Oral history of Walter Haws, 1985 August 16, 2006 March

Haws begins by telling his story of being born in Mexico on the national holiday and being given the middle name Profirio, after Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz. He tells about working in the mines in Globe, Arizona, marrying his wife, and moving to Mesa to ranch with his brother. Haws discusses losing his cotton farm and becoming a truancy officer to make a living ? a job that he had for 37 years. He describes the area surrounding his first house near Southern Avenue and Mesa Drive and how much it has changed. He also talks about the downtown area and mentions several businesses including the Nile Theatre, Wright's grocery store, the Toggery, and Everybody's drugstore. Haws describes the local railroad lines and where they ran between the towns. He recalls the first cars in town and the first time he saw an airplane. Haws also tells a few stories from his days as a truancy officer.