The decoration on this bridge over one of our many canals is designed to introduce the driver to Sunnyslope, a village within Phoenix on the north side of town. I recently heard a story on our local NPR radio station about how Sunnyslope used to be a community of people who came to Arizona for their health. A little more than a century ago, people were coming to Arizona for the hot dry climate, thought to be good for people with tuberculosis. Many of the people who came here were poor and couldn't afford medical care at home so they came here to see if the climate would help. Because of a need to help these people, the Desert Mission was founded and later the John C. Lincoln Hospital. The city of Phoenix annexed the area in 1959 but many people who have lived there since the beginning still refer to it as Sunnyslope.
Interesting history, and I love the bridge adornments!
ReplyDeleteYes, interesting history.
ReplyDeleteThe decorations on the bridge look like two big torches, aren't they?
So are the canals anything like we have here?
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting information.
ReplyDeleteLooks really interesting. Will google it for more info.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
I thought they were Olympic torches! I like the name Sunnyslope, sounds like it would be a nice neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThat was a good history lesson! I wonder how many people got better from just the climate.
ReplyDeleteI do know that's why Doc Holliday came to Arizona.
ReplyDeleteI do like the bridge decor!
I seem to remember that's one of the main reasons we went out to Africa when we were so young.. my elder sister had asthma and a hot dry climate was advised.. A dramatic entrance to 'Sunnyslope' here Sharon.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised to hear that you have a lot of canals, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteThose are nice sculptures. I've never seen them (in person).
ReplyDeleteI have always heard of how people used to go Arizona for health reasons. The scenery alone would make me feel better!
ReplyDeleteYes I heard about this fact because of the very reason why Boyce Gulley came to town and later built the Mystery Castle.
ReplyDeleteA nice invitation to enter Sunnyslope.
I have heard the history of many Minnesotans who moved to Arizona during that time period. Interesting sculptures.
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