It was a like a trip in the Wayback Machine. My sister and I had been planning this adventure for sometime. Our mission was to head for the apple and peach orchards and snag some fresh corn from this converted cowtown.
Back in the 1880s when Willcox, about 80 miles southeast of Tucson, was founded it, was a bourgeoning livestock center rivaled by few in Arizona. When the Interstate came through in the 1970s, the town almost died. However, some enterprising locals and others saw a future for the place. These days it is a vitaculture (wine), row crops (apples and corn), and nut (pecans) center. Where rows of alfalfa and hereford cattle used to stand, new crops and businesses now thrive.
We were there this day to visit Apple Annie’s for the aforementioned peaches and corn. Plus do a bit of sightseeing.
Part of our family story took place in Willcox. Our father had a drug store in the town in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Sis graduated from the local high school and still visits friends in the town. That backstory gave us some reasons to go for a drive and visit former homes, schools and churches.
Besides the business direction of the community, lots has changed in the 60 years we’ve been gone. Most of the businesses we knew are gone. Some of the parks and landmarks are named for people who were civic leaders from our long-ago stay there.
Willcoxans (is that what a resident is called?) do pay homage to former, famous residents. The biggest is probably Rex Allen, one of the last of the Hollywood and TV singing cowboys. Each October there is a parade and rodeo commemorating the cowboy star’s birthplace. Country star Tanya Tucker spent her childhood here. And the youngest of the Earp brothers, Warren, is buried here.
On our visit we found a pleasant mix of old and new. We relived part of our youth and enjoyed the twon that it has become.
Relentless
