Appendix D - Approved Plaque Language

City of Glendale — Regular Meeting (2024-01-23)

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Appendix D 
 
Cerretas Plaque 
 
Bienvenidos al Barrio Corazón y Alma  
 
We lovingly dedicate this plaque to our ancestors who laid the foundation for our faith, family values, and 
community involvement.  
 
El Barrio de Guangoche (The Gunny Sack), or The Barrio as affectionately known early on, has been the 
home of many proud, strong, and resourceful individuals in downtown Glendale since the 1880s. Arizona 
Canal Water created work in nearby ranches, orchards, farms, the Sugar Beet Factory and Webster’s Dairy. 
These workers and their families were some of Glendale’s first residents.  
 
In 1931, the first Fiestas Patrias, founded by Bruno Lopez, Joe Macias, and Jose Anaya and family, were 
held in Murphy Park. The celebrations included music, food, and dancing. Flatbed trucks provided by 
Rodriguez Trucking featured floats and musicians. These fiestas drew people from neighboring towns. It 
was one of the most significant events in Glendale and one of the first to bring the Hispanic community 
together. The event was eventually moved to Rose Lane Park so larger crowds could attend. 
 
Hispanic owned businesses were prevalent in early Glendale: Antonio Maldonado’s blacksmith shop, Joe 
Ibarra’s gas station and garage, and Gamboa’s Bakery where the smell of fresh Mexican bread drifted 
from the beehive oven in the family’s backyard. Joe’s Market was the first full service grocery store. El 
Ranchito was owned by Juanita Ortiz for many years and later became known as Josie’s, where the best 
chorizo burritos and other great Mexican dishes were made. The Anaya’s food store had “the coldest beer 
in town.”  
 
El Barrio Corazón (Heart) Y Alma (Soul) demonstrates our love for family, community and faith.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaque 
 
 
The Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Capilla of Guadalupe) 
 
The Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe began as a small mission under the auspices of the Franciscan 
Fathers from Saint Mary Parish in Phoenix. The Claretian Fathers of Immaculate Heart Parish in Phoenix 
took over the mission about 1928. Masses were held in a small adobe church named in honor of Saint 
Joseph. The adobe church was completed in 1933 and destroyed by fire in 1936. Under the Rev. 
Francisco Aguirre, the church was rebuilt in 1938 and named Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  
 
On the feast day of St. Joseph, March 19, 1948, it became a formal parish and in 1949 Father James 
McFaddan was appointed as the first pastor. The school was built in 1950 under the direction of the 
sisters of Norte Dame de Namur.  
 
In 1968 our little rock church was declared unsafe and condemned by safety inspectors. In 1971, after 
many fundraising events, a multipurpose building was completed.  
 
In the 1970s the adobe church became a center for religious education classes and social activities. The 
old church has been restored and is now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.  
 
Information provided by the Diocese of Phoenix, Office of the Archives

Barrio Park Military Plaque 
 
 
A Salute to Our Veterans 
 
The history of Hispanics from Glendale, Arizona, who served in the U.S. Military is one of courage, honor 
and dedication. Since the early 1800's they served in every American War and have made countless 
sacrifices for our freedom, fighting bravely in conflicts around the world. 
 
In World War II, hundreds of Glendale residents enlisted in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps 
and Coast Guard, answering the call of duty to defend freedom and democracy. During the Vietnam 
War, the Hispanic population of Glendale served with pride, bravery and dedication. 
 
In subsequent years, Hispanics continued to serve in various campaigns and conflicts around the world, 
including Operation Desert Storm and the War on Terror. As a result of their service, these individuals 
have been recognized with numerous awards and decorations: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star 
and Purple Heart. Today, the Hispanic community of Glendale remains proudly committed to serving 
their country. 
 
In Honor of all Past, Present and Future Veterans, we very respectfully commend the Hispanic Veteranos 
of Glendale for their courage, commitment and unselfish sacrifices to our great nation and honor those 
who have made the ultimate Sacrifice ...ADELANTE