Specters of the Past –Ghost Towns That Built Arizona with Jay Mark

In addition to an entertaining, visual display of the communities, towns and settlements that contributed to the early growth of the state, this presentation also focuses on respect for these diminishing historic resources. Most of the photographs represent a comprehensive exploration of Arizona ghost towns made by Mr. Mark in the 1960’s and 1970’s. This occurred just prior to a major period of incursion and destruction by off-road and all-terrain vehicles. Many sites are no longer extant or have been seriously degraded since, over the last fifty of sixty years. This presentation emphasizes the need to respect these valuable, but fragile and vulnerable resources. Most are on public land with little or no protection afforded. From Mr. Mark’s personal library of nearly one thousand photographs of nearly three dozen ghost towns, the presentation features ghost towns from the area in which it is made.

This program is cohosted by Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce – McFarland State Historic Park. This is an in-person event.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

A recipient of the Arizona Historical Society Al Merito award, Jay Mark, a resident of Arizona for more 50 years, brings a lifetime of experience and knowledge to his lively, casual and engaging presentations. He is a writer of more than 800 articles about local and Arizona history. Frequently invited to speak to a variety of groups, he has also taught, since 1984, popular continuing education classes in the Maricopa Community College District. He is regularly invited to share his expertise as a guest lecturer at ASU. Awards like the SHPO/APF Governor’s Heritage Preservation award have recognized his expertise.