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Across Grand Canyon, 1921
MANUSCRIPT BOX NO. 2602
Collection Overview
Title:
Across Grand Canyon, 1921George W. Nilsson manuscript: Across Grand Canyon, 1921
Creator/Contributor:
Nilsson, George W., 1890-, creatorCreator/Contributor:
Talmage, Sterling B., 1889-Creator/Contributor:
Baker, A. J.Creator/Contributor:
Wilkes, Albert.Abstract:
The George W. Nilsson collection contains a typed article (manuscript), "In, Through and Across the Grand Canyon," and photographs,
which document Nilsson's trip across the Grand Canyon, August 28-30, 1921. Most of the photographs show scenes from the journey
itself and the remaining show scenes before and after the journey: namely, Bryce Canyon, Kaibab Forest, Bright Angel Point,
areas on the North Rim and the cabins of guides, Bill Vaughn and Al Jensen. Included is a typewritten list of the photographs
to accompany Nilsson's article, originally intended for TOURING TOPICS, the publication of the Automobile Club of Southern
California, and a list of the names of the photographers: A.J. Baker, Albert Wilkes, Sterling B. Talmage and George W. Nilsson.
Credit is also given on several photographs to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, Edward Kemp, S.F. Photographer, and
the Utah Photo Materials Company, Commercial Photographers, Salt Lake City.
George W. Nilsson, an attorney in Prescott, Arizona, made a trip across Grand Canyon from the South Rim to the North Rim on
horseback, August 28-30, 1921. Accompanying Nilsson were two scientists from Salt Lake City and one guide. Beginning on a
bright August morning, stopping only long enough to eat breakfast at the El Tovar Hotel, they left the South Rim on the Bright
Angel Trail, which led to the Tonto Trail on which they journeyed down to the Colorado River, traversing the Tonto Plateau
along the way.
Several photographs document the crossing the Colorado River on a suspension-style foot-bridge. After crossing, Nilsson writes
that a second guide met the party with fresh mounts and helped guide them towards the North Rim. They used the Bright Angel
Creek as a route, detouring to Ribbon Falls to camp one night.
Nilsson's description of this rugged route and the experience of climbing out of the Canyon on the North Rim is colorful,
telling of the rigors of the steepness encountered, the variety of colors in the layers of formation of the Canyon and the
spectacular views experienced. "Looking upward it seemed incredible that we could ever find a way to climb out. ...After a
very precipitous climb, we suddenly came out upon the North Rim of the Canyon, a total climb of 5,600 feet from the river."
Upon completion of the journey, the party spent a night in the Kaibab Forest, then drove to Bryce Canyon and Salt Lake City.
Date:
1921 (issued)Contents:
Box no. 2602: Folder 1: Article and list of pictures to accompany article. -- Folders 2-10: Assorted photographs. -- Folder
11: Miscellaneous.
Subject:
n-us-caNilsson, George W -- 1890-
Grand Canyon (Ariz.) -- Photographs
Note:
George W. Nilsson was born to Abel and Augusta (Augensen) Nilsson in Chicago, Illinois May 4, 1890. His education included
Northwestern University Law School, receiving his L.L.B. in 1915; simultaneously receiving admission to the Illinois Bar and
to the Arizona Bar. He practiced law in Prescott, Arizona from 1915-1924, marrying Ruth Payne in 1919. He was admitted to
the U.S. Supreme Court in 1923 and moved to Los Angeles in 1924 where he practiced general law, specializing in oil, gas and
mining. As an attorney he was appointed Chief Counsel for the Kettleman North Dome Association, which formed in the 1930s
in response to the concern of the oil exploitation of the Kettleman Hills.
Nilsson, George, W., 1890- ; Across Grand Canyon, 1921
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.
Gift of Donald J. Hagerty, 2006.
Physical Description:
1 archival box : 112 items (103 photographic prints + 9 textual), 39 x 30 x 7 cm.
Language:
English
Identifier:
MANUSCRIPT BOX NO. 2602
Origin:
CaliforniaCopyright Note:
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.