City prepares for 50th anniversary

Surprise turns the 50 in 2010, and the city is gathering photos and stories from past and current long-time residents and business owners to include in a history book and video to commemorate the big anniversary.

"We are asking anyone to contact us that may have old photos of the city, newspaper clippings, or even a great story to share about living or working in the city over the past 50 years," says City Clerk Sherry Aguilar.

Aguilar, who has spent her entire life in Surprise, remembers the rose farms that dotted this area's landscape when she was a child. "I can still close my eyes and remember the sweet smell, and I'm hoping other people will come forward with their memories of living here before the population boom hit about 10 years ago."

Surprise was founded in 1929, however it was not incorporated until December 12, 1960. City founder Homer Ludden, a former state legislator, named Surprise after his hometown in Nebraska.

In addition to a book, the city is also working on a video that will feature historic photos of the city and interviews with people willing to share their Surprise memories on camera.

Anyone wishing to participate can contact Sherry Aguilar at 623.222.1220 or clerk@surpriseaz.com . A Web site featuring a few of the older city photos is also available at www.surpriseaz.com/historyproject .