Arizona history, modern Maricopa stir ‘frank’ discussion (video)

Maricopans learned some Arizona tales from the 20th century but also had time to share their modern experience living in Maricopa during a special program Monday.

Arizona Humanities brought is series “FRANK Talks” to the Maricopa Public Library. Historian Marshall Shore, sporting one of his many painted suit coats, touched on the facts about infamous Winnie Ruth Judd, “lost Dutchman” Jacob Waltz and controversial artist George Quaintance.

Shore talked about the history of the Masque of the Yellow Moon, the Eisendrath House and the Arizona Biltmore. His presentation, introduced by Communications Coordinator Marilyn Murphy, facilitated an exchange among the 25 attendees about their experiences in Arizona. Some spoke about why they moved to Maricopa from New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Local historian Denny Hoeh and Maricopa Historical Society President Paul Shirk also shared some facts about Maricopa’s history.

Murphy said Arizona Humanities may have Shore return to Maricopa for a full history program. While Marshall Trimble, the official state historian, mainly focuses on the Old West aspects of Arizona, Shore said he delves in more recent history.

FRANK Talks are designed to be “free thought-provoking, expert-facilitated discussions on important issues facing communities. They are produced in partnership with Arizona Humanities and Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division.”

The next talks are in Wickenburg, Chandler and Coolidge. The series has ranged from policing and elections to educational equity and race. The Maricopa talk was titled “Stories of Arizona: Historic Places, Spaces and People.”

Learn more at http://www.azhumanities.org/programs/frank-talks/

FRANK Talks at Maricopa Public Library

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