An undated aerial photo shows Gilbert's original square mile before the town became a bustling bedroom community.
In this photograph of downtown Gilbert taken in the 1940s, the original Liberty Market can be seen on the far right.
In this photograph of downtown Gilbert taken during a parade in the 1940s, the original Liberty Market can be seen on the far right.
Four people pose for a photograph at Gilbert’s train depot in 1918.
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By Mark Scarp, contributing columnist
By Jerry Brown, contributing columnist
Guest Commentary by Bill Richardson
Guest Commentary by Shawn Thiele
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Poorman posted at 7:45 am on Sun, Jul 4, 2010.
Its a shame,some of us miss old Gilbert and the downtown area. So much for progress. Now when you go out you need to lock your doors and set your alarm system. Nice! Huh!
CoiledStrike posted at 9:57 pm on Sun, Jul 4, 2010.
I love what Gilbert has become and I am proud to live here. I enjoy the downtown area and am glad to see how vibrant it has become. I have met so many nice and wonderful people who have moved into the town and am lucky to have so many new friends. I still leave my home unlocked and have never installed an alrm system. Forme, Gilbert is home and always will be. Thank you for the awesome article Lawn. [smile]
JeffKo posted at 5:27 am on Mon, Jul 5, 2010.
Interesting article. However, Marji Scotten didn't get the location of the Pioneer Drive-In quite right:
"Every Friday night, we'd go to the Pioneer Drive-In Theater (on Main Street west of Country Club Drive) in Mesa."
The Drive-In was actually located at 2165 W Main St, which is west of Dobson (2 miles further west than the location cited). After being abandoned as a Drive-In, the current Midtown on Main apartments were built (originally Pelican Bay apartments) sometime around 1986-87 at 2121 W Main St.
The only picture I could find, from 1983:
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=pioneer&catpagesize=25&ProductID=23307
grewupingilbert posted at 11:59 pm on Sat, Jul 10, 2010.
There is no Gilbert, Arizona anymore to those of us who grew up here. There is only the Gilbert that was controlled and manipulated by the powers that be,(or were) most of which have probably made their fortune(through real estate of course) and have moved to the carribean or something. The Gilbert that exists now is great for those who have moved here and have no previous recollection of how great this little town really was...I wish I was in a position to understand the intentions of the town council back in the day and do something about it, but eventually resistance would have been futile against the almighty dollar..All good things must come to an end.. I never believed that when I was young....