This image shows many parts of the Hoover Dam complex, including the face of the dam, the generator buildings, the outflow passages and other components.
The caption states: This spectacular view of Boulder Dam was taken from near river level downstream from the huge dam. Here flanked by towering canyon walls, the dam is seen in the distance. Boulder Dam, – the highest in the world – was built and is operate by the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior. Rising 727 feet above bedrock the dam seems actually to be dwarfed by the surrounding canyon and mountains. IN the immediate foreground the Colorado River is seen as it continues its way below Boulder Dam, and on each side of the channel may be seen the “lower portals” of the diversion tunnels which carried the water around the damsite during construction.
–The dam was widely but informally known as Hoover Dam because it was funded and started during the Hoover administration. However, it was named Boulder Dam when completed during the Roosevelt administration, and was only formally renamed Hoover Dam in 1947.
Given the naming used here, it is likely this card dates from the 1940s.
This image shows several members of Hopi Native Americans in front of their home, with a ladder about to be climbed by a woman with a baby on her back.
The caption states:
IN HOPILAND In order to enter a Hopi house, one takes a ladder, which leads to the roof of the first story. Then another ladder to the second story or terrace, and another to the third. The first story is used as a store room and the roof as a yard where the family may bask and sun themselves in security.
— The colors of the card and the focus is in the original. The quality of the card is not good.
This image is a family gathering of Native Americans posing with their traditional clothing and artifacts. The patriarch is Chief Running Horse, but the family is otherwise unidentified.
Color by Clatworthy, Estes Park, Colorado
The description states simply:
HSC-14 CHIEF RUNNING HORSE AND FAMILY
–Not much more is known about this family, but the image was widely used by many publishers in the mid-20th Century. While the photographer is from Colorado, it is quite possible that this Native American family was from Arizona, where tourism was more common along Route 66.
Other versions of this image available on line have a date from the 1950s.
This image shows the massive rock formation creatively labelled “The Battleship” for its resemblance to warships of that type from years past.
Fred Harvey Post Card
The description states:
HOTELS – SHOPS
FRED HARVEY
RESTAURANTS
The Battleship, a conspicuous and turreted mass of red, lies at the base of Maricopa Point. It is an example of the Canyon as a master teacher of how this earth is made. It has been said that the Grand Canyon is the most instructive exposition of Geology in the world.
–The above claim is likely based on the fact that so much of the basic understanding of geological processes and formations are readily visible in the Canyon at various locations.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.
This image is of two Hopi Indians looking across the Grand Canyon towards the north, from the lookout known as Hopi Point.
Fred Harvey Post Card
The description states:
HOTELS – SHOPS
FRED HARVEY
RESTAURANTS
Most of the stories told of what people have said upon catching their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon are unbelievable until you see the mighty chasm for yourself, for only then do you realize its breath-taking immensity.
–This seemingly remote location is in fact only about 2 miles from the tourist lodges on the South Rim, and a bus provides access to this and several other similar vantage points.
This card was used and is dated 21 Jun 1948.
This image shows the Navajo Bridge, which crosses the Colorado River over the Marble Canyon in northern Arizona.
Fred Harvey Post Card
The description states:
HOTELS – SHOPS
FREDY HARVEY
RESTAURANTS
This bridge over the Little Colorado River at historic Lee’s Ferry, 143 miles northeast of Grand Canyon Village, is 467 feet above the river with a span of 833 feet. It is the only means by which automobiles can cross from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon within the state of Arizona.
–The bridge shown here was completed in 1929, but with the passage of time was deemed insufficient to handle the loads and traffic volume of more recent vehicles. Another bridge was constructed in 1995, and this bridge closed to vehicles, though it remains open to pedestrians, bicyclers and bungee jumpers.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.
This image is of the formation known as Bell Rock, a butte near the town of Sedona, Arizona.
Reproduction from a Mike Roberts Kodachrome by Intermountain Tourist Supply, Phoenix, Ariz.
The description states:
C646–BELL ROCK, LOWER OAK CREEK CANYON
One of the outstanding rock formations in this beautifully colored valley is Brilliant Bell Rock.
—Buttes are steep sided formations exposed by erosion often containing small flat tops. Larger flat topped formations are called mesas. This formation is located in the center of Arizona.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
This image shows the natural formation that developed from erosion, creating the opening in the rock. It is the site of the Navajo national capital, and is known in English as Window Rock.
Kodachrome Reproduction by Mike Roberts Studios Berkeley 2, Calif.
The description states:
K2–WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA
Below this window rock is the location of the Central Navajo indian Agency.
–Since the time of this photo the Agency has been rededicated as a national capitol. The rock is one of the four places nearby used in Navajo water ceremonies.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.