It's been our delight over the past year to reprint one article a day from 1912 editions of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Citizen.
Each piece is a glimpse at life a century ago. The differences since then are huge, to be sure, but what's struck us most is what hasn't changed about public discourse.
Immigration inspectors patrolled Southern Arizona at statehood, although their main concern was illegal Chinese laborers.
Local bricks-and-mortar businesses worried about competition from outsiders - mail-order companies. Buy local, the Chamber of Commerce urged residents.
The state teachers association convention featured a session on what the Star described as "that vital and much discussed subject 'Public Dissatisfaction with the Schools, Its Causes and Remedies.' "
The City Council debated whether to require mufflers on automobiles and to set a minimum driving age. "There is a tendency among youngsters to speed, and they are not as careful as older people would be," the Star said.
Merchants complained about a possible tax increase. "If state officials would busy themselves by endeavoring to cut expenses instead of trying to see how they can increase the taxes, they would give better satisfaction and stop this storm of protest," the paper opined.
Gov. George W.P. Hunt said he'd appoint a prison warden who would give the convicts "Christian treatment."
"Criminals are the product of environment, and for that they are not responsible," the governor argued.
As we wrap up our year of special centennial coverage, we cannot help but wonder what Arizonans will be reading about in 2112.
- Bobbie Jo Buel, editor
Please Wait…
