Events › Our Stories: Dr. Chandler's Birds Gone Wild

Ever wonder about the origins of Chandler's Ostrich Festival and how this bird played a role in Chandler history? In 1914, Arizona's first territorial veterinary surgeon and hotel magnate, Dr. A.J. Chandler, expected the delivery of a herd of 210 ostriches from Avondale's Pan American Ranch for his menagerie near the San Marcos Hotel. Along the way, the birds stampeded into the wild, some reaching as far south as Tucson. 

Author and historian Janelle Molony tells this strange-but-true story, which set the scene for years of folklore about ostriches in Chandler. Join us for a humorous and unique presentation!

Registration is not required. 

Our Stories presents diverse speakers who share unique Arizona and local history topics to a general audience throughout the year. This series is produced by the Chandler Museum and the Chandler Public Library, with support from the Friends of the Chandler Public Library.