George Phar Legler Society Inc.

The George Phar Legler Society Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and tolerance. It operates the historic Valley of the Moon, a unique cultural and artistic site designed by George Phar Legler between 1923 and 1932.

History

George Phar Legler, a railroad worker turned postal clerk and visionary artist, began constructing Valley of the Moon around 1923. This enchanted storybook land was built with the help of volunteers, including homeless men who worked in exchange for food and shelter. Legler's vision was rooted in his belief in kindness and brotherly love, reflecting his association with the Spiritualist movement and his membership in the Fairy Investigation Society[1][2].

Valley of the Moon was formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 1945 under the name Valley of the Moon Memorial Association (VOMMA). The organization's original purpose was to emphasize the role of the mind in maintaining health, advocate for religious tolerance, and foster brotherly love regardless of race, creed, or color. In 1981, it became known as The George Phar Legler Society (GPLS), continuing to uphold these principles[1][2].

Missions and Activities

The society provides free theater, crafts, and humanities programs aimed at promoting messages of kindness, inclusion, and tolerance. It welcomes visitors from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, or other characteristics. The organization's core values include kindness, community, stewardship, balance, sanctuary, and imagination[2][4].

Preservation Efforts

Valley of the Moon has been recognized as a significant cultural landmark. The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation worked with the society to achieve a National Register of Historic Places listing in 2011 and City of Tucson Historic Landmark designation in 2015. These designations ensure that the site will be preserved and managed according to historic standards[3].

Impact

The George Phar Legler Society Inc. continues to be a place where community and imagination meet, fostering a tradition of tolerance and arts appreciation in Tucson. By offering inclusive and free arts experiences, the society supports a broader mission to promote social harmony and cultural enrichment for all.

[1] https://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com/history.html [2] https://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com/about.html [3] https://preservetucson.org/stories/valley-of-the-moon/ [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/86-0825419 [5] https://www.mightycause.com/organization/George-Phar-Legler-Society