Things you did if you grew up in Tucson in the 1960s
Do you remember...
Catching a movie at Cine El Dorado
Cine El Dorado at 5909 E. Broadway Road, across from Park Mall, on opening night, June 14, 1967. The first film shown was "El Dorado," starring John Wayne (and filmed at Old Tucson). The theater boasted it was the only one equipped to show all types of films, including wide screen, Cinemascope and Vista Vision. It had 724 seats. It was expanded in 1975 for a second screen. In 1986, new theater owner Cineplex Odeon announced plans to increase the number of its movie screens in Tucson from seven to 21. As part of that expansion, the twinplex El Dorado Theatre at 5909 E. Broadway was torn down and on March 3, 1988, a new sixplex was under construction on the site. In 2002, the theater was closed and the building converted into a Linens 'n' Things. It's now a Peter Piper Pizza.
Witnessing the opening of the Broadway underpass
A grand celebration was had when the underpass first opened in 1963.
Seeing the aftermath of a jet crashing into Food Giant on South Alvernon
Helped by firemen, Bill Sharp, President of the Food Giant chain, walks through the ruins of his store at 1830 S. Alvernon Way. Sharp, who helped found the chain in 1956, spent most of the night at the scene of the plane crash.
Getting stuck in traffic waiting for a train on East 22nd
In 1962, traffic tie-ups like this one are repeated several times at day on 22nd Street near the Southern Pacific switching yards.
Enjoying the Cleveland Indians play ball during spring training in Tucson
Tucson was a Cleveland Indians town for 46 Cactus League seasons, as this 1966 photograph of a game at Hi Corbett Field illustrates.
Going with mom and dad to watch the horses race
Snow across the Santa Catalina Mountains as the horses run at Rillito Park in January, 1960.
Ice skating at the Iceland rink on East Speedway
Ray Armstrong gives Patricia Dunn a helping hand at Iceland, 5915 E. Speedway Blvd.
Celebrating your birthday party at Kiddyland amusement park
A birthday appears to be underway at Kiddyland, 3943 E Speedway near Alvernon on Dec 1962. In the era before television Sam and Ruth Cohen opened Kiddyland in 1949 and operated the playland for children until 1958. They had a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, train, cars on two-and-a-half acres. By 1962, Luverne Hicks took over the operation and had 10 mechanical rides and for a flat rate of $11.85 a birthday party of eight could be entertained with cake, ice cream, party favors, and eight rides apiece. At the time of the 1962 article, Hicks had hoped to move the operation to what was then, Randolph Park. Apparently, it did not work out.
Participating in Las Posadas downtown
People sing during Las Posadas procession downtown in December, 1964.
Watching Grant Road Lumber burn down in 1968
Tucson firefighters work to protect the main building as the lumber storage burns during a fire at Grant Road Lumber on May 14, 1968.
Waiting in line to ride the Magic Carpet Slide on Alvernon
Magic Carpet Slide on Alvernon Way south of 22nd Street in September, 1968.
Finally sliding down the Magic Carpet slides
Magic Carpet Slide on Alvernon Way south of 22nd Street in September, 1968.
Watching the Tucson Rodeo Parade when it was still downtown
Mariachis march in the 1962 Tucson Rodeo Parade in downtown Tucson.
Attending the Pima County Fair
A pie-eating contest, ca. 1964, officiated by Happy the Clown at the Pima County Fair.
Visiting Sears' second location when it first opened in 1965
Tucson's second Sears store at 5950 E. Broadway, a day before opening on Sept. 1, 1965. The property is now Park Place.
Hitting the SS Kresge store for clothes
The new S.S. Kresge Store at the Oxford Plaza Shopping Center on East 22nd Street near South Wilmot Road was one of several new businesses in the area in October 1961. Kresge was a precursor to Kmart.
Walking past the Pioneer Hotel downtown
An image of the Pioneer Hotel, which dominated the corner of Stone Avenue and Pennington Street for more than three decades. This shot was taken in 1963.
Hearing about a tornado devastating the community around San Xavier
People walk by a damaged building after a tornado touched down near San Xavier del Bac on the Tohono O'Odham reservation on Aug. 27, 1964. The twister killed a mother and child.
Attending Winterhaven with your family
Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson in December, 1966.