100 Years in the Making

In 1912, the Titanic sank, Woodrow Wilson was elected President, and painter Jackson Pollock was born. Also that year—on Valentine’s Day, no less—the United States lovingly opened its arms to welcome Arizona to the Union, making it our 48th state. The people of Arizona have lived through so much and have an abundance of unique stories to show for it. Along with Arizona writer Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, O’Neil Printing, Roswell Bookbinding, and countless photographers and historians, Rule29 worked to collect those stories in Arizona: 100 Years Grand—a commemorative coffee table book to celebrate the State’s centennial.

The book’s outline had been in the works since 2006, with author Lisa Schnebly Heidinger working daily on the manuscript for the past two years. She came to Rule29, along with Phoenix-based O’Neil Printing and Roswell Bookbinding, in late 2010 to help bring the collection of stories to the masses. From January to August 2010, the book was in full production, with the first copies rolling off the presses last Fall. Upon seeing the finished book the first time, Lisa admitted it was quite an experience. “I think I laughed, and then I cried. It turned out to be so much more amazing than I’d dreamed…and I’d even seen pictures!” she exclaimed. For all involved, it was a labor of love, but the effort was well deserved since so much of the team had close ties to Arizona. All the generosity of the contributors was overwhelming. Everyone seemed to want to be a part of the project, with Senator John McCain and former Governor Rose Mofford (among many others) providing forewords.

“The tremendous generosity of all those who contributed beyond that point: that photographers spent their own money to travel to take pictures, that the Review Board came together and did everything on their own time…the fact-checkers, the indexer…it was truly a birthday gift from so many people to Arizona!” –Lisa Schnebly Heidinger

All the hard work definitely paid off. Not only was the book honored as “The Official Book of the Arizona Centennial,” it was named as an Official Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission. Arizona: 100 Years Grand was also chosen as the adult selection for ONEBOOKAZ—a program that encourages communities to read a single book at once and participate in community discussions focused on the material.

With the centennial celebration in full swing (leading up to a big statewide event on February 14th), Arizona: 100 Years Grand is ready for its closeup. The limited edition, hardbound version features a beauty shot of Arizona’s most famous landmark, the Grand Canyon, inset into the cover. Debossed line art inspired by quilt block patterns and metallic copper foil stamping adds the perfect touch for such a special event. Inside the 248-page book, each year is detailed on its own spread and a specific focus. From historic sites and architectural achievements to tales of politics, entertainment, and even alien abductions, Arizona: 100 Years Grand is a compilation of the most interesting accounts of the last 100 years. Who knew Albert Einstein was made an honorary chief of the Hope tribe?! The timeline that runs through the book is so full of unique facts on its own!

To order a copy and help celebrate 100 Years Grand, visit www.az100yearsgrand.com. As a way to give back, we have designated twenty percent of the profits to go to the Arizona Centennial Commission—an organization focused on bringing the community together to celebrate the centennial and create a “vibrant and sustainable future” for Arizona. Let’s keep Arizona beautiful and the stories flowing!