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Clyde "Ross" Morgan

Mayor Herbert “Herb” Drinkwater and His Dog, Sadie

Mayor Herbert “Herb” Drinkwater and His Dog Sadie has returned to Scottsdale Civic Center, just west of Scottsdale City Hall.

Clyde “Ross” Morgan was selected through a competitive process with other well-known American sculptors to create the Drinkwater sculpture. The 7.5-foot sculpture of Mayor Herb Drinkwater cuts an imposing figure wearing a Stetson, western-style jacket and blue jeans, ostrich boots, a bola tie, and belt buckle inscribed with his name, leaning against a fence post. By his side is “Sadie,” the family’s German shepherd. The sculpture was commissioned through donations from hundreds of citizens in appreciation of his 24-year service to Scottsdale.

Written on the plaque near the sculpture:
“Serving the citizens of Scottsdale is the greatest job in the world.” — Herb Drinkwater

“Mr. Scottsdale,” Mayor Herb Drinkwater, served the citizens of Scottsdale 24 years, 8 as a city councilmember and 16 as mayor. A one-man chamber of commerce, he never knew a stranger. He personified the city’s “West’s Most Western Town” image by dressing in western suits, a bolo tie, and cowboy boots. Everyone considered him a friend. One of Arizona’s most popular politicians, he received a 96 percent citizen approval rating. During his tenure, he transformed the city into an economic powerhouse with more jobs than workers.

In 1993, Scottsdale was named “America’s Most Livable City” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which validated Mayor Drinkwater’s vision that small town values could still exist and pull citizens together in a big city atmosphere.

His legacy includes Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Tournament Players Club, and the All-Arabian Horse Show. Voters showed their support by approving a bond issue to build a new Scottsdale Stadium and expand the Civic Center Library. He worked with the City Council to expand what was then known as the Civic Center Mall with its fountains and bridge to connect City Hall and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Under his leadership, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve was established.

His heroism is well documented. He saved a life using the Heimlich maneuver, changed tires for strangers, helped a policeman subdue a suspect, administered life-saving CPR to a man struck by lightning, and prevented a bull from charging into a group of children at Parada del Sol Rodeo.

In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Jackie. She taught sixth grade in the Scottsdale School District, while he was assistant business manager. He later owned Drinkwater’s in Sundown Plaza. Their two children, Jamie and Mark, continued the Drinkwater legacy as community and business leaders.

Scottsdale’s patriarch, Man of the Year, and Man of the Century, was known for his steadfast faith, solid handshake, effervescent personality, spirit, and love for the city and its citizens.

project
details

Location3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

ArtistClyde "Ross" Morgan

DatesCompleted 2003

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