Museum Showcases Vibrant Legacy of Lon Megargee (1883-1960)

Alonzo (Lon) Megargee III, an influential artist and local celebrity in Cave Creek, continues to captivate the imagination of many. His life story intertwines art, adventure, and the rugged terrain of Arizona, leaving a significant legacy.

Born into a prosperous family in Philadelphia, Megargee faced early challenges. His father’s sporadic presence and eventual demise in Cuba at the age of 13 forced Lon to seek solace in the West. He soon arrived in Arizona, drawn by its wild beauty, where he undertook various ranching jobs.

During his time as a ranch hand, Megargee began sketching the landscapes and lives around him. He became embroiled in the notorious Graham-Tewksbury feud, an event reminiscent of the Hatfields and McCoys. After narrowly escaping violence, he relocated to New River. There, he established himself as a competent ranch foreman and eventually purchased a property he named “Rancho 51.” However, a devastating drought compelled him to sell his ranch and pursue a different path.

Megargee’s next destination was art school in California. By 1912, he returned to Arizona, coinciding with the state’s new status. His artistic confidence led him to propose a series of 15 murals for Governor Hunt, an endeavor that was enthusiastically accepted. By 1913, he completed the murals, earning $250 for each piece. Many of these artworks can now be found at the Arizona Capitol Museum.

Throughout his life, Megargee experienced a series of marriages and built numerous homes, including Casa Hermosa in Paradise Valley, known for its clandestine tunnels. Despite lacking formal training in architecture, Megargee’s creativity Shone through in his designs.

In the 1950s, he moved to Cave Creek with his final wife, Hermine. During this period, he created a memorable series of advertising posters for A-1 Brewery, with “Cowboy’s Dream” standing out. This painting, depicting a cowboy in a whimsical pose, became iconic and decorated bars throughout Arizona. The artwork won various advertising accolades and remains sought after by collectors.

Another notable contribution was his painting “Last Drop from His Stetson,” which became the logo for the Stetson Hat Company. Interestingly, Megargee developed this piece while working for an advertising firm in New York. He maintained a flourishing art career until his passing in Sedona in 1960, with his ashes scattered at Rancho 51.

A friend, Oren Arnold, poignantly noted Megargee’s struggle between aesthetics and the natural world: “Once [Lon] thought he’d like to be an arty artist, complete with smock and beret. But there were two obstacles – his own nature and that of the Arizona Sonoran Desert.” The Cave Creek Museum will honor Megargee with a new exhibit set to open on October 2, 2024.

Established over 50 years ago, the Cave Creek Museum is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history and culture. It operates at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Arizona, and is open from October through May. For more information, visitors can call the museum at 480.488.2764 or visit their website.