HONORING A MOTHER-DAUGHTER LEGACY
—THE IMOGENE JOHNSON MYRLAND LOBBY—

It is fitting that such an integral space in The Norton School’s McClelland Park
honors Ms. Imogene Johnson Myrland. Her life, legacy, and family embody the
spirit of that part of The John and Doris Norton School of Family and Consumer
Sciences’ purpose in strengthening families and communities. This
entryway, this gathering place, The Imogene Johnson Myrland Lobby, honors a
family and a pioneer, an inspiration, and innovator in education, child welfare,
parenting, and community building. It is a great privilege that The Norton
School of Family and Consumer Sciences can preserve the legacy and spirit of
mother and daughter at McClelland Park and share their inspiration with future
generations of pioneers and entrepreneurs that will continue strengthening
families and communities.

TWO GENERATIONS—TWO INSPIRING WOMEN
Notable women throughout history are aptly recognized in public tributes, literature,and classrooms throughout our society. Often, quieter contributions to our lives and communities go un-recognized and it is a privilege to acknowledge those of Imogene Johnson Myrland and her own living legacy, her daughter Prudence Myrland Haney. It is sometimes surprising that the contemporary challenges of life, work, and family that women face today are ongoing themes from earlier generations. Both of these women offer examples of determination, grace, compassion, and wisdom throughout their share of adversity. Both women’s lives and contributions exemplify the spirit of The Norton School in strengthening families and communities.

IMOGENE JOHNSON MYRLAND—HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Imogene grew up to become an extraordinary young lady who was far ahead of her time. An original career woman, she was courageous and driven, spunky and entrepreneurial. As a young mother, the always ambitious Imogene pursued graduate school, completing her Masters in Educational Psychology in 1933, with her thesis on the value of parent education, during a time where it was often a disgrace for young mothers to even work outside of the home. Her background, education, and exceptional character combined with her deep compassion, kindness, and concern for children and families led to her critical role in the history of childcare in Arizona. Following a number of years as State Supervisor of federally funded WPA nursery schools and Tucson area Supervisor for preschools mandated by the Lanham Act, Imogene eventually founded Tucson Nursery Schools in 1946. To this day, Tucson Nursery School, Inc. continues its services for disadvantaged children and families through a mission that includes empowering parents through supportive services and child care, promoting positive early childhood experiences, and facilitating financial stability and independence for financially limited families.

IMOGENE MYRLAND—A RANCHER
Imogene Myrland’s contributions to education and the Tucson community are, without question, a remarkable legacy. Imogene made the best of any situation through hard work and bravery, no one ever heard her complain. Through a divorce settlement, she was awarded a seemingly useless 77 acre homestead. With her wholesome, country-girl, farm-raised Midwestern background, she could not tolerate vacant land—land had to have a purpose. So, she came home one day and announced to her daughter and young grandson, “I just bought ten cows.” Through land negotiations with the government, she found herself in possession of a sizeable cattle ranch out near Sahuarita. When Imogene began ranching, she found a wealth of resources and support through the UA College of Agriculture. She even participated in experimental research offered by the college, such as an experiment that involved shooting manure wrapped grass seed out of airplanes and into the soil of her once fallow ranch land. Her grandson, Peter Waid, became her little cowboy, and was an invaluable ranch hand from the young age of six until after high school.

PRUDENCE MYRLAND HANEY
LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER—EDUCATOR AND RANCHER
A wise and humorous storyteller, Prudence drew her own humble strength from her mother’s example and experiences. Growing up in a home with a strong female role model, Prudence showed her own gifts by sprinting through her college program and earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, later completing her teaching certification and master’s degree. She enjoyed a 34 year long career as a Tucson Unified School District elementary school teacher and in class teacher trainer. When Imogene Johnson Myrland passed away July 11, 1982 at the age of 83, Prudence inherited the ranch and spent 11 years walking fences and going to the cattle auctions near Marana before leasing out the land in the early 1990’s. Eventually, the ranch sold at a price that allowed her to continue her mother’s legacy through community involvement and generosity.

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