It is hard not to notice the many improvements in Downtown Duncan. They are due largely to the efforts of a very special group, the Duncan PRIDE Society.

Peggy Crotts, chairperson of PRIDE Society, said the organization's vision has become a reality with the completion of phase one in Spezia Square.

"The street corner is pleasing to the eye and is visited by many who travel the Old West Highway (U.S. Hwy. 70)," she said. PRIDE Society, organized in March 2001, stands for Preservation and Restoration In Duncan's Enhancement. Crotts said the organization presently has around 40 members.

Crotts said the society's master plan includes two more phases to be completed in Spezia Square and its surrounding area.

Other accomplishments have been ongoing, including cleanups, painting of scenes on old buildings and the old Chevron building which was transformed into an old Western saloon facade.

The facade is named after Bart Tipton, who was a Duncan bar owner around 1905.

Cement benches and wrought iron gates have been placed along the Old West Highway.

"The trees along the Union Pacific railroad are beginning to grow and should be quite beautiful in a couple of years," Crotts said. The PRIDE Society and the Town of Duncan planted paid for the tree planting project.

She said the society will continue working with Downtown property owners to clean up, paint and improve the overall appearance of their buildings.

Crotts said an historical museum is also in the organization's plans.

"The history and culture of Duncan should be preserved and not lost through the years, " she said.

Crotts said the PRIDE Society's historical cookbook project was a success. One thousand books were printed and about 800 have been sold. All proceeds from sales went to projects within the society. Cookbooks are still available at Big River Saddle shop, Stockmen's Bank in Duncan and Duncan Town Hall.

In order to continue meeting its overall goals, PRIDE Society will be hosting another fund-raiser on Saturday, April 17. The event will be held at the Greenlee County Fairgrounds in Duncan and will include an art festival, quilt show, auction and a unique display of antique glass.

The auction will be offered to the public with items including an original Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, an old wooden wagon wheel, antique mining papers and an original sand painting. Three signed canvas transfers donated by Tim and Suzie Cox. Tim is a renowned artist formerly of Duncan.

Events begin at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. The auction begins at 11 a.m.

PRIDE Society has the 501C(3) nonprofit status and all donations given will be tax deductible. "Contributions will not only help the donor, but will also be used wisely in PRIDE Society's efforts to continue improving Duncan," Crotts said.

As with its previous fund-raiser in 2002, the society will advertise heavily in South-eastern Arizona and parts of New Mexico by way of posters, fliers, radio spots, The Copper Era, Eastern Arizona Courier and The Glenwood Gazette.

Donations for the auction can be dropped off at Duncan Town Hall, Big River Saddle Shop or Stockmen's Bank in Duncan.

The society asks that donations of items be submitted by April 2 so they can be catalogued.