Oro Valley

Located on ancient land between the Tortolita and Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, the town of Oro Valley is very much a newcomer, having officially incorporated in 1974. But its earliest families date back to 1100, when the Hohokam established villages in the area. In the 1800s, hardy pioneers used the abundant waters of the nearby Canada del Oro to establish cattle ranches, while the early 1900s brought health seekers to ranch or establish other business endeavors. In the 20th century, the Canada del Oro dried up, forcing many residents to move. But others remained and fought to keep their community from being absorbed by a booming Tucson. They were successful, and today the growing Oro Valley boasts a fascinating history, thriving technology sector, emerging arts scene, and all the comforts of modern living.

Running west to east along the northern boundary of Tucson is a corridor. of unique and inspiring communities. In Legendary Locals of Marana, Oro Valley, and Catalina, readers will discover the historical riches, courage, and determination of the Western spirit that shaped the state and the country. George Pusch was a member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature that guided Arizona from territory to statehood. Sam Chu, a Chinese immigrant, turned barren land into one of the most productive cotton farms in America. Sheriff John Nelson helped establish Arizonas reputation as cattle country. Under the guidance of Dick Eggerding, the public arts program made Oro Valley one of the best small towns in America. Americas talented athletes have called the corridor home, including Hank Leiber, 1930s baseball star; Maren Seidler, Olympic shot-putter; and Sherry Cervi, barrel racing champion. In these communities, charity work, artistic talent, and military courage are found in abundance. If people make history, then the corridor is a treasure trove of the countrys past and future.

How was the Town of Oro Valley created? How has it changed in fifty years? Oro Valley is a remarkable desert suburb that has grown in population and size since incorporation in 1974. This book describes efforts to incorporate the municipality, the early years of the town, and recent events. The book focuses on community growth, conflicts, and changes in Oro Valley from its founding to the present.

In Legendary locals of Marana, Oro Valley, and Catalina, readers will discover the historical riches, courage, and determination of the western spirit that shaped the state and the country.

What was it like to live in Oro Valley in 1900? 1940? This detailed book takes the reader into the lives of early settlers, homesteaders and ranchers when Oro Valley was an open and desolate, desert area. Claiming the Desert describes the settlers' world of simple adobe homes, kerosene lamps, rough roads and difficult lives. Learn how they claimed the land, established schools and roads, grew citrus and raised cattle. Discover what everyday life was like on the homestead, and the special issues faced by women and Hispanic settlers. This book includes a profile of each original homesteader in the Oro Valley area.

Emerging from the vivid landscape of California's Central Valley, architect Maria Ogrydziak's iconic, light-filled houses reflect a region where growth abounds, rich soil runs deep, and blue sky goes on and on. She designs for a new California dream, outside the hustle of the big cities, far from the deep turquoise of the Pacific. Framing the Valley follows eight case study houses where everyday people find extraordinary lives through architecture. Written in an approachable style by Maria, it is full of design wisdom from over 40 years of 400 built projects. Projects include Art Barn, a steel horse barn transformed into an art gallery, overlooking picturesque fields dotted with California poppies; Flight house, a budget-friendly remote-work homestead just outside town; two remodels of California's classic ranch-style and mid-century modern tract homes; and a 15,000-square-foot luxury homestead clad completely in iridescent glass.