Walking the neighborhoods surrounding and walking through the TCC (Tucson Community Center) is an education in migration, immigration, emigration, culture shifting, and urban renewal. It’s like watching a time lapse from the 1540s through the 1960s to today. And while we didn’t include it, the Gutierrez Bridge just down the block is the best illustration of what I just described–literally.
We started our walk near the Music Hall and wound down South Granada, paralleling the streetcar line. When we got to the turn where Granada meets Cushing Street, we turned to skirt the top of Barrio Viejo. That’s where you see the statue of the mother and child. On the base of this statue are a series of plaques that commemorate the now-gone barrio. It was here I learned of the Lebanese and Syrian residents who occupied these neighborhoods back at the turn of the last century (early 1900s).
A few blocks down is the main fire station and a memorial to fallen firs responders. We took a moment to read the names and to study the chronological history of TFD.
The wishing shrine is just beyond the fire station. A quiet place that is a space of hope in what was once a burgeoning barrio. During wars and emergencies, people have come here to pray for the safety of their loved ones.
A few murals are found on the sides of another fire station across from the Community Center towards downtown. That’s where we made our turn back to the Music Hall parking and our car.
Oh, and local girl makes good.
This will take several visits to really digest the history and culture enshrined in this ground. More later.
Relentless (and Mural Dog)
