A black and white postcard of the bandstand and dance pavilion in Vista Park in Warren. The front caption reads: “Open Air Dance Pavilion. Warren, Ariz.” The postcard was postmarked October 1st El Paso, Texas and received October 16th. It was sent by Howard C. to Miss Helen McDonald-Bisbee, Ariz Gen. Del. The postcard was published by the Albertype Company Brooklyn, New York for the Warren Drug Company-Warren, Ariz. The back message in ink reads: “Am sorry I didn’t get to tell you goodbye, but it couldn’t be helped. Helen I have had a wonderful trip so far. Am in El Paso Now. Leave Sunday. Sure am tired from driving. We’ll write if possible. Don’t Try to answer. Howard C.” Emily McHenry Collection.

Between 7 and 9 in the evening on June 3rd, 1911, Warren celebrated the grand opening of Vista Park. The trolley company deployed extra cars to help manage the crowds of 2,000 to 3,000 people. Music was provided by the Calumet & Arizona band followed by a guest performance by the Sixth Cavalry Band. The most spectacular event that night was the lighting of hundreds of electric lights that illuminated the park and the attendees. Vista park functioned as a focal point of recreational life for the residents of Warren, Lowell, and Bisbee. The trees, shrubs and grass were irrigated by the water pumped from the mines. The park hosted concerts played by the Calumet & Arizona and the Copper Queen bands. Among the social events hosted there was a dance organized by Catholic women to raise funds for St. Patrick’s church. In May 1914, the trees near the YWCA were moved in the preparation for a new dispensary building. The trees were replanted at Vista Park as part of its 1914 expansion, part of a plan to further beautify Warren, provide residents with better services and to improve property values.

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