

Shady Women and "Respectability"
in Territorial Arizona
Ann Hibner Koblitz

There is no doubt that the social position of the “soiled doves” in Arizona has changed from territorial days. Although they were never considered to be among the respectable part of society, their activities were not illegal, as they are today, and they were often lucrative. But even then, they were usually relegated to the fringes of society, both physically and socially.
This area of study presents many problems. The first problem is the many names for its practitioners. In doing research, terms such as cyprian, deminondaine, frail fair, and many other euphemisms are encountered. Another problem is deciding who should be included as a practitioner. Obviously, a full time worker at a brothel would be. But, should a lady who engages in a tryst and takes a present also be considered? Another problem is evaluating the dangers they faced from their life style. Many died from Tuberculosis, alcoholism, drug addiction, sexually transmitted diseases, and even suicide. However, these were also major causes of death for the general population of territorial Arizona.
Despite these research problems, Dr. Koblitz gave a comprehensive depiction of the life of these women, and their treatment by the territorial community. The presentation was enlivened by many examples from contemporary literature. The standing room only audience was highly appreciative and had many questions following the talk.
Luncheon Talk -
The Great Depression took a toll on the entire nation, and in many cases was especially hard on the women. They struggled to hold their families together when food, clothing and even basic amenities were in short supply.
When the depression hit rural Arizona, the price of cattle and crops plummeted. Women were forced to aid the family by gardening to put food on the table, selling milk and butter, and raising chickens to sell the eggs and fryers. Others tried less traditional ways to earn money, taking in children boarders and running guest ranches. The men often had to leave the ranches to find work, leaving the women at home. Now, in addition to running the household and raising the children, they had to handle the ranch chores.
The wives of the migrant workers and displaced farmers who came to Arizona endured tremendous hardships. Not only did they had to work in the fields to supplement the family income, they had to endure primitive housing, unsanitary conditions and an almost total lack of amenities.
The New Deal programs were mainly designed to help the men. Some helped the women by addressing the problems of the migrant workers’ families, but only a few actually put women to work. The WPA employed the most women. It hired women seamstresses, writers, and in one case, used women to teach traditional Indian crafts.
Depression women coped with an almost impossible situation, helped to earn money, held the family together and somehow found the strength to endure and survive.
Making Do With Less
Women in the Great Depression
Dr. Mary Melcher
Luncheon Talk -
The overland diaries of 19th century westering women are revealing-
The journeys were in three different phases. The first, and maybe most difficult
was just after the Mexican war when the trails were little known, and often calamitous
routes were takeen. This is best illustrated by the ill fated Donner-
The presentation was illustrated and included many journal entries and letters written by these women which graphically illustrated their trek west. The “standing room only” audience enjoyed and appreciated the talk.
Westering women had specific duties. They began the day by collecting fuel, starting a fire, cooking breakfast and then cleaning and packing the dishes. After walking for three or four hours, they repeated the food preparation, walked another three or four hours, and did it all again. In addition, they washed clothes when water was available, took care of their children, and tended the sick. It was not uncommon for a large number of the women in the wagon train to be pregnant, and child births were common along the trail.

Luncheon Talk -
In Their Own Words:
Diaries of 19th Century Women
Reba Wells Grandrud




Monti’s La Casa Vieja
May 3, 2008
The changes to the By-
Next years officers were elected. Serving next year will be:
President -
Vice President -
Secretary -
Corr. Secretary -
Webmaster -
Past President -
Director -
Director -
Director -
Director -
Michael Monti spoke about the past, present, and future of Monti’s La Casa Vieja. The original building was begun by Charles Hayden in 1871. In 1924 the Hayden sisters began the first renovation of the “Old House” In 1943 it became a restaurant operated by Lucille and Eugene Paine. Leonard Monti bought the restaurant in 1954, and it became Monti’s La Casa Vieja Restaurant. Additions were began in 1969 with the Mill Room and new kitchen. In 1979, the south side addition was completed, giving the restaurant over 23,000 feet of floor space.
The historic importance of the building was recognized when it was placed on the
National
Register of Historic Places in 1984 and listed as “Tempe Historic Property
Number 11” in 2008.
Monti’s La Casa Vieja has been a Tempe institution and landmark for over 50 years,
but conditions in Tempe are forcing changes. The numerous events conducted in the
city with the subsequent road closures, the restricted traffic on Mill Avenue, and
the rise of major competition with easy freeway access have made Monti’s La Casa
Vieja less a “travel to” restaurant, and a more local eating establishment. To meet
the new conditions, the excess capacity of the restaurant will be eliminated by
the removal of the non-
The Tempe Historical Society wishes to thank Alex Karam & Mike Malpiedi for providing music during the luncheon.
