PHOENIX (AP) - Sunday, June 3
On this date in 1901, Richard McCormick, first territorial secretary and second territorial governor of Arizona, died.
On this date in 1913, stockholders of the African Land and Irrigation Co. decided to construct a two-story building in Tucson as headquarters for the organization of Southern Arizona Negros.
On this date in 1936, a convict at Florence State Prison attempted to make his escape and elude prison bloodhounds by swimming 16 miles (26 kilometers) through irrigation canals to Picacho Lake, towing his lunch in a gallon milk pail.
On this day in 1996, record temperatures were reported in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff and Willcox. The mercury in Phoenix hit 111, just one degree hotter than the record for June 3, which was set in 1987 and tied in 1990. The temperature at Tucson International Airport reached 107 degrees, tying a 1990 record. Flagstaff hit 86 degrees, matching a record set in 1988, and in Willcox, the mercury rose to 102 degrees, the hottest for a June 3 since 1956.
Monday, June 4
On this date in 1871, Gen. George Crook assumed command of the Department of Arizona.
On this date in 1879, public disapproval halted the scheduled first drawing of the Territorial Lottery. Proceeds were intended to support public schools, but the idea was scrapped.
On this date in 1928, several thousand dollars in loss occurred at Elgin, when the hotel there was destroyed by fire.
Tuesday, June 5
On this date in 1871, Armijo, one of the principal chiefs of the Navajo Nation died.
On this date in 1928, bids were opened for the construction of the North Rim Road of the Grand Canyon.
On this date in 1928, Northern Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff graduated the largest class in its history as President Grady Gammage presented 81 certificates.
On this date in 1996, Winslow’s temperature hit 100 degrees, breaking the record of 96 for the day set back in 1957.
Wednesday, June 6
On this date in 1851, Camp Independence was established on the east bank of the Colorado River near its junction with the Gila River under the command of Lt. Thomas W. Sweeny. Camp Independence was replaced by Fort Yuma in December, 1851.
On this date in 1903, Gov. Alexander Brodie ordered the Arizona Rangers to Morenci and Clifton where miners were striking.
On this date in 1933, the first concrete was poured at Hoover Dam.
On this date in 1936, the first barrel of tequila made in the United States was produced at the San Andres distillery in Nogales.
Thursday, June 7
On this date in 1890, the mine fuel tanks at Pearce exploded, destroying the 50 stamp mill and setting part of the town on fire.
On this date in 1896, a Congressional Act provided that the portion of the White Mountain Reservation south of the Salt River was to compose the San Carlos Reservation, while the portion north of the Salt was to be now as Fort Apache.
On this date in 1928, three men drowned at Lee’s Ferry when the ferry boat turned over in mid-stream.
Friday, June 8
On this date in 1874, the Apache chief Cochise died in his stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains.
On this date in 1927, State Teacher’s College at Tempe, now Arizona State University, gave its first Bachelor of Education degrees to 13 graduates.
On this date in 1928, the Navajo County sheriff raided the Holbrook City Hall and confiscated 65 gallons (246 liters) of bootleg whiskey in 13 kegs that were hidden under the floor boards.
On this date in 1928, Arthur H. Elliott, who staked out a homestead in 1881 on what was to become the town site of Casa Grande and who became the editor and publisher of the first newspaper in Casa Grande, died.
On this date in 1928, the city of Flagstaff dedicated it’s new airfield, Koch Field, with an aerial circus and banquet.
Saturday June 9
On this date in 1894, the town of Globe was destroyed by fire.
On this date in 1901, the first spike was driven on the Narrow Gauge Railroad of the Greene Consolidated Copper Co. from Naco to the mines in Cananea.
On this date in 1904, a fire of incendiary origin in Nogales destroyed the Southern Pacific Station, U.S. Customs building, Wells Fargo Depot and several freight cars.
On this date in 1932, after an absence of 104 years, the Franciscan Order again occupied residence quarters in San Xavier Mission.
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