Go to GRAND CANYON Explorer home page

Grand Canyon Pioneers Society - Monthly Bulletin

Vol 4, No 5 May 2000

Administrative History of Grand Canyon National Park

On April 8, the Pioneers met for lunch at Maswik Lodge at the Grand Canyon at noon. Later the group went to the Community Building where Dr. Mike Anderson made a presentation. His topic was his new book that will be published on or about July 2000. The book is entitled "Polishing the Jewel," which is an administrative history of the park.

Anderson elaborated on the history of the park and political and economic issues, and concentrated on what the park has done in the past and what it plans to do in the future.

His research has been extensive and includes the many administrators who have been so instrumental in making the park what it is today.

This is a book we will all want to have in our libraries.


Easter Sunrise Service
Lee Albertson

At first light on April 23, groups from the Bass and Ruby Use areas made

their way out the Grand Scenic Divide to rock benches on the eastern edge. Seventeen Pioneers, family members, and friends watched as the sun peaked over the eastern rim and Canyon peaks. The temperature was just right. The wind and rain from the previous nights did not make an appearance. An ideal setting for an Easter Sunrise Service in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.

An opening prayer praised God for the beauty of his greatest creation, and thanked him for the opportunity to raise our voices in song and praise. The life of the Warner sisters who developed the text for Jesus Loves Me was given as background before Lyn Ellan lead the group in song. Her beautiful voice brought the Canyon walls to life.

The last words of Jesus Christ were read from Scripture. "Father forgive

then, because they do not know what they are doing" brought us to an understanding of forgiveness and the steps to build a bridge for reconciliation. From the darkness of sin to walking with Jesus Christ as our personal savior was explained from "My God, My god, why have you forsaken me?"

The Communion elements representing the broken body and blood of Jesus Christ were served. Silent prayers asking for forgiveness of sins were said.

Before Lyn Ellan lead us in Amazing Grace, the life and times of John Newton, author of the text for Amazing Grace, was told. An interesting story - John's early years as a sailor on his fathers' ship, and later as a Ship's Captain. John Newton went from a sinner to preaching the faith.

If you have not heard Amazing Grace sung against the backdrop of the Grand Canyon by a group of Pioneers, you might want to consider attending next year's Easter Sunrise Service in the Grand Canyon.


GCPS Meetings for 2000

May 20: Grand Canyon-Flagstaff Stage Coach Line field trip by Dick and Sherry Mangum.

When: 10:00 AM
Where: Flagstaff Visitor Center parking lot Route 66 and San Francisco Street.

Bring a lunch to eat at the Moqui Stage Station. The Mangums will lead us on a tour of the old Grand Canyon Stagecoach route. The trip will take about five hours and will end at Lookout Point at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

June 17: Annual Picnic and Grand Canyon Collection Tour. See details inside this issue.
July 15: Lauzon Homestead and Bass Camp tour by Pat Lauzon.
August 19: Phantom Ranch history by Keith Green at Albright Training Center, Grand Canyon Village.
September 16: Condor Release Program and North Rim weekend. See details inside this issue.
October 21: Annual Board Meeting and a talk by river guide Tom Vail in Flagstaff.
November 18: Kokopelli: The Mystery of the Flute Player by Jay Cravath at Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona.
December: No meeting


Wildlife Sighting
Pam Bales

While this bit of news does not pertain to the Grand Canyon or even Arizona it is interesting to know what is going on elsewhere once in a while. Pam Bales (Gale Burak's daughter) sent this from New Hampshire and Bill Suran couldn't resist sending it on.

A week ago Paul and I were in the living room waiting for his school bus to come and a movement caught my eye in the back yard. I turned my head and there was our first wildlife in the back since we moved here. And it was worth the wait--a moose!

I think it was a big yearling or possibly a 2 year old, but it's legs were higher than I am. It just wandered around out back, coming to within 10 ft. or so of the house. Paul's bus came and when he pointed to the moose it was like a cartoon that all the children came to this side of the bus and the bus tilted under the weight. It was so cool. The moose stayed for about an hour just browsing and walking the little road and then back over our hill behind us, like it was looking for a friend. Heard other neighbors saw it too that day and the next and we haven't seen it since. I've been told there are fox of course, a pack of coyotes (heard but not seen), fisher cats (which I've never seen but heard have nasty attitudes), and can't leave out the black bear. The kids and I were thinking about getting a couple kittens but unless they're house cats, I'm not sure. I've got to find my bird book (still packed somewhere) but I think it was a hairy wood-pecker I saw. It only flew by the window but I've never seen such a huge wood-pecker and so red, black and white. Birds just fascinate me.


June Outing:
Annual Picnic and Grand Canyon Collection Tour

Kim Besom will give a tour of the Grand Canyon Collection starting at 10:00 AM, meeting at the Albright Training Center parking lot.

After the tour, join the group for the picnic at Shoshone Point.

From the main entrance, take the Desert View Drive, continue east about 1.5 miles beyond the road to Yaki Point, and turn left into a parking area and look for Fred and Jeanne Schick who will have the gate open to the Point by 11:00 AM.

Everyone should bring their own individual table service, drinks, a dish (i.e. casserole) to share and, if desired, some meat to barbeque. Tablecoths and briquettes for the barbecue will be provided. Fred will have the fire ready by 12:00 Noon.


September Outing:
Condor Release Program and North Rim Weekend

Enjoy a weekend on the North Rim. First we'll meet at Vermilion Cliffs for a presentation by the Condor Release Team (time to be announced later).

Then we'll drive on to the North Rim and spend a night (or more) in the North Rim Lodge or camping. Usually the aspen are beginning to change by mid-September.

At the North Rim we can attend ranger programs, drive to Cape Royal and Point Imperial, hike, or just sit on the patio and watch the changing colors of the Canyon.

To make reservations at the North Rim Lodge, call 1-303-297-2757. Prices range from $78 to $104 per night plus tax. Make reservations soon if you plan to go, as North Rim accommodations are limited.


Members Updates

Julie Peek was in an accident and now out of the hospital and at home recovering. Her car broke down on the the edge of canal and she fell in and was hurt badly. (this was on the front page of the Republic). By the way, she lives in Scottsdale.

Jack Greening has just had hip surgery and is home recovering. He lives in Boulder City.

Bill Suran, Editor of The Ol' Pioneer, has been undergoing tests and treatments at Flagstaff Medical Center for the past several weeks. Bill has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is expected to have full recovery in the not too distant future. We all wish him well.


2000 GCPS Scholarship

Russell K. Quinlan will be awarded the 2000 GCPS scholarship at the NAU History Department Awards and Honors breakfast on April 26.

Russell is a fourth year doctoral student at Northern Arizona University studying criminal history and law enforcement. His research will concentrate on the career of Hubert "Bert" Lauzon who served as a constable and a justice of the peace for the Grand Canyon District of Coconino County before becoming a National Park Service Ranger in 1928, a position he held until retiring in the early 1950's.


Outings Contacts Information

Outings Coordinator:
Betty Leavengood
6045 Edison St.
Tucson AZ 85712
520-885-3570
HikerBetty@aol.com


The Bulletin welcomes comments, stories, or Reflections and Remembrances.

Please send them to

Diane Cassidy
8540 North Central Avenue #27
Phoenix, AZ 85020

or e-mail them to Diane@grandcanyonbooks.com

[ Grand Canyon Home | Grand Canyon Pioneers Society ]
Copyright © Bob Ribokas, 1994-2001, all rights reserved. This publication and its text and photos may not be copied for commercial use without the express written permission of Bob Ribokas.