Archive Tucson is the oral history project of Special Collections at the University of Arizona Libraries. This interview is with Roland “Ron” Perry and it covers the following themes:

b. 1932

Family and childhood in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Uncle’s WWII flying career, grandfather’s service with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Family’s early connection to Tucson and Miami, AZ. Uncle Sunny Valdez, Arizona boxing champion.

Perry’s move to Drexel Park in the late 1930s. Capturing rattlesnakes and burros. Elementary school at Sunnyside. Work at feed store. Swimming at El Conquistador Hotel. Mother and maternal aunts.

Picking cotton during World War II as school activity. Raising chickens and rabbits for food during WWII. Fathers work for railroads.

Buying property.

Attending Mansfeld and Tucson High, graduating in 1950. Walking as a child and safety.

A detour about a very long walk/trip around the world in the mid/late 1950s?

Tucson High experience.

This interview was recorded on September 30th, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona.