Russian Molokans began to settle in Arizona as early as the early 20th century, mainly from California and Mexico. In Glendale, they quickly acquired land and started growing cotton. This way of life persisted for many years. Even in the 1970s, the architecture, appearance of houses, and lifestyle in Molokan rural colonies resembled a southern Russian village. It was prestigious if a son, upon marrying a Molokan woman, grew a beard, symbolizing commitment to the traditional Molokan way of life, including clothing, food, and behavior.

Although children attending school were allowed to befriend people outside the Molokan community, they were strongly encouraged to choose a marriage partner only among Molokans to preserve their faith.

However, the assimilation of the youth gradually eroded centuries-old traditions and customs, even in rural colonies. After the war, due to the developed network of highways and the presence of cars in every family, Molokan colonies became closely connected to the nearest major cities. For example, farmers from the Oregon colony near Woodburn were just half an hour's drive from Portland, while farmers from Glendale in Arizona were close to Phoenix and other cities.