Haunted Phoenix Bus Tour

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Haunted Phoenix Bus Tour Explores the Spookier Side of Downtown

When: Sat, Oct. 28st, 2017, from 3-5

Where: Bus leaves from the Clarendon Hotel at 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix.

What: A guided bus tour hosted by history raconteur, Marshall Shore, who shares the hidden history of these sites.

Join Marshall Shore, the unofficial Arizona Hip Historian for a bus tour of historic graveyards, ruins, and ghostly haunts in downtown Phoenix. The tour commences at the Clarendon, a boutique hotel with a wildly checkered past. Once the scene of the infamous Don Bolles murder, the hotel is home to various ghosts, including some recent and some longtime residents.

The tour will include a drive by of the historic Orpheum Hotel (Adams and Second Avenue), home to the mysterious female spirit who wanders inside; a visit to the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, the final resting place to notable figures in Arizona history and folklore; a peek inside the ruin of the historic First Baptist Church on 3rd Ave and Monroe, which caught fire in the mid-80’s; a stop at the San Carlos Hotel, home to the ghost of Leone Jensen, who has haunted it's halls since 1928.

Tour participants can park at the Clarendon

When: Sat, Oct. 28th, 2017, from 3-5p

Where: Bus leaves from the Clarendon Hotel at 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix.

What: A guided bus tour hosted by history raconteur, Marshall Shore, who shares the hidden history of these sites.

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Winnie Ruth Judd: Arizona's Most Infamous Murderer

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Bus Tour Follows the Footsteps of Infamous Winnie Ruth Judd
and the Phoenix Trunk Murders

Marshall Shore steeps himself in the history of Phoenix that others might overlook: the cultural anomalies, the fads, the dreamers, the artists and the eccentrics that provide a unique window into our city’s past. One such character was the infamous Phoenix trunk murderer, Winnie Ruth Judd.

Back in 1931, the nation was rocked by the grisly details of this gruesome crime. On October 16, 1931, Winnie purportedly killed her two roommates, one of the bodies was cut up, both were stuffed into trunks, and taken by train to Los Angeles. It was a big job for a small woman, and the twisted tale of adultery, jealousy and murder was complicated by rumors, speculation and uncertainty. Bits and pieces of the story continue to come to light, even to this day.

“As I talk with people in my research, the most interesting things come to light, ” said Marshall, “Just recently, my phone rang and someone began telling me about the Winnie Ruth Judd victim that was cut up in their house’s basement.”

Saturday, Oct 14th, in true Marshall Shore style, he’s hosting a bus tour covering the historical crime. The tour runs from 3 pm to 5 pm, and begins and ends The Clarendon Hotel. The bus will travel along the old Brill trolley line, which will give tour-goers an idea of the shape and size of Phoenix back in Winnie’s day. Other stops will include the houses where she lived and where she met Jack Holleran, a well-known Phoenix businessman with whom she had an adulterous affair; the Grunow Clinic (still a medical clinic!) where she worked; the house where the murders took place; the train station where she attempted to board with the oozing trunks; and the old Maricopa County Courthouse where the trial took place. \

The book available on the tour is the first book published about Winnie Ruth Judd which was the Dobkin's book "Winnie Ruth Judd: The Trunk Murders" published in 1973 and recently republished with additional information. The book can be included in the price of the ticket or purchased on the tour. 

Tour participants can park at the Clarendon 

Tickets

When: Sat, Oct 14th, 2017, from 3 - 5 pm
Where: Bus leaves from the Clarendon Hotel at 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix.
What: A guided bus tour hosted by history raconteur, Marshall Shore, who shares
the hidden history of these sites.

Post-World War II Growth in Arizona

Marshall Shore talked about what led to the population boom in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding towns such as Tempe following World War II.

See the C-Span 3 Video

Oct '16 Winnie Ruth Judd: Arizona's Most Infamous Murderer

When: Sunday, Oct 23th, 2016, from 3 - 5 pm
Where: Bus leaves from the Clarendon Hotel at 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix.
What: A guided bus tour hosted by history raconteur, Marshall Shore, who shares
the hidden history of these sites.

Tickets

Bus Tour Follows the Footsteps of Infamous Winnie Ruth Judd
and the Phoenix Trunk Murders

Marshall Shore steeps himself in the history of Phoenix that others might overlook: the cultural anomalies, the fads, the dreamers, the artists and the eccentrics that provide a unique window into our city’s past.  One such character was the infamous Phoenix trunk murderer, Winnie Ruth Judd.

Back in 1931, the nation was rocked by the grisly details of this gruesome crime. On October 16, 1931, Winnie purportedly killed her two roommates, one of the bodies was cut up, both were stuffed into trunks, and taken by train to Los Angeles.  It was a big job for a small woman, and the twisted tale of adultery, jealousy and murder was complicated by rumors, speculation and uncertainty. Bits and pieces of the story continue to come to light, even to this day.

“As I talk with people in my research, the most interesting things come to light, ” said Marshall, “Just recently, my phone rang and someone began telling me about the Winnie Ruth Judd victim that was cut up in their house’s basement.” 

Sunday, Oct 23th, in true Marshall Shore style, he’s hosting a bus tour covering the historical crime. The tour runs from 3 pm to 5 pm, and begins and ends The Clarendon Hotel.  The bus will travel along the old Brill trolley line, which will give tour-goers an idea of the shape and size of Phoenix back in Winnie’s day.  Other stops will include the houses where she lived and where she met Jack Holleran, a well-known Phoenix businessman with whom she had an adulterous affair; the Grunow Clinic (still a medical clinic!) where she worked; the house where the murders took place; the train station where she attempted to board with the oozing trunks; and the old Maricopa County Courthouse where the trial took place.

The book available on the tour is the first book published about Winnie Ruth Judd which was the  Dobkin's book "Winnie Ruth Judd: The Trunk Murders" published in 1973 and recently republished with additioonal information. The book can be included in the price of the ticket or purchased on the tour. 

Marshall promises a few surprise stops along the way and tour participants will be among the first to hear about details in the story that have recently come to light. The tour will cover more information than found in any book.

Tour participants can park at the Clarendon 

When: Sunday, Oct 23th, 2016, from 3 - 5 pm
Where: Bus leaves from the Clarendon Hotel at 401 W. Clarendon, Phoenix.
What: A guided bus tour hosted by history raconteur, Marshall Shore, who shares
the hidden history of these sites.

Tickets

Arizona History Timeline

Echo Magazine Celebrates 25 years of informing the LGBTQ community. Marshall Shore contributed a timeline of 25 Arizona facts that predate Echo.

A Bunny of a Different Sort

Now that Spring has arrived and that bunny business is over. Let's chat about the other Bunny. Yes, the Hugh Hefner inspired black and white Playboy Bunny. More specific the Playboy Club that was right on Central. Across from what is Park Central, at 3033 N. Central. Located at the very top, not the 8th floor, but squint and strain your eyes for a glimpse of the elusive penthouse on top of the 9th flr and it's large balcony.
Fifty years ago, in the valley, would have been the first time your classic cocktail have been served with the world famous Bunny Dip, by a young lady wearing her custom made suit donning a tail and ears. All the clubs had closed in mid 80's. Though, with it's live music venue that featured the likes of BB King, strict rules against customer/ server relations and a support female environment there are many fond memories of prior guest and former employee. In memory let's do the Bunny Hop

Presentations/ HIPstorian

Route 66 for Arizona One Book/ Big Read, Celebrating Grapes of Wrath, Arizona state-wide, Jan 2012

Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular, Monthly Arizona History Show, Phoenix, AZ, Jan 2010 - Present

Roadside Neon of Central Arizona, Modern Phoenix Expo + Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottdsale, AZ, April 2011

Marshall Shore: Pop goes the Valley, Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ June 2010

Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular, Modern Phoenix Expo + Design Within Reach, Scottsdale, AZ, April, 2010

Mel's Diner!

Yeah, I am a sucker for a good sign. This Phoenix diner had me captivated with it’s large coffee cup pouring out on arrow pointing the way to yummy food. The word Mel’s written across it had my memory banks whirring. Could this be the one? Really.....A step inside and the question is answered. This place is a super star! The pictures on the wall and the script in the display case give the answer. Yes! this place was featured in the sitcom Alice running 1976-1985 . Staring Linda Lavin as a singer following her dreams of moving to LA, but her car broke down in Phoenix. Though, there is no Flo, screaming “Kiss my grits!” It is still filled with characters and regulars, greeted by name and asked if they want the usual. The staff dress in retro-esque black and pink waitress uniforms and keep your coffee cup filled and warm. The skillet arrived with biscuits and gravy and was satisfying. This is one of my favorites spots to bring folks because it’s celebrity status, but the good food at Mel’s Diner keeps me coming back for more. Open 7 days a week and that sign is always visible! Mel's Diner is located at 1747 N.W Grand Ave. in Phoenix.

Jack Durant Author at Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular March 8th

Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular
 From Durant's to a Castle

Mabel Leo, author of the Jack Durant Series (yes--The notable Phoenix restaurant) will be speaking. Hear how Leo uncovered the secrets behind the mysterious Jack Durant of the Durant’s Restaurant! 

Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular will cover an adventures that includes Toverea Castle and other more.

Don’t miss this informative talk and book signing....
Time: Thursday, March 8th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Phoenix Metro Retro
708 W. Hazelwood St.
Price: $7.00

T-shirt for The Sahara Inn

[caption id="attachment_252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sahara Hotel "][/caption]

The Sahara Inn - While filming the movie Bus Stop Marilyn Monroe stayed in the penthouse of this Fab hotel in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Most recently it was ASU student housing and was then deemed a safety hazard and was recently torn down to become a parking lot. There was a valiant effort by many Downtown to install a dog park, but the Sheraton will have the parking lot.

T-Short for Log Cabin Motel

Log Cabin Motel was located on 24th St and Van Buren. demolished the summer of 2010. Was really the end of an era for Van Buren that at one time was filled with resorts and motels catering to the traveler heading to Las Vegas, LA or beyond. When it opened it had a golf course and a large water wheel out front. It had declined and was the last hourly rate hotel in the city.

T-shirt Starlite/ Diving Lady

[caption id="attachment_241" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Diving Lady Sign in Mesa, AZ"][/caption]

Neon Diving Lady @ the Starlite Motel in Mesa Arizona- The most famous sign on Mesa Main St. came down during a stormi Oct ’10. Whether it will return or not is a on going debate.

T-shirt Bali Hi/ Grand Ave

Bali Hi/ Grand Ave
Imagine back when Grand Ave was filled with resorts and the automobiles most seen were Lincoln and Cadillac’s. The Bali was an upscale motor court along Grand Ave. The epi center of Phx Tiki culture directly across from the Bikini Lounge in an era that predated the interstate system.