February 24, 2020
Pinnacle Peak’s fascinating history includes this 1948 image of Eagle Scout Lee Pedrick jumping the chasm that splits the summit of Pinnacle Peak. (Courtesy of Katchina Archives.}
Rare Collection of Printed Peak Issues to be Displayed at Library
The Scottsdale Public Library has announced that Les Conklin, Editor of A Peek at the Peak (The Peak) magazine , will present “The History of Pinnacle Peak” on Thursday, March 12th. The program will be held at city’s Appaloosa Library from 1 – 2 p.m. The Appaloosa Library is located at 7377 E. Silverstone Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. In addition, rare issues of A Peek at the Peak magazine that were printed in the past will be available at the library for visitors to review during the week prior to the presentation.
About the Presentation
“Pinnacle Peak is north Scottsdale’s most prominent landmark. Few people realize that the surrounding landscape covers the forgotten footprints of prehistoric hunter-gatherers, Hohokam, Yavapai, the US Calvary, miners, homesteaders, ranchers, developers, and colorful characters of the past. Once a secret destination of hikers, rock climbers and equestrians, today, the scenic area is enjoyed by an increasing number of residents and tourists from around the globe.
The presentation will provide an overview of the ecology and development of the area, beginning with the geologic formation of Pinnacle Peak and including the creation of Pinnacle Peak Park and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Information about the development and evolution of A Peek at the Peak magazine will also be available. The nonprofit publication has been published by the resident of the Pinnacle Peak area as a community service since 1977.
“Jim” Lane, Mayor, City of Scottsdale, (left), presents Les Conklin with commemorative road sign in recognition of Les’ contribution to Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Road service. 2019.
About the Speaker
Les Conklin has been the editor the award-winning A Peek at the Peak magazine for more than 15 years and is the author of “Pinnacle Peak – Images of America,” published by Arcadia Publishing. A civic leader dedicated to preserving north Scottsdale’s natural environment and history. Les is a member of Scottsdale’s History Maker Hall of Fame, president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, which publishes The Peak and the founder of Friends of the Scenic Drive. Les has both written about and been part of Pinnacle Peak’s fascinating history since he and his family moved to Scottsdale in 1983. Known for his sense of humor, Les’ presentation promises to be enjoyable and informative.
Library Collections Provide Additional Information
Les Conklin is the author of Images of America – Pinnacle Peak, published by Arcadia Publishing and available at all major book sellers. The book includes rare photographs that are used in Les’ upcoming presentation.
The Scottsdale Public Library provides large online collections of photographs, videos and documents. These archives are freely available to the public. Information related to the presentation can found directly using the links below. If you are accessing these collections for the first time, we suggest using the links and guides.
The search feature located on the library website’s home page includes the same archives in its searches to satisfy user queries, e.g. Search “Pinnacle Peak,” “Les Conklin,”etc.
#1. Les Conklin Scottsdale Historical Interview – Scottsdale Speaks Collection, Scottsdale Public Library, February 2020
In January 2020, Les Conklin was interviewed by Ann Quen Leon, Librarian, Appaloosa Library, as part of the Scottsdale Speaks oral history initiative. Anna and Les discussed Les’ personal history and his involvement with The Peak magazine and local history.
When you click on the green link box below you will see the title of the archived entry, “Les Conklin – Scottsdale Historical Interview.” Click on the title to view a complete description of the interview and supporting images and documents.
You will also see “Click here to see Scottsdale images.” When you select this link, which is what we suggest, you will see icons that identify the images and documents stored for the interview. Click on the icon to view its corresponding video, document or photograph.
Image-SCOT-SPEAK-2020-0004.pdf – List of awards received by Les Conklin
Image-SCOT-SPEAK-2020-0003.jpg – Photo of Les during interview
Video-Scot-Speak-2020-0002-mp4 – Video of interview
Image-SCOT-SPEAK-2020-003.jpg – Photo of Les signing a copy of his book Images of America – Pinnacle Peak for Scottsdale architect Doug Sydnor and his mother, Dorothy; Doug is the architect who designed the Appaloosa Library.
#2. Les Conklin Induction Video, Scottsdale History Hall of Fame Dinner, 2014 – History Collection, Scottsdale Public Library
Quick Start Preview
When you click on the green link box below you will see the title of the entry, “Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Scottsdale’s History Hall of Fame Dinner. 2014.” Click on the title for a description of the interview content and supporting images and documents.
You will also see “Click here to see thumbnail images.” When you select this link you will see a series of icons that identify the images, videos and documents that have been archived for the dinner. Click on the icon to view the desired video, document or photograph.
Video-CCL-HIS-2018-6038.mp4 -Â Video honoring inductees. Clip summarizing Les’ servi and ce is the first one featured.
Image – CCL-HIS-2017-6112.jpg – Invitation to awards dinner.-
Document – CCL-HIS-2017-6112.pdf – Dinner program.
Image-CCL-HIS-2019-6002.jpg – Photograph of Les and other 2017 inductees.
Vintage Printed Issues of The Peak on Display
Today, The Peak is published online and also serves as the website for the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association and Friends of the Scenic Drive. Below are the covers of two printed issues that were produced after after Les Conklin became the editor in September 2003 and before The Peak went online in 2014.  These and other past printed issues will be on display at the Appaloosa Library the week prior to the March 12th presentation of Pinnacle Peak history.
Tony designed this cover of the December, 2006 Peak magazine. The photograph featured on the cover was taken by Frank Biondo and was the winner of The Peak’s Summer Fun photography contest, which was later named after Tony.
The September 2006 issue of The Peak featured Pinnacle Peak and the founders and early members of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. Tony Nelssen took the photographs and designed the cover. Sandie McCune did the layout.
For additional information about the presentation, contact Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, 480.312.6425 or contact Les Conklin at 480-361-6498, info@thepeakaz.org.
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