Photo: Film production for Junior Bonner takes place on Gurley Street in 1971
A new mini-exhibit by the Sharlot Hall Museum is open at the Prescott Public Library’s Viewerie, based on the Museum’s recent storytelling event “Moments with Junior Bonner,” and will close February 28. At that event, the Museum collected the personal narratives of Prescottonians who experienced the making of Junior Bonner fifty years ago. These stories paint a candid picture of Prescott, the ways it has changed in the last fifty years, and the thrill of interacting with the film’s stars.
The Prescott community’s involvement in Junior Bonner is a large part of what makes the movie so special. Utilizing a unique story-sharing platform called “PixStori,” the Museum recorded stories from community members that captured the impact the film had on our community. You can listen to these stories by accessing the online story gallery at https://bit.ly/shm-juniorbonner.
From interviewee Rex Hinshaw’s account of playing pool with Steve McQueen to Lark Cyr’s tale of her clever strategy as a teen that led to meeting McQueen (bonus – he was shirtless!), this mini-exhibit shares the highlights of these personal experiences. These stories give a taste of the ways the film impacted people’s lives and how the world has grown and reshaped since.
People can still share their Junior Bonner stories to the online gallery, either by uploading a personal photo or using one of the many production photos that have been provided.
Sharlot Hall Museum Executive Director Lisa Hayes shared, “This project reflects the Museum’s commitment to innovation and community engagement in how we bring people in conversation with Central Arizona’s evolving story. We are grateful to the Arizona Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities for the ARP funding that made this project possible.”
The full story of how Junior Bonner came to be filmed in Prescott and details about the production can be seen as part of the Museum’s popular To the Rodeo, Pardner! exhibit which will be up through summer of 2023. The mini-exhibit, “Moments with Junior Bonner,” will be open at the Prescott Public Library viewerie until February 28.
The Sharlot Hall Museum, located two blocks west of Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza, is one of Arizona’s premier history museums. Its four-acre campus tells Arizona’s story through exhibits, gardens, and historic buildings, including the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion. Events and programs include the annual Prescott Indian Art Market, Sharlot’s Cellar, monthly Living History Adventure days, and more.
