“This book is a treasure that offers a rare glimpse into the personal world—full of victories and struggles—of one of Arizona’s most influential leaders of the 20th century. From the oil fields of Oklahoma to the agricultural fields of Arizona and Colorado, Rudy Campbell’s early life is one that resonates with so many Americans looking to find their way against the backdrop of an economic depression and wartime disruptions. Perseverance and a desire to contribute to Arizona’s development led him to influence the trajectory of the state’s banking industry, politics, and education."
~ Denise E. Bates, PhD
Professor and Historian, Arizona State University
“It’s a great and interesting read. In My Four Worlds, Rudy Campbell takes us on a remarkable journey from his boyhood roots, and through the challenges of a family always on the move to make ends meet, to the young man who finds his home and future in Arizona even as his own life occasionally turned upside-down. Campbell’s experiences, amazing memory for details, and his own personal motivations take us between Mesa, Chandler, and then Tempe, showing the countless connections between those places and the restless spirit that drove the unprecedented growth of the Salt River Valley in the years after World War II.
Mayor Campbell provides windows into how people adapted to a world of new possibilities and constant challenges. Modest about his own success, Campbell is often frank in his observations of leaders who he believes do not measure up to the responsibilities of public service. His book helps to put a human face on the growth boom and provides a unique perspective on the humble roots of a man who in many ways became a beloved “Mr. Tempe” in his life of community service."
~ Jared A. Smith, MA
Curator of History, Tempe History Museum
History is not dull when told via a coming-of-age story! Rudy Campbell (1923-2020), the first publicly-elected mayor in Tempe, Arizona, was a local hero whose story captures, in his own words, his remarkable journey from his start as self-described "Okie white trash" to playing key roles in municipal, regional, and Arizona communities in business, economics, and education.
His family was forced to leave Oklahoma and head west during the Dust Bowl era to become migrant workers in western states. Rudy's mother insisted he enroll in school wherever they went and he was a first-generation high school graduate, but she and Rudy's father and sister were will killed at a train crossing in Arizona - leaving Rudy to raise his 5-year-old brother - before they saw him accomplish even more.
An act of kindness from strangers in the community during that difficult time of loss inspired a life of public service. While he never attended college, Rudy became so respected as a civic leader that Arizona State University later acknowledged Rudy's many contributions as a citizen by bestowing on him an honorary doctorate.
Among other things, Rudy became a banker. He served on many boards of directors, in key service groups like the Jaycees and Rotary Club, and co-founded the Tempe Diablos - a community booster group. Rudy's detailed memories from his long career and many business and community activities offer valuable local and state history and insights - during a time of unprecedented change.
Accomplished yet humble, the good-hearted, and good-humored Rudy Campbell shares touching moments from his life, offering enjoyable and interesting insights into other worlds-his four worlds-from which anyone can draw lessons.
The book includes eighty photographs and an extensive index that are useful tools to historians and researchers.
