From Cowtown to Desert Metropolis: Ninety Years of Arizona Memories [Paperback]

Roy Drachman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

Native Tucsonan Roy Drachman played an active role in his community's life and growth for much of the twentieth century. One of the city's primary movers and shakers, he made a name as a real estate developer and helped establish Tucson's place in modern America. Drachman's memoirs paint a vivid picture of the Old Pueblo as it grew from a sleepy cowtown to a world-class urban center and tourist destination. In a series of colorful vignettes he recalls a bygone era when horse-drawn transportation still harked back to the town's Wild West heritage, and folks did what they could to keep cool in the desert heat--then calls on his experiences during the city's postwar boom to tell how life got faster and Tucson became a real hot spot. A key player in the city's business and political life, Drachman takes readers behind the scenes in negotiations with Howard Hughes for his aircraft factory, in key planning and zoning decisions, and in projects with developer Del Webb. He also recalls the city at its leisure, remembering the excitement over the arrival of baseball, the heyday of the Fox Theater, and the crowd at Dooley's, the city's most popular gathering place. Return with Roy Drachman to those days of yesteryear, when Campbell Avenue marked the edge of town, the now-defunct Pioneer Hotel was considered a skyscraper, and swamp coolers were a newfangled invention. From Cowtown to Desert Metropolis is a captivating journey through the past and a unique view of Tucson by one of the men who built it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roy Drachman was born in Tucson in 1906 and is the owner of Roy Drachman Realty Company.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Whitewing Press (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888965037
• ISBN-13: 978-1888965032
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,389,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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4.0 out of 5 stars Insite to old Tucson, March 12, 2009

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DaKineMarcoPolo - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Cowtown to Desert Metropolis: Ninety Years of Arizona Memories (Paperback)

The elusive reasons for the making of Tucson as a major destination are brought to light with this first-hand account from a man who made many of the contributions to this famed Southern Arizona community. It's worth the peak into the history of many key elements that has elvolved into a prime retirement, tech. community, and home of the University of Arizona. This book by Roy Drachman will make a valued contribution to your enjoyment of the area.