Learning about our local history teaches us about our community and our identity has a city. Having a sense of identity as a community is vital for everyone to feel as if they belong, and that they are home. Sierra Vista’s identity continues to develop over time, but it remains firmly rooted in the community ideals started in Fry, Arizona. The Oliver Fry family, and the people around them supported and took care of each other, as evidenced in the Fry Pioneer Graveyard where people from all walks of life, nationalities, and all ages were lovingly laid to rest by a community that came together. Times have changed, but the fire of community ignited in 1912 still burns in Sierra Vista today.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this National Historic Landmark the City has held several events and several more are planned between now and the end of the year. And before I go ahead and share some of the pictures from the events I was fortunate enough to be in attendance for, I want to share one to acknowledge many of the great folks that made this all possible. Since I don't see it on there, I want to add that the new flag pole in the Fry Pioneer Cemetery was donated by the Girl Scouts.
Also, if you haven't already, (Heck, even if you have.) I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to visit the Henry F. Hauser Museum and learn about one of the families that laid the foundations of what our community is today.
Additional information: All programs are free unless otherwise stated and you can now receive regular updates directly to your inbox from the Henry F. Hauser Museum on upcoming events and news! Sign-up for the newsletter here. The Sierra Vista Historical Society still needs help raising funds to complete the following improvements before opening up the cemetery on a permanent basis: informational signage, security gates, 7th St. Arch. You can reach them on at SVHSAZ.org or on facebook. There was some great coverage on this by the Herald/Review Media's and you can read that here. And finally, volunteers are needed at the Fry Pioneer Cemetery on Saturday, November 23rd at 8am to finish filling the gabion cages with rocks. Please feel free to reach me at carolyn.umphrey@sierravistaaz.gov. I love hearing from you! Your council member,
