This evening event honored renowned author, avowed desert anarchist and putative Oracle resident with readings from his works and the remembrances of those who were close to him, including Dick Kirkpatrick, who traveled cross-country with Abbey, and fellow author Doug Peacock (who was the model for Hayduke in The Monkeywrench Gang. Dennis Pepe, a former forest ranger, bookseller and performer, read from Abbey’s works. A party with cake and “roadkill” chile followed.

From the rise of our area's early ranches and mines to the reverberations of the Mexican Revolution, a great deal of southeastern Arizona has been shaped over time by people from – and events in – Mexico. In the spring of 2007, the Society organized the following five talks exploring this important but little-known history. The series was funded by the Arizona Humanities Council as a "We the People" Initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Renowned scholar and human rights activist, Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith, discussed her research into the women who fled to southeastern Arizona during the Mexican Revolution. Named a “Local Hero,” the Tucson Weekly describes Rubio Goldsmith as “A dedicated and compassionate voice for human rights” (read article).

In this talk, Southwest history expert and eminent UA anthropologist Thomas Sheridan discussed three centuries of fraudulent land speculation along the nearby Upper Santa Cruz. The talk was based on Sheridan's most recent book, which takes a close look at schemes such as the 19th century Gandera purchase and the 1970s Rio Rico housing project. As we witness the exponential growth of the present, Sheridan's talk offered a cautionary tale from the past.

Religious Studies Scholar and Ethnographer Miguel Astor Aguilera has long been fascinated by the customs of Mexican and Mexican-American curanderos or traditional healers. An expert in the iconography of Mesoamerican civilizations, Aguilera drew parallels between the practices of ancient, indigenous and contemporary cultures – including those north of the border.

Many of the families who established Southern Arizona's first ranches – including those of the Oracle area – were pioneers from Mexico. Patricia Preciado Martin has been collecting, writing on and publishing the oral histories of these and other families, whose untold histories reflect an important part of our historic and cultural heritage (read more). Her account of the Vazquez family's pioneer and ranching days provided an extraordinary glimpse into the multi-ethnic world of our area's first ranches.

Michelle J. Martinez is an award-winning poet, artist and Chicano Studies instructor whose work imbeds the oral traditions of her own family. Her presentation, which included readings from her own works, spoke to the importance of oral history in Chicano literature and cultural tradition.

At this fun-filled and informative day, visitors brought in favorite flea-market finds, hand-me-downs and what-nots — and found out whether or not they'd been sitting on a treasure! Three expert national and local appraisers were on hand to give advice on the cheap: $5 for an opinion on the item or $10 for three. Visitors who arrived at 10 a.m. were also treated to a talk on the state of today’s antiques market. All monies raised will benefited the Oracle Historical Society.

This elegant benefit evening — which featured artworks for sale by over 30 artists and a classical guitar performance by Ironwood Duo – raised much-needed operating funds. The Society is grateful to Elizabeth Manfredi and Joy Fox McGrew for helping to coordinate the event and Cherry Valley Ranch and licensed masseuse Joanna Lapa for contributing door prizes. Special thanks are owed to artists Judith Stewart, Joy Fox McGrew and Sharon Holnback for donating the entirety of their proceeds.

This exhibit featured the work of four Western artists who also happen to be kinsmen: Mark Rossi, famous for his bronzes of desert wildlife, worked for many years at the base of the Catalina mountains. His father Paul is a revered Western artist who also works in bronze. Eldest son and Catalina resident Karl creates boldly colorful icons out of glass. Youngest son Thomas is a painter engaged with raw-edged political themes. (Visit their website.)

This show was curated by Oracle artist Danielle Neibling.

This panel talk featured four of Oracle's long-time residents who shared and compared their memories of Oracle as it once was: Nancy Patten (former school nurse), Marshall Baird (former ranch foreman), Edna Mae Hendrickson (former judge) and her husband Harry Hendrickson (former rancher and miner).

An exhibit that explored Oracle through the eyes of its historic and contemporary painters, including Oracle’s cowboy painter Lee Kannally, members of the historic Rancho Linda Vista arts community and others.

A Benefit Auction of antiques and collectibles was conducted by expert auctioneers Jan Aalberts and Arthur Smith, both of whom have long ties to the Oracle community.

Sponsored by the Arizona Historical Society

May 1–November 30, 2005

Images drawn from Royal John Medley’s extraordinary collection of labels created for Arizona citrus packing crates (1890s–1950s) were featured in an exhibit exploring the history of the citrus industry in Arizona. Medley, a long-time collector and recognized subject expert, gave two gallery talks and was on hand to answer questions during the reception. This exhibit, generously funded by the Arizona Historical Society has since traveled to other venues in the state.

March 14, 2005 at 5 p.m.

To learn more about our events, you can email us at:  azohs@earthlink.net