Author: Sam Sais

Though it began more than 20 years ago as the pet project of two amateur scientists and at one time was run as a bed and breakfast, the San Pedro Valley Observatory just outside Benson has grown into an attraction that draws visitors from all around the world.

Unlike other observatories, there are no crowds or guided tours.

“We do a personalized observing program,” said astrophotographer Dean Salman, who teaches several astronomy classes at the observatory. “We keep our groups down to only four people at a time, who work with only one astronomer. It’s a one-on-one observing session, unlike other programs where you have 60-70 people.”

The observatory began in the Tucson home of Dr. Eduardo Vega, a pathologist who dabbled in astronomy. Vega started with a small collection of telescopes, said Art Nagel, the manager of today’s observatory.

When Vega ran out of space in his home for the telescopes he’d obtained, Dr. Max Bray, an optician and an optics expert, helped him find a solution. Together, they opened Vega-Bray Observatory in 1989.

For eight years, the observatory offered bed and breakfast to visitors. After both founders passed away, the observatory was sold to developers and entered a hiatus.

Mark Krider moved to Tombstone and opened his western apparel store in February on the north side of the city’s main transportation drag, Fremont Street.

He said that, so far, “it’s been kid of slow” at his shop, Bandit & Belle, 302 E. Fremont St.

That’s not to say he’s pessimistic. While many in town see Fremont Street as a barrier between the tourist-heavy Allen Street and the rest of town, Krider said he’s hoping for a near-$1 million transportation project to bring tourism north of Fremont Street.

Arizona Route 80 becomes Fremont Street through Tombstone.

Narrowing the street to provide room for lighting, wooden boardwalks and awnings will give the highway more of the old west feel, said Steve Troncale, city councilman and city project manager for the improvement.

 

[caption id="attachment_24" align="alignright" width="864"]The Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company was founded in 1943. (Photo by Samantha Sais/ASNS)[/caption]The odor of spices inside Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company in Tumacacori greets visitors even before they open the front door.

Here, spices are not just a product. They’re a craft and a tradition. Sauces, powders and pastes of all colors fill the store from wall to wall.  Some are local flavors, such as the company’s own brand of chili sauces and powders made from fresh peppers harvested on family owned farms each fall and processed at a factory in Pearce.

The company was founded in 1943, though its origin dates back to 1931 when Gene England came to the Southwest and bought a ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley. Over time, the business expanded, and now the store only has to handle retail sales as well as packaging, labeling and shipping of online sales.

For John Fields, or “Johnny One Dog” as he’s known around town, an old and possibly unstable adobe garage is the perfect place from which to sell sarsaparilla.

The 67-year-old’s business is known as Johnny One Dog’s Tombstone Sarsaparilla. It’s located on Third Street between Fremont and Allen streets and has been open since late last year.

Johnny said the idea to sell sarsaparilla came to him during one of his regular walks with his dog, Jenny. He noticed that the town’s shops only sold Sioux City Sarsaparilla.

“Sioux City has had the market for years, and I saw a need for Tombstone’s own private label,” he said. “Tombstone is a famous town in the Old West. I thought it would be a good souvenir item.”

Johnny then scribbled a few sketches for a label, which included a logo that consisted of a “J,” “1” and “D” to symbolize his nickname, which evolved from locals saying, “There’s John and his one dog,” Jenny.

With his sketches, he turned to John Ludwig, a Tombstone art designer.