Jacome, Alex F.
Part 1 of 4 was recorded at Alex Jacome’s house in Sahuarita, Arizona on October 12th, 2017. It covers the following themes:
Family history extending to Alex’s maternal great-grandparents.
The establishment of the store La Bonanza, which later became Jacome’s.
Family connection with Zeckendorfs and Steinfelds.
Jacome family business philosophy and the retail scene in mid-20th century Tucson.
Discrimination in early Tucson.
Cross-border connections between Arizona retailers and Mexican consumers.
Rodeo Parade during the 1940s and changes in Tucson fashion.
Alex’s parents’ lives; includes mention of the University of Arizona, working retail, Tucson country clubs, and society. Social importance of the Pioneer Hotel, Mountain Oyster Club, and culture of horse racing.
Part 2 of 4 was recorded at Alex Jacome’s house in Sahuarita, Arizona on October 24th, 2017. The interview covers the following themes:
Alex’s childhood, including the Campbell Avenue area in the 1940s and 1950s. Games, education, safety, Tucson Boys Chorus, and the role of the church and fraternal organizations in daily life.
Border refugees during Mexican Revolution.
Father’s connection to Norman Bourlaug.
The Tucson Trade Bureau and sister cities program with Guadalajara from the 50s-70s.
Father’s conflict with Chicano Movement.
Life in Tucson during WWII.
Postwar changes and urban expansion.
High school during the 1950s, including drive-ins, car culture, education, and sports.
Studying at the University of Arizona.
Marine Corps experience.
Working at the family store, including business conditions, banking, expansion, downtown Tucson, and the El Con Mall.
Urban Renewal, storm water drainage, and highways.
The controversy surrounding the Pancho Villa statue in downtown Tucson and the commissioning of the Eusebio Kino statue.
This interview is part 3 of 4 and was recorded at Alex Jacome’s house in Sahuarita, Arizona on October 31st, 2017. The interview covers the following themes:
A deep dive into Tucson automotive culture in the 1950s and early 1960s: drag racing, circle track racing, and low riders. Drive-In restaurants, drive-in theaters, and teen social life in Tucson—including the rise of the hamburger!
Arrival of discount retailers in Tucson and end of exclusive relationships between clothing brands and stores.
Supper clubs and concerts.
Road names and the construction of Interstate-10.
Details about Jacome’s, the family aesthetic, and employee dress code.
Alex’s work on the Arizona Civil Rights Commission and his father’s appointment to the Arizona Board of Regents.
Part 4 of 4 was recorded at Alex Jacome’s house in Sahuarita, Arizona on November 9th, 2017. The interview covers the following themes:
The closing of Jacome’s Department Store.
Alex’s life after leaving the store.
Arizona real estate during the 1980s.
Tucson's changing attitudes towards water use.
Creation of Metropolitan Water Improvement District in Oro Valley.
Alex’s run for Arizona Secretary of State.
Alex's work for the State Register of Contractors and attempt to regulate a group known as The Travelers.
Government Liaison for the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. Conflict with Center for Biological Diversity over pygmy owl and burrowing owl.
Work to create a Joint Technical Educational District for Pima County in 2007.