from the New Mexico Territory in 1863.) Due to a delay in mail delivery, President Taft signed the proclamation admitting Arizona to the Union on February 14, 1912, Valentine’s Day. 

Later that year, Arizona voters amended their constitution to reinstate the provision for recall of judges. 

An independent state from the beginning!

Patricia Spoerl (2019)
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Want to learn more? Read "Arizona Statehood and the Oro Valley Connection."

George Pusch’s records of his participation in the 1910 Constitutional Convention were donated to the Oro Valley Historical Society by his grandson, Henry Zipf. They are displayed at the Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch on Saturday, Feb. 11, 18 and 25 from 9 to Noon.

Bits and Pieces

Monday...Neighborhood meeting of Drive-Thru at LaCanada and Oracle

After years of vacancy, the bladed lot on the northwest corner of LaCanada and W Naranja Drive is proposed for two medical buildings and a drive-thru restaurant. The last neighborhood meeting on this was two and half years ago. Read more about the project here.

Delightful rain last weekend

Last weekend, more than 23,000 acre feet of water fell over Oro Valley. It was mostly a gentle rain. It was the kind that benefits the town's groundwater supplies. More days like that are good!

An awesome holiday display light show

The awesome holiday light show is back. It located at a home at the intersection of W Golf View Drive and W Landoran.  Show starts around 6pm. Well worth seeing.

Next OVCN sports facility hearing in February

The next public hearing on the request by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) for a major sports facility is in February. It will be held by the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. At that time, the Commission will vote on whether it approves or does not approve the application. Or, they could approve it with conditions.  After that, the The Oro Valley Town Council will  hear the application. Approval will require a supermajority (three quarters approval) of the council.  

At Wednesday's hearing, town staff planner Hannah Oden stated that the facility will impact views, increase traffic, and increase noise in the area. The only mitigating measure to some of that to is require that the Church not hold more than one event a time. Residents speaking at Tuesday's hearing are staunchly opposed to the project because of its negative impact on their community.

Oro Valley to cut the ribbon on Steam Pump Ranch Garage restoration

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Dec. 7, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the Garage building at historic Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. Guest speakers include Mayor Joe Winfield and Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

Friend's of Pusch Ridge Golf Celebrate Year End

"We will be celebrating our incredible season of golf with a morning shotgun scramble on May 5th – Cinco de Mayo! Our growing circle of “Friends” has so much to be thankful for – we hope you will join us to toast exceeding our goal of 10,000 rounds played (unofficial projection is 12,500 through the end of March), Indigo Golf’s course restoration and incredible team, the Town of Oro Valley’s improvements and partnership with FOPRG, three successful leagues and players of all ages that enjoy fast, fun and affordable golf day after day!" (Source)

Tomorrow: Celebrate Oro Valley returns to Steam Pump Ranch
"Celebrate Oro Valley is returning in-person to Steam Pump Ranch this Saturday! After the annual event went virtual last year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Town is excited to share with you the growing story of Oro Valley with free, family-friendly activities and performances. This year’s highlight is “Horses throughout Southwest History,” with a special performance by the Charros y Modelos de Arizona dancing horse show. Make sure you join the fun on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road)." (Event web site)

New Map of Vistoso Preserve

"Our neighbor, Laura Malick Smith, has created a map [below right] of the Vistoso Nature Preserve to help us navigate the trails. It includes the names of the former golf course holes, references nearby communities, and shows adjacent streets, underpasses, and restrooms. Mayor Winfield stated that the Town of Oro Valley has plans to open the restrooms soon after it acquires the property on July 1, 2022.' (Source)  

Moore Road asphalt overlay construction begins April 11
"Traffic on Moore Road will be delayed as constructions crews begin asphalt overlay starting April 11. During construction hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, only one lane of Moore Road between La Cholla Boulevard to King Air Drive will remain open during construction, which means drivers will have to wait and follow directions from a construction flagger (or occasionally a pilot vehicle), to safely drive through the construction area. Speed will be reduced in the construction zone to 25 mph. Drivers should follow traffic signs, expect an average delay of 10 minutes and use alternative routes when possible. Construction is scheduled to finish early June, weather permitting." (Source: Town of Oro Valley  Press Release; April 6, 2022)

Candidates make it official

Candidates for Mayor and Council filed their petitions this week. Their candidacy is official, unless the signatures are questioned and invalidated.... which is not going to happen. Here is who filed and the number of signatures:

                 Candidates for Mayor

• Daniel G. Sharp – total signatures = 674
• Joseph Winfield – total signatures = 1326 

              Candidates for Council 

• Melanie Barrett – total signatures = 857
• Joe Erceg – total signatures = 640 
• Charlie D. Hurt - total signatures = 555 
• Joyce Jones-Ivey – total signatures = 709 
• Josh Nicolson – total signatures = 780 
• Bill Rodman – total signatures = 576 

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Fun Tomorrow At Steam Pump Ranch... Be there

Tomorrow at Steam Pump Ranch

Tomorrow, the Oro Valley Historical Society will host a talk about the history of the Narrow Gauge Railroad: The Railroad to Everywhere and Nowhere. 

The speaker, Gene Caywood, Historian and President of Old Pueblo Trolley will give the presentation. 

The event will be held at The Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch (south end of ranch 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley) at 2:00 p.m. 

Preview the Holiday Exhibit

Those attending will be able to view the Oro Valey Historical Society December Exhibit: Holiday Traditions, Toys and Trains before it opens on December 4! 

We hope to see you and BRING A FRIEND! 

The event is free but donations are greatly appreciated! For more information visit ovhistory.org

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(Source: Press Release, November 21, Oro Valley Historical Society)

George Pusch – A Mountain of a Man

 

Oro Valley is bordered to the east by the Santa Catalina Mountains/ Coronado National Forest. The well-known landmark that we pass when driving on Oracle is Pusch Ridge. What do you know about George Pusch, the namesake of the ridge?

In past articles we highlighted George’s career as a politician and his involvement as a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1910. This month at the Pusch House Museum, our new exhibit highlights German-American Heritage and the Legacy of George Pusch.

George Pusch emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1865 at the age of 18
George was born in Echzell, in Hesse Germany in 1847 and travelled to the United States on the ship the Tireland. He arrived in New York on October 28, 1865. According to records, his trade was “butcher.” After a circuitous route of travel throughout the United States, George found his permanent home in Tucson in 1874. George established Steam Pump Ranch with Johann Zellweger sometime around 1876.

In 1881, George married Mathilda Feldman who was also a German immigrant
George and Mathilda and their seven children (twin girls survived only a few days after their birth) lived full-time in Tucson since much of the business operation was there. The family frequently visited Steam Pump ranch and used it as a stopover on the way to a property they also owned further north.

George and Zellweger were partners in a variety of businesses
First was the Pioneer Meat Market at 34 East Congress. They then established the Tucson Ice and Cold Storage company on Toole Avenue. This operation included the sale of ice, coal, and even beer. Little by little their real estate, businesses, and ranching endeavors expanded fulfilling their hopes of finding prosperity in America a reality.

George Pusch’s great-grandson is the President of the Oro Valley Historical Society
Henry Zipf, the great-grandson of George (his grandmother was Gertrude, one of George and Mathilda’s daughters) is the current President of the Oro Valley Historical Society. Henry’s cousin, Barbara MacIntyre, (a great-granddaughter) is an active member and docent of the Historical Society. Both have been invaluable sharing stories and artifacts with the Society.

If you would like to learn more about other German immigrants settling in Tucson and more about George Pusch, stop by the Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch on Saturday, October 23 from nine to noon and visit the exhibit. We hope to see you!
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Source for article: Claiming the Desert; Settlers, Homesteaders, and Ranchers in Oro Valley, Arizona 1865-1965 by James A. Williams. The book can be purchased at the Pusch House Museum or at the Oro Valley Historical Society tent at the Heirloom Farmer’s Market on Saturday October 23 or on Amazon.

The Oro Valley is a 501c3 volunteer organization whose mission is to “promote research, preservation, education and dissemination of history related to the greater Oro Valley area. For more information visit: www.ovhistory.org

Bits and Pieces

Will council reconsider parks and recreation bond?

Monday, we wrote that Town staff failed to include in the bond documents the specific uses the funds from the recently approved $25 million parks and recreation bond issue are to be used. Tuesday, we wrote five reasons why it’s entirely possible that the funds will be spent on items different from those approved by council in July. 

There is no motion to reconsider the parks and recreation bond vote.  It may be that this town council wants the use of these funds to be subject to change.  This will leave a rather large sum of funds available for the next council to spend.

Big Wash Trail Head to remain open during construction

"Big Wash Trailhead users will start seeing construction equipment and activity as crews begin to clear vegetation adjacent to the trailhead for future bank protection. But rest assured, the trail and parking lot will remain open, with no detours or closures...The Tranquilo development will include future improvements to the trailhead. New bank protection will protect the trailhead from future flooding and erosion. Eventually, once bank protection is finished, the Big Wash Trail will be extended south to Tangerine Road. ." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release) 

Tranquilo is the project where homes are being built down towards the wash.  Learn more here.

Steam Pump Ranch Concert Tonight

Friday night concerts are back at steam pump ranch. The time is 7-9:30 pm. "This is a FREE event, no registration required DETAILS: Friday Night Concerts are back on the lawn at Steam Pump Ranch! The music on October 1 will be performed by Good Trouble (classic rock/Motown). A food truck and a smoothie vendor will have treats available for purchase. Beer and wine will be available thanks to the Oro Valley Lions Club and Hensley Beverage Company. We recommend coming early and bringing your own chairs and blankets." (Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation email)

History of the Chili Pepper

 

This article is part of our continuing series by the Oro Valley Historical Society. Future OVHS articles will appear on LOVE every other Thursday.
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How important was chili to early cultures in our area?
Many would be surprised to see food included in a history exhibit. In September, we included food in our Hispanic-American History display that celebrates our very unique amalgamation of cultures in the southwest. The chile/chili pepper is indigenous to the Americas. (Note: Chile is the Spanish spelling and Chili is the English spelling.) Chilis are a typical flavoring in Sonoran food.

The Fourth Sister?
The “Three Sisters,”corn, beans and squash, are the triad of indigenous food culture in North and Central America. The beans are planted at the base of the corn stalks which offer them support as they reach for the sun. The beans offer beneficial nitrogen to the soil that fertilize the corn and squash. The squash’s large spiny leaves offer protection from destructive animals. These plants sustained populations from archaic eras to the present in our region.

But there was another “sister” that was equally important. The chile pepper became a domesticated staple in early cultures. Both Incas and Mayans cultivated as many as 30 capsicum (genus of the fruit plant in the nightshade family) varieties. The earliest evidence of chile peppers in diet was in Mexico in 7500 B.C.

When the Spanish arrived with Cortez in 1519, they were astounded by the size and intricacy of the Aztec marketplace in Tenochtitlan and that chiles were used as a form of money or barter. In 1529, Spanish explorers noted Aztec consumption of chile in almost every dish including hot chocolate – a drink called chicahuatl. It is alleged that Montezuma’s court consumed 50 jugs of chile-laced hot chocolate a day. His warriors often drank it to soothe their nerves before battle. Besides being a flavor enhancer, chile also helped in the preservation of food, a critical food supply factor for early people.

The Chiltepín
Derived from the Aztec language combining chilli + tecpintl (flea chile) due to its sharp bite. Botanists believe these wild chiles are the closest surviving species to the earliest chile species before humankind arrived in the Americas. Sonora is the home of the chiltepín and widely used in traditional Sonoran cuisine. It is also used as a preservative for carne seca (dried beef). The Tohono O’odham made annual pilgrimages to the Sierra Madre range to gather this wild delicacy. Chiltepíns are the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron.

[Source for article: Chile Peppers; A Global History by Dave DeWitt]

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Did you know that the Heritage Garden at Steam Pump Ranch is home to many “heirloom” crops including the “Three Sisters” and chile peppers? Joyce Rychener has been the Garden and Education Director and Board member of the Oro Valley Historical Society for a number of years. She is responsible for maintaining and preserving the heirloom crops indigenous to our area. Another way that the Oro Valley Historical Society is “keeping history alive!”

The Oro Valley Historical Society will present a new exhibit highlighting German-American Heritage and the Pusch Family at the Pusch House Museum at Steam Pump Ranch. The exhibit will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of October (Oct. 9 and 23) from nine to noon. Be sure to stop by and find out about one of Oro Valley’s early ranchers. Bring a friend!

WE WANT YOU! The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area”. We invite you to become a member or volunteer. Visit us at ovhistory.org and help keep Oro Valley history alive! We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in becoming docents at the Pusch House museum and for Steam Pump Ranch tours or who would just like to lend a hand! Training sessions are being scheduled for October 9. We hope to hear from you. Contact: Teri at tcolmar@comcast.net

Meet the Marin Family: Homesteaders Circa 1880

This article is part of our continuing series by the Oro Valley Historical Society. Future OVHS articles will appear on LOVE every other Thursday.
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Francisco Marin marries Mercedes Ruelas
Francisco Marin was born in 1847 in Tucson. At a young age, he was captured by Apache Indians and spent three years in the Sierra Madre Mountains until he was able to escape.

Francisco married Mercedes Ruelas in 1876 when he was 29 and she was 22 years old. They had five children; one son and four daughters.

Circa 1880, he established a ranch on the west side of North Oracle Road. It was located opposite of the present day Catalina State Park entrance and one mile north of Steam Pump Ranch. He homesteaded 160 acres of property and received full title in 1908.

Francisco owned and operated several stagecoach stations on the Tucson-Oracle run. One was at the base of Marin Hill presently the area between Catalina State Park and Tangerine Road. The Marin Hill station was a good watering and switching point for horses and stagecoaches before continuing north due to the steepness of the terrain.

On the 1902 General Land Office survey plat map of the area, the Marin property was referred to as the “Mexican Ranch."  The Marin property was purchased by the parents of Buster Bailey in 1920.

Mercedes died in 1913 followed by Francisco in 1923. At the time of their deaths, they lived on Carmen Street in Tucson.

Teodoro Marin
Teodoro was born in 1880 and was the son of Francisco and Mercedes. He established a 160 acre homestead near his father’s property at the entrance to Catalina State Park and gained title to it in 1913. During his lifetime, Teodoro worked as a rancher, as a stagecoach driver, and for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He died in Tucson in 1961.

Members of the Marin family still reside in the Oro Valley area.

Source: Claiming the Desert: Settlers, Homesteaders and Ranchers in Oro Valley, Arizona 1865-1965 by James A. Williams. (This book can be purchased through the Oro Valley Historical Society at the Pusch House Museum or on Amazon.)
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WE WANT YOU! The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area."  We invite you to become a member or volunteer. Visit us at ovhistory.org and help keep Oro Valley history alive!

We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in becoming docents at the Pusch House museum and for Steam Pump Ranch tours. Training sessions are being scheduled in October. We hope to hear from you. Contact: Teri at tcolmar@comcast.net

Naranja Park …. Vistoso Preserve… and more…

Council prioritizes projects in the $25 million Parks and Recreation Bond…but not without controversy
The Town Council set priorities for specific parks and recreation projects to be funded by an approximate $25 million bond that will be issued this fall. The projects are listed in the panel that follows. The bond will be repaid by approximately half of the half percent sales tax the town levies to fund the town’s three golf courses and the community center. Town Manager Jacobs and Town Finance Director Gebhart assured the council that the town will have the funds from the sales tax levy to repay these bonds under any foreseeable circumstance. 

The projects that are included in the bond are in addition to projects included in the 2021-22 Parks and Recreation Budget. $1.3 million in this budget is designated spending for Steam Pump Ranch. According to Council Member Bohen this amount is far too little. “Steam Pump Ranch has never been a priority” and there are many unmet needs. 

Council Members Solomon and Greene voted against the priority list. Pointing to the town’s statistically valid survey of resident parks and recreation needs done just last year, Solomon noted that Naranja Park was not even on the list. Solomon stated that the inclusion of massive funding for Naranja Park in this bond simply does not meet the wishes of the residents. 

Solomon is correct that the survey reflects no significant resident interest in building Naranja Park. This has been true since the day the county gave this stone and mortar quarry to Oro Valley. Naranja Park has never been important to the majority of residents. It has only been important to members of council.

Former Vistoso Golf land purchase negotiations continue… Some resolution perhaps in September

Speaking at last week’s council meetings, Rancho Vistoso residents were complementary of Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Town Attorney Jonathan Rothschild “for their diligent, hard work in bringing this matter to closure.” They were speaking in regards to ongoing negotiations regarding the former Vistoso Golf Course. The matter remains in negotiation. 

 
Speaking after executive session, Town Outside Counsel Rothschild stated that Romspen has “agreed” to a specified price for the property. The Conservation Fund has agreed to purchase the property for the appraised value, which will be known in August.” It is possible that the appraised value will be less than meet amount Romspen wants for the property. Thus, the council likely will have to consider legal options, which may include condemnation, to force a resolution. 

Council Member Solomon said: “We are very close.” Residents hope so. “Its’ been three years”, one resident noted. “Time to bring this to a conclusion.”

Council adjourns until September 7 meeting… Will unveil upgraded council chambers

It will be an “in person” meeting in renovated council chambers. Public participation will be available in person. The town will use Zoom participation for public hearings only. Thus, one who wants to participate in the “call to audience” segment will have to do so in person. Town Manager Jacobs stated that the town will provide more information on how these meetings and those of the town’s boards and commission will take place.

Oro Valley Historical Society Heritage Guide: History and Art on the Wall ~ Part 2.

Part 1 was published yesterday. If you missed it, you can find it by scrolling down below today’s article.
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The Steam Pump Ranch Ledger Book
Records were kept at Steam Pump Ranch and a ledger book listing transactions remained with the Pusch family. George Pusch's grandson, Henry Zipf, donated the book to the Oro Valley Historical Society. The ledger book, entitled “Ranch Provisions and Cattle,” includes entries from 1898 until 1921.

All of the brands registered by George Pusch appear in the Ranch ledger. The “PZ” brand is the best known of his brands. John Zellweger, sold his interest in the brand to Pusch in 1883 and the Pusch family continued to use it for over 40 years.

Pusch’s son, George Jr., owned a similar brand, the "PZ connected". This brand remained in the family until 2010 when Pusch’s grandson sold it to the Oro Valley Historical Society to preserve as part of the historical record of Steam Pump Ranch and the Pusch family. 

The brand images depicted on the Oracle Road sound walls were obtained from the Steam Pump Ranch ledger book. The brands are listed in sales records for George Pusch. They all represent brands registered by the early 1900s.

Reading brands
Reading brands involves a special system. Brands are read from left to right, top to bottom, and outside to inside. Capital letters, numbers and characters are among the combinations used to create brands. Letters can be vertical, sideways, reversed, or hanging.

Other notable brands
One brand illustrated on the roadway walls was owned by Henry Feldman, brother of Pusch’s wife, Mathilda. He managed some of the Pusch holdings in the San Pedro Valley near its junction with Aravaipa Creek. The Pusch family reportedly grazed cattle throughout the open range between Steam Pump Ranch and the San Pedro Ranch.

The "JE" brand was owned by Noah Bernard and John Bogan who ran cattle in the Arivaca area southwest of Tucson. Pusch was a partner with them in the Arivaca Land and Cattle Company.

Another brand illustrated on the Oracle walls is the "7-6". It was owned by W.O. Ramsey who lived in Tombstone, Arizona.

The story of livestock brands and their uses is much more complicated than a single ranch and a single owner. There are stories still to be uncovered that will help tell the history of cattle ranching associated with the historic Steam Pump Ranch.

Text and photographs by Patricia Spoerl, 2019. Along with Jim Kriegh and Dick Eggerding, Pat is a founder of the Oro Valley Historical Society.

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WE WANT YOU! The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area.” We invite you to become a member or volunteer. Visit us at ovhistory.org and help keep Oro Valley history alive!

We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in becoming docents at the Pusch House museum and for Steam Pump Ranch tours. Training sessions are being scheduled for the fall season. We hope to hear from you. Contact: Teri at tcolmar@comcast.net

Oro Valley Historical Society Heritage Guide: History and Art on the Wall

 

Livestock Brands along Oracle Road (St Route 77/Historic Route 80)
As one drives along Oracle Road between the El Conquistador Tucson, Hilton Resort and the Oro Valley Marketplace (Village Center) at the intersection with Tangerine Road, it is hard to miss the unusual letters and marks depicted on the sound walls on both sides of the highway. They are historic livestock brands and marks associated with George Pusch who established the Steam Pump Ranch in the 1870s.

You’ve probably passed by these “markings” more than a few times when you drive along Oracle Road/Historic Route 80. Their location reminds us of a time when the foothills of Pusch Ridge allowed open range grazing. The Oro Valley Historical Society Heritage Guide (revised 2019) explains what these markings are!

The historic Steam Pump Ranch, now owned by the Town of Oro Valley, and the livestock brands placed on the highway sound walls by the Arizona Department of Transportation, are closely connected, not only within the few short miles of road but also in terms of their shared history.

Origins of the “PZ” brand
George Pusch, immigrated from Germany to the United States as a young man in 1867. After living in New York, San Francisco and places in between, he came to Tucson in 1874. Here, with his friend, John Zellweger, an immigrant from Switzerland, he established a ranch along the Cañada del Oro drainage.

The two men registered the "PZ" brand and began cattle ranching enterprises that lasted for decades. Today, part of one of their ranches is preserved in public ownership -- Steam Pump Ranch. The name "steam pump" was acquired after the men installed a well and pump driven by steam to provide a dependable source of water for cattle.

By the 1880s the Territory of Arizona had a long history of open range grazing. The branding of cattle was the main means of determining ownership during the era when pioneer ranchers developed their cattle operations in southern Arizona.

Pusch registered eight brands
George Pusch registered eight brands, individually or with partners, before 1898. They appear in the first "Territorial Book of Brands and Marks…Cattle, Horses, Sheep and Hogs" (1898) issued by the Live Stock Sanitary Board of Arizona. Livestock branding became law in the Territory in 1897 and a brand tax was instituted in 1903. Over 11,000 brands were recorded in the Territory prior to Arizona statehood in 1912. George Pusch was Chairman of the Live Stock Sanitary Board in 1908.

The Brand Tax
Ranchers typically kept records of their livestock transfers because they needed an accurate count of the number of stock owned for the assessment of taxes. Payment of the brand tax was serious business. Each year a brand owner had to submit a sworn statement containing the number of head of stock for which he would be assessed. If these requirements were not met and the tax not paid, a brand was no longer considered evidence of ownership of the animals so marked.

Part 2 of this article will be published tomorrow. Read about what was written in the Steam Pump Ranch Ledger Book, how to read brands, and more!

Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ A Partnership Gone Awry

The Historic Preservation Commission and the Historical Society are two separate organizations

The following Guest View discusses the relationship between the Town’s Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") and the Oro Valley Historical Society ("OVHS"). These are two separate organizations.

HPC is a town-run commission that “was formed to promote the educational, cultural and economic welfare of the Town of Oro Valley by insuring the preservation of historic buildings, districts, landmarks, structures, documents, photographs and other artifacts that represent the historic background and development of the greater Oro Valley area.”

The OVHS is a non-profit corporation whose mission "...is to promote research, preservation, education and dissemination of history related to the Greater Oro Valley area."

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In 2015, there was an agreed upon plan for OVHS to use the garage at Steam Pump Ranch

"When I [Mike Zinkin] was on the Oro Valley Town Council, I was the liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission and I was part of a group that helped update the Steam Pump Ranch (SPR) Master Plan in 2015. The group was headed up by Kristy Diaz-Trahen, the Parks and Rec Director and Corkey Poster, an architect.

The results of this plan are in the panel at right; and, as you can see in the legend, Item A4 cites a partnership with the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) to dedicate the garage to the OVHS for their offices, gallery, restrooms, and storage.

The OVHS goes back to 2005 when Jim Kriegh (Oro Valley’s founding father), Dr. Pat Spoerl, and  town resident Dick Eggerding, initiated the Society to preserve Oro Valley History and landmarks. In 2006 there was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the OVHS establishing a framework for the partnership. In 2009 a License Agreement was formed to allow the OVHS to, among other things, schedule tours, events, and plant in the Heritage Garden.

The Town has not done much to update and restore Steam Pump Ranch
At one time there was $400,000 in the Capital Improvement Plan to fund Ranch updates. However, it was decided by then Town Manager Greg Caton that the one-time revenues were not going to be as projected, therefore the improvements at SPR were canceled.

Town reneged on its promise to the Oro Valley Historical Society
In May 2020, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met to discuss updated plans for SPR. Included in this plan was a huge change to repurpose the SPR garage for Parks and Rec office spaces, thereby removing the OVHS from this space, relegating them instead to a one-room office in the Pusch House.

While this room is big enough for some storage, it is not big enough for the offices, meeting space, wet and dry labs, research room, and restroom that they were promised by the Town.

Not even a courtesy call to let OVHS know
This came without even a courtesy call to the OVHS advising them of the change. Imagine the shock to the OVHS who had donated $5,000 to help fund the updated assessment. (This money has since been returned to them and is partially being used to pay for rent on the storage room in the Pusch House, which had never been charged before).

Town Manager, Mary Jacobs cut out the citizen-driven OVHS from Steam Pump Ranch

Just how much office space does the Parks and Rec Department need? They already have space at Town Hall, Naranja Park, and the Aquatic Center. Nowadays, employees are working from home and that is becoming the new normal. But there is no space for the OVHS at Steam Pump Ranch? A facility that is on the National Register of Historic places? This is unconscionable.

What happened to the partnership between the Town of Oro Valley and the OVHS?
To quote from a May 2020 letter sent to the mayor and council by OVHS:

“We ask that the Town Council explain the decision for the Garage Building repurposing. We further ask that the Town and Parks and Recreation at least be honest about their intentions regarding our “partnership.” If this is something you would like to dissolve, at least be respectful and courteous enough to tell us so.”

To the best of my knowledge, the Town has never responded to that letter.

Who’s in charge?
The Historic Preservation Commission was involved in the plan to allow the OVHS to have space in the garage, yet it was the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) that reallocated them to a rent-paying room in the Pusch House. I wonder what Councilmember Steve Solomon thinks about all of this. He is the current Town Council liaison to the HPC.

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Keeping Oro Valley History Alive

This is the second in a series of articles written by The Oro Valley Historical Society. Future OVHS articles will appear on LOVE every other Thursday.
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William “Curly” Neal (1849-1936)
Oracle Road, also known as Historic Route 80, was quite the thoroughfare in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Someone that helped connect Tucson to both Oracle and Mammoth was successful businessman, rancher, and entrepreneur, William “Curly” Neal. There’s no doubt Curly would have stopped at Steam Pump Ranch enroute to our neighbors to the north as he carried out his business endeavors.

William was born in the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma to a mother who had walked the Trail of Tears and a father of African-American descent. William became self-sufficient at a young age working at odd jobs. At nineteen he met Buffalo Bill Cody, who enlisted William as a military scout. William left the army in 1878 but remained friends with Cody for the rest of his life.

After the army, Curly (due to his long wavy hair) settled in Tucson and took on a job as a cook in the Maison d’Arcy restaurant. After accumulating some money and other financial support, William started a stage line and freight business. Curly would have likely rubbed elbows with George Pusch in both Tucson and at Steam Pump Ranch. George and Johann Zellweger opened a butcher shop in 1876 which provided meat to the public and restaurants in Tucson. In 1874 Steam Pump Ranch was operating and was a popular stop as it allowed the stage lines a place to water and rest the horses and offered the services of blacksmiths. Note the fare from Tucson to Steam Pump was $1.00!

Curly was awarded the mail contract for the Tucson-Oracle-American Flag route so Oracle Road would have been a routine path for the carriers. Along with the stage line and the freight line that carried supplies from Tucson to Ft. Lowell, Curly carted ore, wood, and water to the mines in Mammoth and Oracle.

As noted in the Mohave County Miner news regarding Wm. Neal Freight:

“One of the largest freighting outfits in the world is used in connection with the mill at the Mammoth property. The distance from the mine to the mill is three miles, all but half a mile downgrade. Three teams move 145 tons of ore a day. Each team consist of 20 animals, and they draw four wagons. The wagons are immense affairs, almost as big as box cars. Wm. Neal is one of the best businessmen in southern Arizona.”

Annie Box Neal (1870-1950)
While in Tucson, William met Annie Box, the daughter of the proprietor of the boarding house where he lived. Annie had similar heritage in that her mother was Cherokee and her father was of English and African descent.

In 1892 they were married and moved to Oracle when Annie’s mother deeded them property. It was there that William and Annie established the Mountain View Hotel. The hotel and health resort attracted a variety of visitors including celebrities (Buffalo Bill), dignitaries, and those seeking the adventure of the “wild west.”

Annie primarily ran the hotel while Curly managed the other businesses and even a ranch in New Mexico. She was known for her lively and independent spirit and as a hostess, Annie made her guests feel welcome and comfortable. Annie sold the hotel in 1939 shortly after a freak accident on the property took Curly’s life at the age of 87.

Curly and Annie’s remarkable and industrious lives make our local history rich and should never be forgotten.

Article references: “Copper Area News” and Annie’s Guests by Barbara Marriott.

Interested in local history?
Stop by Steam Pump Ranch on the second and fourth Saturdays in February, March and April. The Oro Valley Historical Society presents docent-guided tours from 10 a.m. to Noon. No reservations are required for the 50-minute tour that leaves on the hour and every fifteen minutes thereafter. Tours leave from the OVHS tent that is located just south of the Farmer’s Market ramada. The suggested donation supports the cost of our displays, exhibits and ongoing programs. We hope to see you!
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The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area.” We invite you to become a member or volunteer or donate.. Visit us at ovhistory.org and help keep Oro Valley history alive!

Arizona Statehood and the Oro Valley Connection

This is the first in a series of articles written by The Oro Valley Historical Society. Future OVHS articles will appear on LOVE every other Thursday.

Happy Birthday, Arizona!
On February 14, 1912 the Arizona Territory was finally admitted to the Union as the 48th state. The road to statehood began in 1863. In that year on February 24th, President Lincoln signed the Organic Act dividing Arizona into a territory separate from New Mexico. The efforts for statehood took shape in earnest in 1904 when to the dismay of Arizona, Congress attached an amendment to the statehood bill calling for Arizona and New Mexico to be admitted as one state. In 1905, the Arizona (Territorial) Legislature passed a resolution objecting to joint statehood. It read in part:

“We believe that such is without precedent in American history. It threatens to fasten upon us a government that would be neither by, nor for the people of Arizona. It would be a government without the consent of the governed. It humiliates our pride, violates our tradition and would subject us to the domination of another commonwealth of different traditions, customs and aspirations...”

Bills in the U. S. Congress were written, amended and rejected several times before both political parties included platform statements favoring separate statehood for Arizona and New Mexico. Finally, a bill was passed in 1908 allowing Arizona to hold elections for delegates to a constitutional convention.

The Oro Valley Connection
In 1910, cattle rancher and businessman, George Pusch, was elected as one of the 5 constitutional convention delegates from Pima County. George, an immigrant from Germany, had already set up successful businesses in Tucson (ice storage and a butcher shop) as well as Steam Pump Ranch. (Steam Pump Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located in Oro Valley at 10,901 Oracle Road). He was a member of the 1891 and 1899 Territorial Legislature and was also on the Tucson City Council.

“The 1910 Constitutional Convention lasted 60 days. The Democrats wrote a constitution that contained measures for the recall of all public officials, including judges, who were often viewed as being controlled by large companies and the railroads. They anticipated that Congress would approve it. The Convention Republicans disagreed with the proposed state constitution and all except one refused to sign it. George Pusch and the other Pima County delegates went home, so Pima County had no signatures on the state constitution document sent to Congress for ratification.” (Source: Patricia Spoerl, Oro Valley Historical Society Heritage Guide: George Pusch and Arizona Statehood).

The original state constitution reached President Taft’s desk after passing both houses of Congress, but Taft (like the Pima County delegates) vetoed it due to the inclusion of the recall proviso. Arizona relented by taking it out. Again, it passed both houses of Congress and Taft signed the proclamation granting Arizona statehood on February 14, 1912. Incidentally, Arizonans were hoping for Taft’s signature on February 12th, Lincoln’s birthday, but instead Taft signed it on Valentine’s Day. (Later that year the Arizona constitution was amended to allow for the recall of judges!)

Interested in local history?
Stop by Steam Pump Ranch on the second and fourth Saturdays in February, March and April. The Oro Valley Historical Society presents docent-guided tours from 10 a.m. to Noon. No reservations are required for the 50-minute tour that leaves on the hour and every fifteen minutes thereafter. Tours leave from the OVHS tent that is located just south of the Farmer’s Market ramada. Suggested donation is $5 to assist in the cost of our displays and exhibits and ongoing programs. We hope to see you!
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Resources for article:
Oro Valley Historical Society Heritage Guide, Patricia Spoerl
Claiming the Desert, James A. Williams
Arizona: An Illustrated History, Patrick Lavin
AZ Admission to Statehood by Archa Malcom Farlow

The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area.” We invite you to become a member or volunteer. Visit us at ovhistory.org and help keep Oro Valley history alive.