Apr 28, 2016 | Uncategorized
During the 19th and 20th centuries, prisoners made and sold an unusual variety of items. Their handiwork included carved, hammered, braided, painted and whittled objects. Spurs, reatas, belts, bits and bridles were among the many types of exquisite merchandise created...Mar 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
Pancho Villa, of peasant heritage, was the leader of a successful Mexican Revolutionary Army in the North. He shocked the United States when in 1916 he raided Columbus, N.M., killing 18 Americans. Reasons for the raid are disputed. Following the raid, Gen. John J....Nov 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
Mrs. Ed (Maggie) Wright was a skilled and talented professional rodeo performer, who had a true west spirit for daring stunts. Maggie won the top rodeo event at Cheyenne, Wyoming’s Championship Lady Bronco Busting contest on July 28, 1917. As the top rider she won the...Aug 10, 2015 | Uncategorized
“From the curb to the galleries, the facility is beautiful and meaningful.” That is how the American Society of Interior Designers, Arizona North Chapter, recently described Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The ASID chapter presented...Jul 20, 2015 | Uncategorized
There was a time when, instead of throngs of winter visitors, the streets of downtown Scottsdale teemed with herds of sheep on their way to Arizona’s high country for the summer, or back home for the winter. Marjorie Thomas was Scottsdale’s first resident artist and...May 21, 2015 | Uncategorized
Western spirit was certainly evident when Newton Porter launched his saddlery shop in downtown Phoenix more than 115 years ago. Hardened by more than two decades of operating saddle shops in several western states and Alaska, he was well-suited to the challenge his...