Historic Tales Of Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona, was originally settled in the 1870s as a railroad and lumber town on the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, amid the ponderosa pines. Now most noted for its proximity to the Grand Canyon, the city offers a tantalizing combination of history and progress. Theodore Roosevelt, the Apollo astronauts, Walt Disney filmmakers, Navajo code talkers and Pluto-discoverer Clyde Tombaugh all feature in the area's fascinating past. Join authors Kevin Schindler and Michael Kitt as they relate the trials and triumphs that have given this town its charm, from the tumultuous days of the Wild West to the fast-paced twentieth century.

Flagstaff, Arizona, was originally settled in the 1870s as a railroad and lumber town on the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, amid the ponderosa pines. Now most noted for its proximity to the Grand Canyon, the city offers a tantalizing combination of history and progress. Theodore Roosevelt, the Apollo astronauts, Walt Disney filmmakers, Navajo code talkers and Pluto-discoverer Clyde Tombaugh all feature in the area's fascinating past. Join authors Kevin Schindler and Michael Kitt as they relate the trials and triumphs that have given this town its charm, from the tumultuous days of the Wild West to the fast-paced twentieth century.

This is the story of Flagstaff, Arizona, during the 1880s, when the railroad came and assured the new town's continued growth. The precursor to Mountain Town (page 16).

The spirits of the Old West are alive and kicking in Flagstaff. Once home to outlaws and pioneers, many former residents of this small mountain town never left. Read about the ghosts of the Weatherford Hotel, where strange sightings and disturbing events aren't just confined to the Zane Grey Ballroom. Step inside the Hotel Monte Vista, where locals swear that the Grizzly Meat Man still roams the hallways. Discover the historic train depot, an eternal home to those departed souls that once worked the rails, including a ghostly former train conductor. Join author Susan Johnson as she uncovers the supernatural side of Flagstaff's fascinating history.

In the summer of 1937, the mountain town of Flagstaff emerged from the Great Depression with an eye toward the future. Few people were better positioned for success than JD Walkup, a handsome young mover and shaker who served as chairman of the board of supervisors and a happily married father of four. The city was alive and bustling, tourism thrived and cultural endeavors blossomed. But JD's life changed forever one cool summer evening when his wife, Marie, and their children were found dead. The murders shook the town to its core, along with the disturbing knowledge that Marie was the culprit. Join author Susan Johnson as she explores the tragic history of a once-happy Flagstaff family.

Written by Flagstaff's town historian, Mountain Town is a definitive history of a place where people from all walks of life intertwine.

To My Readers: "These stories are historical fiction. "The setting for the first story is at the Palace Bar in Prescott, Arizona in 1889. The story brings back to life Arizona Charlie. He was a famous, cowboy, gambler, and miner, and once performed in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. "The second story is a murder mystery. The story takes place between Mayer and Flagstaff, Arizona in the middle 1930's. The investigation involves a local detective from Phoenix. He and his brother-in-law, who is the sheriff of Flagstaff, solve the crime. It is a good look at life in Arizona during that time period. "The third story takes place in and around Castle Hot Springs. A famous resort known for its healing hot sulfur pools. It was frequented by the rich and famous of that time period. A gang of robbers is working in the area. They hide in a mine in close proximity to the resort and they befriend a couple from New York, who are guests at the resort." Zeke Crandall

A history of Flagstaff, Arizona, from the late 19th century to today, is accompanied by numerous period photographs.