History

Maricopa's Historical California Zephyr Silver Horizon observation car

"It has been years now since anyone has ridden into town on a rail aboard the Zephyr. Since being decommissioned more than 35 years ago, the Maricopa landmark has had a bit part in a major motion picture, been altered to serve as a train depot and ticket station, been an awkward, tattered attraction and more recently sat forlorn awaiting transformation on land donated to the city by John and Mary Lou Smith near Maricopa’s former swimming pool, next to the city’s new museum.

Now a septuagenarian, the Zephyr is about to get new life showing off Maricopa’s railroad history."

Maricopa Historical Society debuts Black History exhibit Saturday.

"The Maricopa Historical Society will debut a presentation featuring prominent Black figures since the city’s establishment in 2003 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The public is invited to view the 20-minute video presentation, accompanied by live jazz and gospel music at the museum, 44240 Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy.

The idea originated from Paul Shirk and Jim Irving while enjoying coffee on the library porch. However, it took months of planning, research and meetings with local community members to pull it together."

“Maricopa has a rich tapestry of people and a beautiful blend of residents that make us wealthy at heart,” Chrystal O’Jon said.

This April 2023 article from InMaricopa Magazine documents a team effort that "recognized the significance of sharing Black history with Maricopa." This was a very successful project that was well executed and enjoyed.

inFOCUS: Maricopa woman lived through Holocaust, World War II

Church gives new life to powerful InMaricopa story.

"Maricopa Church of Celebration hosted a viewing of an evocative InMaricopa interview with Holocaust survivor Lea Stockhammer this morning.

Dozens of locals filled a lecture room in the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center.

The 34-minute interview InMaricopa first published last year expanded on Stockhammer’s experience as a 5-year-old Jewish child in Yugoslavia during World War II."

"We have the opportunity to remember that the stories we read in the pages of our history books happened to real people,” Gores said. “Their stories and their experiences need to carried on … so that we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.”

InMaricopa reporter, Monica Spencer, reports on this event in her July 20, 2023, article on this event.

Editor: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

"Last month, I learned a Holocaust survivor was living in our midst here in Maricopa. (Read story here.)

Lea Stockhammer resides in Province, but she’s lived through more history than a library full of books.

There are so many lessons to learn from a woman who has lived such an eventful life, especially during the times in which we now find ourselves."

"There’s a wise saying: Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Lea is one of the few people on this earth who have lived long enough and has the life experiences to understand the truth that rings out in those words."

On August 6th, 2022, InMaricopa Magazine Editor Justin Griffin introduced the article that he had written on holocaust survivor Lea Stockhammer who lives here in Maricopa with his opening remarks from the editor. This interview had a profound affect on him and those of us who read the article. Check out Justin's feelings on this interview.