Phoenix West Valley Online

Bob Schulke, shared his rich experiences as a pioneer farmer and rancher, detailing early 20th-century farming practices, cattle and dairy farming, and the impact of natural disasters. He also recounted his World War II experiences in the Navy, his post-war life as a farmer, the development of his ranch into a residential area, and community development in Coldwater Springs.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Bob, a small gift, a push to distribute more invitations for the anniversary dinner, and the announcement of an evening meeting for those unable to attend the afternoon sessions. Action items included confirming dinner reservations, prices, distributing invitations, and planning the evening meeting

• Fifth Celebration Dinner(00:01-00:50)
• Guest Speaker Introduction(00:53-01:13
• Early Farming Stories(01:18-06:11)
• Cattle and Dairy Farming(06:45-14:32)
• World War II Experiences(14:48-18:50)
• Post-War Life and Development(18:50-26:11)
• Community and Development(27:16-33:00
• Closing Remarks and Announcements(33:35-35:07)

Link to the transcript of the full presentation in DOCX format

The meeting, held on August 14, 2008, gathered Pete Deery, Lenore Semmler, Ed von Vecchio, and Gloria King to discuss Pete’s extensive history and contributions at the Navy air station in Goodyear. Pete served in the Navy for six years, stationed in the South Pacific and later at the Litchfield Naval Air Facility, significantly impacting the city, including through civic leadership roles.

He detailed his personal timeline, arriving in Goodyear in 1945, and living there for 62 years, noting his deep involvement in the community and the Lutheran church. Post-Navy, Pete worked on airplane preservation, pioneered techniques, and faced challenges such as theft issues which involved the FBI.

The meeting also covered Pete’s roles at the air station, daily operations, workforce dynamics, and the need to scan and preserve historical photographs and other memorabilia discussed. Action items include scanning Pete’s photo collection and locating a specific historical photograph from the base’s closure.

• Introduction and Background(00:03-01:21)
• Navy Service and Contributions(01:04-02:05)
• Timeline and Personal History(02:07-03:30)
• Community and Church Involvement(03:51 -05:21)
• Post-Navy Career and Airplane Preservation(05:49-07:04)
• Security and Theft Issues(07:36-09:03)
• Photographs and Memories(16:00-18:12
• Airplane Operations and Incidents(22:35-24:50)
• Workforce and Job Roles(26:27-28:53)
• Daily Operations and Challenges(31:02-36:33)

Link to the full transcript of the interview in DOCX format

The presentation began with an introduction of the guest speaker, Mike Ketchum, covering his family history, childhood, and career anecdotes. Mike then discussed his early life in Goodyear during the 1950s, highlighting the small-town atmosphere and community dynamics. He elaborated on the community’s growth, mentioning the development of AJ Bayless in 1958.

Mike also spoke about his education, career in insurance, and eventual return to Goodyear where he raised his family. His role in the Planning and Zoning Commission was significant in navigating Goodyear’s transformation from a small town to a large city, addressing the challenges and opportunities in city planning. Mike acknowledged the influence of key figures like Charlie Keating and John Ogden, as well as the contributions of city managers such as Ernie Kleinschmidt to the city’s growth. The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, where questions about Mike’s family history, the impact of developers, and reflections on Goodyear’s future were discussed.

• Introduction of Guest Speaker(00:00-03:19)
• Mike Ketchum’s Early Life and Community Involvement(03:30-10:06)
• Community Growth and Development(10:07-17:24)
• Education and Career(17:25-28:36)
• City Planning and Development(28:37-37:33
• Visionaries and Key Figures(37:34-45:48)
• Q&A Session(45:49 -54:44)

Link to the full transcript of the presentation in DOCX format

The presentation began with an introduction to Arizona Machinery and its leadership since 1947, highlighting Doctor Farence Rostelski’s community contributions and the company’s educational support. Tom Rostelski provided a historical overview of the business, discussing key figures like Fred Elder and the formation of the company post-World War II.

The presentation detailed global and local challenges faced by John Deere and Caterpillar during the 1930s, the impact of WWII, andpost-war developments. Significant technological advancements, particularly in agricultural machinery, were reviewed, including mechanical cotton harvesting and John Deere’s tractor technology from the 1960s. The company’s growth, community involvement, and the implementation of preventive maintenance programs were discussed, along with economic challenges and diversification efforts in the 1980s and beyond.

Lastly, personal stories, especially Ferenc Rostelski’s escape from Hungary, and the involvement of family members in the business were shared, with actions items addressed at the end

• Introduction and Company Background(00:00-02:22)
• Historical Overview(02:23-11:04)
• Global and Local Challenges(11:05-17:57)
• Technological Advancements(17:58-27:17)
• Company Growth and Community Involvement(27:18-36:53)
• Economic Challenges and Diversification(36:54-44:50)
• Family and Personal Stories(44:51-56:02

Link to full transcript of the presentation in DOCX format

Col. Richard Toliver provided a comprehensive overview of the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy, beginning with an introduction and acknowledgment of the importance of history and heritage. He discussed the Tuskegee Airmen’s significant contributions, including their impact on military desegregation and civil rights, supported by a showing of the Red Tails movie trailer. Historical context was provided, highlighting African American contributions in various wars, and personal connections to the Tuskegee Airmen were shared. Women’s roles within the Tuskegee Airmen history were acknowledged, as well as the establishment and outreach activities of the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter.

The significance of the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Arizona was discussed, along with collaborative efforts between the Tuskegee Airmen and Chinese Canadians. Emphasizing overcoming racial oppression through love and faith, the meeting concluded with a Q&A session where personal experiences and mission stories, particularly from the Vietnam War, were shared.

• Introduction and Personal Connections(00:01-01:14)
• Tuskegee Airmen and Their Legacy(01:14-05:04
• Historical Context and Contributions(05:04-09:13)
• Women in the Tuskegee Airmen Story(24:06-25:04)
• Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter(32:42-34:45)
• Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day(34:45-35:45)
• Collaboration with Chinese Canadians(35:45-37:21)
• Overcoming Racial Oppression(45:53-47:07)
• Audience Q&A(47:07 -51:09)

Link to the full transcript of presentation in DOCX format