An imaginary visit to Phoenix, Arizona in the 1980s


Although I moved to Phoenix in 1977, I left to go live in California during the decade of the 1980s, so I really don't have any IRL (In Real Life) memories of Phoenix at that time. But that won't stop me from imagining. Let's go back to the 1980s in Phoenix!



I suggest that we start by going to Tempe. Here's the Earthen Joy Restaurant and the Gentle Strength Co-Op on 5th street just east of Mill Avenue. I never went to these places, but you might have! I recognize "A" Mountain! Go Devils!


And let's say hi to Bill Andres and John Giese, and listen to some KDKB radio! KDKB Rooocccckkks Arizona! Grab a bumper sticker for me, will you?


Valley Bank was still around in the 1980s (until 1992 in fact, which it was bought out by Bank One). Looks like you could get your face on your card. I'm not entirely clear what a Banking Card was, I suppose it was some kind of credit card? Maybe it was a check guarantee card? I know that it wasn't a debit card, they were introduced when I was working for Bank One (which had been Valley Bank) in the early '90s.


I wasn't living in Arizona when Ev Mecham became the governor. I understand that it was quite a mess! To me, Mecham was just a Pontiac dealership in Glendale. I would often see the Trans Ams that their dealership customized, called "Macho T/As". Aside from the gigantic garish graphics that shouted at you, there was a small MP on the back of these cars, for Mecham Pontiac.


Let's see, where was I? Oh yes, the 1980s in Phoenix.


I remember Governor Bruce Babbitt. Here he is at an Amtrak station with his son Chris.


I didn't start working in downtown Phoenix until the early '90s, but this postcard of the Hyatt Regency in the 1980s, taken from the Civic Plaza, looks familiar to me. That's Symphony Hall there on the left, which looks so tiny nowadays! The tall building in the background is Valley Center, which was the Bank One building when I was there, and is now Chase Tower.


And let's wrap up this visit to Phoenix in the 1980s with Lou Grubb. Thank you for taking five with me!
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