Arizona Highways December 1959 Magazine White Christmas Red Cliffs Ellinger

The Iconic Arizona Highways Brand Legacy Step into the world of one of America's most beloved publications with this exceptional December 1959 issue of Arizona Highways magazine. For decades, Arizona Highways has stood as the gold standard in regional travel and photography magazines, renowned for its breathtaking full-color imagery that brought the wonders of the Southwest into homes across the nation. This particular edition exemplifies the brand's commitment to excellence, featuring a striking Christmas-themed cover and an unforgettable interior spread that showcases the magazine's signature style. The front cover immediately captures attention with its creative design: a vibrant red background accented by a realistic torn-paper effect that reveals a lush green cactus adorned with bright yellow blossoms. A festive banner at the bottom proclaims 'Merry Christmas,' while the masthead proudly displays 'ARIZONA HIGHWAYS DECEMBER 1959 FORTY CENTS.' This was no ordinary issue; it was a celebration of the season through the unique lens of the Arizona desert, blending holiday cheer with the magazine's core mission of promoting the state's natural beauty. Inside, readers discover the true masterpiece: a full-page photographic feature titled 'White Christmas In The Red Cliffs' by the talented photographer Ellinger. The image portrays a dramatic winter landscape where towering red sandstone cliffs catch the golden glow of low sunlight piercing through moody clouds. Patches of pristine snow blanket the desert floor, contrasting beautifully with twisted red foliage and a prominent yucca plant standing sentinel. This is Arizona's version of a white Christmas—serene, unexpected, and profoundly moving. The colors remain remarkably vivid even after more than six decades, a testament to the high-quality printing standards that defined the Arizona Highways brand. Condition of this vintage magazine is very good, with no visible defects such as tears, stains, or missing pages. The binding remains secure, pages lie flat, and the original vibrant hues of the cover and interior photography have been preserved beautifully. Only the lightest edge wear, typical of well-loved periodicals from the era, adds authentic character without detracting from its appeal. Printed on quality paper stock of the period, this piece feels substantial in hand and displays elegantly. Owning this Arizona Highways issue means possessing a tangible piece of publishing history from a brand that helped shape American perceptions of the West. Collectors and enthusiasts alike recognize Arizona Highways as more than a magazine—it was a cultural ambassador that inspired countless road trips and fostered pride in Arizona's landscapes. Whether you display the cover as retro art or treasure the Ellinger photograph as a window into mid-century Southwestern aesthetics, this item delivers on the brand's promise of visual storytelling at its finest. The 1959 timing places this edition at the height of the magazine's influence during America's post-war travel boom. Families planning vacations to the Grand Canyon or Sedona would have turned to these pages for inspiration, and the Christmas motif added a warm, approachable touch to the usually scenic-focused content. The combination of the playful cactus cover and the sophisticated landscape photography inside demonstrates the brand's versatility and artistic range. This is not merely a magazine; it is a branded artifact from an era when print media reigned supreme. The Arizona Highways name carries weight among historians, photographers, and regional collectors because each issue represented meticulous curation and technical achievement in color reproduction. Holding this copy connects you directly to that proud tradition. The Ellinger credit on the interior spread further elevates its desirability, as the magazine consistently featured top regional talent whose work defined an entire genre of landscape photography. In very good condition with vibrant colors intact and no visible defects, this 1959 Arizona Highways magazine stands ready to enhance any collection dedicated to iconic American brands and their contributions to visual culture. Its presence on a shelf or coffee table instantly signals appreciation for quality publishing and the enduring allure of the Southwest. Discover why generations trusted Arizona Highways to deliver the best of Arizona—start with this beautiful holiday edition.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Offered with blessings by Supernatural Powers (supernaturalpowers.com). Sent from the United States with tracking. Namaste.