Barrio Anita oral histories

MS 818
Image
Landscape photograph. A small crowd faces an outdoor stage away from the photographer. Mariachi violin performers in purple charro suits play on the stage. “A” mountain and a white-walled house can be seen in the background.

Photograph taken at Dia De San Juan Festival near “A” Mountain. The feast day is a summer festival and typically marks the start of the monsoon season.

Collection area: Borderlands

Collection dates: 1997-2008

About this collection

This collections consists of oral interviews and videos about the history of and life in Barrio Anita from individuals who grew up in the neighborhood. Topics discussed include aspects of the neighborhood, including the character of the community, safety, living conditions and entertainment, as well as personal experiences growing up, including love and familial relationships. Separated materials consist of 14 CDs and 2 USBs

Historical background

Barrio Anita is a neighborhood in west Tucson known for its pueblo-style architecture and unique Hispanic cultural heritage. It was first plotted in 1903 with the vast majority of building constructed prior to WWII. The neighborhood is named after Anita Avenue, which was originally named after the neighborhood architect Thomas Hughes's sister, Anne, and has historically been home to a predominantly Hispanic population.

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