Payson history pictorial

In honor of Payson's 125th anniversary the Payson Roundup is collecting historic photos of Rim Country history. If you have photos you'd like to add to this photo gallery, please e-mail them to: editor@payson.com, or stop by our office at 708 N. Beeline Highway so we can scan a copy. Photos selected for the gallery must be free of copyright protection or must accompany a copyright release, and may be used in an upcoming special edition to commemorate the town's anniversary.

Zane Grey's cabin — once a historical Rim Country landmark — burned during the Dude Fire of 1990. A replica of the cabin has been rebuilt at Green Valley Park. View photo »
On his third hunting trip in Arizona, author Zane Grey came up short in his goal to shoot a bear. He was outdone by 13-year-old Richard Haught, who shot a large brown bear on his way to school. View photo »
David Gowan was a prospector who stumbled upon the Tonto Natural Bridge in 1877 as he was being chased by Apache Indians. He hid in the caves of the travertine bridge for three days and later claimed squatter's rights on the property. View photo »
After discovering the Tonto Natural Bridge, David Gowan (left) persuaded his nephew, David Gowan Goodfellow (Right), to bring his family from Scotland and settle the land permanently. View photo »
When David Gowan Goodfellow (front left) brought his family to settle the land surrounding the Tonto Natural Bridge, they had to lower their possessions 500 feet down the edge of the mountain with ropes and burros. Back Row: Harry Goodfellow, Andrew Ogilivie, David Goodfellow Jr., Front Row: David Goodfellow Sr., Lillias Goodfellow, Lillias Goodfellow and Arthur Clark, a friend of the family. View photo »
The original Rim View Lodge in Payson, Arizona. View photo »
An early photo from inside the Ox Bow Saloon on Main Street in Payson, Arizona. The historic building still stands today and remains a popular gathering place. View photo »
Parking their cars facing the street made for a more comfortable seat as people gathered to watch the rodeo on Payson's Main Street in 1922. View photo »
Main Street became the main attraction during what was known as the August Doin's. This photo, taken in 1922, shows the crowd gathered to watch the ranch hands compete in what is now known as the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo held each August in Payson, Arizona. View photo »
Children in 1937 pose for a photograph on the dirt drive known as Bootleg Alley. The road still exists today running north and south between Main Street and West Frontier in Payson, Arizona. View photo »
This photo, date unknown, shows a World War ll-era bomber parked at the Payson Airport. View photo »
The Wills family. Viola Wills, top row, left to right, Sadie Dwyer and Francis Marion Wills. Bottom row, William Leonard Wills, left to right, Molly Taylor, Mary Ruth Wills and Marion Olin Wills. View photo »