I’d never heard of the ghost town of Metcalf, Arizona, until coming across a postcard mailed from there over 115 years ago. Miss Josephine Ross in El Paso, Texas, was the recipient. The mysterious sender simply referred to themself as “L” with a short message as follows:

“5/6th 1910

My dear Joe:-

This is a picture of Metcalf, you can see what a town it is. Love and best wishes. L”

Josephine Henrietta Ross was born in New Jersey on May 18, 1890. Her father, Seaver Ross, M.D., was a well-known doctor in Paterson, N.J.

Somewhere around 1920, Josephine married Corporal Earl Eugene Kilmer. Josephine’s husband served in the US Army during WWII. After being honorably discharged, Earl and Josephine lived in Clifton, Arizona, a mining town, and it might’ve been there that she met the mystery card sender.

In 1928, they had a son, George Earl Kilmer. After leaving Arizona, Earl worked for El Paso County in Texas, while Josephine was a stay-at-home mom.

Josephine Henrietta Ross-Kilmer died in El Paso at the age of 83 on July 4, 1973. There’s a good chance Josephine was previously married, because the last name Bonfoey popped up on her obituary as previously being hers.

Metcalf, Arizona, was a small mining town located in Greenlee County, in the southeastern part of the state. Established in the late 19th century, the town played a significant role in the copper mining boom that shaped the region’s development. Metcalf is approximately 435 miles from Lake Havasu City.

Metcalf was founded in the 1890s as prospectors and mining companies flocked to the area in search of copper deposits. The town was named after Robert Metcalf, an early miner and prospector who helped discover the rich copper veins nearby. As mining activity increased, Metcalf grew rapidly, attracting workers and their families, and soon became a bustling community with stores, schools, and churches.

The town’s fortunes were closely tied to the copper mining industry. The neighboring Morenci Mine, operated by Phelps Dodge, became one of the largest copper mines in North America and provided jobs for many Metcalf residents. Community life revolved around mining, and the town developed a vibrant culture, despite its remote location and rugged surroundings.

By the mid-20th century, changes in mining technology and company operations led to the decline of small mining towns like Metcalf. The expansion of the Morenci Mine required more land, and Metcalf was eventually dismantled to make way for open-pit mining operations. Today, little remains of the original townsite, but Metcalf is remembered as an important chapter in Arizona’s mining history.

Although Metcalf no longer exists as a populated town, its legacy lives on in the stories of mining families and the historical records of Greenlee County. The rise and fall of Metcalf reflects the broader trends in American mining history and the transformation of rural communities in the southwest.

Although some folks say that a picture is worth 1000 words, it’s a crying shame that “L” didn’t take more time and tell Josephine in her postcard a bit more about the town she lived.

Ajo, Arizona, is a small town located in Pima County, nestled in the southwestern corner of the state near the border with Mexico and the Tohono O’odham Nation. It is 237 miles south of Lake Havasu City. The area’s history is deeply intertwined with mining and the unique desert landscape of the Sonoran Desert.

The name “Ajo” is believed to come from the Spanish word for “garlic,” though local lore suggests it may be derived from the Tohono O’odham word “Oʼoho,” which refers to a red pigment found in the area. Native peoples used this red pigment for decoration and trade long before European settlers arrived.

Mining shaped Ajo’s development. In the 19th century, Spanish and Mexican miners extracted copper from the region. The modern era of mining began in 1916, when the New Cornelia Copper Company, later purchased by Phelps Dodge, established large-scale copper mining operations.

The open-pit mine became the economic heart of the community, attracting workers and their families, and the town was carefully planned with a central plaza and mission-style architecture.

Ajo thrived as a mining town for decades. However, in 1985, copper prices fell and the mine closed, leading to population decline and economic challenges. Despite this, Ajo has reinvented itself as a gateway community to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and a center for art and tourism. Its historic town center, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful desert surroundings continue to attract new residents and visitors.

Today, Ajo is known for its welcoming community, vibrant arts scene, and as a hub for travelers exploring the Sonoran Desert. Its history as a mining town remains visible in the landscape and architecture, offering a glimpse into the story of the American Southwest.

Bruce Jennings lived in Ajo, having moved there after serving with the US Army Air Corps during WWII. A postcard he sent to Lottie E. Fogg on August 7, 1944, postmarked in Ajo, attests to his being in the town.

The front of the picture postcard shows a Navajo Indian camp in full color, with adults, children, and horses seemingly posed for this shot. They’ve assembled for the annual Fair and Rodeo at Window Rock, where as many as 50,000 attend.

Lottie E. Fogg, the card recipient, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on January 31, 1892. During her early years, she worked as a factory inspector. In 1928, she married Raymond L Kelly. They had one child, a son. Her husband died soon after the child was born.

By 1930, Lottie claimed on census forms that she was a widow. The woman never remarried. Lottie passed at the age of 74 on January 15, 1966.

Clifford Bruce Jennings, the postcard sender, was born on April 3, 1919, in Tucson.  After working in the mining industry at Ajo for just a short time, he reenlisted in the United States Air Force and saw duty in the Korean War. After being discharged, as a retired Master Sergeant, Bruce moved to California, where he worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company in Sacramento.

Sadly, Jennings died at the age of 47 on February 22, 1967, after taking an overdose of pills. A newspaper story reported him as despondent over the separation from his wife, Katherine. Bruce Jennings left behind three children.

I always remember the words of former United States Marine and Alaska State Trooper Dale Gibson on suicide. Sergeant Gibson had investigated many such incidents during his career as a policeman. “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem!” The late television talk show host Phil Donahue used those same words.

Motoring along on my picture postcard expressway, I came across a vintage card mailed around 1916 from an unidentified person in Winkleman, Arizona, to Miss Emma Walk in Tucson. Emma’s address was 820 South 3rd Avenue. The handwriting was so atrocious, I have to assume the card sender wasn’t a teacher but perhaps a doctor. A color photograph of Winkleman is on front of the card.

The postmark was faint, and I was unable to positively identify the date. Just enough letters were visible to make out Winkleman as the town it was mailed from. I came up with 1916 only by researching the recipient and Emma’s age at that time, as well as information regarding the house she lived in with her folks. The message reads:

“This is the great town will gh n car by 2 PM. Had to cross 4 rivers to get here. 1. The Publicco. 2. The San Pedro. 3. The Yarovgiha & right above here the Gila River. Love to Mama Daddy & you. Mollie II”

I believe the sender misspelled a couple of river names because there are none faintly close to Publicco or Yarovgiha. The shorthand letters gh n car evidently mean get here in car. “Mollie II” was added at the top of the card, and I assume it means the family dog.

Emma Mary Walk spent almost her whole life in Tucson. Born on August 30, 1904, the only child of Karl and Mary Walk, she graduated from Tucson High School in 1924 and married Frederic Nastor Finney on August 6, 1932. The couple had three children. Fred Finney was managing editor of the “Arizona Daily Star.”

Emma worked as a secretary for the Pima County Attorney’s office, and after retiring in 1976, was highly active with the Arizona Historical Society. She was an expert on Tucson history and often volunteered to help tutor students at Safford Elementary on the subject. Mrs. Emma Walk-Finney belonged to the Tucson Kennel Club for many years and was a dog lover. Emma Mary Walk-Finney died on January 8, 2002, at the age of 97. Tragically, her husband, Fred, died in 1965 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The person sending Emma the postcard, I believe, was a secretary based on her use of shorthand. He or she evidently knew the family well in referring to Emma’s parents as mama and daddy. Emma would’ve been around 12 or younger at the time she received this card. Why the anonymous sender was driving to Winkleman will undoubtedly never be known. It’s reasonable to say that the “car” crossing four rivers was a skinny-tired Ford Model T.

Winkelman, Arizona, located 343 miles east of Lake Havasu City and 63 miles south of Tucson, has a rich and unique history that reflects the broader story of mining towns in the American Southwest. Located in Gila and Pinal counties, Winkelman sits on the banks of the Gila River and has long served as a gateway to the copper mining regions of Arizona.

The area around Winkelman was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache. In the late 19th century, with the expansion of railroads and increased interest in mining, settlers began to move into the region. The town is named after Peter Winkelman, an early settler and prospector who helped develop the local mining industry.

Winkelman’s growth was closely tied to copper mining, with nearby communities such as Hayden and Kearny also playing significant roles in the area’s mining boom. The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s made transportation of ore and goods easier, leading to increased economic activity. Winkelman became a supply and residential center for miners and their families.

During its peak mining years, Winkelman developed essential infrastructure, including schools, churches, and businesses catering to local residents. The Gila River provided water for agriculture and supported the town’s daily life. Community events, such as town fairs and parades, reflected the close-knit nature of Winkelman’s population.

Like many mining towns, Winkelman experienced fluctuations in population and prosperity as the fortunes of the mining industry changed. Environmental challenges, such as flooding from the Gila River, also impacted the town’s development. As mining activities declined in the late 20th century, Winkelman faced economic hardship, with many residents moving to larger cities for work.

Today, Winkelman is a quiet town with a population of fewer than 500 people. It serves as a reminder of Arizona’s mining heritage and the resilience of small communities. Visitors can explore nearby natural attractions and learn about the region’s history through local landmarks and stories passed down through generations.

The history of Winkelman, Arizona, is a testament to the pioneering spirit of its residents and the enduring legacy of the mining industry in shaping the American Southwest. Though its days as a bustling mining center have passed, Winkelman continues to embody the character and perseverance of rural Arizona.

I’ve marked Winkleman down as a place I now want to visit. Maybe then, I’ll find out what the true names of those two rivers are.

Judging by a picture postcard that Aunt Lill wrote to her niece, Fern Cunningham, in 1916, from Fort Huachuca, Arizona, the woman must’ve been in a tizzy.

“Dear Fern – This is one of the views back of our mansion am in a hurry good bye. Aunt Lill”

The front of the card shows a fading photograph of the Army fort with what appears to be the headquarters building. Aunt Lill was being a bit sarcastic because my research shows there were no mansions present during that time near the fort.

Fort Huachuca, located in southeastern Arizona near the city of Sierra Vista, stands as one of the most historically significant military installations in the American Southwest. Established in the late 19th century, the fort has played crucial roles in the Indian Wars, border security, military innovation, and continues to serve as a vital center for intelligence and communications in the modern era.

Fort Huachuca was founded on March 3, 1877, by Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside of the 6th Cavalry Regiment. The fort was strategically situated at the base of the Huachuca Mountains to counter Apache resistance led by the famed leader Geronimo and to protect settlers and travelers in the region. Its location provided a reliable water source and a defensible position, making it an ideal site for military operations during the turbulent period of the Apache Wars.

During the late 1800s, Fort Huachuca became a key operational base for the U.S. Army’s campaigns against the Apache tribes. The fort’s troops, including units of the famed Buffalo Soldiers (African American regiments), conducted patrols, secured supply lines, and participated in expeditions that ultimately contributed to the surrender of Geronimo in 1886.

The presence of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Huachuca is a celebrated chapter in the fort’s history, highlighting the contributions of African American soldiers to the nation’s military heritage.

As the Indian Wars ended, Fort Huachuca’s mission shifted. The fort was deactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting changes in national security needs.

During World War II, the fort experienced significant expansion, serving as the home of the 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions—both composed primarily of African American soldiers. The fort’s facilities were expanded to accommodate the influx of troops, and it became one of the largest training centers for Black soldiers during the war.

After World War II, Fort Huachuca continued to evolve. In the 1950s, it became a center for testing electronic equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. The fort’s mission further expanded to include intelligence and communications. Today, Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, making it a hub for military intelligence training and cyber operations.

Fort Huachuca’s historical significance is recognized through its designation as a National Historic Landmark. The fort maintains several museums, historic buildings, and monuments that preserve its rich legacy. It stands as a testament to the evolving role of the U.S. military in the Southwest, the contributions of Buffalo Soldiers, and the ongoing importance of technological innovation in national defense.

From its origins as a frontier outpost during the Apache Wars to its current status as a center for military intelligence and technology, Fort Huachuca has played a pivotal role in American military history. Its enduring legacy continues to shape the region and the broader mission of the United States Army.

Miss Fern Cunningham, the recipient of the postcard, was born September 15, 1906, in Junction City, Kansas. A high school photo shows her to be a beautiful young lady. Fern’s dad and mom were Thaddeus and Theressa Cunningham. Thaddeus worked for the railroad as a switchman.

Fern married Tom Encell, and the couple lived in Junction City for a while, where Tom was involved in construction. They eventually moved to California. Fern Elaine Cunningham-Encell died on August 24, 2001, at the age of 94, and is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, along with her husband.

Aunt Lill was Lillian Schlatter, born in Wakefield, Kansas, on April 19, 1887. The Schlatter family hailed from Germany. Theresa was Fern’s mother, Lillian’s sister. Lill married Roy Thomas Dalton on October 7, 1907, in Geary County, Kansas. The couple had two boys.

Also involved in the building industry, like Tom Encell, Tom Dalton went on to become a highly successful contractor. Lillian was most likely living in Fort Huachuca because her husband was constructing government housing. The “mansion” Lillian made a sarcastic mention of living in was undoubtedly one of those less-than-stellar dwellings.

The Encells eventually moved to Granada Hills, California, where they accrued substantial property. Lillian and Tom divorced around 1942. Tom continued to build and was very wealthy when he passed away in 1957.

Lillian Schlatter-Dalton (Aunt Lill) died at the age of 85 on November 5, 1972. Ironically, Tom Encell’s second wife, Elizabeth, passed away that same year. Lillian is buried in prestigious Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, where her niece, Fern, is interred.   

In my enjoyable journey through vintage postcards that somehow escaped musty-smelling dresser drawers and old trunks, I came across one from the 1950s sent from Nogales, Mexico, to Clyde, Kansas. I found these two locales to be most interesting, yet a town mentioned in the postcard composition had me searching for its whereabouts.

Before we venture in that direction, I’ll transcribe and share the simple message sent to Geo. Chartier in Kansas from his brother, P.D., mailed from Nogales.

“Dear Brother

In Mexico to see the bull fight this afternoon. Weather nice and warm. Back to Sunnyslope tomorrow.

P.D.

When I first saw the name Sunnyslope, I thought of Aspen and Vail, Colorado, or some other sun-drenched skiing locale. It didn’t take but a few minutes on the internet to discover there’s such a place in Arizona, and there still is.

Sunnyslope is a vibrant, historically rich neighborhood in north-central Phoenix, Arizona. Known for its scenic views, close-knit community, and distinctive character, Sunnyslope has evolved from a rural outpost to an integral part of the city of Phoenix.

The area now known as Sunnyslope was first settled in the early 1900s. Originally attracting homesteaders and settlers seeking a fresh start in the Arizona desert, the region’s dry climate was considered beneficial for individuals with respiratory ailments, such as tuberculosis. The abundance of sunshine and the picturesque backdrop of the Phoenix Mountains gave rise to the name “Sunnyslope.”

During the 1920s and 1930s, Sunnyslope began to attract more residents, many drawn by the hope of healing and the promise of affordable land. Small businesses and services began to appear, supporting the growing population. The area remained somewhat isolated from Phoenix proper, developing its own sense of community and independence.

After World War II, Sunnyslope experienced significant growth. The influx of returning veterans and their families spurred a building boom, with new homes, schools, and churches established throughout the area. As Phoenix expanded, Sunnyslope’s population increased and its infrastructure improved. The community continued to foster a spirit of resilience and self-sufficiency.

In 1959, Sunnyslope was officially annexed by the city of Phoenix. This integration brought new municipal services and investments, further spurring development. Despite its incorporation into Phoenix, Sunnyslope retained its unique identity, with local organizations, businesses, and residents working to preserve the neighborhood’s character and history.

Sunnyslope is home to several notable landmarks, including the Sunnyslope Mountain (also known as “S” Mountain), which overlooks the neighborhood and serves as a symbol of community pride. The area also hosts historic churches, schools, and annual events that celebrate its diverse heritage. Throughout the decades, Sunnyslope has been recognized for its grassroots activism, local art scene, and welcoming atmosphere.

Today, Sunnyslope stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its residents. From its beginnings as a desert retreat for health seekers to its present-day role as a dynamic Phoenix neighborhood, Sunnyslope’s history is marked by resilience, community engagement, and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings. Its story continues to evolve as new generations contribute to the landscape and culture of Sunnyslope, Arizona.

George Albert Chartier was born in Clyde, Kansas, on January 1, 1890, and spent his whole life there as a farmer. He was one of six children of parents, Charles and Cora. Only completing 8th grade, George was a hard worker and successful. He went on to marry Marjorie Quinnette, and they had two children. George died on January 26, 1969, at the age of 79. George and Marjorie are buried in Clyde.

Pearl Dunning Chartier led a more adventurous life. Born two years earlier than George, Pearl was drafted into the US Army and saw service in France during WWI. Records show that he went beyond the call of duty. The following short bio, taken from his obituary, sums things up best about his honorable military career.

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Pearl D. Chartier (ASN: 2176261), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 140th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, A.E.F., near Charpentry, France, 27 September 1918. Private Chartier voluntarily went forward in the face of intense artillery and machine-gun fire and cut gaps through wire entanglements, to facilitate the advance of his battalion.”

Pearl also received the Purple Heart during the war and was a disabled veteran. Despite his injuries, Pearl Chartier served as deputy sheriff in Cloud County, Kansas, for a short time. Pearl Dunning (P.D.) married Gladys Pacey on June 21, 1944. The couple had one child, Duane.

Their time spent in Sunnyslope, Arizona, was most likely an attempt to improve his damaged health. The abundant sunshine and vitamin C must’ve helped. Pearl died on July 23, 1970, at the age of 82, and is buried in Salt Lake City, Utah, along with his wife, Gladys.

A souvenir 1912 postcard that I recently purchased has an interesting history behind it. To begin with, a photograph on the front shows a couple of Klondyke hunters dressed like cowboys with rifles and their Cocker Spaniel dog, along with rabbit furs and unskinned ducks tacked to a cabin wall.

A large body of water is seen in the background, undoubtedly the Yukon River. I only say this because underneath the picture, a caption says that it is the famous river.

I believe this picture was taken at Forty Mile in the Yukon Territory of Canada. A nicely penned, yet very tough to translate message on the back reads as follows:

“At Camp May 10 1912

Dear Henry

Recivd you nice letter was so glad you were well also Teddie don’t drive Teddie to much when it gets hot he might get sick, This is a picture of some hunters see all the rabbits & ducks they have. Guess you are lonesome now that school is out. Be careful of snakes when the weather get some sun land. By love you. Papa

The card was sent to Mr. Henry Flynn, French Corral, Nevada County, California. French Corral is a small town located near Nevada City. There’s not much left of it now, other than some building foundations and remnants of the Wells Fargo bank. It’s classified as a ghost town.

Nevada City has a unique history of its own. The town was founded during the California Gold Rush in 1849 and quickly grew into one of the most prominent mining towns in the region. The city’s historic downtown reflects its rich past, with many buildings dating back to the mid-19th century.

Over the years, Nevada City has transitioned from a bustling mining hub to a vibrant community known for preserving historical landmarks and its active arts scene. Today, it is recognized for its charming architecture, cultural festivals, and scenic surroundings in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The person sending this postcard was Patrick Henry “Patsy” Flynn. Friends called him Patsy. Patrick mailed it to his 10-year-old son, also named Henry. The mention of Teddie most likely points toHenry Jr.’s horse. The short biography of Patrick Flynn was taken from his obituary.

Patrick Henry Flynn was born on January 22, 1866. As a young man, Patrick followed the vocation of teaming, supplying materials for the construction of early railroads in California.

From this, he learned the blacksmithing trade and proceeded to North San Juan Ridge, where hydraulic mining was in its “heyday”. From 1904-1914, Patrick traveled to Alaska & worked in the gold mines during the new gold rush there.

He served as a blacksmith and mechanic for the Esperanza Mining Co. and later for the Bay Counties Power Co. at Colgate, Yuba County. When hydraulic mining was discontinued, the elder Flynn worked for the Guggenheim Corp. in the Yukon Territory, Canada.

In 1914, he moved his family to Nevada City, where he resided until his death at the age of 84 on November 14, 1950. Patrick was a devout Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society.

Young Henry Clinton Flynn was born on March 2, 1902, in Birchville, Nevada. In 1931, he married Elsie Clara Casci. Married for 57 years, the couple had no children.

Henry worked for Pacific Gas and Electric for 47 years. He died at the age of 85 on December 16, 1987. Elsie passed away on February 15, 1993, at the age of 83.

I composed a story titled “Yuma Blues – Part One” a short time ago. The story talks about a young Army soldier stationed at the Yuma Army Air Field in Arizona, during WWII.

This recently enlisted man, Private William “Bill” Hilleboe, was undergoing desert training in Yuma, yet found time to write a postcard to a woman, Miss Ruby Ellens, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The postcard shows downtown Yuma, with many 1940s vehicles driving and parked in front of stores. Pvt. Hilleboe tells his friend in a note written on back that he visited the old cowboy town and refrained from drinking liquor. William Hilleboe went on to say that he planned to do that once he got back home.

My research shows that Hilleboe’s message evidently did not impress the young woman, especially where marriage is concerned. I’m sure the lonely private often developed the blues during this long-distance courtship, as any ordinary guy would.

Another Army soldier in Yuma was interested in Ruby at the same time, and this fellow mailed her a postcard six days later. It showed a colorful Gila Monster walking in the desert. Before I go into further detail on a potential love triangle here between two lonely soldiers and a single gal, I’ll touch on the rare Gila Monster first in so many words.

Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) are found in Mohave County, Arizona. Although I’ve never seen one in Lake Havasu City, these distinctive, venomous lizards are native to the southwestern United States, and their range includes the northwestern part of Arizona, which encompasses Mohave County. I’ve yet to come across such a lizard in our area, although they may be lurking in places I don’t venture.

Gila monsters inhabit desert and semi-arid environments, favoring rocky foothills, washes, and areas with ample cover such as burrows, rocks, and dense vegetation. The giant lizards are present in the lowland desert areas of Mohave County, particularly where rocky terrain meets desert scrub.

Gila monsters are protected by state law in Arizona; it is illegal to harass, capture, or harm them. If you encounter a Gila monster in Mohave County, observe from a distance and do not attempt to handle or disturb it.

On October 7, 1944, Private Ed Burdisso, assigned to the Army Air Training Center in Yuma, Arizona, sent his Gila Monster postcard to Miss Ruby Jean Ellens in Sioux Falls, North Dakota. Pvt. Burdisso’s message to Ruby reads as follows:

“Hello again Ruby

Hope you will like this monster I’m sending you. The trip down here was nice. Took us 3 ½ days and got here late last night.

 Always

Eddie”

There’s nothing unusual about Pvt. Burdisso, corresponding with a single female during WWII, as thousands of lonely GIs did. I’m sure Ed Burdisso didn’t know that Pvt. Charles William “Bill” Hilleboe also had feelings for Miss Ellens and vice versa. When things didn’t work out for Ed, the blues came knocking one more time.

Neither Pvt. Bill Hilleboe nor Pvt. Ed Burdisso was able to slip a ring on Ruby Jean Ellen’s finger, although they eventually married and led successful lives. Both Burdisso and Hilleboe survived the war, going on to marry and lead long, successful lives.

Somewhere along the way, Miss Ruby Ellens was communicating with a third military man, Pvt. Rex Leubecher. Ms Ellens finally found the man she was looking for. I came across a postcard sent from him to her in 1949 while Rex was in Topeka, Kansas. She evidently liked to receive cards, as some people still do. Excerpts from Rex and Ruby’s obituaries best sum up their blessed lives.

“Rex Leubecher, 93, died Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Mr. Leubecher was born on January 5, 1920, on the family farm in rural Sioux Falls to Herman George and Iva (Peterson) Leubecher. He graduated from Washington High School in 1937 and then farmed in partnership with his father.

Rex joined the SD National Guard, and on November 25, 1940, he was called to active duty and sent to Fort Ord, CA. His ship left Pearl Harbor a week before it was bombed, and he proudly served his country in the South Pacific until his honorable discharge in July 1945.

After his discharge, he resumed farming and soon met the love of his life, Ruby Jean Ellens. They married on September 15, 1946, and shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. In 1966, Rex was persuaded by Erling Haugo of Valley National Bank to be his agricultural representative/public relations officer.

He served the Valley Banks of Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Lennox, Elk Point, and Yankton. His business sense, love of farming, and love of people made him a natural fit for the job. He retired as vice president in 1983 and continued to serve on the Valley Bank Board of Directors for many more years.

Rex served as chairman of Lincoln County Farm Bureau, Lincoln County Republican Party, Lincoln County Planning Commission, Southeastern Council of Government, Minnehaha Coop Oil, and numerous other ag-related boards.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Crippled Children’s School, was a charter member and past president of South Sioux Kiwanis, and a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. Rex served on the SD Highway Commission under Governor Archie Gubbrud.

A man of faith, he was baptized, confirmed, married, and was a longtime usher of First Lutheran Church.

In their late years, Rex and Ruby moved to Stoney Brook Assisted Living in 2010 and to Bethany Meadows Nursing Home in 2012. Rex endeared himself to all those who helped care for him and Ruby.


Rex was the consummate gentleman and family man. His kindness, integrity, and genuine interest in everyone he encountered earned the respect of all whose lives he touched. His positive attitude was contagious. Whenever anybody asked how he was, his reply was always the same. “It’s the best day of my life!”

Ruby Leubecher, 91, died Friday, November 29, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 13, at 3:00 PM at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD.  Ruby Jean Ellens was born on February 16, 1922, to John and Minnie (Albers) Ellens near Harrisburg, South Dakota. At the age of 9, the family moved to a farm near Wall Lake, and she graduated from Hartford High School in 1939 as valedictorian of her class.

Wanting to continue her education at Eastern State Normal (now DSU) in Madison, SD, she worked candling eggs for tuition money and doing housework for her room and board. She earned her teaching certificate, which qualified her to teach in rural schools in South Dakota.

She taught schools in Hartford, Valley Springs, and Lincoln County. While teaching at Springdale School District, she met the love of her life, Rex Leubecher, and they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. In 1986, Ruby received the Rural School Teacher Award.

Ruby was a devoted farm wife and mother to three daughters. She was a charter member of the Echo Extension Club and was active in county and state SD Extension Homemakers. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and an active member of Springdale Lutheran Church Women. She served as Women’s Chairman of Lincoln County Farm Bureau and was active in Lincoln County Republican politics.

An excellent seamstress, Ruby lovingly styled and sewed many prom and bridesmaid dresses and dozens of quilts for the church. She was also accomplished at cake decorating. Countless hours spent in her vegetable and flower gardens gave her much joy. Another form of relaxation was writing poetry, and her daughter, Kathy, helped her compile many of her poems into a book.

Rex and Ruby moved to Stoneybrook Assisted Living in 2010 and to Bethany Home in 2012. She suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for many years, never complaining and always thankful for those who helped care for her.


Ruby’s motto and advice to her family was always “If you’re handed a lemon, make lemonade.” She truly exemplified that during the last years of her life.”

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I’ve been through Sanders, Arizona, several times while traveling east to Kansas from Lake Havasu City, on Interstate 40. During those times, I never stopped there, seeing no stores or restaurants that interested me.

I knew nothing of Sanders’ history until coming across a picture postcard sent from Phil & Joe to Joe Danielka in Conneautville, Pennsylvania. The card was postmarked in Sanders on July 20, 1954, a mere 73 days after I was born. Delving into who the sender and recipient were, I performed a bit of town history first.

Sanders, Arizona, is a small unincorporated community located in Apache County, in the northeastern part of the state. Positioned near the border with New Mexico and situated along historic U.S. Route 66, Sanders has played a modest yet important role in the history of the region, particularly as a gateway to the Navajo Nation and as a stop along key transportation routes.

Long before European settlers arrived, the region surrounding Sanders was inhabited by indigenous peoples, most notably the Navajo (Diné) Nation. The Navajo have a rich history in northeastern Arizona, with deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land. Their presence continues to be a vital aspect of Sanders’ identity, as the community sits within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation reservation.

The community was originally known as “Ojo de Vaca” or “Cow Spring” by early settlers and traders, referencing a local water source. In the early 20th century, it was renamed Sanders, reportedly after a railroad engineer or official connected to the construction of the railroad lines in the area. The arrival of the railroad facilitated transportation and commerce, helping Sanders become a small but notable stop in the region.

The construction of U.S. Route 66 in the 1920s and 1930s brought new attention to Sanders. As the “Mother Road” wound its way through northern Arizona, Sanders benefited from increased traffic and commerce.

The town became a stopping point for travelers seeking fuel, food, and lodging on their journey across the Southwest. Route 66 played a significant role in shaping the economic and social fabric of Sanders during the mid-20th century.

In recent decades, Sanders has remained a rural community with a small population. The local economy is largely supported by services for travelers, ranching, and businesses catering to residents of the Navajo Nation. The Sanders Unified School District serves the educational needs of the area, and community events often reflect the blend of Navajo culture and the traditions of the American Southwest.

Sanders is notable for its proximity to significant Navajo cultural sites and its role as a crossroads between Native American and non-Native communities. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Navajo people and the influence of transportation corridors like Route 66 and the railroad in shaping the development of northern Arizona.

Though small in size, Sanders, Arizona, has a rich and varied history shaped by its indigenous roots, transportation developments, and its role as a gateway to the Navajo Nation. Today, it continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and its place in the story of the American Southwest.

The postcard senders, Joe and Phil, conjured up in my mind a couple coming out of the closet way before folks were openly doing so. It turned out that Phil was actually Philadel Eleanor Danielka, Joseph “Joe” Danielka Jr.’s wife. The recipient of the postcard in Pennsylvania was Joseph “Joe” Danielka Sr.

The history of this family is most amazing. Joseph Danielka Sr. was born in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and immigrated to America in 1914 with his wife, Bozena, and three children. Sadly, Bozena died soon after arriving, leaving Joseph a widower.

Undoubtedly, the two oldest children helped with raising their younger sibling, as families did back in the day. Joe’s obituary best sums up his life:

“Joseph Danielka, 86, died Sunday morning, April 4, 1965, at Meadville City Hospital.

Mr. Danielka was born on October 19, 1878, in Czechoslovakia, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Danielka. He served as a captain in the Austrian Army before coming to the United States with his wife and three children in 1914 to visit a sister. He was stranded here at the outbreak of the First World War and was naturalized the same year.

A life-long farmer, Mr. Danielka was a member of the Little’s Corner Methodist Church and a 30-year-plus member of the Keystone Grange. He served for 30 years as a voluntary crop correspondent for the U.S. and the State Department of Agriculture.

He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Stanley Kelley, with whom he made his home; two sons, Joseph Danielka, Lakewood, Calif., and John Daniels, Meadville, Pa., 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Interment will be in Denny Cemetery.”

Joseph Danielka Jr. and his wife were evidently traveling through Sanders on Route 66 when they mailed the postcard. There’s nothing written inside other than their names. A colorful picture on the front shows a flowering Rainbow Cactus.

Joe Jr. was born in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, on January 28, 1914. He married Philadel Eleanor White on December 23, 1933. The couple had two children, but one passed away at birth. Philadel died on April 25, 1961.

On July 9, 1964, Joe married Wanda Nadine Lusk. She died 28 years later on April 25, 1993. Joseph Danielka Jr. passed away on August 14, 2004, at 90. Exactly like his father, Joe Jr. was a hardworking farmer.