by Lisa Schrader

Created on: April 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

When raised in a town, you learn what becomes the legends and history of the area. Phoenix is famous for Lynda Carter, Steven Spielberg, Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks, but those are just to name a few. Some were born here while others would adopt the city as their own.

Famous as those mentioned certainly are, many other legends have called Phoenix their home. Television, music and entertainment go hand in hand with the residents of the desert but even those famous in politics called Phoenix home. Most are aware that Barry Goldwater was a long time resident of the Phoenix area, having been born and raised there and even living his final days there.

There maybe are a few in the world of politics that some never knew or maybe have become part of the forgotten history. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan's mother, Edith Davis, lived her elderly years in Phoenix during President Ronald Reagan's term in office. The Reagans often stayed in Phoenix at various homes they would rent to be near Mrs. Reagan's mother during her later years. Always recognizable by the security detail surrounding them, they still treated the local residents with sincerity and grace.

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was born outside the Phoenix area but lived much of her adult life in and out of politics as a resident of Phoenix before her move to Washington, DC. From State Representative Morris "Mo" Udall to former United States Attorney Paul Charlton, politicians have their roots in deep in the heart of Phoenix.

Even local residents of Phoenix had their first taste of fame as guests on the longest running children's television show in history. For thirty-six years, kids grew up watching Wallace and Ladmo after school and some getting to appear on the show. Known for the goofy characters, the cartoons and the Ladmo Bags, it was considered an honor to be chosen!

Wallace and Ladmo became celebrities in their own right often appearing at schools, hospitals, malls and theme parks every week to three generations of kids that grew up in Phoenix. The duo became world famous for their television show and their innovation of kids' TV shows.

Some can remember growing up seeing "Miss Kitty" from Gunsmoke in a surreal experience while shopping at the local grocery stores. Having just seen her the night before talking to Marshall Dillon on your TV screen, you would see her twenty-four hours later as she was standing in line to pay for her groceries. Yes, Amanda Blake lived many years in East Phoenix

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>