Price, Arthur E.

Open

Arthur E. Price, World War I U. S. Army uniform, c. 1917. Chandler Museum collection.

Arthur Ernest Price was born in Elberton, Washington on April 21, 1889 to Charles Anson Price and Cora Valentine Long. His father was a wheat farmer and grain broker. Upon completing High School, he attended Washington State University. During his time at the university, he was the head of the Democratic Party on campus and the college debate society. He earned a letter in basketball, and was president of his class during his senior year. He graduated in 1909 with a degree in history and economics. He then attended Harvard Law School for two years, but because he ultimately wanted to practice law in Washington, he transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle to finish his degree.

He was soon drawn to economic opportunities that seemed abundant in California. He traveled to San Francisco and Los Angeles, but became concerned that the California economy was being over promoted. He related this opinion years later when he was being interviewed by a newspaper reporter.

"Los Angeles around 1913 had a population of about 300,000 people. I took bus tours promoted by beaming real estate people promoting the sale of lots in various parts of the city and they were so lavish in their predictions as to the growth of Los Angeles that I became a little leery. I told myself, 'this looks fine but the bubble is going to burst. Values are too high.' I wasn't satisfied with Los Angeles so I went to the Chamber of Commerce and looked over other possibilities, and I came across a folder about Phoenix in Arizona. I guess I didn't have too much confidence in my ability as a young lawyer, for I reasoned, why not go to Phoenix where the competition won't be so keen and I will have a better chance of advancing."

This would prove to be a significant decision. While in Phoenix, Arthur met Dr. A. J. Chandler who was in the process of building his development empire fueled by his investments in irrigation, large scale farming and founding the Town of Chandler. Arthur began providing legal counsel to Dr. Chandler. Originally, Arthur intended to spend a year practicing law in Chandler and then move to Phoenix. But like so many others, he became impressed with Dr. Chandler's vision for the new community. 

He is listed in the 1916 and 1917 Chandler (Arizona) City Directories as an attorney living at Hotel Chandler. He also appears in the1918 and 1919 directories but with nothing else but his name. He was a veteran. The 1920 directory said he was an attorney at the Monroe Building. The 1921 directory said he worked on San Marcos Place.

The 1923, 1925 and 1926 directories said he was an attorney at the Monroe Building and that he and his wife Louise C. lived on north Washington near Cleveland.

The 1929 directory said he was lawyer, working at 6 San Marcos Place and that he and Louise had a home at 100 N. Washington.

The 1930 directory said he was an owner of the Price & Beer law firm and vice president of the Chandler Improvement Co. and Consolidated Canal Co. He and Louise lived at 100 N. Washington.

In the 1931 and 1932 directories, he is listed as an owner of Price & Beer, vice-president of the Chandler Improvement Co. and councilman. He and Louise C. lived at 100 N. Washington.

The 1932 Phoenix Telephone Directory, Chandler section, said Arthur E. Price was an attorney, with the work phone number of 62, and home number, 102. He lived on north Washington.