The Desert Museum’s History of Illustrations
Sometimes we ‘unearth’ the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s history. And on occasion, it finds us
Recently, Peggy Larson and Anne C. Warner were contacted by Ann Lane Hedlund, author and noted historian, who said she was working on a book about Mac Schweitzer whom she cited as a graphic artist with ASDM. Peggy and Anne were puzzled because they had not heard of Schweitzer — ok, Peggy had, but only very briefly in passing. Anne had not.
Hedlund was looking for samples of Schweitzer’s work. Peggy and Anne began searching the Desert Museum Archives and found original historic newspaper clippings that Bill Carr saved from the early years (going back to the 1950s). In their search, they found cartoon/illustrations from artists including Chuck Waggin’ aka Charles Amesbury, Jerry Cannon, Bruce Marshall, C.M Palmer, and yes, Mac Schweitzer.
Keep in mind that very early Desert Museum historical documentation was usually photographic, frequently done by Marvin Frost, Merv Larson and others, But the illustration graphics came a bit later when Bill Carr contacted the Arizona Daily Star and convinced them to feature cartoons from Museum artists that portrayed ‘life at the Museum’ with some simple text. Then, an early Star editor at one point turned to Bill Carr and said “Why don’t you let George L (Mountainlion) write the column? He has so much personality.” And so the ‘Literary Lion’ was born.
To be fair and to give proper credit here, originally Bill Carr co-authored the columns, but then Bill got too busy and turned to Peggy Larson, and said — “they’re yours.” Others helped along the way.
As Peggy says:
The cartoons were an opportunity to share with the public — often in a humorous way — ‘tales’ of the Museum’s animals, plants — and yes, people, including Museum visitors. The cartoons served to attract the reader while educating them about the Sonoran Desert.
The newspaper columns faded away for a while, but then in the 2000s came back via the Arizona Daily Star through the efforts of Peggy and Educator Robin Kropp.
As Peggy and Anne explored the Archives and did their research, it occurred to them that there was a larger message here to share with the Desert Museum community. So they thought they would share some of the Archival samples. They have included dates where known.
They fully recognize that there have been many graphic artists who have contributed to the Desert Museum’s history. They would love to hear from you, if you are one of them, or have stories to tell of one. Please email all suggestions/comments to Peggy Larson.
We’ve enjoyed sharing our historic ASDM memories with you
—Anne C. Warner & Peggy Larson
Note: select any illustration below to see a larger version.
Extractions from ‘I see ’em at the Museum’ — by George L Mountainlion with assistance from Arthur Pack and graphics by Mac Schweitzer — © Copyright 1954 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Mac Schweitzer also contributed to Trailside Topics — Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum/Arizona Daily Star — early 1950s
Chuck Waggin’ aka Charles Amesbury — circa 1960s
George & the Palo Verde
Jerry Cannon — circa 1950s
George L
Bruce Marshall
C.M Palmer — circa 1956 — with help from Nadie Gras, wife of Hal Gras, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Public Relations Director
— and more recent ‘tales’ compliments of the Desert Museum’s Robin Kropp and Peggy Larson, and the Arizona Daily Star —
George L
Enjoy!