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According to an early 1929 Chandler
Improvement Company bulletin for the Chandler
Heights Citrus Tract, “And of all lands in
the Salt River Valley now planted to citrus
fruits or being prepared for the planting of
citrus fruits, the expressed opinions of an
impressive group of citrus experts are virtually
unanimous in agreement that the new Chandler
Heights tract of 5,000 acres of oranges and
grapefruit land, recently subdivided and opened
to investment, is the finest body of such
land ever opened to development in the entire
Salt River Valley.” This same bulletin
also states, “During January, 1929, in the
middle of one of the worst winters recorded in
world history for many decades, when citrus
growers in other states were working overtime
with “smudge-pots” and other artificial outdoor
heating devices to combat frost, the young
orange trees of the Chandler Heights official
test grove in the heart of the tract came
through with virtually a zero showing of yellow
leaves – not enough signs of frost effect to
warrant recording.”
Because of the Stock Market
crash in October 1929, Dr. Chandler’s grand
vision was never realized; but, the present
community of Chandler Heights holds a
significant role in the history and folklore of
the area, and is treasured by its residents and
neighbors.
During the 1930's, Chandler
Heights was a bustling little community.
Stretching seven miles along the Hunt Highway at
the base of the San Tan Mountains, it offered
perfect soil for citrus trees, climate,
irrigation, and beautiful views.
Alexander Chandler’s grand
vision in 1929 for San Marcos-in-the-Desert, a
luxury resort in Arizona , became the focus of
Wright’s studio at a time when he had few other
commissions. Wright moved his office from
Wisconsin to Chandler , Arizona , and worked
with the developer on a variety of projects, the
smallest of which was farm camp, the only design
that was built.
Chandler
Heights was created nearby on part of the thirty
square miles of land owned by the Chandler
Improvement Company. Stretching seven
miles along the Hunt Highway , it offered
perfect citrus soil, climate, irrigation, and
beautiful views. Tracts of land were sold
to absentee investors who could participate in
the growth of the orchard industry that still
thrives in the area.
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