My brother Bill drove me to Safford and back, and assisted me to move books and my computer and get things set, up and taken down. He also assisted with greeting people as they came into the museum, joined in discussions among the visitors, took a few pictures, and generally did whatever he could to make things move smoothly. We had a great time reminiscing, discussing the scenery and “solving the world’s problems” as we travelled and rested at the hotel in Thatcher.
Bill and I arrived in Pima early so we could get things ready and tour the Museum. Edres Barney the Museum Curator and President of the Historical Society had the Museum open and ready for visitors and had provided a nice selection of cookies for
refreshments. We enjoyed looking at the collections that include some fine artifacts of the Hohokam and earlier cultures, as well as antique and modern Apache relics and crafts, mineral samples, pioneer tools, house wares, clothing, furniture, and artwork, a nice collection of antique guns, a large weaving loom, many period photos, plus a nice collection of research materials. I highly recommend a visit when you are in the Safford-Pima area.
The signing lasted three hours and we had people there continuously. I enjoyed getting to meet people that have read my book, as well as those who came to get the book. It was fun to chat with them and gratifying to learn what they liked about my
story.
Several descendents of the men arrested and tried for the Wham robbery came, and it turned out they weren't there to lynch me, but to buy the book. Guests included a good friend I had known in Globe, Karen Griffin, who was essential to getting me in contact with the right people to arrange the signing. We also talked to many people that are related to my wife, whose family was among the early settlers of the Valley. I also enjoyed seeing another Miamian, Colleen (Palmer) Maxwell, who was a high school friend of my sister; Colleen’s mother and father, Glen and Clara, where old friends.
My son Keith and his wife and kids came by, and got lunch for us. Keith stayed for most of the afternoon introducing people to me and chatting with his friends as they waited for a signed book or visited the museum. He introduced me to the reporter from the Courier, Jennifer Griffith, who married a friend of ours from Kearney, and she did an interview for a story to appear in this week’s paper.
Then there was the Pima hangout for my book's characters, the Taylor Freeze. The owner Sheryl Goodman bought a copy of the book, and I bought green chili burros to take home to my loved ones. Lois and I thoroughly enjoyed them, as much as
we expected.
My thanks to Edres Barney, Karen Griffin, Bill, Keith, Marlin Whetten, and Jennifer Griffith for all their help and publicity. Mrs. Barney was very kind to accommodate me, worked hard to make the signing a success. And finally, thanks to all who came to the signing, and to all who bought the book!
Photos of the events are posted on the Photos Page.