Since the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum first opened its doors to the public, visitors have been given the opportunity to learn about the history of the communities and their impact on the world through a vast selection of photographs, exhibits and displays.
Visitors now have the unique opportunity to see – and hear – newly created films telling stories of the past shared directly by those who experienced that history first-hand.
Thanks to a grant provided by the Del E. Webb Foundation, the Sun Cities Area Historical Society – owners of the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum – has launched its History Makers video project, which seeks to record recollections and stories of those who played key roles in the community’s history.
Each video is about 15-20 minutes in length and available to view in the Sundome Jr. Theater at the museum, as well as online at the museum’s You Tube channel.
The Del Webb Foundation awarded the grant to the museum last year. The museum hired a professional video production team to create five individual “History Maker” videos. All five have been filmed, and three are available for viewing. The last two are in the final stages of editing and should be available soon.
Two of the three History Maker videos presently available should be of particular interest to Sun City West residents:
- The first presentation in the “History Makers” series features Don Tuffs speaking about the history of the Sundome Center for Performing Arts in Sun City West.
Don was the initial manager of the Sundome when it first opened in 1980. He also is a past president of the historical society’s Board of Trustees.
When the Sundome first opened it was billed as the largest single-level auditorium in the Southwest. Performers who appeared at the Sundome included such stars as Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Kenny Rogers and more.
Don shares his recollections of the building’s construction and its importance in the community, as well as funny stories about the many performers who appeared on the Sundome stage.
- The second video features Ed Allen, a former president of the society’s Board of Trustees and author of the official history of Sun City West, published to commemorate the community’s 25th anniversary in 2003.
Ed explains how he became involved with “Sun City West Silver Celebration” and how a group of residents came together to research and put together the book.
Ed also shares his thoughts and recollections of the early days of the Sun Cities Area Historical Society and how the museum has changed over the years. The historical society purchased the house in 1989, and Ed shares stories related to the creation of the Del Webb room, the restoration of the 1960s-era living room and his memories of Jane Freeman, founder of the historical society.
The third video presentation in the series features an interview with 98-year-old Wally Britton, who was vice president of construction in Sun City for the Del E. Webb Development Company during the 1960s.
Wally shares never-before-heard tidbits about construction of Sun City homes and challenges faced in building one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities.
Jerry Svendsen, who served as the public relations manager for DEVCO during the 1960s and early ‘70s, is the focus of the last two films (both still in production).
In the first film, Jerry shares his memories of how popular Sun City was throughout its first decade and the innovative strategies his team adopted to promote Sun City to the rest of the world.
The final film also features Jerry Svendsen and his recollections of the Sun Bowl, the outdoor amphitheater built in 1966. Jerry served as emcee, and he shares his stories of working with such entertainers as Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, Bob Hope, Rich Little and more.
The final two videos will be unveiled at the museum’s annual meeting scheduled 2 p.m. Jan. 13 at Palm Ridge Recreation Center in Sun City West.
The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is located at 10801 W. Oakmont Drive, Sun City. For information on hours and membership, visit the museum’s website at delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org.
Pictured Below: Ed Allen, author of a book on the 25th anniversary of Sun City West, previews a video interview of himself conducted this past summer. The video interview is part of the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum’s History Makers Project.
