Windshield Replacement in Laveen, AZ

The Laveen area was first settled by farmers and dairymen in 1884. Despite its proximity to Phoenix, the community was isolated from its larger neighbor by the Salt River, which carried water year-round until the Roosevelt Dam was completed in 1911. The only bridged crossing was at Central Avenue, more than six miles (9.7 km) away. Because of its isolation, like the rest of south Phoenix, early Laveen was autonomous of Phoenix, and became relatively self-sufficient, supporting two general stores, a barbershop, repair garage, two pool halls, and a building for the Laveen Women’s Club. These businesses served as important gathering places for the greater Laveen community, which includes: modern south Phoenix, and the neighboring Gila River Indian Community (GRIC).

In the early 1900s, Walter E. Laveen and his family homesteaded an area encompassing all four corners of present-day 51st Avenue and Dobbins Road, where they also built the area’s first general store on the southeast corner. Members of the Laveen family donated land adjacent to their store for a school built in 1913, and named “Laveen School.” A second general store, the Del Monte Market, was built in 1908 at 27th Avenue and Dobbins Road, and is considered the oldest still-standing building in Laveen.

In 1915, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation noted the community was called Laveen and had a population of less than 25. In March 1918, Walter Laveen was appointed the area’s first postmaster, and operated the post office in the back of his store. Laveen later served as Sheriff in Pinal County.