Cactus Wren Chapter
Our Community

History:  Chandler, Arizona was named for a veterinarian, Dr. A. J. Chandler, who settled in the area in 1891. The town of Chandler began in 1912, with the opening of the Hotel San Marcos in 1913. In 1920 the Town of Chandler incorporated, with Dr. Chandler as its first Mayor. The San Marcos Resort and Spa is the oldest golf resort in Arizona, and is located in historic downtown Chandler, adjacent to Dr. A. J. Chandler Park, where many of Chandler's special events are held. In that park you'll find a statue of Frank Lloyd Wright, a business associate of Dr. Chandler’s.

A unique historical overview of the how the major streets in Chandler were named: Most of the north and south streets in the original town sites were named after states, and the east and west streets were named after American cities. Several of these names remain today, like Boston Street, California Street, and Arizona Avenue.

Historical Residence: McCullough-Price House - The home was built by William McCullough, a Detroit resident who spent his winters in Chandler. The home changed hands in 1942 when it was purchased by the Lockhead Family (who managed the Pecos Valley Milling Co.). In 1950, Arthur and Louise Price (Louise was the niece of Dr. A.J. Chandler) purchased the home and it stayed in that family until 2001, when Suzanne Price Propstra donated the home to Chandler. The home was restored between 2006 and 2007 and is currently used as a visitor center and museum.  This home is on the National Register of Historical Places.