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Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company buy land intending to raise cotton. Goodyear establishes a company compound for its employees, later known as Marinette.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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Mid-summer of 1959 a land purchase agreement signed. Construction started soon after, but what should the new community be called? -
Del Webb Company purchases land east of 111th Avenue from J.G. Boswell.
This is in addition to the 20,000 acres previously purchased that included the Marinette and Santa Fe ranches. It has been stated that Del E. Webb expects to start development of the area east of Youngtown starting at Grand Avenue, with a golf course, clubhouse, and a small shopping district. Houses are to be started south and east of the golf course. -
Sun City's construction began in the summer of 1959, and it was totally built out in the fall of 1968
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Grand Shopping Center was Sun City’s first shopping center and home to the community’s first grocery store. -
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. -
A Hiway House Restaurant was open for business on opening day. -
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) -
When the United Church of Sun City originally opened it included parishioners from over 60 denominations. -
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. -
Four new model homes are now open for inspection along 111th Avenue. The first is already occupied by the Information Center and is quite the same as the original model and now sells for $8,300. House No. 2 is larger than the first, with 840 sq. ft of livable space. No. 3 contains the best features of others and adds a ¾ bath to the larger front bedroom and sliding doors for closets and sells for $9,950. No. 4 features features two bathrooms and a larger living room and is priced at $11,550.
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The News-Sun newspaper begins monthly publication. -
The Youngtown Record noted that the Youngtown News and the Sun City Sun will now be known simply as The News Sun according to its new editor Burt Freireich, whose goal is to make it a weekly newspaper. The Youngtown Record extended a welcome and hearty good wish to Its friendly competitor, the News-Sun
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Annual assessment of $20 is instituted by the Recreation Centers of Sun City. -
The 2nd Sun City golf course open. South Golf Course information. -
Sun City’s First Medical Office didn't come about without controversy and dissention. -
Fairway Recreation Center opened as Towne Hall, the second recreation center built in Sun City. -
Sunshine Service, the offspring of a Sun City Civic Association committee, loans its first bed, mattress and wheelchair. -
Ground is broken for the U.S. Post Office, which will replace a contract station built in April 1960 -
Hiway House changes its name to King’s Inn. -
Sunland Memorial Park is a resting place for people and pets. -
Sun City Homeowners Association is formed. The SCHOA is a spinoff of the original Civic Association, founded in 1960. -
Sun City's only official incorporation vote of the people fails by a considerable margin. Voters reject: 2,558 to 1,036 -
A local newspaper begins a drive to bring a softball team to Sun City -
5th Anniversary Parade down Peoria Ave -
Sun City Saints, a professional women’s softball team, begins play in Sun City -
Sun City Saints begin playing softball -
Sun City Community Fund, an organization to collect and manage local donations for the needy, is formed. -
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, an outdoor amphitheater, is opened. The venue has hosted numerous events throughout the years -
The story of how Sun City Country Club came into existance. -
Mountain View Recreation Center
initially only served those residents who live south of Sun City Boulevard. -
To quell dissention that was building in Sun City, all recreation center were opened to all Sun City residents.
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A grand opening festival for Sun City Lake, later renamed Viewpoint Lake, was held the first weekend in October 1968, along with the introduction of 18 new model homes to be sold in Phase 2. -
The Sun City Symphony opening night was a sellout with a crowd of around 1,000 people -
The need for a hospital became evident and construction of Boswell Hospital began. -
Sun City Taxpayers Association is formed. The group held the distinction as the largest taxpayers association in Arizona. -
Youngtown Record: "Del Webb Co. Completes Transaction for Land Adjacent to Youngtown."
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Lakes West Golf Course opens -
Lakeview Recreation Center opens. A celebration marks Sun City's 10th anniversary.
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Lakes East Golf Course, Sun City's 1st Executive Course opens. -
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 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. -
The Sun City Saints begin playing in the new stadium.
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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 opens. The facility now offers 24 lanes of bowling as well as Billiards, Pool and Snooker and a restaurant. -
Meals on Wheels organizes. Learn about their history. -
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. -
The 450 seat theater opened with the film "Song of Norway".
ALCO Theater -
The Lakes Club is virtually destroyed by fire a month before ti plans to open -
San Francisco Giants begin having part of their spring training in Sun City -
The Sun City Community Association changes its name to Recreation Centers of Sun City. -
2,000 people watch the Sun City Saints play softball against the University of Japan -
Palmbrook Country Club transfers ownership to members -
Greenway Shopping Center was the 1st shopping center built in Sun City north of Grand Avenue. -
Sundial Recreation Center opens.
It's the only center with an indoor swimming pool. -
Recorded Recreational Reading for the Blind becomes a non-profit corporation. -
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, the communities 2nd Executive Golf course and Willowcreek, the 5th regulation Golf Course open.
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The Saints win two consecutive Pacific Coast League softball titles in 1974 and 1975.
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Annual assessment is raised to $24 per person.
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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. Redistricting becomes a reality ofter a 4-1 vote of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. -
Sun City Condominium Chairmans Association is organized. The group now represents 388 condominium units in Sun City. -
Sun City Saints are invited to play softball in South Africa and Rhodesia.
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Sun City Post Office moves to 98th Ave and Bell Rd. -
Annual assessment increased to $30 per person.
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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 opens. The Sun City Library is located in another building with the complex. -
Bell Bowling Lanes open -
The Sun City Saints are runners up in the National Tournament.
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Union Hill Country Club transfers ownership to members. -
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.
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The News-Sun becomes the community's first daily paper, after publishing monthly since July 22nd, 1960. -
Union Hills Country Club opens
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Quail Run Golf Course opens -
Annual assessment increases to $40 per person.
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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. -
Sun City Saints win the National Softball Championship. -
Sun City Community Council organizes. -
Marinette Recreation Center opens. -
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DEVCO transfers ownership of Qual Run Golf Course to Recreation Centers of Sun City.
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Sun City is built out and the total population reaches 43,000 residents. -
In the spring, the Sun City PRIDES (Proud Residents Independently Donating Essential Services) go to work keeping the city clean -
RCSC takes over the operation of the Sun Bowl from DEVCO.
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The Del Webb Statue, located at the Bell Recreation Center, is dedicated. -
Annual assessment is increased to $42 per person.
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Sun City Area Transit (SCAT) kicks off services. -
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" . -
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. -
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. 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. -
The Sun City Saints move to Phoenix and shortly after disband.
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DEVCO transfers ownership of the Sun Bowl to the Recreation Centers of Sun City for $10.
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Annual Assessment fee is increased to $52 per person.
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Fall ~ Marinette Recreation Center opens. The last of seven multi-purpose is built to accommodate the city's growing population. -
Sun City's 25th Anniversary is acknowledged with a month long celebration inluding a parade down Boswell Blvd. -
Milwaukee Brewers complete their final spring training game. -
President Ronald Reagan honors The Sun City PRIDES as the winners of the 1985 President's Volunteer Action Award. -
The Sun Cities Art Museum opens. -
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 begin opening in Sun City.
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Annual Assessment is increased to $65 per person.
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Sundial Center is closed. Roof repairs of $1.3 million top the center's fix-it list for all time. -
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, the home to the Liberty Bell and Del Webb Statue is completed. -
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 District cancels its contract with Rural Metro and establishes its own Fire Department -
Sun City school tax imposed. It later is ruled unconstitutional and pulled from the books by Arizona law makers. -
King's Inn is torn down making way for a shopping center. -
Sun City Visitors Center sign a new lease and relocates to the Promenade Shopping Center at 99th Ave and Bell Rd.
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The Sun City Fire Board severs ties with Rural/Metro Corp. -
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors votes to increase minimum age requirements from 50 to 55. -
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. -
Sun City celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a Parade. -
Sun City Historical Society (Del Webb Sun Cities Museum) opens at 10801 W Oakmont Dr. -
The Senior Professional Baseball League and the Sun City Rays unexpectedly fold. -
Jim Bailey is the 1st Manager of the Visitors Center. The Ambassadors have a 21-member board and establish a 800 phone number.
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Alco Movie Theater closes. The last movie is "Q And A" with 40 people in attendance. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Sixteen Recreation Center of Sun City clubs have reached a milestone and are celebrating 60 years this month.
Sun City Independent ~ 8/14/2024 -
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Commerative Paver Fund Raiser begins.
This is a on going program raising money for museum operations. -
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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. -
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. -
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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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.
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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,"
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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. -
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. -
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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. -
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Sixteen RCSC clubs have reached a milestone of longevity and are celebrating 60 years this month.
Sun City Independent ~ 8/14/2024 -
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. -
Approximately 1,700 RCSC members, well above triple the 500 needed for a quorum, packed the Sundial Recreation Center Independent Newspaper Article -
Valley View Community Food Bank, grand opening of its new location at 10733 W Peoria Ave. in Sun City, AZ. -
After 40 years of sitting next to a parking lot and going unnoticed by most passersby, the historical marker denoting the original site of downtown Marinette has been relocated to a more fitting home: the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. Marinette Marker Story
