Visiting the Past

Unlike some of you who moved around when you were growing up, I spent my childhood in the same house, a tract home in Phoenix on 22nd Avenue between Bethany Home Rd and Camelback Rd. My younger brother bought the house from my stepmother and lives with

his wife in the home where I grew up.

The area is not a tourist attraction, although 300 Bowl (now called Bowlero Christown) with its triangular roofs is an example of mid-century modern architecture. “It’s about stepping into a time capsule” says one review of the bowling alley. Also, Frank's Market and Deli (according to Yelp) is the best sandwich shop in the state. When I was growing up it was called Casa Blanca Market and was the place where I bought jaw breaker candy.

My elementary school, where I spent eight years of my life, is just north of Frank's Market. When I attended the school, it was named R.E. Simpson in honor of a School Superintendent. Today it is called Choice Learning Academy.

A half a mile west of the house I grew up in is Christown Mall. When I was ten in 1961, I rode my bike over and watched the grand opening. Chris Harris had the last farm in the area and refused for years to sell to developers until they agreed to name the mall after him.

When I stop by the Phoenix house what I find most emotionally satisfying is the view – to the east is Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. The profiles of these mountains have not changed, and I find that comforting.

I have the same feeling of comfort looking at Thumb Butte – it looks the same as it did when I visited Prescott as a child with my family to escape the heat of Phoenix. I suggest the town change its motto from “Prescott: Everybody's Hometown,” to “Prescott: Not as Hot as Phoenix.”

It is wonderful to travel, to explore the world, to meet people from different cultures, to learn and experience different smells and tastes. Still, during my childhood certain places were imprinted in my brain. I enjoy seeing them again.

Of course, it is a mistake to live primarily in the past when there is so much beauty, creativity and love all around us in the present. Nevertheless, the past is part of who we are, a powerful force inside us. It is good to look ahead, and to plan. But as we travel into the

future, it helps to bring some baggage from the past, or else we might be too light to land.