August 2017 30 By Daniel Davis and Renee Winter Lets continue our discussion of the 5 C’s of Arizona. Thus far we have learned about how horses were utilized in the copper mines and cattle industry. This month we will explore the history of cotton in Arizona and how horses were used in the production of cotton. In the 1800’s in the Valley a man adventured out to grow cotton, F.G. Hardwicke. Hardwicke began growing cotton in Tempe, Arizona around 1885. Horses were used to plow the cotton fields. Cotton pickers wore huge sacks to hand pick the cotton bolls one plant at a time. Horses and wagons were used to deliver cotton to cotton mills where the ginned cotton is pressed into bales. However, over time cotton farmers began using machines to pick rows of plants at one time increasing cotton productivity. Of all the commodities, cotton is the only one to earn the title “King Cotton” for the amount and price of cotton that was being produced. During World War 1 cotton was being used for rubber tires for cars and airplanes. Do you know how Goodyear, AZ got its name? Yep, that is correct, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (1917) purchased a substantial amount of land for the production of cotton for tires. Goodyear’s first town name was actually “Egypt” for Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton was the first commercial cotton grown in Arizona. Arizona was the birth place for Pima cotton farmed by Estmer Hudson. Pima cotton is a combination of Egyptian cotton and American strains, known for its strength, durability, and softness. Today Arizona still produces up to 200,000 acres of cotton. Currently, there are approximately 16 cotton gins in Arizona. Daniel Davis’ family founded the R & C Supply Company in south Phoenix in 1964. The company has provided services for cotton gin machinery and manufacturing for over 50 years. At the end of June, Daniel and I will attend the Arizona Cotton Ginners Association (ACGA) held annually. Here is a link to the ACGA website if interested in learning more about their history and mission for the future of cotton http://azcottonginners.org/ THE 5 C’S OF ARIZONA Part 3: Cotton By Kimmie Dillon Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and contestants, the first season is a “wrap” for Ponies in the Park. The Horse Lovers Park Progressive Barrel and Pole Series was a 10-month long competition held in Phoenix. The series started in September with each month averaging almost 20 entrants in the progressive barrels and about a dozen in progressive poles. Winners received a saddle, embroidered jackets, buckles, trophy halters, bell boots, medicine boots, custom jewelry, spur straps, and trophy headstalls. Congrats to all season award winners and participants! Horse Lovers Park in Phoenix is a non-profit organization for equine enthusiasts from all over the State. To make a donation or to volunteer at the park, visit www.AZHorseLoversPark.org. Also, a big shout out to the Arizona Quarter Horse Association for their efforts in producing The Celebration and Western States Championship Horse Show. This 10-day event was held inside of the air-conditioned South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The show featured Quarter Horses demonstrating their versatility in Western, English, Trail, Halter and Performance classes. I especially enjoyed competing in the ranch and cow horse events. Hope to see you all back in Vegas next year! Kim Dillon grew up competing on horseback here in Arizona. As a former Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Rodeo America runner-up, Kim enjoys sharing her equestrian love and expertise with others. Ponies in the Park PROGRESSIVE BARRELS AA 1st Jennifer Waitman A 1st Reagan Smith 2nd Karen Johnson 3rd Katie Zuercher B 1st Dee Baer 2nd Sierra Grubb 3rd Debbie Nelson C 1st Cassi Libonati 2nd Maddison Lyons 3rd Carol Ferguson D 1st Gabby Venezia 2nd Kyla Benedict 3rd Peyton Grubb E 1st Missy Sullivan 2nd Izzy Nichols 3rd Stephanie Joyce PROGRESSIVE POLES A 1st Julia Starzinski B 1st Kara Lindsay C 1st Reagan Smith D 1st Jennifer Waitman 2nd Abby Squire E 1st Cassi Libonati 2nd Katie Zuercher 3rd Dee Baer