The Ol’ Pioneer The Magazine of the Grand Canyon Historical Society

Volume 26 : Number 2 www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Spring 2015

In This Issue

The 1919 Trans-Canyon Aerial Tramway Survey — 3 President’s Letter The Ol’ Pioneer The Magazine of the Grand Canyon Historical Society

Spring is upon us—a time of renewal and rejuvenation. We thank all of our Volume 26 : Number 2 members who have signed on again for another year of membership in the Grand Spring 2015 Canyon Historical Society. We have learned that our members like to continue u supporting the Society, but sometimes just forget to renew—that is, until they receive a personal notice by e-mail from our membership coordinator about their The Historical Society was established lapsing membership. With a gentle nod, they are more than willing to renew for in July 1984 as a non-profit corporation another year. With this in mind, by the time you renew for 2016, we will likely to develop and promote appreciation, understanding and education of the have in place an option to renew for multiple years at one time. (In case you are earlier history of the inhabitants and wondering, this will not be an option for a lifetime membership of any kind. important events of the Grand Canyon. These have been found to be a bad deal for non-profits. It’s just a way to pay for 3 or 5 years at one time and not have to be reminded so often). The Ol’ Pioneer is published by the I have been busy getting the word out about our wonderful organization. GRAND CANYON HISTORICAL SOCIETY in conjunction with The In March I attended the Guides Training Seminar (GTS) held annually at Cliff Bulletin, an informational newsletter. Dwellers near Lees Ferry for Grand Canyon river guides. I gave a five-minute Both publications are a benefit of slide presentation to 225 river guides and friends of the river community about membership. Membership in the Society the many activities of the GCHS—our research scholarship, the Symposiums, the is open to any person interested in the Ol’ Pioneer, and our field trips. I handed out almost 200 copies of the Ol’ Pioneer historical, educational, and charitable purposes of the Society. Membership is and in the process we garnered some 10 to 12 new members. Thank you one and on an annual basis using the standard all for your new or continued support! calendar; and dues of $25 are payable on In this issue of the Ol’ Pioneer, we are running an article written by member Jim the 1st of January each year, and mailed Ohlman entitled, “The 1919 Transcanyon Aerial Tramway Survey.” The article is to the GCHS Treasurer, PO Box 31405 taken from our 1st Symposium volume and tells the story about when the Grand Flagstaff, AZ 86003-1405. The Ol’ Pioneer magazine is copyrighted by the Grand Canyon almost saw a tramway built across it from the South Rim to the North Canyon Historical Society, Inc. All rights Rim. Our Editorial Committee thought this would be a timely subject to revisit, reserved. No part of this publication since the canyon now faces a modern and more serious threat in the guise of may be reproduced or used in any form a developer’s proposal to build an aerial tramway down to the junction of the without permission of the publisher. Colorado and Little Colorado rivers. I intentionally pen the words “threat” and Editor: Mary Williams “guise” (dict.: deceptive, outward appearance), as the proposal fairly well fits Submit photos and stories to the the moniker “wrong idea at the wrong place.” Our Society has in the past stayed editor of The Ol’ Pioneer at: info@ away from controversial issues or taking sides in a proposed management deci- marywilliamsdesign.com or 4880 N. sion at the Park. But the idea of a tramway at this particular place, if it should ever Weatherford Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. see the light of day, would be a travesty on so many levels for the Grand Canyon. (928) 779-3377. Please submit written articles and photos electronically on CD An informal survey of our Board members found unanimous consensus that or via email if possible. You may mail GCHS should stand in opposition to this ill-conceived plan. (A more formal dec- photos or slides for scanning if needed. laration may soon be issued from the Board). When we think of past tramway ideas or dams in the Grand Canyon, there is virtually no one who pines for those Submissions to The Bulletin should be ill-conceived ideas nowadays. This proposal we hope will meet much the same sent to Karen Greig, [email protected] fate. But if we are to be successful in seeing that this development never happens, GCHS Officers our Society has a voice in showing how these kinds of developments have been Wayne Ranney, President opposed and defeated before. We know our history and so are not doomed to Beth Hickey, Vice President repeat it. We have nothing against infrastructure development per se but Grand Amy Horn, Treasurer Canyon stands as a monument against the “amusements and contraptions” that Tom Martin, Secretary Ellen Brennan, Outings Chair once caused Stephen Mather to oppose the 1919 tramway. We stand by his vision Frank Romaglia, Membership for Grand Canyon National Park. Lee Albertson, Pioneer Award Chair Tom Martin, Oral History Chair Wayne Ranney Al Richmond, Hall of Fame Award/ GCHS President Research Grants / Scholarship Chair Board of Directors Steven Landes Lee Albertson Tom Martin Howard Asaki Dave Mortenson Ellen Brennan Carol Naille Kathy Faretta Jack Pennington Cover: North end of cross river tram. GCNP Museum Collection Karen Greig Frank Romaglia Beth Hickey Wayne Ranney Amy Horn Jon Streit 2 : Grand Canyon Historical Society The 1919 Trans-Canyon Aerial Tramway Survey

As with the plan to build an aqueduct from the San Francisco Peaks to the South Rim and attempts to build a road to Supai, one of the little-known schemes surrounding canyon development—the idea to string a transcanyon aerial tramway to “enrich” the tourism experience—happily expired before getting far off the ground. But, as Ohlman illustrates, originators of this particular idea were serious, had all the backing required initially, and performed most of the preliminary survey before National Park Service Director Stephen T. Mather stepped in to quash the project. by Jim Ohlman are the remnants of old camps and Fe on his side Davol next directed survey outposts, littered with rusted his attention to Washington, and by Portions of this article were previously cans, two-by fours, and rotted rope -- May 1919 was ready to present his published by Grand Canyon Association relics of a preliminary survey adven- case to Stephen Mather;,first Direc- in the “2005 Grand Canyon History Sym- ture that really did take place, and of tor of the newly established National posium Monograph, Volume 1.” several small-scale supply trams that Park Service.5 Mather, however, was actually were constructed. busily engaged in field activities, so t may be hard for us to imagine tak- Little in the way of historical doc- his protégé at the Department of the ing a “scenic ride” across the vast umentation for either the overall Interior, Horace Albright, received expanse of our Grand Canyon in project or its preliminary survey has Davol’s attention. Albright held a aI tiny ski-lift like gondola while sus- thus far surfaced. That we know any- dim view of any commercial future pended some two thousand or more thing at all about this survey comes for the “aeroplane” at Grand Canyon, feet above the landscape, but this is largely from four photo albums (one and thus warmly embraced the idea precisely what George Davol and his discovered as recently as 2000) and of a cross-Canyon tram. He was even band of surveyors had in mind back one letter written by a member of able to sign on support from Interior in 1919. Their idea was simple … at the survey party some fifty-eight Secretary, Franklin Lane, Francis Far- least on paper. Connect the South years after the fact.1 But tantalizing quhar, and notables at the National Rim and the North Rim with a se- historical tidbits are recorded for us Museum.6 Once Mather had time ries of suspended cables, linked one in two books. In 1951, Robert Shank- to study the proposal, however, he to the other by massive steel towers. land wrote an engaging biography of voiced strong opposition to Davol’s Run a pulley-like device along the Steven T. Mather,first Director of the plan. To him the notion of tying-up cables and attach a tram carriage, or National Park Service, and one of the “the two rims of this sublime prodigy gondola, beneath the pulley, and vio- men directly responsible for bring- of nature with wire ropes would be lá—the perfect way to view the won- ing National Park status to Grand nothing less than monstrous”, but ders of Grand Canyon! The principle Canyon.2 According to Shankland, Davol did not receive an official re- is sound, as evidenced by hundreds George K. Davol, a San Francisco fusal until October 1920 when John of alpine ski lifts around the world, engineer, approached the Santa Fe Barton Payne replaced Lane as Secre- as well as by such well-known aerial railroad as early as 1916 with his idea tary of the Interior.7 tramways as those at Mt. San Jacin- of uniting the two sides of Grand Donald Swain’s 1970 biography of to in southern California, and at the Canyon, and received their backing Horace Albright paints pretty much Sandia Mountains near Albuquer- for a preliminary survey.3 It will be the same picture of the situation, que, New Mexico. But ideas drawn recalled that at this time the Santa but adds the observation that this on paper, and principles proved ef- Fe controlled not only the passenger was one of the rare occasions when fective elsewhere ran head-on into and freight service along the Grand Albright’s impulses as an adminis- reality at Grand Canyon. Yet it wasn’t Canyon Railroad, but also most of the trator and conservationist ran coun- some insurmountable engineering concessionaire activity at the South ter to Mather’s. Whereas Albright’s obstacle, lack of timely funding, or Rim. In their eyes, linking the two early leanings went toward allowing even a dearth of public interest that rims would broaden their influence the public unrestricted access to our stalled this project; its demise hinged at Grand Canyon (by providing an National Parks, under the tutelage of on the politics of conservation versus additional “amusement” with which the elder Mather he came to view the public use—a theme revisited often to draw in tourists), and at the same need to maintain our parks in near during the recent administrative his- time slap a glove in the face of the mint condition as more important.8 tory of Grand Canyon National Park. Union Pacific Railroad which was But between his first trip to Wash- That the two rims yet remain uncon- actively trying to establish a pres- ington in early 1919, and the govern- nected is obvious to even the most ca- ence in the budding tourist business ment’s final “no” on the subject in late sual visitor. But what is not obvious at the North Rim.4 With the Santa 1920, Mr. Davol was able to muster a www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 3 survey team, assemble provisions and supplies, and complete over one-half of a preliminary ground survey…all in full sight of Park Service personnel, using Santa Fe resources, and Fred Harvey mule service!9 Information derived from a vari- ety of sources indicates the Santa Fe Railroad entertained several possible alignments for the Cross-Canyon aer- ial tram10. One map shows proposed South Rim terminals at Yavapai Point, El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Trail- head, and Maricopa Point (Figure 1).11 Three of these alignments continue to a tower atop The Battleship, and from there to another tower on Dana Butte. The fourth alignment passes directly from the Rim out to Dana Butte. At least four continuations were consid- ered for the next tram segment, north of Dana Butte, but all eventually end at a tower atop Tower of Set (a spec- tacular 6012-foot red rock butte, lo- cated 1-½ miles north of the Colorado River). Another map shows the South Rim terminal at Hopi Point, and the tram line extends north to Tower of Set, with three intermediate towers between those two endpoints.12 Con- tinuing north from Set, all of the pro- posed alignments cross the summits of Horus, Osiris and Shiva Temples before terminating at Tiyo Point on the North Rim, some twelve miles west of Bright Angel Point. Total length of the shortest alignment would have been ten miles (Table 1).13 Preliminary survey work was con- ducted during August–November, 1919 by George Davol and a team of some twelve surveyors and packers.14 Whether Davol received local ap- proval for this work is not known, but it appears Park officials at the Canyon Figure 1. Various alignments considered for the tramway. Illustration by Mary Williams didn’t mind. The Grand Canyon Rail- way brought in supplies by rail, and top of the Redwall rim along the east and two of his men retraced the entire Fred Harvey mules transported them side of Tower of Set. Camps were es- survey line to photo-document work to camps south of the River. Survey tablished at several places along this completed to that point.15 work proceeded from the South Rim route, and lightweight “supply trams” Davol no doubt anticipated return- down to a point north of Dana Butte were rigged at critical points to ease ing to the Canyon in 1920 to complete on the south side of the River. A cable- delivery of needed materials. As the his survey, but Park officials had ferry was established about midway survey neared the east side of Horus other plans for Grand Canyon, and between Trinity Creek and Salt Creek Temple several severe snowstorms in- an aerial tramway was not among allowing direct, if not easy, access to terrupted the survey, and it was decid- them. Mather’s notion of a Park free points north of the River. The sur- ed to curtail further work until the fol- of “amusements” and “contraptions” vey then continued northward to the lowing year. Before packing up, Davol held sway, so Davol moved onto oth-

4 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org er projects.16 It seems amazing that the end of the year additional camp no subsequent attempts were made debris had been spotted at the Red- during the 1920s and 1930s, when wall level northeast of Tower of Set, shorter but similar aerial trams were southwest of knoll 5290, and along built down to Hermit Camp and In- the Tonto rim northwest of Dana dian Garden, or during the 1950s Butte on the south side of the River.20 and 1960s when much longer trams In that same year (and through a for- were constructed in Marble Canyon tuitous sequence of events) Ranger and the far Western Grand Canyon.17 Tim Manns, entered into correspon- Perhaps it is fortunate that Davol’s dence with Mr. Ed. Thoden, a mem- plans for a Cross-Canyon tram were ber of the 1919 survey. Thoden’s 18- never realized, as there is no telling page first-hand account of his stint as how many of Albright’s “aeroplanes” a “camp rustler” for the survey party would have met untimely ends by is not only interesting reading, but plowing into unseen tram cables! also it served as an impetus for latter- Well, a couple of obscure literary day explorers to search for additional references and perhaps some rapidly remnants of this survey’s presence fading memories of the few remain- in the Canyon.21 (See Appendix A) In ing old-timers, and that should have 1978, climbers scaling the north but- Tram remains on top of the Tapeats on the south side of the river. Photo by Jim Ohlman closed the book on this historical blip. tress of Dana Butte discovered anoth- However, in 1973, the renowned Can- er rope fragment, and atop the butte yon explorer Harvey Butchart came itself found an odd masonry struc- on the north side, and between Horn across an old square-type oilcan lying ture.22 There followed a sixteen-year Creek and the nameless canyon east on the Tonto Platform to the west of “dry” period wherein interest in such of Salt Creek on the south side).24 He Trinity Creek (north side of the Colo- historical archaeology waned, but in located the 1919 campsites along the rado River).18 At the time this singular 1995 and 1996 a number of important Tonto rim on both sides of the Inner artifact meant little, but it piqued his discoveries were made on both sides Gorge, and along the Redwall below interest in how it came to be there. He of the Colorado River, and at several knoll 5290. His investigation uncov- eventually located the Shankland and formational levels within Grand Can- ered more artifacts than had previ- Swain references, and word got out to yon.23 During the winter of 1995-96, ously been known, and it seems that the Canyon hiking and climbing com- Ranger Lon Ayers spent consider- little exploration remains to be done, munity. Early in 1977, climbers bent able time searching the Redwall rim save for visiting the lower terminus on conquering Horus Temple stum- to the south and east of Tower of Set, of the north Tonto supply tram, and bled across a piece of old rope and and also the Tonto Platform on both the lower end of the north Redwall some “camping trash” along the top sides of the River (between Ninety- supply tram.25 of the Redwall, east of that butte.19 By four Mile Canyon and Trinity Creek The Photographs

Colter Album Mary Jane Colter donated the first of the four known photo albums to GCNP in April 1952. This album now resides in the Museum Study Collec- tion, and consists of 54 mounted pho- tographs prepared for the Santa Fe Railroad to “show views that might be available to passengers if a tram- way were built into Grand Canyon.”26 This information is given on the inside front cover of the album in a brief ex- planatory note written by then Park Superintendent H. C. Bryant. Bryant is correct in stating the foregoing, but he continues, “most of these photos were taken from the tramway built and used during construction of the Table 1. water supply from Indian Garden, www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 5 27 completed in 1928.” There are two section of the Cline Library in Flagstaff, obvious errors here, as all of the in- Arizona, and was donated by Ryan’s cluded photographs are from the 1919 son, Bob Jr., in 1996. Ryan was one of survey, and the Indian Garden pipe- the original members of the 1919 sur- line was built in 1931-32 rather than vey team, and was next in charge of 28 in 1928. Perhaps Bryant was think- the fieldwork after L. C. Willey and E. ing of the water pipeline built by the Schliewen.32 The album contains a to- Union Pacific Railroad off the North tal of 323 images, of which 163 relate Rim to Roaring Springs. That instal- specifically to the tramway survey. Of lation also required construction of these, 93 are of the type referred to pre- a supply tram, and the 1928 date ap- viously as “Santa Fe” images, and 70 pears reasonable as indicated by cer- images are personal “snapshots” tak- tain captioned photos in the Museum en either by Ryan himself or by a des- 29 collection. During the summer of ignee. There are among the Santa Fe 1995, Ranger Lon Ayers spent consid- images at least three duplicate prints. erable time reviewing these photos, Whereas the Colter album has images discerning both their subject material arranged in near-numerical order, the and possible location of each camera Ryan album has them arranged every- 30 station. He had assistance from both which-way, starting with image #6 Thoden’s written account, and cop- (NAU PH97.13.3) and ending with im- ies of photographs recently obtained age #239 (NAU PH97.13.76). There are from the Ryan album (discussed be- also four unmarked “Santa Fe” pho- low), but at that time little field re- tos (NAU PH97.13.7, 9, & 14-15) that connaissance of the survey route had likely fit into the numbering sequence North Tower and the Saddle. Dana Butte is been done, and the excellent sequen- an approximate rectangle with vertical cliffs between photos #2 and #38 of the Spa- 500 feet high, accessible only by the North tial images of the Spamer album (also mer album (see below). It is assumed and South Saddles which call for some steep discussed below) were not available. that the numbers were “cropped” off climbing. Spamer Collection Several interesting features of this al- these images during processing. One bum are worth noting. First, all of the keynote feature of this album is the ex- prints measure 6¾” by 11¼”, which is tensive captioning provided by Ryan. wall, and along a traverse atop the a rather large format for photographs Nearly every page is annotated in Redwall to the saddle south of Dana placed in an album. Second, every some way, providing historians valu- Butte. Ryan indicates a “rope way” image bears a number somewhere able insight into the survey effort. In was used to get down off the Supai to along its lower edge. These numbers fact, such a great body of information the top of the Redwall below the Bat- are gap-sequential in ascending order is contained within these notations tleship, but it is not clear whether this from front to back of the album, start- that it is possible to piece together a constituted a supply tram or not.35 ing from image #39 and ending with brief chronology of the survey. The Ropes and ladders were used in get- image #233 (image #90 is the only one following narrative is derived from ting across the Redwall saddle and out of order). These numbers indicate study of these images, and incorpo- onto Dana Butte itself.36 This is the that a series of photographs was ini- rates critical historical information first recorded ascent of Dana Butte, tially produced during the survey, and contained in a letter from one of the and is perhaps the first technical as- that this particular album contains survey members.33 cent of any summit in Grand Canyon, only those images considered perti- The Ryan photos comprise views predating the Ganci-Tidrick ascent of nent by its compiler for its intended taken along a survey line that ex- Zoroaster Temple by forty-one years.37 use. This point will be discussed more tended from the “back door” of the The survey line then dropped off the fully later, but for the moment, it will El Tovar Hotel, down the Bright An- north end of Dana Butte to the saddle be useful to refer to these numbered gel Trail, and along the Supai ledges between that butte and the outlying prints as the “Santa Fe” images, as to the Battleship. A supply tram was knoll, termed the “North Tower” by the following three albums contain set up between the South Rim and the Ryan, but here referred to as “Little additional photos of a different origin. top of the Battleship. Where the rim Dana Butte”.38 A supply tram was set Note that all of the images in this col- terminus of this tram was is not clear, up from the south end of this saddle lection are represented in either the but most likely it was at or near Mari- down to the Tonto on the east. Once 31 Ryan or Spamer albums. copa Point.34 Moving on from the Bat- on the Tonto Platform, Fred Harvey tleship the survey line dropped down Company mule trains along the West Ryan Album through the Supai formation on the Tonto Trail out of Indian Garden sup- The Robert L. Ryan album is pres- west side of the Battleship-Maricopa plied the survey crew. ently housed in the Special Collections Point saddle to the top of the Red- At the point where “Epsom Creek”

6 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org A raft attached to a crossing rope by pulley. The current did the Original boat to be used for crossing river. This boat was lost in the ‘heavy’ work. [View toward the south side of the river. Twenty river by Mr. Davol and Mr. Kolb, who had an exciting escape. [South or more oil cans provided buoyancy for the raft.] GCNP Museum side of river, looking up canyon.] GCNP Museum Collection. Collection.

(an unnamed drainage parallel to and moved their supplies on these trams, An interesting interlude in immediately east of Salt Creek) and they were forced to move themselves Thoden’s narrative is the arrival and the Colorado River meet, a supply along the ravines.43 A fifth supply tram use of two burros. Photos in both tram was established, extending off was constructed from the top of the the Ryan and Spamer albums show the Tonto through the Tapeats ledges Vishnu knoll up to the north Tonto these two creatures along the Colo- down to the river.39 Access to the low- Platform, and another temporary rado River, at the north Tonto camp, er terminus of this tram was initially camp was established.44 Work then and atop the Redwall below Tower of via a scramble down a small ravine in progressed to the top of the Redwall Set.48 Thoden relates how they were the Tapeats rim (well to the south of rim at a point south and east of the brought over to the north side via the tram) and then along a diagonal knoll marked 5290 on recent topo- Bright Angel Creek, then up Haunted route through the Vishnu Schist to the graphic maps (shown as 5296 on the Creek, around the south end of Isis River.40 Later a simple rope ladder was older Matthes-Evans topographic Temple and then around the head of rigged from the Tapeats rim down to maps), where a sixth supply tram was Trinity Creek to the Tower of Set.49 a small saddle formed between it and constructed.45 It is not clear how this What Thoden calls Haunted Creek a detached tower to the west.41 Once point was first approached. Thoden is most likely Phantom Creek, but at the River a raft was constructed of discusses following a steep and ex- even so it doesn’t seem possible that rectangular, 10-gallon metal cans and posed route through the Redwall, any large four-legged animal could scrap lumber. Cables were stretched along a line nearly parallel to that make its way past the numerous falls across the river and a ferry service of which passes between the upper ter- and deep pools in this side canyon. sorts was established. Ascending to minus of the north Tonto tram and the Thoden mentions their using a block the north out of the Inner Gorge, the knoll.46 The Redwall ridge that extends and fall (rope hoist with wooden pul- men set up a fourth supply tram, the to the east from knoll 5290 appears to leys) to get the animals up many bad upper terminus of which was near the be climbable, but it is certainly not the places, so there may be some truth to top of a flat-topped knoll in the Vishnu easiest route through the Redwall. Al- Schist. At some point in time, a cross- though Thoden does not discuss any River tram was constructed between routes other than the steep climb in the upper terminus of the south Tonto the vicinity of the Redwall tram, Ryan tram, and the upper terminus of this took pictures of an easier ascent ravine Inner Gorge tram on the north side of to the west of the Tower of Set – knoll the River. This tram did not work out 5290 saddle, and it is possible that this very well, it seems, as Ed. Thoden (a ravine was used first in reaching the late addition to the survey party) re- top of the Redwall rim.47 Thoden’s calls using only the raft at the river as steep climbing route might have been the means of transporting materials used later because of its proximity to across from south to north.42 Steep ra- the Redwall tram, but perhaps only af- vines in the Inner Gorge provided ac- ter someone coming down from above cess between the tram terminals and set fixed ropes and rope ladders along Henry and the Burros. GCNP Museum the river ferry, and although the men the route. Collection. www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 7 Birdseye Point saddle. There are no system), starting with #3 and end- pictures in the Ryan album to indicate ing with #240. Obviously, not every that he or any of the other members image in the entire set is represented of the survey crew probed as far as in this album, but to date this is the the Shiva-Isis saddle or beyond to the most inclusive collection of photo- Tiyo Point-Shiva Temple saddle or up graphs related to the survey that has to the rim itself.54 There are also no been found. Seventy-two of the imag- pictures in either the Ryan or Colter es in this collection differ from those collections which indicate the survey- included in either the Colter or Ryan ors attained the summits of any of the albums, but together these three al- buttes or temples on the north side of bums contain 162 out of an assumed the River, but it would be worthwhile total of at least 240 images. looking for evidence of their presence on Set and Horus. Thoden Album Sometime near Thanksgiving of Along with several postcards, a 1919, the survey crew was pounded clipped advertisement and the like, by several severe snowstorms, which this scrapbook-like album contains effectively ended their field efforts 61 photos of the Grand Canyon, of for that year. The survey crew packed which 48 are pertinent to the 1919 up after the storms and left for new survey. It was donated to the Grand Moving the burros. Spamer Collection adventures, but Davol, Thoden, and Canyon Museum Collection by one one other man returned to photo-doc- of Ed. Thoden’s relatives in Decem- this version. However, there is also an ument all of the survey line that had ber, 1989.59 While none of the in- old overland stock trail that leads into been completed.55 cluded photos appear to be part of the upper reach of Phantom Creek the “Santa Fe” series, what it lacks in from a starting point near Ribbon Spamer Album style it makes up for in historicity, as Falls, and this may be the route used In 2000, a third photo album was many of the images include details of by the surveyors to bring in the bur- discovered by Earle Spamer of the camp life that are lacking in the more ros.50 Once at the north Tonto camp it Academy of Natural Sciences (Phila- formal collections discussed above. would have been easy work to trail delphia). The original album pres- The first page of the album contains the burros westward along the Tonto ently resides with Mr. Spamer, but the header strip “1919 Duval Grand to the Redwall ravine depicted by digital copies of the included images Canyon Survey”. Thoden used both Ryan. Indeed, one photo in his album have been graciously made avail- “Duval” and “DeFoe” in his narra- shows trail construction near the up- able to the Cline Library in Flagstaff, tive, so along with the use of “Devol” per end of this ravine.51 According to and the Museum Study Collection at elsewhere in the literature, we have Thoden, however, these burros were Grand Canyon.56 This album contains at least four variations of the Davol of little use to the survey crew, and he 145 images of the 1919 survey. All are name. wondered what became of them after presented in strict numeric sequence Most of the photographs in the the men left the Canyon.52 (using the “Santa Fe” numbering Thoden album are personal snap- Base camps, complete with tents, stoves and tables were erected on the south side of the River near the top of the south Tonto tram, and on the north side, somewhat north of the top of the north Tonto tram. Other camps were established on top of Dana Butte and on the Redwall rim near the base of knoll 5290. According to one of the photos in the Colter album, at least one other camp was set up along the Redwall rim, somewhere on the east side of Tower of Set.53 Survey work progressed northward across the Redwall rim, along the east sides of both Tower of Set and Horus Temple, and at least scouting trips were made as far as the Osiris Temple-Claude Spamer Collection

8 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org this year, although none contained as much pertinent information as the first.65 Noted Canyon hiker, Harvey Butchart also contacted Thoden in April of that year with news of his discovery of survey artifacts along the Tonto, west of Trinity Creek, and atop the Redwall southeast of Tower of Set.66 There the matter sat for some seventeen years. In August 1994, I contacted Tim Manns to see if he had any copies of his correspon- dence with Thoden, as the South Rim Library had preserved only the first two letters that they had exchanged. Unfortunately, only the originals at the library have been retained.67 Four men at south Tonto camp. View to northeast. Cheops Pyramid in upper center, Buddha In 1995, the Ryan album surfaced, Temple in left center. GCNP Museum Collection. and several sets of duplicate prints were made from the originals. Re- shots of friends and scenes that crew had been discharged. It appears searchers gathered around the new Thoden wanted to keep alive through that only a handful of these latter im- find and a flurry of literary activity the wonder of film. He was less in- ages were deemed suitable for inclu- followed, resulting in at least two ar- terested in the grand scenery than in sion in any of these albums, perhaps ticles or reprints thereof.68 Thoden’s those who were in it with him. Photos because of their overt documentary letter formed the core of these papers, in the Spamer album are documenta- character. It would be most interest- with Ryan’s photographs providing ry in nature, serving to record prog- ing if future researchers could locate the scenic backdrop. Thoden’s photo ress of the survey and events, rather these missing images, as well as the album, however, somehow escaped than daily life of the surveyors. The remaining numbered “Santa Fe” pho- notice during this time, although ac- Ryan album is a mixture of these two, tographs. cording to GCNP records it had be- wanting to record “the survey” while come part of the Museum Collection at the same time trying to capture The Thoden Letter in December 1989.69 Ed. Thoden died “the surveyors” as well. The Colter in April 1988, so it would appear that album appears to have been a care- Prior to 1977 nearly all knowledge all we have to work with are his letter fully selected set of official “Santa Fe” of the 1919 survey had been forgot- and his scrapbook.70 Due to the pos- photos, either used to draw attention ten, save for one mislabeled set of sible difficulty of obtaining copies of to highlights of the survey, or perhaps photographs at the South Rim Li- this letter, I have included a typescript just to convey a memento of the sur- brary and two brief inserts in biogra- version of the original handwritten vey to Colter by her friends at Santa phies on Stephen Mather and Horace letter as an appendix to this paper Fe. Based on the style and content of Albright.63 Physical artifacts connect- (Appendix A). To say this letter has photographs contained in these four ed with the survey were largely un- become critical to our understand- albums, and on scant historical data discovered, due to their remote lo- ing of the 1919 tramway survey is found elsewhere, it is the view of this cations, and those that were found certainly an overstatement, since the author that all of the numbered pho- brought quizzical looks to passing numerous site-specific annotations of tographs in these albums were com- explorers because their story was un- the Ryan album could alone carry the missioned by (and perhaps also pro- known. weight of historic scrutiny. Yet with- duced by) the Santa Fe Railroad. Each In early 1977, GCNP Ranger Tim out it, our knowledge and certainly album appears to have been “indi- Manns received a long, handwritten our appreciation of the work these vidualized” to suit a particular need letter from Mr. Ed. Thoden, one of men did would be incomplete. or use, as no one album contains the the packers or “camp rustlers” on the entire series of images. Indeed, these survey. This letter contains eighteen Site Investigations albums represent less than 70% of the pages outlining the work that was known or suspected images collec- done, along with a transcribed map After 1919, nearly all memory of tively. According to Thoden, a large of the route surveyed and a three- this survey had passed from the number of images were made after part sketch of a typical supply tram.64 scene. The Colter photo album was the main survey had been completed, Several letters were exchanged be- donated to the Park in 1952, but it and after all but two of the original tween Manns and Thoden during was oddly mislabeled by Superinten- www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 9 dent Bryant, and no obvious fanfare surprise as they stumbled across a photographs were removed by the attended its arrival.71 Brief accounts well-built fireplace near the Redwall survey after their work progressed of the survey appeared in 1951 and rim of that butte, just north of the past Dana Butte and down onto the again in 1970, but they spurred lit- summit! As with Butchart on his 1973 Tonto Platform.79 It seems strange that tle, if any, interest in further inves- trip, these climbers had no idea who no rusted cans or other camp trash tigation. It may be that some of the had built this fireplace or even that it was left atop Dana, but it is possible “old-timers” living at the South Rim was a fireplace (that revelation came that all such refuse was simply tossed retained some knowledge of the sur- in November, 2001) 75 over the edge of the butte. A worth- vey, but nothing seems to have been In May 1994, Dana Butte was re- while venture would be to scout the written down or verbally passed climbed for the express purpose of base of the Redwall all around Dana along. Even such notable figures of Butte, especially on both sides of the early Inner Canyon exploration as the southern saddle, the west side of the Kolb brothers, Alan McRae, and Mer- northern saddle, and below its north- rill Clubb left us no record of their ern face. finding any physical artifact from this In April 1995, Daniel Hartley and survey. It was left to Harvey Butchart I visited the south Tonto tram and to get things moving. associated campsite.80 This site had In March 1973, Butchart and Ger- been previously visited by Bruce rit DeGelecke hiked along the north Grubbs and George Bain and cer- Tonto platform, enroute from Trinity tainly many others over the years, Creek to Ninety-Four Mile Canyon. and is described in part by Thoden As they passed below the area of the in his narrative.81 Using Thoden’s Redwall tram site, they came upon a sketch map as a guide, we located single 5-gallon metal oilcan. At the their overland route to the base of time they had no idea how such an the Tapeats, at a point immediately object could have arrived there, but beneath the upper tram terminus. later Butchart learned of the 1919 sur- This site is in an alcove formed on vey and made the logical connection.72 the north side of the small, detached In April, 1977 Butchart was again in tower of Tapeats shown in Spamer’s the same area, only this time he had photos #105, and #147-150. A single talked with Tim Manns and had read rusted can marked their access route, the Thoden letter, so he knew what to but a number of artifacts were noted look for, and where.73 According to at the base of the Tapeats. These in- Harvey’s log, he ascended the Red- cluded a large wooden pulley, pieces wall ravine southeast of Tower of Set, Man being belayed climbing tower below of rope, rusted brass and iron fittings, and found one rusted 5-gallon oil- Tonto Platform. GCNP Museum Collection and the squashed remains of one of can and some old trail construction the wooden boxes used to transport enroute. Once on top of the Redwall obtaining photographic evidence of supplies along the tram.82 The upper rim he walked out to the end of the the material that had been seen dur- tram terminus is a platform built with promontory that juts southeast from ing the 1978 ascent.76 The piece of dry-laid blocks of local sandstone. knoll 5290. Near the end of the rim rope noted in 1978 was gone, but the This was used as the base of support he came to an old camp marked by masonry structure was still intact. Re- for the tram head-frame, featured in a rectangular row of rocks (tent pad), cent study of photos in the Thoden several of Ryan’s unnumbered pho- an old rusted shovel, a metal funnel scrapbook shows that this struc- tos.83 Near this platform we found a for collecting smoke above a fire, and ture was actually used as a fireplace near-complete head-frame, several of several smooth boards.74 Harvey’s and barbecue pit by the surveyors.77 its wooden, pulley-like wheels, and main reason for climbing to this point No other artifacts were noted either some bronze axle bushings. North of was to search for a natural bridge in on Dana Butte or along its northern the tram terminus the surveyors es- the Redwall rim, so he did not look ridge, and none were spotted dur- tablished a trash dump in a shallow for additional evidence of the 1919 ing a binocular scan of the southern ravine on the Tapeats rim, directly survey. saddle from Dana’s Redwall rim. A overlooking the River. Surviving ar- On May 7, 1978, a party of climbers previous scouting trip to the Redwall tifacts there include dozens of rusted succeeded in ascending the northern rim overlooking the south end of this tin cans, a pie tin or two, and a two- buttress of Dana Butte. At first, they southern saddle produced similar wheel trolley similar to the one men- assumed theirs was the first ascent of negative results.78 It was concluded tioned on page 3 of Thoden’s narra- that butte, and that no other people that all of the ropes and ladders, etc. tive. We did not have time to scout the had ever been there. Imagine their depicted in the Ryan and Spamer route below this tram and down to

10 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org 1995, but he noticed something oth- ing coffee tins and Four Roses tobac- ers had passed over completely…that co jars.91 At the very end of the prom- all of the artifacts, right down to the ontory he could peer down the steep, smallest fitting and thinnest board, serrated Redwall ridge and spot a were of exceptionally high quality. In little pile of rocks (or cairn) just where his words, “everything I saw at this the route vanished into the depths of site seemed the product of a spare- the Canyon. Declining to follow the no-expense operation carried out by ridge route further, Lon backtracked competent men backed by expert westward and on a small ledge, just leadership and moneyed support”.86 below the top of the cliff, he spotted Having carefully studied several the upper Redwall tram terminus. hundred photographs related to this According to Lon, this structure was survey, I must agree with Lon’s as- the most intact tram mechanism he sessment. had yet encountered.92 Remnants In March 1996, Lon found a window included a massive boom (9-10 feet of opportunity in the weather, and in length), a large diameter wooden headed over to the Trinity Creek area pulley with a steel axle, a small single for several days of poking around the wheel caged pulley, and a heavy-du- Redwall rim to the south and east of ty forged-frame, two-wheel trolley (a Tower of Set, and also the Tonto Plat- heavier version of the one I had seen form west of Trinity Creek.87 The first in the trash dump at the south Tonto stop on his reconnaissance was the tram site in 1995).93 Above the tram north Tonto camp, which he located a terminal, Lon chanced upon several couple minutes west of the apex point bicycle wheels. These are of the semi- Man climbing tower below Tonto Platform. overlooking the mouth of Trinity old-fashioned type with steel hubs GCNP Museum Collection Creek from the west. Little remained and spokes, but with wooden rims.94 of this camp, save for a row of stones With little time remaining for ex- the River, but as viewed from above where a tent had stood, and a few ploration, Lon walked north along there appeared to be at least three rusted cans. This scene fits in with the Redwall rim, and around to the possible rope-less routes through the photos present in both the Ryan and Vishnu. Another scouting trip will be Spamer albums that show this to be a needed to determine which, if any, of temporary supply dump from mate- 88 these routes was actually used by the rials coming across the Inner Gorge. surveyors. South of the camp, Lon found traces During the winter of 1995-96, Rang- of the upper terminal of the north er Lon Ayers spent considerable time Tonto tram. Stacked boulders and searching for evidence of the Davol two stone piers, along with a small, survey, on both sides of the Colorado rotting section of the wooden frame River.84 An initial day-hike out to the were seen, along with a sleeved bolt Battleship proved somewhat fruitless, that appeared identical to one Lon as there was no direct evidence of the found earlier at the south Tonto tram. 1919 survey’s presence there (in the The next segment of Lon’s scouting way of names carved into the rocks trip took him west along the Tonto near the summit, camp trash, etc.). Plateau and up the Redwall ravine Beneath an overhang on the east side southeast of Tower of Set. In retrac- of the summit, however, was an odd ing Harvey’s earlier trip in this area, masonry wall. Although assumed to Lon came across the rusted 5-gallon be of prehistoric origin, further study square oilcan in the Redwall ravine, may prove it a shelter erected by the along with obvious trail construc- 89 survey party (see Ryan photos NAU tion. Once atop the Redwall he PH97.13.6, & 98). walked east to the end of the prom- Lon’s next venture was to the south ontory that projects southeast from Tonto tram site and camp, where he knoll 5290. There he found the sur- 90 saw the tent pads built by the survey veyor’s Redwall tram camp. Along team.85 Lon also inspected the up- with the artifacts that Harvey had Cross River Tram. [View to south from north per tram terminus and came across seen on his 1977 trip, Lon also spotted terminus of cross-river tram.] GCNP Museum the same artifacts that I had seen in a fire grate and a trash dump contain- Collection www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 11 northeast corner of Tower of Set. There he found the main (and last) camp of the 1919 survey party. The collection of artifacts he found at this site is too numerous to list here, but several are worth noting. Along with a rather extensive assortment of cook- ing and eating implements and uten- sils, Lon found three brass plumb bobs, a stadia rod and remains of a wooden tripod. Also a hand saw, a ge- ologist’s hammer and an ax sporting an extremely weathered handle. The most interesting find of all, however, were the pack saddles for the two burros, along with an assortment of little, never-used, burro shoes.95 Lon realized that there were no valuable artifacts present at any of the sites he visited, and this is notable in that it conflicts with Thoden’s statement that nothing was carried away from their last campsite, either at the time Eddie [Schliewen?] and [George] Still. GCNP Museum Collection of initial site abandonment, or when he returned with Davol and Jimmy to supply tram should be visited, as well scenic. Since a main objective of the photograph their work.96 This would as a climb up along the Redwall ridge survey was to locate and inspect pos- have included such expensive equip- southeast of knoll 5290. The camp on sible anchorages for the tramway ment as transits and levels. Lon sur- Dana Butte was probably completely towers, it may be worthwhile exam- mises that either these items were in abandoned, but it would still be in- ining the summits of Tower of Set fact packed out by the three surveyors teresting to check anyway if for no and Horus Temple. Climbing parties (but unknown or unseen by Thoden), other reason than the supreme view! have reported seeing no indication or that Davol made a separate trip af- Another intriguing search area would of human activity above the Redwall ter Thoden and Jimmy had left, and be along the Redwall rim, north of level on either of these two buttes, reclaimed these items himself. A third the final camp of the 1919 survey and but I strongly suspect these intrepid possibility is that others came along around to the Osiris-Claude Birdseye surveyors would have had no diffi- well after the fact and pocketed some Point saddle. Again, there may be lit- culty scaling either summit. Perhaps valuable prizes for themselves. I per- tle to find, but the hike should prove time was a factor. Thoden mentions sonally feel that Lon’s first assessment is the most likely one, as professional surveyors would have regarded such tools of their trade as nearly invalu- able, and especially so if they be- longed to others such as Davol (very likely) or the Santa Fe Railroad (less likely), and payment was required for failure to return them! Since 1996, there have been no site investigations of known or potential survey camps, trams, etc., that I am aware of, but several worthwhile ar- eas deserve further exploration. Es- sentially nothing below the Tonto Rim has been explored. This would include the double tram site atop the Vishnu knoll, and access ravines lead- ing down to the River on both sides. The lower terminus of the Redwall Camp at top of Redwall, eastern base of Tower of Set. Spamer Collection

12 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org that he was with the survey party one crossed the river by cable car. The with a box attached to each. Attached for three months, and the Ryan al- car just big enough to hold 1 mule to each trolley was a rope which ran bum indicates the survey lasted all or & man. One had to pull them-selves around a reel at each frame. The frame part of four months (August-Novem- across by rope lines. was roped to rocks and rocks were ber, 1919).97 Since Thoden came into At that time King Albert of Belgium piled around it to hold it up right. As the survey after work had already was visiting the Canyon. He was on no holes could be dug. (The enclosed started, and his first assignment con- his way to California to see Herbert sketch will give you a better idea than cerned the south Tonto supply tram, Hoover, who was at that time Food my way of explaining it.) it would seem that only one month Administrator. The U.S.A. later sup- Food – equipment – camp supplies was spent surveying the line between plied Belgium with food for their or what have you, would be loaded in El Tovar out to the Battleship, and starving people. King Albert was a a box, a signal would be given to the then from there over to and across great M’tain climber, and a short time operator at the other end, as to the ap- Dana Butte and down to the Tonto later was killed climbing the Alps. proximate weight, the lower operator Plateau. If so much ground could This surveying out-fit consisted of a would fill his box with stone, rock or have been covered in the first month Mr. DeFoe (I might not have his name sand weighing a little less than the of the survey, it seems likely a sig- spelled right) who was the Chief upper box. The upper box would be nificant amount of work could have Engineer—Three surveyors named turned loose and down it would go. been accomplished north of the River Wiley, Ryan and Schliemen—a camp The weight of the lower box com- in the subsequent three months. Per- cook—and about 8 or 9 camp rustlers, ing up would slow up the speed haps there was time to climb another of which I was one. The rustler’s jobs of the upper box coming down. Of Canyon temple or two? Perhaps also were to pack supplies & water, rig up course, that was the theory. Most of we will never know what was ac- the trams (which I will go into later) the times it worked but many times tually accomplished by this rather and sometimes act as rodmen. there would not be enough weight in short-lived venture, but it is certain Why the survey was being done, I the lower box so the upper one would we will come a bit closer in finding do not know? We did have a thought come down like a “streak of greased out through continued research and that it might be to construct a set of lightening” and smash things “galley further field investigation. Tramcars, similar to ski lifts (or) sight- west.” You can imagine what it was seeing cars like at Albuquerque, N.M. like as you know the drop of the in- © 2002 Jim Ohlman Whether Fred Harvey or the Santa Fe ner gorge. R.R. or the Park Service financed it, I Of course we did not ride down on Appendix A do not know. this as it was not built strong enough. The following is a typescript copy of a This was a preliminary survey. The We would climb down a side can- handwritten letter to Ranger Tim Manns plans were for a traverse line to be yon of the gorge to the river. A few (GCNP) from Mr. Ed. Thoden, a member run from Hopi Pt. via Danna Butte, of the bad spots we had 20 or 30 feet of the 1919 Cross-Canyon Aerial Tram- Tower of Set, Horus and Osiris Tem- of knotted rope and a rope ladder to way Survey party. The original letter ples, Shiva Temple to Tiyo Point on get us by. After arriving at the river is in the Grand Canyon National Park the north rim. we rigged up a frame like the above. Museum Collection. Grammar and spell- While working on the south side of Hooking it up with the top frame and ing have been modified slightly to make the river and camped around Danna getting it in working order, we turned the reading easier, but all colloquialisms Butte, it was not bad as our supplies our attention to crossing the river. present in the original are retained here. & equipment was packed down by Tying a rope around Ryan, who Harvey mules, and we got our water was the best swimmer, he swam Dear Mr. Tim Manns, by mules from Indian Gardens. But across the river. Some of us held him My nephew, Karl Tollefsen wrote working the south & north granite in- back on the rope so the current would and told me about his recent trip thru ner gorge it started to get tough. not take him down stream. Arriving the south-west. He mentioned how First, we had to rig up a tram on on the north side he made the line fast he met you and how you would be the top edge of the Granite Gorge. to boulders. On this side a pulley was interested in my little experience in This was on the order of a wash-line. attached and a rope was tied from the the Canyon almost 60 years ago. He A frame work about 6ft. high & 3ft. pulley to another fellow. He swam was mistaken about me working on wide made of 2”x4” and 1”x4” pine across carrying another rope. So now the bridge. wood, that was pre-cut, was re-as- we had to lines across. In 1919 I did work with a survey- sembled and put up. A raft was then built. This was made ing out-fit in the Canyon. The first One frame was set up on the top of of empty 10 Gal oil cans, 10”x10” bridge was put up about 1921, I be- the granite, the other one below by the and about 18” or 20” high. (The lieve, a suspension which swung river. Two lines were attached to the West could not of got along with-out with the breeze. Then about 1928 a frames running up & down the gran- them). We must have had about 30 of rigid steel bridge was erected. In 1919 ite. On each line ran a 2 wheel trolley them as all our water was hauled in www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 13 them. Lashing about 10 cans together left a day ahead of the others as they block & fall, put them in a sling and with rope and then lashing narrow had to go further. It was a good days hoist them up over bad places. Actu- 1”x2” pine strips to the cans, we had trip climbing down to the river, cross- ally they were of little use when we a raft. It would hold two men sitting ing it, and then climb up the south got them. down but of course you sure got a granite. We’d bring a little food with Of course there were a lot of funny wet bottom. Hooking the raft to the us, coffee, beans, flour, canned meat, things that happened. At that time pulley running along the line, the and a canteen of water and a blanket. a popular song that was sung was current of the river would take one To eliminate so much back-packing —“I’m forever blowing bubbles, half-way across, the rest of the way while climbing, we would put our Pretty little bubbles in the air”. We was by pulling on the second rope. packs on the tram and as we always would sing “I’m forever rolling boul- In the mean-time some of us were left rocks in the bottom box from a ders, Pretty little boulders down the working the new tram bringing down previous trip, would send the packs canyon walls”. That would be sung supplies from the Tonto Plateau to the down by tram. When we got down when one of the leaders, when climb- river. Also the surveyors were taking below we’d take our packs & tie the ing, would kick a stone loose and it shots and levels around the river and tram so the box would not fly up would bounce down and hit or al- inner gorge. Of course this operation again. Coming back we would put most hit the fellow below him. was not as easy as I write about it. We packs in the lower box and when ar- Then the time we were hoisting a were at the river about a week. riving at the top adjust the weight of burro up in a sling. We had him about After rafting the supplies across rocks in the upper box to bring our 8 feet up when he kicked against the the to the north side of the river, an- packs up to us. wall and jerked the rope out of our other frame was rigged-up. Some of The ones that had the nearer trams hands. Down he came on one of the us climbed up the granite thru a side left a day later. Some times we would fellows. There the poor fellow laid, canyon almost opposite to the side be there ½ a day or more before the stretched out on his stomach, spread canyon on the south side. We car- supplies came up to our station. That eagle fashion, with the burro lying on ried food, strips of wood, rope etc. to was good, as we’d just lay around or him, hollering “Get that damn 500lb build a frame on the top of the gran- explore. Eventually we would get ev- ass off me!” ite. Of course there were many trips ery thing to camp. Just like running When ever we went down to the up & down and it took many days. around to the Super-Market to shop river we would fill up a can of wa- After getting that tram in opera- for something for supper and come ter and leave it in the shade, so that tion, another was built from there up back three days later with the grocer- the next time we would go down, to the top of the sand-stone shelves. ies. and of us would have a clean cool From there we packed on our backs Then there was the matter of wa- drink, as the silt would settle in the the supplies up the talus to the base ter. All our water while on the north bottom. One time we noticed that the of the wall to the Tower of Set. side came from the river. We did not can was quite heavy with silt, so we The same procedure was done, rig- mind going down to get it as it gave dumped it out to clean the can. Not ging up a tram as was described be- us a chance to take a bath & wash our only did a lot of silt come out but also fore. There was one bad spot while clothes. We never dried our-selves a decomposed pack rat. I don’t know climbing this wall. We had to make with a towel. Just dusted our-selves how long he was in there as the can an almost 90 degree turn just having off. When our clothes dried we’d beat had not been cleaned in a number of a toe & finger hold and also had to them against the rocks to get the dust weeks. One time or another some- step across a two foot wide crevasse. off. one had forgotten to screw the cap At that spot we rigged up a knotted The water was hauled up in 10 Gal on the can and the rat jumped in and rope to hold on to. It helped a lot but cans which we had about 30. As wa- drowned. even so we all hated that wall. ter was at a premium we only could We would kid about the sameness In the mean time, we still had to use a limited amount for personal of the menu -- “Now, if we had eggs get in supplies. About every 2 weeks use. To wash teeth and in the morn- we would have ham & eggs, if we a Fred Harvey packer would bring ings enough to wash the sleep out of had the ham”. down a mule string of supplies. He’d our eyes. Then we would kid a lot about Mr. dump them off near the Tonto Trail Another thing that might be of in- DeFoe—his hat and his candy. by our first tram. He’d put a signal terest to you—we brought 2 burros A word about Mr. DeFoe— Mr. De- flag up as we could see it with bin- up by the Tower of Set. A cut Jack & a Foe would spend most of the time at oculars, or we knew about when he Jennie. They were brought in by way the El Tovar. Ordering supplies and would be there. We would then toss a of Bright Angel Creek Kaibab Trail -- doing the paper and detail work. He coin to see who would operate the 1st up Haunted Creek then south of Isis would come down to camp maybe tram then the 2nd etc. We always trav- Temple and around the head of Trin- once a week or every 2 weeks to eled in pars for safety. The ones that ity Creek to the Tower of Set. check-up on things and would stay a got stuck with the first and 2nd trams, Many places we had to rig up a few days.

14 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org We called him “The Old Man”, (not on to the other fellow. (No doubt he mie, and I volunteered. The others to his face, of course). He seemed old felt the same way but would not let went off their separate ways. I never to us as he had white hair and a pale on to me). Eventually, we did get up did see any of them again, altho I was complexion. The complexion being enough nerve to make it. in touch with one of the surveyors, unusual for a man that spent most of Arriving at the top, we found that Schliemen, who sent me pictures of his life out-doors in many parts of the only part of the camp was there. The the out-fit some time later. world. China, So. America, Mexico rest of the gang had been moving the When Mr. DeFoe said he wanted to etc. I don’t think he was too old, as equipment and was relaying it along take pictures he meant he wanted to you know, to a young spud [not his the way when the storm hit. Things take pictures, pictures, pictures, pic- first spelling of this word…] anyone were scattered along the trail covered tures, and more pictures. He took pic- over 35 or 40 is Old. He sure did not with snow. It took some time to find tures of every inch of the ground we show his age when it came to climb- my bed-roll; and the transit close by. had traveled. This is the way we op- ing. He was as good as any of us. At least I got a good meal. It was then erated—Mr. DeFoe would set-up his Another feature about him was decided to stop the project. After we camera—I would hold a target rod off that he always wore a stiff straw hat. collected a few of our personal things as far as he could see thru the lens— It was all the style then. They were we prepared to leave the next day. We Jimmie had a small black board slate called “Skimmers” as you could skim left early the next day, abandoning and chalk. He’d mark #1 on the slate, them through the air like a “Frizbee” everything else—Instruments, Tents, hold it near the camera so that the (I have a picture of the hat riding up Food, etc. and the burros. number would show up on the side on a tram). Luckily we did, because another of the snap-shot. The picture would He always brought over cans of snow storm hit that day altho we be shot. Then Mr. DeFoe would set hard-candy. We would get some ev- were down by the river and along up his camera where my rod was ery morning be fore starting out. The the Tonto Trail so we did not get any and I’d move back and Jimmie would idea was that when we got thirsty [covers another word, possibly “it”] mark the slate #2. The picture would during the day we would suck on one snow. be taken and the same procedure or two, instead of pebbles, to slack We arrived at Indian Garden long would go on and on, #3–#4–#5–#6 our thirst. Save water. Frankly, after after dark. There was a tourist party etc. Sometimes the shots were long having a couple hard lemon balls you stranded there, as the guide did not but there were lots of short ones due wanted to drink more water. want to take them up as many parts to obstacles. Many of the shots were Come Thanksgiving or there abouts of the trail was blocked with snow. only 10 feet, but he never missed that (it was hard to keep track of time over We used their mules and rode up. 10 feet. Jimmie & I would change off there). Another fellow and I were sent The first after the storm. The trail was and on. Sometimes I would handle down to the shelves to pick up a few not as wide or as well kept-up as now. the slate and he the rod. items. The rest of the gang was to We arrived at the rim about midnight Mr. DeFoe did most of the cooking. move camp close to Horus and Osiris and was checked in at the Bright He was a good cook. On this side of Temples. Angel Lodge. O’boy! The heat. The the river we did not have much but We just about arrived at the shelves warm bath. The white sheets. After 3 when we got near the old camp we when a bad snow-storm hit. It was months, DELUX! drew from our supplies that had been too bad for us to climb up to camp (or After packing in a good solid meal, left over there. maybe we didn’t have enough nerve). our breakfast but really a dinner as After a little over a week he was fin- We spent that day & night under one we slept so late, we went around to ished. We went back to the South Rim of the shelves. As we had intended the El Tovar to report to Mr. DeFoe. and the next day said “Good By”. I to be gone only for 3 or 4 hours, we The desk clerk tried to stop us from threw my “bindel” on my back and did not bring food with us. Nothing going up-stairs to see him. Of course, was off for New Worlds to conquer. to eat, but did manage to keep a little after-wards we did not blame the The camp rustlers were paid fire going with dry yucca stalks and clerk. We were all in rags & tags. You $125.00 a month which was good pay spines. We were amused by watch- know what crawling & sliding over at that time, as cowboys were getting ing how the current of air below us rocks will do to ones clothes and even about $50 and forest-rangers about was blowing the snow up. Snow fall- your hide. We also had calks in our $75. I don’t know what the surveyors ing up instead of down. Below us the shoes and boots and what they can were getting but they just didn’t do snow turned to rain. do to a highly polished floor & rugs the technical work. They supervised The next day we started back up is a caution. We eventually convinced the whole operation. They pitched to camp. It was very cold. When we him to let us go up. in along side of us—packed—built got to the rope, where we had to We reported to Mr. DeFoe and a trams—pitched tents, etc. Just like swing across the crevasse, it was all few days later were paid off. He then the rest of us. And so did Mr. DeFoe. iced up and our hands were plenty wanted 2 fellows to go back with him No Unions—6 hr. days—5 days a cold. I was scared, but did not let to take pictures. Another fellow, Jim- week—so many sick days and paid www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 15 Grand Canyon Historical Society PRSRT STD PO Box 31405 U.S. POSTAGE Flagstaff, AZ 86003 PAID FLAGSTAFF, AZ PERMIT 333

holidays—Hospitalization and other Perhaps you might meet some sur- go down in “The Annuls of the West” fringe benefits and of course, no La- veyor—River-rafter or Helicopter pi- or “How the West was Won.” But bor Relations Board. I’m afraid that lot that might of saw or found some personally it was a great experience if we had them years ago the West evidence that we were there. Such as for me and left me with many fond would never have been built. a hanging rope or tram frame or other memories. I often wonder if the survey was equipment. Or the bleached bones of So, if there is anything of interest to ever continued the following year the burros. I sure would like to know. you after reading this, I will be very of if some-one went over and picked You could look in the 1919 registry happy. up the instruments. Also think of the book of the El Tovar Hotel and check “Long May The Colorado Flow.” two burro left there. How they made up on Mr. DeFoe from San Francisco out? Did they pick their way down (as I said before, not too sure of the Yours thru some hidden side canyon? We spelling). Also check up on when Ed. K. Thoden used to pick up sets of antlers from King Albert was there. deer carcasses. Deer that had jumped Also check up on the “Park Ser- Attached to this letter is a tracing down and could not get back. We had vice” files. They must have some kind of the survey route [see editor’s re- quite a few stacked up around the of record of this survey. production, Figure 3] and an artistic camp. I have about 30 pictures of this sur- sketch showing three views of a typi- About 20 years later I acquired a vey and will try to get copies made cal supply tram. contour map of Bright Angel Quad- of some of them to send to you if you rangle. I marked on it, (to the best of are interested. my memory) just about where we If you could get hold of a picture of NOTE: Endnotes are included with were and how we got there. I don’t the old cable car that crossed the river the online version of this issue in the think I’m too far off. I am enclosing I would appreciate it if you sent me ‘Ol Pioneer archives found online at a tracing of it. If you get a similar one. Kolb Bros. Studio would be the GrandCanyonHistory.org. map hold the tracing over it and you best place to look. will get a pretty good idea where we I don’t know if this survey contrib- were. The details of what map it is uted anything to the betterment of will be written on the tracing. mankind and I’m sure it will never

16 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org ENDNOTES 12. Thoden (1977); USDI (1961) the basis for anecdotal commentary on -- Thoden’s map was sketched onto a daily routines of the 1919 surveyors, and 1. Photo albums are denoted as 1927 reprint of the 1906 edition of the corroborates photo captions included in follows: Colter (1952) -- images of the Bright Angel Quadrangle. The 1961 the Ryan album. This letter is reproduced 1919 preliminary survey contained in an issue is technically identical to the in Appendix A. album donated by Mary Jane Colter to earlier editions, with only minor cultural GCNP in 1952. When and by what means revisions. Refer to Figure 2. 22. Ohlman (1978b). This masonry she acquired this album is not known; structure was at first assumed to be a Ryan (1919) -- album containing photos 13. This figure is based on Thoden’s storage cyst, but review of photos in taken by Robert Ryan, George Davol, map, as overlain on the 1961 reprint. Thoden’s album indicates it to be a fire- and others; Spamer (2000) -- album Table 1 gives an estimate overall place (q.v. page 15, lower left-hand photo containing images of the 1919 survey and tramway distance, and individual span in Thoden’s album). acquired through an e-Bay auction by lengths for those segments shown or Earle Spamer in 2000. Original source of inferred from the Thoden map. Span 23. Ayers (1996); Ohlman (1995). this album is unknown; Thoden (1919) -- lengths derived from figures given images of 1919 survey, along with some in Shankland’s book are correlated to 24. Ayers (1996). tourist post cards, advertisements, etc. inferred segments on Thoden’s map, Donated to GCNP in 1989 by Thoden’s and may not in fact refer to actual 25. Ibid, p. 9. nephew, Karl Tollefsen. Thoden (1977) segments Shankland had in mind as -- an 18-page letter to NPS Ranger Tim these are not known. It would appear The Photographs Manns, March 1977 (to date, the best that Shankland’s figures cover only single source of information on daily about one-half of the total cross-Canyon 26. Colter (1952). activities of survey party). distance, or perhaps only that portion of the entire route that was surveyed by 27. Ibid, inside front cover. Bryant note 2. Shankland (1951). Davol’s men during 1919. is also contained on accession card #861 & GRCA Document #13638. Consulting 3. Ibid, p. 207; An interesting side 14. Ryan (1919, title page). with Colter herself could easily have note -- George Davol is listed in both the rectified the several errors on this note, 1901 and 1915 City Directories for San 15. Thoden (1977). as she was active in Grand Canyon af- Francisco as a mechanical engineer. The fairs until her death in 1958. See Grattan first listing has him employed by the 16. Shankland (1951). (1992) and Leavengood (1999, pp. 32-45) Hercules Gas Eng. Works, and the second for biographical information on Mary shows him established on Market Street 17. Richmond (1996, p. 3); Chesher Jane Colter. (see Web sites http://www.sfo.com and (1996, p. 12 -- main cable of the “Bat http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com). Tram”, near Quartermaster Point, was 28. Ayers (1995, pp. 1 & 4); GRCA some 10,000 feet long!); Cook & Schafer Photos #72-87. 4. Anderson (1998, pp. 152 & 154 and (1994, p. 19); Reed (1951); Muench (1951). referenced endnotes for Chapter 4). Numerous photos in the GCNPMC 29. GRCA Documents #49242, 49245, 5. Shankland (1951, p. 207); Anderson archives depict these various tramways. and 49252 (GCNPMC). (2000, p. 10). Refer specifically to images #2649-2652 (Marble Canyon Damsite cableway); 30. Ayers (1995). A detailed, 18-page 6. Shankland (1951, p. 207); Swain #11236-11296 (Indian Garden “Pipeline analysis of each of the 54 photos con- (1970, p. 107). Tram”); #13534-13538, and others tained in the Colter album, using infor- (Hermit Camp-Pima Point tram); #14821- mation derived from the Ryan album to 7. Shankland (1951, p. 208). 14825 & 14878-14895 (U.S. Guano Tram). clarify certain points. Photos of these trams, as well as the 8. Swain (1970, p. 108). See http:// 1928 Union Pacific cableway from the 31. The Spamer album contains all but www.nwf.org (National Wildlife North Rim down to Roaring Springs, one (#177) of these 54 images, while the Federation) and http://www.ti.org can be found in the Santa Fe Railroad Ryan album contains 27 of the images, (Thoreau Institute) for more biographical Water Supply Photo Collection, Arizona including #177. information on Mather and Albright. Historical Society (AHS Collection #856, CLSC). 32. Ryan album is housed at NAU 9. Shankland (1951, p. 208). Additional Cline Library (Photo album NAU. background information taken from 18. Butchart (1973). PH.97.13). Notes on Ryan album Ryan, Spamer, and Thoden photo by David F. Myrick on November 29, albums, and captions contained in 19. Langdon (1977) -- Note from Mary 1995 (included with other related docu- Ryan’s album; Thoden (1977). Langdon to Tim Manns, dated January 7, ments in “Tramway Folder” at GCNPMC 1977 (relating data given her by Harvey (Accession Folder #4082). The title page 10. Santa Fe Railroad (1919); Butchart). This information probably of the Ryan album records the names of Shankland (1951); Thoden (1977). came from Jim Haggart or Scott Kron- the men on the survey. Davol is listed as berg, who had been along the Redwall Head Engineer, Willey is Field Engineer, 11. Santa Fe Railroad (1919). This is rim below Tower of Set enroute to a Schliemen is a Santa Fe representative a photograph of a 1903-1906 version January 3, 1977 ascent of Horus Temple (and one of the survey’s photographers), of the Bright Angel Quadrangle, upon (Haggart, 2000). and Ryan is listed as “Instrument Man”. which several proposed aerial tramway alignments were marked. Refer to Figure 20. Butchart (1977a); Grubbs (1977). 33. Thoden (1977). Information from 1. the Ryan album is taken from photo cap- 21. Thoden (1977). This letter forms tions contained therein. www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 17 34. Ryan (1919), photo #33 (NAU 43. Spamer photos #109-112 show ra- 50. Butchart (1998, p. 44). Butchart also PH97.13.11). See also unnumbered photo vines on south side of the River; Spamer mentions this stock trail in an earlier (NAU PH97.13.7) and caption. photo #123 and Ryan photo #124 (NAU guidebook by that same title, and there PH97.13.47) shows ravine on north side notes that E.D. McKee wrote a story 35. Ibid, photo #43 (NAU PH97.13.22). of the River. Thoden (1977, p. 6) de- about “the last roundup” of a lone steer scribes this entire process. in upper Phantom Canyon. I haven’t 36. Ryan photos #45½ (NAU located McKee’s story, but in November PH97.13.16), #44 (NAU PH97.13.21) 44. Thoden (1977, p. 6); Spamer photos 1985 I hiked the entire trail from and also unnumbered photos (NAU #151-157 & 180; Ryan photo #180 Phantom Creek to Bright Angel Creek, PH97.13.102-107). (NAU PH97.13.65) and unnumbered and all of it was then still passable to photos (NAU PH97.13.135-138 & 146). livestock. Butchart (1973) reveals that 37. Annerino (1986, pp. 93-95, 318). No tents are shown at this camp, perhaps Otis “Dock” Marston once provided him Dave Ganci and Rick Tidrick ascended indicating it was a temporary staging with a copy of an old map showing the Zoroaster Temple on September 11, 1958. area or supply point, and that travel Phantom-Bright Angel stock trail (this Perhaps forty-one years to theday after went from camps on the south Tonto to map should be in the Butchart Collection Ryan and “Slim” Betts reached the sum- the north Redwall with only a stopover at NAU, CLSC). mit of Dana Butte (see Ryan photo #44 at the River enroute. On Figure 6 this site (NAU PH97.13.21)). “Technical” refers would be near “Tower #2”. 51. Ryan photos NAU PH97.13.87, 133, to the use of ropes and other & 160 (c.f. Butchart photo #6755, CLSC). climbing equipment as necessary safety 45. Thoden photos (page 3, lower precautions. The term may also include right, and page 4, lower left); Ayers 52. Thoden (1977, pp. 7-8, 17). use of ladders, piled rocks, or throwing (1996, p. 7). Oddly, there do not appear a rope up and over a tree as means to to be any photos of the upper Redwall 53. Colter photo #204 (also in Spamer ascend a rock wall. tram terminal, but it would have been album); Ayers (1995, p. 11); Ayers (1996, similar to one shown in Spamer photo p. 8). 38. Ryan photos #54 (NAU #62 or Thoden photo on page 4 (upper PH97.13.17), #50 (NAU PH97.13.24), left photo). 54. Spamer photo #237 (view of #71 (NAU PH97.13.19), and #76 (NAU Claude Birdseye Point from its saddle PH97.13.18); also Spamer photos #50-53, 46. Thoden (1977, p. 6). with Osiris Temple) appears to be the last 63, 70, and #76-88. photo taken by the survey (or at least, the 47. Spamer photos #96, 172 & 174; last one represented in these albums). No 39. Ryan photos #146 (NAU Butchart photo #6755 (CLSC); Ryan snow appears in photo #237, but photos PH97.13.30); Colter photo #148 (en- photo NAU PH97.13.160 (see also NAU #219-222 do show snow. larged print); Spamer photos #102-103, PH97.13.87). Haggart (2000) wrote me 146 and #148. Lower end of tram is not about his climb of Horus Temple, and 55. Thoden (1977, pp. 14-15). Only a shown in any photo. Thoden (1977, p. 3) mentioned that he and his partner, Scott very few of these photos are included states that this tram extended from the Kronberg, ascended the Redwall along in the Ryan and Spamer albums, and it Tonto Plateau down to the River. Photos a ridge that extends east below Tower would be interesting to see those taken included in the Ryan and Spamer albums of Set. The topographic maps show southward from the north Redwall camp. depict a tram extending clear across the two ridges that fit this description, but Colorado River, from top of the Tonto most likely the southeastern ridge is 56. Spamer (2000). Additional digital Plateau on the south side to top of the intended, and this is the one used by the copies of this album reside at GCNPMC Vishnu knoll on the north side. Ayers 1919 surveyors. It is almost certain that and in the author’s personal archives. (1995, pp. 3 & 8) -- regarding photo #148 the two burros were brought up to the in Colter and Spamer albums. Ayers Redwall rim below Tower of Set via this 57. Ayers (1995, p. 3). thinks that the cross-River tram may Redwall ravine. The only other feasible have been an early prototype, later route would have been up Trinity Creek 58. Thoden (1977, pp. 14-15). replaced by two high-angle trams and a to the Shiva-Isis saddle, and then along cable crossing of the River (Figure 5) an extremely tedious traverse of the 59. Thoden (1919). Thoden died on Redwall rim below Shiva, Osiris and April 27, 1988 at the age of 87 (informa- 40. Thoden (1977, sketch maps of Horus before reaching their camp. There tion taken from the Internet at http:// trams and access trails). When plotted is no photo documentation of this in any www.ancestry.com -- Social Secu- on a 1906 Bright Angel Quadrangle map, of the four albums, nor mention of such rity Death Index data for Edward K. Thoden’s routes appear to be rather rug- an experience in Ryan’s photo captions Thoden). His photo album was donated ged, and access to the River below the or Thoden’s narrative. Both Butchart to GCNPMC in late 1989 (GRCA Cata- South Tonto supply tram seems circu- (1977a) and Ayers (1966, p. 6) mention log #34654), but apparently no serious itous, if not counter-intuitive. evidence of trail construction near the study of his album has ever been made. upper end of the Redwall ravine -- con- Interest in the 1919 survey in general 41. Refer to Ryan photo #106 (NAU struction that would have been unneces- waited until late 1995, a full seven years PH97.13.35) and unnumbered photos sary if only the men used this ravine. after Thoden could have been available (NAU PH97.13.110-111); Spamer photo to answer specific questions regarding #106; Thoden photos on page 14. See also 48. Spamer photos #189, 196-200, 235 the survey, and the photographs. It is Spamer photo #147 for view of Tapeats & 236; Ryan photos NAU PH97.13.139- interesting to note that in 1919, Thoden tower near the South Tonto supply tram. 142, 158, & 68 (c.f. photos on pp. 16-17 of would have been 18 years old, and per- the Thoden album). haps the youngest member of the survey 42. Ayers (1995, pp. 3 & 8); Ryan pho- party. It is doubtful that any of the other tos #136 & #137 (NAU PH97.13.39 & 41); 49. Thoden (1977, pp. 7-8). survey members are yet living (they’d Spamer photos #136-139. be at least 100), but it is hoped that their

18 : Grand Canyon Historical Society www.GrandCanyonHistory.org relatives or descendants will yet be him to Thoden’s letter while Harvey was container of the size Thoden refers to contacted. Ideally, a diary or journal will waiting for a hiking permit at the Back- would hold between 7.5 and 9 gallons. If someday surface… country Office window. the can’s dimensions were increased a bit to 12”x12” by 18” high, it would contain 60. Swain (1970) uses the name 74. Butchart (1977a). about 11¼ gallons. “Davol” in his book, but has the name spelled “Devol” in his index. 75. Ohlman (1978b). 90. Butchart (1977a).

61. Ohlman (1995). Photos were taken 76. Ohlman (1994a). Photos are in the 91. Ayers (1996, pp. 6-7). of all south Tonto supply tram and camp personal collection of Daniel Hartley, artifacts, and these are now in the pos- Tucson, Arizona. 92. Ibid, p. 7 -- This is rather amazing session of Daniel Hartley of Tucson, when you consider this tram site is lo- Arizona. 77. Thoden (1919, pp. 15 & 17). See also cated on an exposed cliff-edge that faces Appendix A. southward, toward the summer sun. 62. Ohlman (1978b, 1994a). The true purpose of this structure was not clear 78. Ohlman (1978a). This trip started 93. Ibid, p. 7; Ohlman (1995). until October 2001, indicating that some- down Dan Hogan’s “Hummingbird times even the obvious is not always so Trail” to the base of the Coconino. Ropes 94. Both Spamer photo #150 and Ryan obvious! were needed to descend through the photo NAU PH97.13.125 show this type Supai and on to the Redwall rim, south of pulley in use at the Vishnu knoll tram. The Thoden Letter of Dana Butte. Once at the south side of the Redwall saddle, it was decided not 95. Ayers (1996, p. 8). 63. Refer to Shankland (1951), Colter to cross over to Dana Butte as the saddle (1952), Swain (1970), and Butchart (1973). looked rather grim. 96. Ibid, pp. 8-9; Thoden (1977, p.13).

64. Thoden (1977). Appendix A is a 79. Ryan photos NAU PH97.13.16-19 97. Thoden (1977, pp. 13-14); Ryan typescript copy of this letter. & 21; Spamer photos #45-63. In 1994 we (1919, title page). looked back across the southern saddle 65. Manns (1977). on Dana Butte, from its Redwall rim. With binoculars we could spot nothing 66. Butchart (1977b), see also Butchart but rocks and plants…no ladders, ropes (1977b, 1977c, & 1990). or other evidence of human activity.

67. Refer to GRCA File Folder #4082 80. Ohlman (1995). (GCNPMC). 81. Grubbs (1977); Bain (1991); Thoden 68. Chesher (1996); Richmond (1996). (1979, pp. 1-4 and attached map). See An earlier article appeared in Arizona also Appendix A and modern rendition Highways (Cook and Schafer, 1994), but of the Thoden map (Figure 3). material contained therein seems to have been derived entirely from the Shank- 82. Refer to Spamer photo #154 and land and Swain books. Thoden photo on page 4 (lower right- hand photo). 69. Refer to GRCA Document #34654 (GCNPMC). 83. Ryan photos NAU PH97.13.126- 128. 70. (See note #59, above). 84. Ayers (1996). To date, the single Site Investigations best reconnaissance made on survey sites north of the Colorado River. 71. Bryant was acting Superintendent at GCNP in 1939-1940 and later full- 85. Ibid, pp. 1-2; c.f. Spamer photos time from 1941-1954, making him the #94-98. longest-serving Superintendent in Grand Canyon history (Anderson, 2000, p. 90). 86. Ibid, p. 3. It is therefore odd that he should not have been aware of the 1919 survey. Wil- 87. Ibid, pp. 4-8. liam H. Peters was acting Superintendent during the 1919 survey (August 1919 - 88. Ayers (1996, p. 5); Ryan photos September, 1920), and the Indian Garden NAU PH97.13.65, 136 & 146. Pipeline tramway was built during M. R. Tillotson’s term in office (April 1927 - 89. Ayers (1996, p. 6). A note about December 1938). these oilcans… Thoden consistently re- fers to these as “10 gallon oil cans”, and 72. Butchart (1973). gives their dimensions as “…10”x10” and about 18” or 20” high.” (Ibid, p. 5). 73. Butchart (1977a). According to Har- Butchart (1973; 1977a) likewise, consis- vey’s hiking log, Tim Manns introduced tently calls them 5-gallon cans. A square www.GrandCanyonHistory.org Grand Canyon Historical Society : 19