Historic Gilbert properties you need to see
Incorporated on July 6, 1920, the town of Gilbert was once known as the “Hay Capital of the World,” as it was a major farming community in Maricopa County.
For many years, Gilbert served as an agricultural town, and it was in the 1970s where the Town Council approved of a trip annexation that included 53 square miles of land.
Gilbert would later experience growth and develop into a young, affluent community in central Arizona.
Gilbert Water Tower (1925) 45 W. Page Ave.
Built in 1925, the downtown water tower reflects Gilbert’s farming heritage. It’s pictured at the middle right of this page. Still the biggest small town in metro Phoenix, it has morphed into a young, affluent suburb with big employers and higher education.
Gilbert Elementary School 10 S. Gilbert Road
The original elementary school was built in 1913 and is the oldest building still standing in the town. It closed for school use in 1977 and reopened in 1982 as the Gilbert Historical Museum.
Gilbert High School 140 S. Gilbert Road
The original Gilbert High School was constructed in 1920. It’s now part of Gilbert Public Schools’ offices.
Tone Building (1929) 301 N. Gilbert Road
Built in 1929, the Tone Building was built by Albert Tone, an accountant and Gilbert’s first mail carrier. This building served as a “Safeway Pay’N Takit” store that opened on July 19, 1929, and was considered the most modern store in Gilbert during this time.
In 1996, the Johnston family would
purchase the Tone Building and open the popular valley restaurant, Joe’s Real BBQ, a Gilbert restaurant landmark.
Liberty Market Grocery Store (1935)
230 N. Gilbert Road
The Liberty Market grocery store in Gilbert was remodeled in 1958. Since 1935, Liberty Market has been a Gilbert fixture and for decades it was the only grocery store in town. Now, it’s been transformed into a market and restaurant serving up chic, cozy eats. Mae Hoo Ong and her husband, Ben, owned and operated Liberty Market from 1943 to 1987. Mae, who passed away on Jan. 30, 2012, designed the market’s iconic sign, which is still there today.
Creed Grocery Store (1915) 228 N. Gilbert Road
The Creed Grocery Store, pictured at top left, was established in 1915 on the west side of Gilbert Road by Raymond Rodney Creed and his wife, Etta. It’s now a popular dining spot, the Farmhouse
Restaurant. Chinese immigrant Paul Tang, who owned the Creed Store, named it this because it was the home of the Creed family.
Attaway Phelps-Blakely Building (1919)
Built in 1919 by C.M. Russell, the Attaway Phelps-Blakely Building housed multiple businesses. Today, this building is the present-day Norwood Furniture store.
Bank of Gilbert (1917)
Southeastern corner of Page Avenue and Main Street
Pictured at top right, in 1917, the original Bank of Gilbert sat on the southeastern corner of Page Avenue and Main Street. It now houses an insurance office.
Clare’s Sheet Metal Shop (1919)
309 N. Gilbert Road
Opened in 1919, Clare’s Sheet Metal Shop was opened by Forest Clare and his family. For 50 years, Forest ran the shop and had open accounts with Crane Company and O.S. Staple Co. The metal shop was torn down after Forest’s retirement in 1968, but the home were Forest raised his family remained and later became Bergies Coffee Roast House in 2009.
Clement’s Garage (1934) 141 N. Gilbert Road
Tom Clement’s Garage was a community mainstay, since Clement set up his garage in 1934. Clement, who served as the town’s mayor from 1947-53, ran the auto shop, repair shop and gas station as a successful business until he retired at age 92 four years ago.
American Legion Post 39 (1935) 206 N. Gilbert Road
Chartered on Dec. 3, 1935, the American Legion Post 39 maintained a membership of veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Pictured in the center of the page, the American Legion Post 39 decorated its building with flags in commemoration of Flag Day on June 11, 2015.