East Arizona News

In tribute to a man who has dedicated a lifetime to preserving the unique history of Scottsdale, Mayor David D. Ortega has proclaimed Paul Messinger as "Scottsdale's Historian Emeritus." This title recognizes Messinger's commitment to ensuring the past remains an integral part of the present in the "West's Most Western Town."   

He’s a gifted storyteller who has shared captivating accounts of our community through newspaper columns, books, in-person conversations and lectures. 

Messinger helped found the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame in 1994, and he was inducted in 1995. He writes a memoir-style history column for The Arizona Republic, giving credit to the Scottsdalians who created the city’s cachet and lifestyle. He and his family also urged the creation of a history research center, now knows as the Scottsdale Heritage Connection, at Civic Center Library. 

“We thank Paul for his dedication and contribution to the preservation of our history and the culture of our city,” said Mayor David D. Ortega. “Scottsdale Historian Emeritus Paul Messinger ties our history with today, as we go forward into the future.” 

Arriving in Scottsdale in 1942, Paul worked on his family’s farm at Miller and Indian School roads. He married his high school sweetheart, Cora, in 1950 and raised two sons. He established Messinger Mortuary on the family farm property in 1959, and operated Scottsdale’s first ambulance service. 

While growing his family and business, Messinger always made time to give back to his community.  Among other things, he was dedicated to public service through the Scottsdale City Council, the Scottsdale Town Enrichment Program, Scottsdale Charros, Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Scottsdale Western Art Association. 

Original source can be found here.