Interview Archive
Betsy Thornton
Betsy Thornton moved to Bisbee in the 1970s with her husband, sculptor Ralph Kaufman, after leaving New York City. In her interview, she reflects on how artists transformed the town by buying affordable homes, starting galleries, and influencing local politics, despite initial hostility from miners and city leaders. She discusses Bisbee’s shift from an artist community to a tourist destination, the impact of gentrification, and the potential reopening of the mines, which many artists oppose due to environmental concerns.
Joy Timbers
Joy Timbers moved to Bisbee with her husband and quickly felt welcomed by the community. In her interview, she discusses how the town transitioned from a mining hub to a thriving cultural destination. She attributes community activities as a driving force in the revival Bisbee. She reflects on the challenges brought by COVID-19, the town's resilience, and the tight-knit nature of the community, which helped Bisbee recover when other nearby towns struggled.
Mike Anderson
Mike Anderson moved to Bisbee after his wife fell in love with the town's atmosphere. In his interview, he shares how Mayor Chuck Ends made a bold decision to shift Bisbee’s focus toward tourism, which helped revive the town after mining declined. He discusses how attractions like the Copper Queen Mine became central to the town’s identity and how real estate prices plummeted after the mine closures, He also touches on the town's historical ties to the Phelps Dodge Corporation.
Sally Holcomb
Sally Holcomb, a longtime Bisbee resident, has strong family ties to mining. Despite moving from Bisbee, she remains tied to the community. Ms. Holcomb witnessed miners' struggles, including relocations and lost retirement benefits. She saw firsthand the era’s social and economic challenges. Reflecting on Bisbee’s evolution since the 1970s, she notes tourism’s rise and shifting demographics.
Chris Dietz
Chris Dietz is a scientist and poet who moved to Bisbee in 1980, attracted by its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and affordable living. In his interview, he talks about the town’s transformation after the mines closed, the effects of gentrification, and the complex social dynamics within Bisbee’s artist community.
Mike Thorton
Mike Thorton is a community music radio station host and moved to Bisbee during its post-mining town renaissance. Mike moved to Bisbee because of the thriving hippie culture and low cost of living. He discusses the history of Bisbee, the internal colonization of Arizona, resource extraction of the mind and much more.
Rita Verri
Rita Verri is from New York and moved to Bisbee Arizona in the 90s. She was attracted to Bisbee’s thriving culture, friendly people, and practicing arts community. Low cost of living was also a major consideration. Rita rented throughout her time at Bisbee and left 21 years ago due to the rising costs, a high unemployment rate, the rise of tourism, and lack of funding towards education. Rita touches on Bisbee’s central school project where she has an established theater space.
Boyd Nichole
Boyd Nichole moved to Bisbee in 1978, drawn by its community and affordability. In his interview, he reflects on Bisbee’s transformation after mining declined, his environmental activism, and concerns about gentrification, rising housing costs, and the challenges future generations will face.
Gordon Berry
Gordon Berry arrived in Bisbee in 1975 and quickly embraced its unique culture despite. Low rent made living affordable, with many paying as little as $30 a month. Progressive youth and "rainbow people" brought a California-inspired influence, though discrimination against Hispanics persisted. He recalls poetry gatherings that brought new ideas and visitors. Now 72, he sees the Warren area as key to Brisbane’s fture growth.
Betsy Breault
Betsy Breault is an artist who moved to Bisbee in 1969 after growing up in a mining town in western Pennsylvania. In her interview, she reflects on the town’s vibrant artist community, the miners’ strike for higher wages, and the racial and ethnic divisions that shaped Bisbee’s history.
Brenda Morales
Brenda Morales, a lifelong Bisbee resident, is committed to the city’s growth. As The Bisbee Foundation's president for two years, she focused on endowment-funded programs like scholarships and restoration projects. She reflects on Bisbee’s resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and believes in its strong, enduring spirit shaped by generations, including her own.
Susan Wiley
Susan Wiley is originally from Oregon and moved to Bisbee in 1999 because of the welcoming community and inexpensive housing, in which she paid 67,000 dollars for her home. Susan started a project in Bisbee writing for the local newspaper about the history of Bisbee. She discusses the vast history of the town including the deportation of indigenous communities, the mining company, and stories of Bisbee residents.
Judy Perry
Judy Perry is a painter known for her unique style, creating murals and paintings that capture the spirit of Bisbee. In her interview, she shares her journey of moving to the town in 1976 after losing her theater job in Tucson. She reflects on Bisbee’s mining history, its strong artist community, and the challenges of gentrification.
