While it exists in the middle of a large metropolitan area, the Sunnyslope community prides itself on a small-town feel and distinct cultural identity.

[1] Sunnyslope is known for having been settled by poor tuberculants who spent their last money traveling west for the drier climate and cleaner air, but the subdivision called “Sunny Slope” was first platted by architect William R. Norton in 1911.

In 1891, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona believing that the dry air and sunshine would benefit his health.

[4] Norton began to invest in large open tracts in the desert and platted "Sunny Slope."

Reportedly, one of his daughters looked at the sun shining on the area's rolling Phoenix mountains and exclaimed, "What a pretty, sunny slope!"

[2][3] With no irrigation north of the Arizona Canal, the Sunnyslope desert was a very dry area and was considered to be a good place to live for people recovering from tuberculosis or asthma.

[2][3] Many of these people built tent houses or small cottages, planning to get well and then return to their former homes.

Others, having spent their last dimes to move west in search of health, pitched tents or slept on porches.

Sunnyslope neighbors looked forward to and welcomed the visits of Elizabeth Beatty and Marguerite Colley and these ladies soon became known as the “Angels of the Desert.”[2][3] In 1927, the Desert Mission was established.

[2][3] As the neighborhood grew, the medical functions of the Desert Mission became a separate entity by the 1950s, later known as the John C. Lincoln Health Network, and now known as "HonorHealth" [note 1] (after a 2013 merger with Scottsdale Healthcare).

[2][3] Through its food bank, children's dental clinic, community health center, behavioral health clinic and a licensed and accredited child care facility, the Desert Mission continues to respond to the needs of Sunnyslope and North Phoenix.

[2][3][6][7][8] Hall had been performing unsanctioned medical operations, and his physician's license was revoked in 1971 after four patients died during gastric bypass surgery.

In 1974, he pleaded guilty to diverting thousands of dollars in government funds to help build the castle.

His son, Walter Eugene Hall, was convicted of child molestation and aggravated sexual assault in 2007.

Thompson began making his artistic creations using various objects, such as Halloween masks, as molds.

Thompson died in 1976 and his residence and garden abandoned until 1979 when Marion Blake, a local teacher purchased it.

Many of the wealthiest and most politically active persons (past mayors, councilmembers, and business leaders) in the valley and many of the most financially vulnerable in the Phoenix area live in Sunnyslope.