Dr. W.V.B. Ames gave the Spanish name Casa de Sueños, "House of Dreams", to the house he built for his wife on a 2000 acre parcel on the SE side of South Mountain in 1921.
Miss Helen Brinton, changed the name of the house to the Crow word Ahwatukee in 1935. Since the Crow translation for "House of Dreams" (ashe ammeewiawe) sounds nothing like Ahwatukee, it's thought Brinton named the town after the Crow words awe chuuke, meaning "land on the other side of the hill" or "land in the next valley".
Ahwatukee covers about 35 square miles and has roughly 80,000 residents. Even though it is part of the city of Phoenix; with South Mountain on the north, I-10 to the east, the Gila River Indian Community to the south and no road to the west, it feels completely separate from the city proper. It is often called the world's largest cul-de-sac.
These caches mark the route of Ahwatukee's annual Easter Parade held the Saturday before Easter. Also, each September 11, American flags are placed along this portion of 48th St. to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in 2001. And the Red, White, and Boom! fireworks display is held at Ahwatukee Country Club across 48th St from the first 3 caches in the series.
These caches are our way to give back a little to the geocaching community, and honor our House of Dreams, Ahwatukee.
All caches in the series are on the east side of 48th St. Since there is no parking on 48th, use the streets in the neighborhood to the east, abiding by any no parking signs. There is no need to cross this busy road. Use caution, especially if small children are with you, and enjoy!
Please return this one exactly as found. Thanks.