Oro: A golden name for a golden desert bloom and the inspiration for the OVHS logo!
On this page, learn how Oro Valley got its name and the story behind the OVHS logo. Then hover over the title in the navigation bar and choose from the dropdown menu to dive deeper into the rich history of the George Pusch and Jack Procter families, explore the Heritage Garden with a walk-in Hohokam pithouse replica, view petroglyphs and meteorites in the museum, get research help, enjoy local legends, and watch videos—many featuring local residents.
Palo Verdes Dotting the Mountainside -Photo by Sherri Graves Photography
The Town of Oro Valley was officially incorporated in 1974, starting with a modest population of approximately 1,200 residents. Interestingly, the town was nearly named Palo Verde, inspired by the native tree known for its striking golden blossoms. However, concerns about potential confusion with the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant near Phoenix led town leaders to reconsider.
Ultimately, the name Oro Valley was chosen—and it turned out to be a perfect fit.
Why “Oro Valley”?
Palo Verde Blooms
• The word Oro means “gold” in Spanish, a nod to the golden hues of the Palo Verde blossoms that dot the Sonoran landscape.
• Town founders believed the name would resonate well with residents and especially appeal to the influential community surrounding the Oro Valley Country Club.
• The name evokes a sense of beauty, prosperity, and regional identity—capturing the essence of this vibrant desert community nestled between mountain ranges.
Oro Valley lives up to its golden name with scenic views, a strong community, and a high quality of life. Learn more at the Town of Oro Valley’s website.
Welcome to Oro Valley Mural by Pen Macias – Located at Oro Valley Marketplace
The Oro Valley Historical Society logo draws inspiration from the rich symbolism associated with gold, reflecting the meaning of “Oro” in Spanish.
Since the Arizona Historical Society features the symbol for copper in its logo, it felt fitting for our logo to embrace gold as its central theme.
Alchemical Symbols for Gold:
Gold holds a special place in the history of alchemy, the precursor to modern chemistry, with several unique symbols representing it.
These designs offered an intriguing visual and philosophical foundation.
Modern Chemistry Representation:
The atomic model of gold, representing its scientific identity, adds a contemporary layer to the logo’s inspiration.
Design Collaboration Credit:
In 2006, Joyce Rychener and her graphic designer sister, Judith James, collaborated to create our original logo.
Subsequent iterations were contributed by Warren Lazar.
