Maricopa can preserve its history!

As the Butterfield Stage Stop, it was called Maricopa Wells; as Phoenix’s closest major railway spur, it became Maricopa Junction. Whatever its name, Maricopa has always played a large role in Arizona history; once it was even in the running to become the state’s capital. Today as Arizona’s fastest growing, 88th city, a project to retain that rich history is underway.

The Friends of the Library, the fund-raising arm of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, wants to make certain Maricopa’s past is preserved in a history area in the city’s new library, slated for completion in three years.

Funding for the history area will be based on sales of local teacher and author Pat Brock‘s third book, “Reflections of a Desert Town, Volume II,” which will include updated information on Maricopa, some of its newer residents and its schools. The book should be available for sale at Founders Day on October 14, and the author will be doing book signings on Thursday of that week.

Maricopa had 10 students and one teacher in 1912.

Maricopa’s first football team in 1955-56. (photos courtesy of Pat Brock)

The Friends of the Library is asking community members, businesses and developers to help them preserve and sustain Maricopa’s history through contributions to be used to publish the revised edition of Brock’s book, which is currently out of print. Proceeds from book sales will be used to provide a Maricopa history area in the new city library.

Various donation levels are available in amounts ranging from $50 to $1,000, but any and all donations will be gratefully accepted.

Here’s your chance, Maricopians! Keep Maricopa’s history alive now and in the future. Mail your tax-deductible contribution today to: Friends of the Maricopa Library, P. O. Box 663, Maricopa, AZ 85239.