1938 WPA Administration Building Saved from Demolition in Phoenix

1938 WPA Administration Building Saved from Demolition in Phoenix
After facing a gantlet of criticism over its attempt to raze a historic Depression-era building, the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board voted Tuesday to shelve the demolition plans for now. State Fair Deputy Director Wanell Costello said the agency, which had rebuffed previous efforts to save the structure, is now “looking for creative solutions not to tear it down.” State Fair officials will meet with city and state leaders to examine alternative uses. http://bit.ly/1qGjeLa – Arizona Republic

Economic Impacts of National Parks: Arizona
Arizona’s national parks brought in more than $700 million in economic impact last year, reports KPHO-TV Channel 5. According to a government report released late last week, more than 10 million people visited Arizona’s 20 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, pumping millions of dollars into nearby communities and businesses. http://bit.ly/1tQfBQh

Economic Impacts of National Parks: New Mexico
A new report shows visitors and spending were up last year in national parks across New Mexico. The analysis released Friday by the National Park Service shows more than 1.5 million people visited the state’s 13 national parks in 2013, spending $83.2 million and supporting 1,136 jobs in the state.
http://bit.ly/1tdmHRi – The Republic

Economic Impacts of National Parks: Utah
Gateway communities at Utah’s national parks and monuments reap the economic benefits of visitors who spent $596 million last year in lodging, food, trinkets and admission fees. A new report shows that overall, 9 million visitors helped to support 9,070 jobs that fueled $287 million in labor income for the Beehive State. The report, released Tuesday by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service, examined economic trends associated with visits to national parks and monuments across the country. http://bit.ly/1rVc1Eg – KSL.Com

The Story of an Unrepentant Collector Highlights How Gaps in Preservation Practice Remain a Threat to Places of the Past
Norman Starks, the anti-hero of Owens Valley, greeted a stranger at his door with something like a defiant haiku. “Fifty-three Neanderthals,” he sputtered. “Twelve hours.” “I beat ’em twice.” Starks stood on his decrepit porch surrounded by relics of a Native American civilization that once flourished in this valley. His home and yard were strewn with hundreds of prehistoric cutting tools, granite bowls, beads, rock etchings, arrowheads and grinding stones. http://lat.ms/1xkyGKy – LA Times

Saturday, August 2: Suvoyuki Day at Homol’ovi State Park
“Suvoyuki” translated in the Hopi language means to accomplish work through at “joint effort.” Suvoyuki Days start with an open house day at Homolovi State Park that celebrates the partners who have helped to protect and save Homol’ovi area archaeological and cultural sites from destruction. The event features corn roasting, archaeological information, and artist demonstrations. Hopi Tribal leaders and Arizona State Parks staff have been collaborating for years to create a new model for park management and tourism to traditional Hopi lands which will preserve and protect the sacred culture, while offering special cultural tour opportunities for the public. http://bit.ly/1q4EAge – Arizona State Parks

Lecture Opportunity – Winslow
The Homolovi Chapter of AAS (Arizona Archaeological Society) is pleased to present presentations about the recent Suvoyuki Days at Homolovi State Park and the Pecos Conference, by Ken Evans and Dennis Roshay, respectively, on Wednesday, 13 August, at 7 p.m. at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (Historic Lorenzo Hubbell Trading Post), 523 W. Second St, Winslow, AZ, presenting rock art and related videos. For question or further information, call Sky Roshay at 928-536-3307.  You can also join us for dinner at 5 p.m. at the Historic La Posada Turquoise Room (on your own tab).

Thanks to Brian Kreimendahl and Sky Roshay for contributions to this week’s newsletter.