Grand Canyon Historical Society

10/23/2026

Colorized 1931 photo of a Curtiss B-2 "Condor" of the 11th Bombardment Squadron in flight over the Grand Canyon. From National Archives. It had a twin set of rudders with twin horizontal stabilizers. The B-2 was quickly made obsolete by technological advances of the 1930s, and served only briefly with the Army Air Corps, being removed from service by 1934.

10/22/2026

The Kolb Brothers, Ellsworth (1876-1960) and Emery (1881–1976), were among the greatest pioneers of the 20th century Grand Canyon and introduced its wonders to millions of people over more than 70 years through their photographs, movies, and lectures. These brothers explored and photographed the Grand Canyon from rim to river, rappelled down cliff faces with ropes, ran the Colorado River's rapids, and explored the Canyon by foot, boat, and plane. Here is a short video about their lives:
https://youtu.be/dKtm9AjTHSE

10/21/2026

In 2012, Richard Quartaroli provided a detailed biographical and historical overview of Otis “Dock” Marston, a foundational figure in Colorado River and Grand Canyon river running history from the 1940s until his death in 1979.
https://youtu.be/TXEl6ylZSkw

He explored Marston's multifaceted roles as a river runner, historian, researcher, collector, filmmaker, and logistics coordinator. The central theme revolves around Marston's profound impact on river history through his extensive river expeditions, meticulous research, and contributions to river safety and rapid rating systems.

10/20/2026

100 years ago from today, October 20, 1926, The Grand Canyon National Park announced that the Wylie Way Camp on the North Rim (where the lodge and cabins were later, but now gone from the fire) was closed for the winter, but the roads to the area were still open. "Motorists entering the park should bring their own camping equipment and include plenty of bedding, as the temperature is far below freezing each night."

10/19/2026

Here's a curious 1926 photo taken at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was taken by Harry Shipler (1878-1963) of Salt Lake City, Utah. He and some fellow Freemasons set up this "outdoor lodge" so they could meet as masons during a fishing and photographic trip to the Grand Canyon. The chair was where the Master was seated, and the Masonic "G" was carved in the tree behind the Master. The stone table was where an open Bible is placed during lodge meetings.

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

Photo of a tour bus 100 years ago at the North Rim in 1926 with Wiley Way cabin in the background right. The door of India Tire & Rubber Company bus reads, "Utah & Grand Canyon Transportation Co." In 1926, the company provided transportation between Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon parks, and reported a revenue of $12,043 (valued at about $228,000 today) providing 27,732 miles of service.

The company expected to more than double its service in 1927. Company president, Chauncy G. Parry (1896-1943), said, "Every tourist is leaving a trail of silver dollars behind him. The merchants and farmers are finding a market for their goods and produce, and the whole southern Utah territory is reflecting this increased business."

10/17/2026

In 2012, Jim Collette presented an archaeological survey along the corridor trails of the Grand Canyon, conducted mainly between 2009 and 2011 by the Museum of Northern Arizona and the National Park Service.
https://youtu.be/YhOti13NlnY

The talk highlights extensive prehistoric and historic human activity along key trails such as the Bright Angel, North Kaibab, and more remote paths around Indian Garden, Three-mile Rest House, and Ribbon Falls.

10/16/2026

On January 31, 1906, John Verkamp's store was opened on the South Rim. He traded essential goods like flour and sugar with local Native American tribes for handmade pottery, rugs, and jewelry, which they sold to the public. The second floor later served as the family residence for four generations of Verkamps. In 1974, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is Verkamp's Visitor Center, featuring pioneer exhibits and a bookstore.