It's the first of the month again and that means it's Theme Day. This crosswalk is perfect for the theme as it has a history to it. Back in 1986 the Prescott City Council decided to eliminate this crosswalk, which is in the middle of the block. This crosswalk connects the courthouse with the shops and bars across the street in the area known as Whiskey Row. After public outcry about the removal of the crosswalk, Sam Steiger, a local politician, once an Arizona Senator, decided to take matters into his own hands. One night he took a can of paint and a paint brush and painted the crosswalk back on the street. Steiger was arrested but was acquitted by a jury after deliberating only 25 minutes. He argued that "it wasn't criminal damage, it was historic preservation". The crosswalk was reestablished and is in use today. Sam Steiger was elected Mayor of Prescott in 1999 and served one term. He passed away September 26, 2012 at the age of 83.
9 comments:
I remember Sam Stieger very well. I once had him speak at an event for an organization I was President of. That was a long, long time ago. This is a great story about the crosswalk. When he spoke to our group he told a story about driving to Phoenix from Prescott when he was a kid and how it took two days and at least two extra tires. There was no I17 back in those days.
I think I see a man and dog that I know in this photo!
Fantastic story to go with this photo. I bet there are those who would like to forget walking and jump on a Harley :). Nice shot.
This is a crosswalk deserved to be remember of....
Terrific story; what a guy! People like that delight me and, of course,, saner minds prevailed after he was arrested!
What a story! I am glad to know this.
There should be a sign next to this crosswalk for those next generations or for the present ones :-)
Good theme day post.
Sam Steiger served several terms in Congress. I think he ran for the Senate but lost in the Republican primary. He was indeed a character.
Sam was always in the news for his shenanigans. I once wrote him a letter requesting a US flag that had flown over the capitol in Washington. He sent me one! I still have it!
What a cool story. Crosswalks and pedestrians are more important than many city councils think. Excellent realisation of the theme!
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