NY Rep. Fairchild was a big fan of city

In this year leading up to Arizona's centennial, Feb. 14, 2012, we'll reprint a story or excerpts each day from the Arizona Daily Star or Tucson Citizen archives.

Nov. 21, 1912

Congressman George W. Fairchild of New York, who has been spending a few days in Tucson, left last night for his home but will return within the next month.

Congressman Fairchild said he had been talking with a number of the businessmen of this city, and he found that there were but two things lacking to make Tucson one of the greatest resort centers in the United States. One was that the people did not get together to boost and advertise the advantages of this city, and the other was that but a few realized the magnificent climate, which he characterized as the finest on Earth.

He said California has made her advancement because of her climate solely, and he asked why should not Tucson with a climate surpassing that of California not do likewise?

He advocated a larger chamber of commerce and that the businessmen of Tucson put in their money and advertise the climate all over the United States. A large resort hotel was needed, he said, and it would not be but a short time before people would be coming to this city to enjoy the climate and would make their investments. He added that he did not mean when speaking of a large hotel that it was intended to reflect upon the present good hotels, but Tucson properly advertised would mean more business for all the hotels.

"Another thing that is of great importance to this city was the university," said Congressman Fairchild. "I have looked it over carefully and have found that it is one of the best equipped universities in the country, and as its fame grows, it will also help advertise this city.

"I am going to do all in my power to help the university, not because my son is a student, but because it is one of the best."

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