History of Grand Canyon National Park - Vintage View-Master Pictures Compared to Today

Visiting the grand canyon and early visitor's impressions; How the canyon was formed; Mary Jane Colter and the Hopi house; National Park Service and the Fred Harvey Company; Managing visitors during the 20th century; Mary Colter's other achievements.
Join Dave, the collector of vintage View Master Reels, as he sets out to visit the very places captured over 50 years ago. In this episode, we dive into the beloved Grand Canyon, a favorite subject of View Master. With 27 different Grand Canyon reels at his disposal, Dave focuses on the mid-50s set numbered A361.
To kick off his journey, Dave takes us on a Route 66 road trip, stopping at the closest town to the Grand Canyon-Williams. This charming mountain town also serves as a memorial to Route 66, the iconic road that once ran through it. As we explore Williams, we discover its rich history, founded in 1881 to support the railroad connecting St. Louis to San Francisco.
With an early start the next morning, Dave and his team head to their first target: Mather Point. The anticipation builds as they approach the canyon, and the experience defies description. The vastness and beauty of the Grand Canyon leave Dave in awe, just as it did to two men in the 1800s who wept at its sight. We delve into the history of the area, where miners and stagecoach operators sought fortunes, and hotels were built on the edge to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Next, we venture to Yavapai Point, where a museum showcases the geological wonders of the canyon. Over 2 billion years of history are etched into the layers of rock, a testament to the Earth's evolution. Dave mesmerizes us with fascinating facts about the Colorado Plateau, the formation of the Colorado River, and the immense amount of sediment carried downstream.
Our journey continues to Hopi House, a seemingly ancient building that doubles as a gift shop. The story behind its construction intertwines with the clash between President Roosevelt's vision for preserving the canyon's grandeur and the Santa Fe Railroad Company's ambitions to build a grand hotel. Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, a talented architect, designed this Hopi-inspired structure, blending commerce with historic preservation.
Lunch at El Tovar restaurant fuels us for the next leg of the trip to Hopi Point. This viewpoint presents a unique challenge as Dave hunts for the exact rock formation featured in the View Master reel. Standing at the edge, capturing the breathtaking view, Dave marvels at the bravery of the original photographer.
Our adventure takes us along Desert View Drive, where we encounter an unmarked rock formation resembling a duck. As we admire the view, we learn about the challenges the National Park Service faced in connecting both sides of the canyon with a phone line. The remarkable story of the trans-canyon phone line's construction, upgrade, and subsequent use for decades leaves us in awe.
Finally, we reach Lipan Point, a scenic vista offering a panoramic view of the canyon's geological layers. Billions of years of sediment and tectonic activity have shaped this majestic landscape. Dave takes us through the fascinating geological history, from folded mountain ranges to ancient seas, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the canyon's beauty.
Our journey concludes at Desert View's iconic Watchtower, another architectural masterpiece designed by Mary Colter. As we explore the tower, we uncover the complex relationship between the Fred Harvey Company and the National Park Service, shedding light on the challenges of managing tourism in the early 20th century.
Join us on this extraordinary expedition through time and space as we rediscover the Grand Canyon, its rich history, and the remarkable work of Mary Colter. Subscribe to View Master Travels and embark on thrilling adventures to other iconic destinations!
SOUNDS EFFECT CREDITS:
Park sounds: freesound.org/...
Small village sounds: freesound.org/...
Small village in the Andes: freesound.org/...
Hopi Native American voices: freesound.org/...
Walking past people in the park: freesound.org/...
Wood flute music: freesound.org/...

[@mikewatson4644]

This is a great series. Thank you

[@mikewatson4644]

You have a new subscriber!!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks!

[@michaelpowers9307]

Great work! I have been to the Canyon many times, including one trip on the train from Williams to the South Rim. I have a very large View-Master Grand Canyon collection, and feel that there are no bad pictures of the Canyon. It is truly a wonder. Thanks once again for your well researched work and great commentary.

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks, glad you liked it 😊

[@plabarba]

WHAT A GREAT idea for a series. We have really enjoyed you shows. Kudos!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks!

[@jeroenruhl7495]

As a Dutch men from de flat land below sealevel. I love to go to the grand canyon. So much diversity in the land beautiful ❤. As a child i had also a vieuwmaster only with wonders of the world. So thanks for sharing your collection and also the historic side note I am a big fan❤ Groetjes uit nederland

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks!

[@deen1843]

I remember my childhood View Master fondly and even have an old Bakelite one I picked up for a dollar at a yard sale. I imagine you have quite a collection and really appreciate you sharing it in this way. Also, my grandmother was one of those Harvey Girls who worked at El Tovar in the late 20s. Must have been quite an experience.

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thats awesome, what an experience 😊

[@RondaGuptonPruett]

This is my new favorite channel!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Awesome!