Louis Frank “Louis” Long

Louis Frank “Louie” Long (1897–1982) was a prominent businessman, theater owner, and radio pioneer based in Safford, Arizona.

Early Life

Born on January 21, 1897, in Liverpool, Texas.
He moved to Safford, Arizona, in 1920 and lived there for 62 years.

Business Ventures

Theater Ownership:
- Long owned numerous theaters across southeastern Arizona, including:
  - The Ramona Theater (later renamed the Gila Theater).
  - The Pima Theater.
  - The Safford (Main Street) Theater.
  - The Safford Drive-in Theater.
- At his peak, Long owned 38 theaters statewide. His theaters were central to entertainment in Arizona during the mid-20th century.
Radio Broadcasting:
- In 1938, Long co-founded the Gila Broadcasting Company alongside Spencer W. Kimball, Joseph Greenhalgh, and Jesse Udall. The company operated seven radio stations across Arizona, including KGLU in Safford.
- His inspiration to start a local radio station reportedly came while trying to listen to a baseball game amidst household noise.
Publishing:
- Long ran several newspapers under Long Enterprises, including the Copper Era and the Guardian. He also produced shoppers for advertising purposes.
Other Ventures:
- He operated the Gila Printing and Publishing Company and was instrumental in hosting events like fashion shows and boxing matches at his theaters.

Community Contributions

Infrastructure Development:
- Played a key role in improving U.S. Highway 191, including resolving disputes over land by personally bulldozing obstacles and later reconciling with affected residents.
Volunteer Firefighter:
- Served with the Safford Fire Department from 1931 to 1976, holding roles such as captain and assistant chief.
City Leadership:
- Served on the Safford City Council and as fire chief.

Legacy

Long was remembered for his warm sense of humor and zest for life. He left a lasting impact on Arizona’s entertainment industry and community development.
He passed away on September 6, 1982, at age 85 due to lung cancer. His burial took place in Safford Cemetery.

Louis F. Long’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped multiple industries in Arizona, making him one of the state’s most influential figures during his lifetime.