Historic Tucson Photo Gallery by Peg Price at pbase.com

Historic Tucson

The Old Pueblo has many buildings of historical significance. The downtown barrio was bulldozed during the Tucson Urban Renewal Project in the late 1960s to make way for the Convention Center and many historic structures were destroyed. This photo journey is a way to recognize the ones that still remain throughout the city.

Three excellent books: C. L. Sonnichsen's TUCSON...THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN AMERICAN CITY, John Bret Harte's TUCSON...PORTRAIT OF A DESERT PUEBLO and R. Brooks Jeffery and Anne M. Nequette's A GUIDE TO TUCSON ARCHITECTURE.

Roger Carpenter's book of Tucson stories and photos called LETTERS FROM TUCSON, 1925-1927 is another wonderful way to recapture Old Tucson.

The Walking Tours of Tucson offered by the historical society is a great way to explore the city by foot with a guide. And just for the fun of it, try renting the 1939 DVD movie "ARIZONA" which was filmed here in Tucson.

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Farmer John's #4	Medina's Sporting Goods	Double Cantilevered Phillips 66	St. Mary's Hospital
Ye Olde Lantern Restaurant	Steinfeld House	Viet Nam War Protest	Valley of the Moon's Magic Tower
US Coastal and Geodetic Survey Building	Ponds Mansion...Stone Ashley	Carrillo House	Jerry's Lee Ho Market
Store in the Barrio	Soledad Jacome House	Garden of Gethsemane	A. E. Douglass House
George E.P. Smith House	Daniel's Clock	Hotel Glenwood	Carrillo's Mortuary
Whitwell Hospital	St. Luke's in the Desert	St. Luke's in the Desert #2	Wolfe Goldring Apartments
Paulin Motors	Restoration of San Xavier del Bac Mission	Fort Lowell Officers' Quarters	Buena Vista Theatre

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'nother guest		06-Mar-2017 22:34
I lived Tucson from 1961 to 1975.. There was a wonderful Victorian house east of the U of A campus.. There was also a very tiny cafe downtown and another where the bus yard used to be near one (6th ave?) underpass, advertising (take-out) 3 tacos or 3 hotdogs for a dollar. It had a very small counter and a few tables. Two small eggs, hashbrowns, toast and coffee for $1.10 (in 1971). I also saw movies, in the 60's, at the Fox Lyric that had 3 movies for 50 cents.

Guest		23-Aug-2016 17:47
Do you have any info on Swimming pools in Tucson between 1940 and 1960/ Public /

Art lover		06-Jan-2015 23:12
I love your photos. I have never been to Tucson, but I felt like I got a feel for the City from your shots. I have a painting by an American artist William L Hill. He is from Utah. I am trying to track down where he may have painted his watercolor. It is a red brick wall with two bricked-in windows. To the left says ''Seed & Grain" in blue letters over a blue triangle with a white background. I was wondering if you know of any buildings in the area that fit this description. On the back of the painting is written Tucson 29 Jan 1991. Thanks for your help.

Michel Towers		07-Aug-2013 17:12
Looking for the banks which existed in or around 1951 in Tucson on Congress Street.

Peg Price		24-Jun-2011 22:03
Hi Michael, No, I don't believe I have any photos of that barn. When was it torn down? Sorry. peg

Michael Gross		23-Jun-2011 04:01
Did you happen to take any pictures of the old square dance "barn" that was located between Oracle and N. Stone on Ft. Lowell (I think)? Learned the wonderful enjoyment of square dancing in the 1970's and met some wonderful Tucsonans in the process.

Lisa		25-Feb-2011 21:56
I stumbled onto your website during a Google search. I am a native Tucsonan (39 yrs) who has lived in South Carolina for almost five years now. I am not quite as homesick I was I was before I explored your site. Thank you so much. I love and miss Tucson dearly.

Peg Price		18-Jan-2011 17:18
Oh, my. I loved YOUR walk down memory lane, Natalia! Thanks so much for sharing this with us all. You have inspired me to grab my camera with your note and see if any of these places are still there. If so, I will be posting them. Thanks again. Peg

Natalia (Ponce) Tilman		17-Jan-2011 00:24
howdy from Chino Valley, AZ wow, some of your pictures are from way back when I was growing up and going to school, and visiting many of these places... wish to look up a few of these when we go down there for a visit, I hope. missed seeing the Lyric theatre and San Jose Mission on 6th Ave and 29th St. where a Walgreen's stands now. Also, TnT Market on corner of 31st St. and 6th Ave. It's been there forever. And Gilbert's Market on 6th Ave. across from 28th St. Also, Arizona Motel closeby. What about Wakefield Jr.Hight School on 44th St. between 8th and 9th Sts.? That Chicago Store on Congress St. used to J.C.Penneys Dept. store before that. Also, there was a McClellans 5 and dime, and Woolworths across from there next to a Daniel's Jewelers and even an SH Kress somewhere around there. A Lerner's Dept store on corner of 6th Ave. and Congress where I worked one holiday eons ago! An Infilco Inc. on Campbell and ??? a Drachman and an Ochoa Elementary Schools plus a Mission View Elem. further down on SW of 6th Ave. loong time ago! Still there? thanks for memory walk, kiddo

Peg Price		12-Sep-2010 23:33
Mike, Sent you an email to clarify. I'm not sure what photo here you're referring to. You've got me curious. thanks. Peg

Mike Alvarez		12-Sep-2010 16:18
I recently noticed some faded lettering that said: Hotel Lewis. I saw the picture you have on your site. I have lived in Arizona all my life; in Tucson since 1973. I had never heard of this hotel. Is there any historical significance attached to this hotel, or was it just built, used, and then forgotten? Thanks, Mike Alvarez

Peg Price		07-Aug-2010 16:36
Great question, Wendy. I know El Charro downtown dates back to 1922 and they claim to be the oldest Mexican restaurant. Don't know of any others but perhaps the AZ Historical Society could help you. They're based downtown opposite the library. Could you post an answer here when you find it? Thanks. Peg

Wendy Antonides		06-Aug-2010 04:04
I have a question? I am trying to find out the oldest Restaurant in Tucson that is still open? My Mom has been in Tucson since 1942 and the only Restaurant we could think of is the KARICHIMAKA at 5252 S. Mission Rd., but we didn't know if there could be an older restaurant in downtown? Thank You, Wendy

Peg Price		26-Jun-2010 16:02
Thanks, David! I haven't added photos in a while but will try to get going again on exploring Tucson. It's always wonderful to hear from those who lived here and can talk about what life used to be in the Old Pueblo. Peg

david lonzo		26-Jun-2010 01:21
wow!!! great pictures ..my parents moved to tucson for my health in 1948. what i remember was my first grade at blenman elementary and the ice cold milk in a bottle with a paper lid in boxes with ice..my brother joined the tucson boys choir and always went on tour so i got the bedroom to myself for 3 months...great menories except for roskruge junior high..alice vail junior high was on double session so they bused the east side kids to this old ugly school with lots of minorities but you know what...that was the best year of my life with special friends..graduated 8th grade and was going to the new catalina high school with chimes instead of bells between classes but alas...parents moved to calif...so glad you are doing this great picture work...will follow the web site...dave lonzo

Peg Price		13-Jun-2010 12:06
Susan, if you're in Tucson perhaps a visit to the downtown historical society would hold the answer. They have a wonderful collection of resources. Here's their website:http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/ Good luck to you! Peg

Susan		12-Jun-2010 22:30
Does anyone have any info on the Tucson Transfer Co. in the early 1900's? I think my great grandmother, Anna Patrick Wakefield ran it. Any help, please. Thanks, Susan

jim		28-Apr-2010 22:36
Hidden Vallet Inn, What memories,I have, a most wonderful experence it was to go there the food was always outstanding but the amblence,is what was so striking. Every time I re visit Tucson,My mind is visiting Hidden Valley & what use to be.It's what Imeasure every western restaurant I go to by, 15 yrs. & still looking.

Peg Price		11-Nov-2009 15:21
Thank you! I've really enjoyed photographing Tucson and hope to add more photos soon. I've got more photos of the Old Pueblo at myhttp://www.PricelessDigitalImages.com site also Peg

Guest		11-Nov-2009 14:26
Thanks for your wonderful photos and historical insights! You show a love for the Old Pueblo that is truly exciting and that will benefit many who were unable to see these beautiful treasures while they were still standing! Your photos capture the essence of some of Tucson's greatest places. I will share your sight with my kids, now grown. We used to drive by "The Castle" (Pond Mansion)on our way to school in the morning....always a fascinating place and fun to read some real history. :-) Thanks!

Bobby Merritt		29-Sep-2008 00:20
A couple suggestions of historic buildings... The Pioneer building, (former hotel, a fire in the early 70's killed 28 or 29 people, including many prominent Tucsonans, also changing ushering the decay of Tucson downtown). And the Icehouse Lofts (another interesting architecural building that burned in the early 70's only to be gutted and transformed into modern industrial lofts)

Peg Price		07-Feb-2008 02:04
Hi Jeff and Ralph, Thanks for your suggestions of historic places to photograph in Tucson. I'll try to get them added to the gallery. Peg

Jeff aArest		06-Feb-2008 19:26
Really fun to see this site.I'd love to see some nature landscapes, particulary of Pusch Ridge. Jeff Arest

Ralph Taylor		05-Feb-2008 19:58
I would like to see photos of Lil' Abner's, the Elysian Market and the Capilla included. Great photos bringing back memories of the Tucson I have lived in and loved for the past 40+ years.

Peg Price		06-Jan-2008 03:38
I've got a photo of the Veterans' Affairs Medical Center in this gallery, part of the VA Hospital that Roy Place built. Is there another older Veteran's Hospital on the South Side? Thanks for your note. Peg

guest		06-Jan-2008 02:34
Great photos. Thank you for sharing. You might like to take some pictures of the Old Veteran's Hospital on the South side of Tucson, to add to your collection of great historic buildings. Last I saw it, about 15 years ago, it was still beautiful. The color of the building was great too.

Roberta		04-Nov-2007 18:00
Great photos! I was looking for photos of the Flying V ranch - if you have any or know of any older ones let me know.

Peg Price		28-Sep-2007 15:01
Thanks for your comments, Alan and Bill. It's always enjoyable to notes from those who lived here years ago. Peg

Alan in Massachusetts		28-Sep-2007 02:55
Thanks for the pictures of The Old Pueblo. I attended the U of A 1965 - 68 and now live in Massachusetts. My family and I lived in The Major Motel on the Miracle Mile in the summer of 1954. I attended a conference there last June (2006) and found it much changed. Thanks for saving these images. Good work and keep it up!

Bill Graham		23-Sep-2007 05:05
I enjoyed your photos of my hometown, Tucson. I was born at the Stork's Nest in 1934, attended Tucson Senior High when it and Amphi were the only two high schools. Graduated in 1952. When I was a teenager in Tucson, I often swam in the El Conquistador Hotel swimming pool, which was open to the public. I left Tucson in 1964 and now live in beautiful southern Oregon.

Guest		03-Sep-2007 20:43
Does anyone know the history of the 4 story hotel-like stone building behind the Radisson on East Speedway. The clueless cuties at the front desk were no help. Thanks.

Peg Price		21-Jun-2007 12:43
Thanks, Alan. I'll work on getting the Blenman School photo posted when I get back to Tucson. Peg

Alan Blenman		20-Jun-2007 00:17
Peg Price Enjoyed Pics Blenman house Charles Blenman was a cousin to my grandfather would like a pic of Blenman School Alan Blenman

Peg Price		21-May-2007 22:34
Thanks, Debby, for your kind offer. I actually did find it and photograph the front but your view sounds like it would be magnificent. I'm out of state right now but when I return, I will call. Thanks again and good luck with your sale. Peg

Debby Bonisolli		21-May-2007 15:08
Peg, Its adjacent to my condos(147)that I'm selling at 1150 N. El Dorado Place. At Speedway and Wilmot go N on Wilmot to your first right(right after M & I Bank). Go halfway around the circle and down the driveway that is lined with Italian Cypress. You can take some wonderful High View pics from one of our condos so call me at 241-0990 when you are ready and I'll meet you there. Debby

Peg Price		26-Apr-2007 21:35
Debby, I'm glad you asked about the Ponds Mansion. I actually went out looking for it one Sunday and could not find it using the available information I had. Is it still standing? And do you happen to know the address or perhaps a description of the building? I would love to photograph it and add to the gallery. Thanks for the suggestion. Peg

Debby Bonisolli		26-Apr-2007 20:38
Great Pictures.I enjoyed them all. Do you have any pictures of the old Ponds Family Mansion at the NE corner of Speedway/Wilmot

Sean Sandefur		22-Feb-2007 03:28
What a wonderful and eclectic collection of photos. I'm a lifelong Tucsonan now living in Boston and it is such a treat to see pictures of buildings that always fascinated me growing up there, but never get mentioned anywhere (the art-deco gas station on stone in particular!). The story about the Talk of the Town building is also new to me and wonderful to know. Thank you so much for doing this. I will visit your site often when I feel homesick! Sean

hecky		05-Feb-2007 17:05
nice pictures of the old pueblo. but, where are the saguaros and the painted desert scenes? :-)

Peg Price		28-Dec-2006 20:23
Thanks, Catherine. If you have any additional history you can tell us about these structures, that'd be great to read. Peg

Catherine		28-Dec-2006 00:02
Love your photos! I am a freelance architectural historian and have done a lot of research on a few of the buildings you have on the site. The photos are wonderful and only make me more excited about seeing the ones I've missed. Keep up the lovely page and keep adding to it, there's so much to see!

Peg Price		19-Dec-2006 02:31
Thanks for your note, Jack. And I hope you enjoy your stay here in Tucson. Living in Armory Park will be a nice experience! Peg

Purple Jack		18-Dec-2006 21:48
Greetings: I'm originally from the little historic town of Paarl, in the Western Cape of South Africa. I'm delighted to see your work in displaying the historic buildings. Well done. I might well be renting an historic building in Armoury Park, but the deal is not finalised yet, so... 'mum's the word' till then. BTW, both the UofA (School of Architecture) Tucson Public Library (Downtown) and, I believe, though not visited the Historical Museum on Stone, have furtrher information. Keep up the good work. I'll be back. Kindest, Happy Hols. Jack.

Ali Majdfar		13-Nov-2006 05:00
Wonderful place, thanks for sharing.

Peg Price		12-Nov-2006 16:32
Hi Jan, Thanks for your note. Yes, that Roy Place Building is the old Walgreen's. Your idea of "geo-tagging" photos to show their locations is a good one. I understand there's some early-stage software for doing this but is still a bit challenging to implement. I tried to put the address with the photos so folks could see them in person but realize navigating to them is another whole project! Peg

Jan Howard		10-Nov-2006 15:47
Was reading about the Walgreen Building in the AZ Star today and found your website looking for a photo of the building. I'm betting it is the structure titled "Roy Place Building" since he was identified as the architect. Thanks for all the great photos. I recognize many of the buildings, but many of them I've never seen. I bet it would be a lot of work, but it would be great if you ever have a chance to even put nearby major intersections with the photos so we can see these great sites in person. Thanks, again, for putting up this site. Jan H.

Peg Price		22-May-2006 23:11
Thanks, Carlos and Gretchen, I joined up...I didn't know such a dedicated group existed. I look forward to learning lots more about Old Tucson. Peg

Guest		22-May-2006 18:35
Dear Ms. Price, Came across your images while searching for old photos of Tucson. Wonderful work! We thought you might like to join our little group "Vanishing Tucson". Vanishing Tucson is a place online to discuss Tucson, past and present. We share stories and remember all those things which have made Tucson so wonderful. We'd be honored if you'd join in and share some of your thoughts and photograghs with us from time to time. go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vanishingtucson/ It takes a few minutes to sign up. This is just to keep out the spammers. Everyone is welcome. Thanks! Carlos and Gretchen

Peg Price		19-Apr-2006 05:06
Thank you, mahowel. Peg

Guest		18-Apr-2006 02:21
Wonderful gallery!!!!! You really bring out the beauty of Tuscon.

Peg Price		16-Apr-2006 21:09
Thanks, John, I hope you have a wonderful time visiting Tucson! Peg

Guest		16-Apr-2006 16:10
Thanks again for such an informative gallery. You'll smile at the thought of me dragging my long-suffering wife and daughter around the areas of Tucson which you've given me insight into. John

Peg Price		31-Mar-2006 23:01
Thank you, Franz! Peg

Franz Bauer		30-Mar-2006 19:09
I am very amazed at this variable architecture in Tuscon,great buildings and you captured it so well.Franz Bauer

Peg Price		03-Nov-2005 03:25
Thanks, John. I hope you have a wonderful visit to Tucson. If you come in the Spring you'll have the extra treat of seeing the Sonoran Desert blooming. Peg

Guest		03-Nov-2005 01:36
Wonderful - thanks so much for posting these images. We're planning a first visit to Tucson early next year, so you can imagine what a treat this has been. Thanks again. John

Peg Price		29-Aug-2005 00:07
Hi Carla, I cannot imagine how difficult that was to witness the destruction of El Conquistador. Two of the first stories I first heard about Tucson was the destruction of this hotel and the building of the El Con Shopping Center and the demolition of the Barrio. Thanks for your input on the direction the city is going. Peg

Carla King		11-Aug-2005 04:38
This is just wonderful! I grew up in Tucson and was a teen when they tore down the El Conquistador hotel, a time of total disregard, and I cried to see it demolished. I feel even worse now, seeing the arch at a gated community. With a crappy metal and glass door to boot! Thanks for this wonderful record of the bit of beauty in Tucson that still remains among the crap that has evolved there.

Ron Horloff		28-Jun-2004 02:24
A fascinating tour of Tucson. You've captured the flavor of the Old West as well as anyone. Ron

Clayton Esterson		24-May-2004 15:23
A delightful documentation of the jewels of the Old Pueblo.

Jeff Cochran		28-Apr-2004 04:11
Interesting Architecture.

Mike		20-Apr-2004 21:00
Peg, These are terrific photos. I am an architect working on the design for a building in downtown Tucson, and found this while doing my research. While I'm aware of the strong art deco influence in parts of downtown, I have yet to discover what inspired that direction, in an area so heavily influenced by Mexican, Spanish and mission styles. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderfully composed photographs! Mike

orson		16-Apr-2004 03:12
Peg, What a pleasure to see your Tucson images! To the best of my knowledge there are no comparable photos on the internet. A friend today recommended your site. Earlier this month I had gone through the entire directory of Google images looking for Tucson photos. You see I have been photographing Tucson since 1967, both in stills and film. No other contemporary photog has been that interested in the subject, particularly what remains of the historic past. Only the late Jack Shaeffer showed much of an interest, and he was more of a hard nosed photojournalist than historian. His archive is at the Arizona Historical Society where, I note, you shot Geronimo's binoculars. I would like to communicate with you directly, instead of this forum. Again my e-mail is orson85@msn.com I have two final comments. Your captions are excellent. I thirst for additional info on the structures. While not a criticism, it would have been more dramatic if you had taken the shots in the early morning or late afternoon. I am particularly fond of those late afternoon golden tones, especially as they play off adobe or wooden structures. I am off to write about your ghost town gallery.

Peg Price		19-Nov-2003 20:04
Thanks, Malcolm. You're absolutely right about the skewed look and keystoning. Maybe I'll take a few and work with them to see if they can be straightened up a bit. I appreciate you comments and suggestions. Peg

malcolm		19-Nov-2003 15:13
Hi Peg, I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. The colours and composition are great. I think a few of the shots would present themselves better if objects like doors and walls were a little less skewed (IMHO). Very nice.

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