Saddle up for Scottsdale’s mid-century newspaper The Arizonian, now on the Arizona Memory Project

PHOENIX – Once an area replete with ranches, cotton fields, and citrus orchards, Scottsdale grew rapidly during World War II. Between the pilots training at Thunderbird II Airfield and the construction of the Motorola plant, families flocked to the city. Resorts were also constructed, bringing with them the prosperous tourism industry that Scottsdale is still known for today. The Arizonian was there for all of it and covered new construction, arrivals and departures of residents, school and sports news, and community events. Later issues included stunning front pages in full color.

“The Arizonian started just two years after Scottsdale was incorporated in 1951. This community newspaper offers an entertaining look at Scottsdale’s early mid-century lifestyle,” said Sativa Peterson, news content program manager for the State of Arizona Research Library. “The Arizonian is a great resource for those interested in the rapid growth of this one-time ranch town.”

Over 200 issues of The Arizonian from 1953 to 1969 will be available on the Arizona Memory Project indefinitely and can be viewed for free using any digital device at http://go.azsos.gov/thearizonian.

For questions about this or any digital collection, or for cultural institutions interested in sharing collections on the Arizona Memory Project, contact [email protected].

The Arizona Memory Project provides free online access to the wealth of primary sources in Arizona archives, museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions. The Arizona Memory Project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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