Exposed by the 1990 fire that destroyed the Chipman-Peterson building, the full-height John Hodnett Hardware Store sign is seen for the first time in ninety-two years. Courtesy of Jay Mark. Fires Writer: Jay Mark One of the most fundamental things people notice in downtown Tempe these days is how fast things are changing ─ high density development producing skyscrapers (a …

Circa 1970 photograph that illustrates the humble start of the Mill Avenue Art Festival. The Andre Building, home to Rula Bula is at left. Today Restaurant Mexico occupies the Chipman-Peterson Building at right. Courtesy of Tempe History Museum. Mill Avenue Art Festival Writer: Jay Mark 1968. It was the year of the first Mill Avenue… Well, we’ll get to that …

The first of four postcards published by the John & Flossie Abston for sale to tourists cryptically depicts the end of a 16,655 mile journey in 1957. Courtesy of Tempe Historic Preservation Office. Abstons make the heart grow fonder Writer: Jay Mark Help! Really, I need your help. Someone out there must know something about today’s subject – a topic …

Chuckawalla Slim posed in Papago Park with his colorful truck in the late 1920s. His photographic postcard was popular with tourists. Courtesy of Tempe History Museum. Chuckawalla Slim – Rockologist Writer: Jay Mark First it was the discovery of the old photograph. Then espying in the picture, “Chuckawalla Slim, Rockologist.” An intriguing snapshot with intriguing details. What was this peculiar …

Tempean Teodulo Valenzuela, the “World’s Fattest Man” appears at right with fellow sideshow attractions during his early circus days in California. Courtesy of Tempe History Museum. Tempe & the World’s Fattest Man ─ Parts 1 & 2 Writer: Jay Mark Tempe can take justifiable pride in the fact that it is a city of many superlatives ─ the only place …