The first issue of the Gila Bend Sun was published March 22, 1979 by Glen Birchfield, his wife Joan L. Birchfield, and Mr. Russell Melder. Russ left the newspaper in 1979 and Joan passed away in 1997 after serving 18 years as publisher.Glen Birchfield, alias Black Bart, continues as Editor, Publisher and Photo-Journalist. Black Bart has the distinction of being the longest editor in Gila Bend history. Black Bart received his nickname in 1972 from his habit of wearing black clothes. He was seen around town with a double-barrelled camera, doing his own darkroom work until the era of digital cameras.About Us
PO Box Z, Gila Bend, AZ 85337 623-386-7495 or 928-683-2393 FAX 1-888-812-8213
Black Bart has 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and an annual passport to Disneyland.
Black Bart and 10 of 18 grandkids on his 79th birthday.
Black Bart with 9 of 21 great-grandchildren on his 79th birthday.
Black Bart and family in Disneyland, June 2010 (submitted photo).
Production
Office
Dayle G. Birchfield
Melissa Mendoza
