Speakers Bureau Speaker
Kathy Farretta, Flagstaff
Kathy Farretta is the Assistant Park Manager at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, Arizona. She serves as tour guide, special events coordinator, marketing person, gift shop manager and, of course, a historian! In December of 2004 she received her Master's Degree in History from Northern Arizona University. Kathy serves on the Board of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, and is a member of the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
American Arts and Crafts Style Architecture
The American Arts and Crafts Movement grew out of the philosophies of William Morris and John Ruskin at the beginning of the twentieth century. Reacting to ostentatious Victorian-style household furnishings and architecture, they believed that simple, functional things are beautiful instead. Arts and Crafts style designers emphasized sturdiness, craftsmanship, and functionality. They believed beauty comes from within—not from fancy things added on. In the United States, American Arts and Crafts style buildings appear to have grown up naturally from the land, the boundary between outside and inside deliberately blurred through the use of local materials, horizontal lines, and wrap-around porches. This presentation explores the Arts and Crafts architectural style in Arizona through discussion and images that bring the era to life.
Host organization provides PowerPoint presentation setup.
Community-Builders: The Riordan Families of Flagstaff
In the late 1890’s Matt Riordan and his younger brothers, Tim and Mike, assumed leadership roles in the fledgling community of Flagstaff. Together they guided their fellow citizens toward building institutions of learning and science, encouraging community investment in technology and infrastructure, and developing a diverse economy. Today it is preserved as an historic house museum, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. The park provides an opportunity for future generations to experience a small part of the Riordans' story. This presentation is illustrated with historic photos of Flagstaff and its citizens, and examines the role of a leading family with long-term vision in a small, growing town. Audiences will have a greater understanding about community building and turn of the last century Arizona.
Host organization provides PowerPoint presentation setup.
Flagstaff’s First Twenty Years: Building Community on the Railroad Line
People who lived in the remote part of Arizona during the early twentieth century were not isolated from the rest of the country. In Flagstaff, located on the transcontinental rail line, they had trains, the telegraph, and even newspapers. They brought their values and ideals with them and with these ideas in mind, they worked together to create the community of Flagstaff. The presentation is illustrated with historic photos of Flagstaff and its citizens, and brings to life the city of Flagstaff at the time when it was just getting its start. Audiences will have a greater understanding about how larger events influence community formation.
Host organization provides PowerPoint presentation setup.
Timber Tales: Logging in the Flagstaff Area
Historic photos illustrate this fascinating discussion of northern Arizona’s logging lifestyle at the beginning of the twentieth century. The combined efforts of men, animals, and machinery turned raw timber into finished lumber, and helped build the community of Flagstaff. While it is easy to think of Arizona’s economy as defined by the “Five C’s,” it is important to remember that northern Arizona has a different story. Audiences will gain an greater appreciation about the early logging industry in northern Arizona.
Host organization provides PowerPoint presentation setup.
