-
Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company
Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company buy land intending to raise cotton. Goodyear establishes a company compound for its employees, later known as Marinette. -
Marinette Ranch
The land, now known as Marinette Ranch is sold to J.G. Boswell Company.
Cotton is grown into the ‘50’s at which time the industry dwindles, and very little is left of the town that once had a population of 150. -
Period: to
1958
Jan. 1: Youngtown, the first master-planned community devoted exclusively to retirees, is incorporated and becomes the first city occupied solely by senior citizens.
Thomas E. Breen, director of housing and development in the Del E. Webb Construction Company's Phoenix headquarters, has begun researching the feasibility of adding retirement communities to the company's construction profile. -
Oldest Building in Sun City
A 10’x10’ room was added to the museum in the 1990s. It is the oldest structure in Sun City, having originally served as an information & sales office along Grand Ave. when construction of Sun City began in 1959.
More can be learned about this room from a display panel located on the rooms exterior wall at the museum. -
Period: to
1959
The Webb Construction Company purchases three parcels from the J.G. Boswell Company, totaling 20,000 acres, including the former Marinette Ranch, and forms a 51/49 percent joint venture with Boswell. -
Adult Community Named?
Mid-summer of 1959 a land purchase agreement signed. Construction started soon after, but what should the new community be called? -
Grand Shopping Center
Grand Shopping Center was Sun City’s first shopping center and home to the community’s first grocery store. -
Sun City, Arizona Grand Opening
Sun City debut January 1st with 9-hole golf course North, 5 model homes, Community Center Oakmont Recreation Center, craft building, shopping center, restaurant and motel.
● 1st weekend, over 100,000 visitors, 237 homes sold. -
-
US Post Office
Sun City's first Post Office opened in the Greenway Drug store in the Grand Shopping Center.
Later a full service Sun City Post Office opens at 103rd and Coggins (now the site of Menke Funeral Home) -
United Church of Sun City
When the United Church of Sun City originally opened it included parishioners from over 60 denominations. -
Delbert Eugene Webb's Birthday
Del Webb as told by Bill Pearson
Delbert Eugene Webb (May 17, 1899 – July 4, 1974) was an American real estate developer, and a co-owner of the New York Yankees baseball club. He is known for founding and developing the retirement community of Sun City, Arizona, and for many works of his firm, Del E. Webb Construction Company. -
News-Sun Newspaper
The News-Sun newspaper begins monthly publication. -
Annual Assessment
Annual assessment of $20 is instituted by the Recreation Centers of Sun City. -
-
Sun City’s First Medical Office
Sun City’s First Medical Office didn't come about without controversy and dissention. -
Towne Hall (Fairway Recreation Center)
Fairway Recreation Center opened as Towne Hall, the second recreation center built in Sun City. -
Sunshine Service
Sunshine Service, the offspring of a Sun City Civic Association committee, loans its first bed, mattress and wheelchair. -
U.S. Post Office
Ground is broken for the U.S. Post Office, which will replace a contract station built in April 1960 -
-
-
SCHOA
Sun City Homeowners Association is formed. The SCHOA is a spinoff of the original Civic Association, founded in 1960. -
Incorporation
Sun City's only official incorporation vote of the people fails by a considerable margin. Voters reject: 2,558 to 1,036 -
Sun City Softball Team
A local newspaper begins a drive to bring a softball team to Sun City -
Parade
5th Anniversary Parade down Peoria Ave -
-
Sun City Softball
Sun City Saints begin playing softball -
Sun City Community Fund
Sun City Community Fund, an organization to collect and manage local donations for the needy, is formed. -
Sun City Fire District
Sun City Fire District is established,
and now provides fire and emergency medical services for the communities of Sun City, the Town of Youngtown, and Citrus Point . -
Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater, is opened. The venue has hosted numerous events throughout the years -
-
Mountain View Recreation Center
Mountain View Recreation Center
initially only served those residents who live south of Sun City Boulevard. -
New Recreation Center Policy
To quell dissention that was building in Sun City, all recreation center were opened to all Sun City residents. -
Sun City Symphony
The Sun City Symphony opening night was a sellout with a crowd of around 1,000 people -
-
Sun City Taxpayers Association
Sun City Taxpayers Association is formed. The group held the distinction as the largest taxpayers association in Arizona. -
-
Lakeview Recreation Center
Lakeview Recreation Center opens. A celebration marks Sun City's 10th anniversary. -
-
Riverview Golf Course
Riverview Golf Course, with big and bold greens and that was always the distinguishing characteristic of this golf course as compared to the others opens. -
Walter O. Boswell Hospital
Walter O. Boswell Hospital opens. Five patients are admitted that first day.
Boswell Memorial Hospital began its legacy of service when it opened on November 6, 1970, to serve the population of America's first active retirement community, Sun City, Arizona as well as surrounding communities. -
New Baseball Stadium
The Sun City Saints begin playing in the new stadium. -
Sun City Stadium
Sun City Stadium opens at 111th and Grand Ave.
The park was dedicated on June 17, 1971, with the Sun City Saints, a women's softball team, winning a doubleheader from the Huntington Park Bluejays. -
Lakeview Bowling Lanes
Lakeview Bowling lanes opens. The facility now offers 24 lanes of bowling as well as Billiards, Pool and Snooker and a restaurant. -
-
Palmbrook Country Club
Opening in 1972, Palmbrook Country Club offers a fun, yet challenging golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. At 6,800 yards, the tree lined park style layout allows for the occasional arrant tee shot while demanding greens and well placed trees require good golf to score well. -
-
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants begin having part of their spring training in Sun City -
Sun City Community Association name change
The Sun City Community Association changes its name to Recreation Centers of Sun City. -
Sun City Saints vs Japan
2,000 people watch the Sun City Saints play softball against the University of Japan -
Palmbrook Country Club ownership
Palmbrook Country Club transfers ownership to members -
Greenway Shopping Center
Greenway Shopping Center was the 1st shopping center built in Sun City north of Grand Avenue. -
Sundial Recreation Center Opens
Sundial Recreation Center opens.
It's the only center with an indoor swimming pool. -
-
Sherrif's Posse of Sun City
Sheriff's Posse of Sun City organizes. The Sun City Posse’s long history began as a way to enhance the safety of Sun City’s residents and their property. That simple but important goal remains our mission today. -
Willowbrook and Willowcreek Golf Courses
Willowbrook, the communities 2nd Executive Golf course and Willowcreek, the 5th regulation Golf Course open. -
Saints Win Titles
The Saints win two consecutive Pacific Coast League softball titles in 1974 and 1975. -
Annual Assessment increase
Annual assessment is raised to $24 per person. -
-
Del Webb dies
Del E. Webb, a major Nevada hotel and casino owner, and founder of one of the worlds’ largest construction and development companies, died in a hospital in Rochester, Minn. He was 75.
The obituary as written in the Las Vegas Sun -
Sun City secedes from the Peoria School District
Sun City secedes from the Peoria School District. Redistricting becomes a reality ofter a 4-1 vote of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. -
SCCOA is organized
Sun City Condominium Chairmans Association is organized. The group now represents 388 condominium units in Sun City. -
Saints to South Africa
Sun City Saints are invited to play softball in South Africa and Rhodesia. -
-
Annual Assessment increase
Annual assessment increased to $30 per person. -
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell arrived in Sun City on July 5, 1976 and unveiled during a Sun Bowl ceremony July 8.
It was officially dedicated at Bell Center on Nov. 11, 1976.
A time capsule set to open in six years (2026) was buried at the base. -
Bell Recreation Center
Bell Recreation Center opens. The Sun City Library is located in another building with the complex. -
Bell Bowling Lanes
Bell Bowling Lanes open -
National Softball Tournament
The Sun City Saints are runners up in the National Tournament. -
Union Hill Country Club
Union Hill Country Club transfers ownership to members. -
DEVCO Transfers Ownership
DEVCO transfers ownership of 7 golf courses and Viewpoint Lake to the RCSC for "$10 and a cup of coffee". The actual value was 12 million dollars. -
News-Sun Newspaper
The News-Sun becomes the community's first daily paper, after publishing monthly since July 22nd, 1960. -
Union Hills Country Club
Union Hills Country Club opens -
Quail Run Golf Course
Quail Run Golf Course opens -
Annual Assessment Increase
Annual assessment increases to $40 per person. -
Sun City Completed
Sun City is built out and DEVCO moves on to Sun City West.
All golf courses and recreation centers are turned over to the Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc.by the Del Webb Corporation.
All national marketing stops. -
National Champions
Sun City Saints win the National Softball Championship. -
Sun City Community Council
Sun City Community Council organizes. -
-
-
Quail Run Golf Course Ownership
DEVCO transfers ownership of Qual Run Golf Course to Recreation Centers of Sun City. -
43,000 Residents
Sun City is built out and the total population reaches 43,000 residents. -
Sun City PRIDES
In the spring, the Sun City PRIDES (Proud Residents Independently Donating Essential Services) go to work keeping the city clean -
RCSC Operates Sun Bowl
RCSC takes over the operation of the Sun Bowl from DEVCO. -
Del Webb Statue
The Del Webb Statue, located at the Bell Recreation Center, is dedicated. -
Annual Assessment Increase
Annual assessment is increased to $42 per person. -
SCAT begins
Sun City Area Transit (SCAT) kicks off services. -
Aging Together Commemorative Stamp
Framed display depicting senior years, with stamps and a postcard of the "Aging Together" twenty cent commemorative stamp. This stamp was dedicated by the Postmaster General at the Sundial Recreation Center on May 21, 1982. Deed of gift from Frederick Swanson on 10/22/02. Display is engraved with "Presented to Fred Swanson "Again together" . -
Nations 1st Senior Adult Campus
The Arizona State University Foundation receives a donation of 40 acres from DEVCO, enabling Sun City to be the site of the Nations 1st Senior Adult Campus. -
NO SMOKING
December ~ Community members vote to ban smoking in the Recreation Centers. The no-smoking vote sparks controversy among members. The vote was 17,392 to 14,987 in favor of the policy. -
Ronald Reagan visits Sun City
Ronald Reagan visits Sun City. Hundreds line the streets to catch a glimpse of the president as he honors the local Posse.
Watch a clip of his remarks by clicking HERE. President Reagan's remarks begin 8-minutes into the video, if you'd like to skip ahead. -
Saints move to Phoenix
The Sun City Saints move to Phoenix and shortly after disband. -
Sun Bowl Ownership Changes
DEVCO transfers ownership of the Sun Bowl to the Recreation Centers of Sun City for $10. -
Annual Assessment Increase
Annual Assessment fee is increased to $52 per person. -
Marinette Recreation Center opens
Fall ~ Marinette Recreation Center opens. The last of seven multi-purpose is built to accommodate the city's growing population. -
25th Anniversary
Sun City's 25th Anniversary is acknowledged with a month long celebration inluding a parade down Boswell Blvd. -
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers complete their final spring training game. -
President Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan honors The Sun City PRIDES as the winners of the 1985 President's Volunteer Action Award. -
-
Population Dips
Population dips to 38,000 residents and shopping centers have 30% vacancy levels.
1,700 homes on the market taking up to 2-years to sell. Financial Slump! -
Senior Care Facilities
Senior Care Facilities begin opening in Sun City. -
Annual Assessment
Annual Assessment is increased to $65 per person. -
Sundial Roof Repairs
Sundial Center is closed. Roof repairs of $1.3 million top the center's fix-it list for all time. -
Sun City Ambassadors
Sun City Ambassadors (forerunner of the Sun City Visitors Center) incorporates. A volunteer group of residents and businessmen using their personal funds to promote Sun City.
vAdvertising begins in local newspapers and a 10-minute video is produced with help from Channel 5 TV.
The first office is located in the Bell Plaza Building with phone service only. -
Memorial Garden
Memorial Garden, the home to the Liberty Bell and Del Webb Statue is completed. -
School Tax
The Arizona State Legislature enacts a school tax on Sun City. After a year of battling law makers the tax is recinded and a lesser tax is enacted. -
Sun City Fire Department
Sun City Fire District cancels its contract with Rural Metro and establishes its own Fire Department -
Sun City School Tax
Sun City school tax imposed. It later is ruled unconstitutional and pulled from the books by Arizona law makers. -
King's Inn - gone!
King's Inn is torn down making way for a shopping center. -
Sun City Visitors Center relocates
Sun City Visitors Center sign a new lease and relocates to the Promenade Shopping Center at 99th Ave and Bell Rd. -
SC Fire severs ties with Rural
The Sun City Fire Board severs ties with Rural/Metro Corp. -
Minimum Age Increases
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors votes to increase minimum age requirements from 50 to 55. -
Sun City Visitors Center to Bell
Sun City Visitors Center opens in the Bell Recreation Center.
It is the first focal point for prospective home buyers since model homes opened in 1960. -
30th Anniversary
Sun City celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a Parade. -
Sun City Area Historical Society
Sun City Historical Society (Del Webb Sun Cities Museum) opens at 10801 W Oakmont Dr. -
Sun City Rays
The Senior Professional Baseball League and the Sun City Rays unexpectedly fold. -
1st Visitors Center Manager
Jim Bailey is the 1st Manager of the Visitors Center. The Ambassadors have a 21-member board and establish a 800 phone number. -
Alco Movie Theater CLOSES
Alco Movie Theater closes. The last movie is "Q And A" with 40 people in attendance. -
"City of Volunteers"
Sun City Home Owners Association board member George Hartman launches a campaign to encourage Sun City to adopt the slogan, City of Volunteers, to promote the importance of volunteerism in Sun City and recognize its local volunteers.
By June, signs are installed at all community entrances denoting Sun City as the City of Volunteers. -
Hers Golf Cart
Three wheel 1960-1963 Cushman golf cart. The golf cart was purchased by Henry and Marie Bartenhagen in 1967 in Sun City as used. The Bartenhagen family restored the golf cart and presented it to the Sun Cities Area Historical Society to celebrate Sun Cities 50th Anniversary as a gift on 2/2/10. -
1960 "His" Golf Cart
Pohle NV Center donated a blue fully restored 1960's golf cart, just prior to the unveiling of the Del Webb's Sun Cities Museum on November 2, 2010. The cart is in running condition and is one of two that sit in the museum's carport. The carts are reminders of the early days of Sun City. Since Sun City's inception, golf carts have always played a vital role in the community. DEVCO allocated wider streets to accommodate the mix of golf cars and automobiles. -
Clubs Celebrate 60 Years
Sixteen Recreation Center of Sun City clubs have reached a milestone and are celebrating 60 years this month.
Sun City Independent ~ 8/14/2024 -
-
Commerative Paver Fund Raiser
Commerative Paver Fund Raiser begins.
This is a on going program raising money for museum operations. -
-
Museum Holiday Party
The Poms and Ukulele Club entertained guests at the 1st Annual Museum Holiday Party. Refreshments were supplied by the Museum Docents.
Attendance was estimated at around 250 guests.
The party was free for museum members and $5 per person for others. -
Museum Charges Admission
In an effort to offset increased overhead and generate funding for the addition of new displays, the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum began charging $5 per person admission.
They also added TIERED MEMBERSHIP offering special benefits for joining.
Business, Club, and Organization Memberships are also offered. -
-
Shreadfest
The Nixon Group sponsored a Shreadfest, at the Greenway Terrace Shopping Center. Cash donations were collected for the benefit of the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. $976 were collected.
The museum would like to thank all who attended and contributed. -
Museum 50's Style Sock Hop
A 50's style Sock Hop, sponsored by the Nixon Group, was held at the Oakmont Recreation Center.
Bret McKeand and Don Tuffs were the "DJ's" and a great time was had by about 75 guests. Thanks to those who dress in their vintage outfits.
The dance was free for Museum Members and cost $5 per person for others.
Watch for more Museum events in the future. -
Del Webb Birthday Celebration
The museum offered FREE admission along with cup cakes, ice cream and entertainment by Larry and his Ukeladies.
A great time was had by more than 100 guests..
This event was sponsored by the Nixon Group. -
Viewpoint Lake Relining Project
The process of relining Viewpoint Lake is underway as RCSC, along with contractor Pacific Aquascape International, take the giant step forward to meet Arizona Department of Water Resources conservation and management requirements.
All boats and docks have now been removed, including at Lakeview Center, and through evaporation, continued seepage and pumping water to storage tanks on the Lakes East/West Golf Course, it is anticipated that liner removal and replace- ment will get started this fall. -
RCSC fails to gain quorum at annual meeting
The RCSC failed to secure a quorum to open their annual meeting at the Sundial Recreation Center. The failure to secure an attendance of 500+ meant the board could take no action on any proposed actions requiring a vote of its members, such as amending the bylaws. However, although the board could not vote on issues, it did listen to members who came to speak. Many residents expressed their frustration at the organization’s history of not being able to obtain a quorum. -
SCFD begins search for fire chief
Rob Schmitz has been the acting chief for three years. The board held off conducting a chief search until now to wait on the results of a feasibility study that would lay out the pros and cons of consolidating with the Arizona Fire/Medical Authority. The consolidation would likely prohibit the SCFD from having a chief. -
RCSC considers library closures
The Friends of the Sun City Libraries were surprised to learn the Recreation Centers of Sun City management are considering closing the libraries at the Bell and Fairway recreation centers. “We were shocked to learn just yesterday that discussions have been occurring on this issue for the past two months, yet they have not informed the Friends of the Sun City Libraries or the residents of Sun City," -
Rock Hounds Celebrate 60th Anniversary
RCSC's second oldest club was founded in October 1963.
The Rockhound's 1st show held in 1972, attracted 1,000+ visitors. The 2nd show, in 1973, drew 3,700+ visitors. This led to the creation of the Sun City Rock and Mineral Museum in October, 1990. The museum is ranked one of the top 10 mineral museums in Arizona. It has a collection of more than 1,500 specimens. A highlight is the fluorescent room, which has 130 specimens that glow in the dark under the UV lights. -
Sun City ‘punch cards’ go online
RCSC is phasing out the physical “punch cards.”. RCSC members/cardholders will continue to be able to purchase guest passes online via the RCSC Web Portal. -
-
-
SC Residents Launch Radio Station
The station's primary audience is the Sun Cities, so the music represents the era more than any particular genre.
Read the Sun City Independent story. -
-
16 Clubs Celebrate 60 Years
Sixteen RCSC clubs have reached a milestone of longevity and are celebrating 60 years this month.
Sun City Independent ~ 8/14/2024 -
Ed Allen "History Maker" debut
The second in the six part premier of History Maker videos debuted at the Olive Branch Senior Center.
History maker videos can be seen on the museum YouTube channel.
