The Northern Arizona University Alumni Association and its Past Presidents Club are working to restore the NAU logging wheels to preserve a university icon dating back more than seven decades.
A symbol of Flagstaff’s lumber town heritage, the original logging wheels were donated in 1932 by Joseph Dolan of Arizona Lumber & Timber. Walter and Dorothy (Norman) Nelson of Sedona (Arizona State Teachers College class of ’32) donated the replacement wheels in 1974. They have been the centerpiece of NAU’s annual Homecoming parade, having carried the Homecoming king and queen in nearly every parade since 1934.
Over the years, neglect and weather have taken their toll on the wheels, but they continue appear at NAU’s annual homecoming parade. In recent years they’ve also made an annual appearance at the Northern Lights Holiday Parade where they have been decked out with lights and decorations.
A restoration fund has been set up with the NAU Foundation to raise $50,000 to fully restore the wheels and provide them with permanent housing and long-term care and maintenance. All contributions are tax deductible.
Contribute online or mail your donation to:
NAU Logging Wheels Restoration Fund (#4983)
NAU Foundation
P.O. Box 4094
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4094
For information, contact Wayne Connelley, NAU Alumni Association board of directors, at (602) 763-6924 or e-mail waynec@rfcaz.com.