Canyon de Chelly Administrative History

Interpretation Programs and Services

Although there was no official stationed on a permanent basis at Canyon de Chelly to handle them, there were approximately 423 visitors in 1931 and 395 in 1932. [176] In 1933, 435 visitors were recorded. [177]

After Budlong, the first custodian, arrived in August 1934, reports concerning interpretive contacts were submitted on a regular basis. Budlong reported 102 visitors in September and included the following specifics: 71 went into the canyon by car; 3 went by horse; and 28 drove along the rim, 18 of whom went down the trail to White House Ruin. During the 1934 travel year there were 650 visitors at Canyon de Chelly. [178]

For safety reasons, it was recommended that cars should have oversized tires when venturing up the canyon. The concessioner's car had 8-inch airwheels. [179] The arrival in July 1935 of James Douglas Harritt, the first temporary ranger assigned to Canyon de Chelly, reduced the burden of visitor contact for Budlong. [180] During the travel year of 1935 (travel years ended in September each year), 988 visitors were counted. [181]

Apparently some complaints were lodged against the "regimentation" of visitors at de Chelly. Pinkley took issue with this complaint, stating that such regulation was needed and Budlong was doing a good job of handling visitors. "All we ask of visitors," declared Pinkley, "is that they allow us to regiment them to the point where we know we have as much property when they leave as when they came." Evidently "regimentation" was needed not only to protect the ruins but also to guard against vandalism. [182]

Another complaint made to Ranger Harritt concerned horses rented from the Thunderbird Ranch and the guide, William McNatt, who also served as a clerk at the trading post. It appeared that McNatt did not keep the group together, and two members of the party became lost in the canyon. With a storm threatening, these lost souls feared that "a flood" of water might come rushing down upon them, but they were rescued before meeting such a fate. [183]

Ideas for a museum at Canyon de Chelly were discussed at the 1931 meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In fact, objective number two suggested a museum consisting of relics taken from the ruins plus other material depicting the various stages of aboriginal life. [184] Later on, in 1934, Collier suggested that in accordance with his policy of excluding commercialization, retaining a primitive state at Canyon de Chelly, and limiting "civilization" to a minimum, the only museum display should be a native hogan. [185]

In 1935 Budlong expressed his ideas on the establishment of a museum at de Chelly. It was, to say the least, a grandiose scheme. The museum was to be housed in the headquarters, and would contain a large model of Canyon de Chelly and a slide projector showing picturesque scenes. Also, he wanted the walls decorated with photographs of the major ruins and of the Navajos. Charts were to be made depicting geological formations. [186]

Furthermore, Budlong hoped to have several rooms exclusively devoted to geology, archaeology, and anthropology or ethnology, and another room could be devoted to flora and fauna. In each room he suggested installing "a device consisting of a central supporting column with provision made for its rotation." Attached to this column would be hinged glass frames about 3 by 5 feet. The overall effect would be "like pages of a book, if one considers the thing as a book with no covers, the thing opened out to form a circle." The frames would contain photographs on both sides and "with such a device in each exhibit room, details of the various 'ologies' could be gone into at great length." [187]

On December 30, 1935, a New Year's Eve party was given by the Canyon de Chelly Chapter of Navajos at the White House Trail. Custodian Budlong attended and was impressed by the 350 Navajos in costume. [188]

The rules and regulations for Canyon de Chelly National Monument consisted of thirteen items that emphasized the uniqueness of de Chelly among Park Service areas. Visitors were cautioned to respect the Navajos who were living in the canyon, and the rules clearly indicated that the Navajos were not on "display." The thirteen provisions were as follows:

1. Camping within canyons is prohibited.

   The canyons are the home of some 350 Indians who naturally do not want to be disturbed at all hours of the day and night by parties of visitors.

2. Visitors wishing to descend the White House Trail must be accompanied.

   This is for the protection of the visitors as well as the Indians. The Indians do not want to be bothered by visitors entering their homes at all hours and experience proves the visitor is not always courteous and sometimes gets himself into trouble if unattended.

3. Visitors who wish to ride horseback within the canyons must be accompanied.

   The same reasons given under rule two obtain here.

4. Hiking within canyons is prohibited.

   Due to the long distances and the treacherous sand it is not feasible; we have not the personnel to accompany parties; unattended parties might get into trouble.

5. Due to their extreme instability, all ruins are, for the present, closed to the public, except such as may be decided upon by the Custodian.

   This rule is for the safety of the visitor.

6. When the canyons are in shape to permit general car travel, visitors are taken in caravan.

   This is for the safety of visitors who would otherwise get stuck in quicksands or cause trouble with the Indians by unmeaning discourtesy. There are two trips per day: one at nine a.m., returning by eleven-thirty; the other at two p.m., returning by four-thirty.

7. Visitors may not remove any potsherds, or any artifacts of any sort, or do any excavating.

   This is the law. Climbing of or on walls of ruins is prohibited. It is needlessly endangering life and property.

8. Any prehistoric material (artifacts) bought or otherwise acquired from the Indians within the canyons, or from Indians or white persons or any persons, within the boundaries of this monument, shall be confiscated by the custodian or ranger.

   All such material is U.S. Government property and carrying it away is theft.

9. White House Trail is the only trail which may be used by visitors; but the custodian may make exceptions to this rule when, in his judgment it is wise and proper to do so.

   This regulation will forestall trouble caused by unattended visitors interfering with the Indians or getting into trouble on dangerous trails.

10. Visitors may not enter Navajo hogans, or take photographs of any Indians within the boundaries of this National Monument, except where such permission is granted by the custodian, and he shall first obtain permission of the Indian or Indians in question.

11. Persons desiring to camp within the boundaries of this National Monument must be allotted a camping site by the custodian.

    This will forestall unintentional interference with the rights of the Indians.

12. Visitors desiring to drive their own cars within canyons, must go in caravan, and such caravan shall be led by a car containing a ranger, or a custodian, or the custodian's representative. VISITORS TAXING THEIR CARS WITHIN THE CANYONS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO, OR LOSS OF, SUCH CARS.

13. Visitors arriving after the departure of one caravan must wait until time for the next caravan and join it.

    This is for, the safety of the visitor and to prevent interference with the normal life of the Indians. [189]

In June 1936, 209 visitors came to Canyon de Chelly, the largest number ever recorded in one month since Budlong's arrival. Among the trips were 5 to White House Ruin, 21 to the South Rim, 19 car trips into the canyon and 2 horseback trips. [190] The month of September, however, topped this number, with 217 people recorded. Among the visitors was Senator Carl Hayden. [191]

To accommodate this influx of visitors, Budlong suggested that two-way radio communication be installed at the headquarters (custodian's residence) and in the Government pickup truck. He wanted both a transmitter and receiver in each. [192] These devices would enable the custodian and the ranger to communicate instantly with each other if certain problems or emergencies arose. He also suggested that an hourly call be established. In closing Budlong stated that

I consider such two-way radio communication absolutely necessary at this National Monument in the interests of better service to the public, and in the interests of preservation of valuable archaeological material. It is not a far-fetched idea in any sense. [193]

Pinkley, who received this request, wrote Kittredge, chief engineer, "concerning the practicability of radio communication as outlined by Mr. Budlong and a rough estimate of the cost for installation and the probable cost of maintenance and operation." [194] Kittredge replied that the cost of the car radio would be $750. Maintenance would be about $20 a year for tubes under ordinary conditions and an additional $20 would be needed for an overhaul once every 6 months under normal circumstances. [195]

The headquarters set, with its own power plant, would cost $1,250. Kittredge did not state whether such a setup was necessary at de Chelly, although he said it was a practical plan used "all over the State of Washington for the past two years." [196] Assistant Chief Engineer A. W. Burney stated that "unless you have a considerable sum to expend for radio communication in Canyon de Chelly two-way radio communication will not be possible." [197]

Pinkley answered Budlong's request for a two-way radio set in the negative. He stated that since the cost would be $2,000, "the installation is out of the question." [198] Pinkley did say that he would bear the idea in mind "for inclusion in any new programs which might come up." [199]

After Budlong's departure on November 30, 1936, the new custodian, Johnwill Faris, took over. He recorded that 337 visitors came to de Chelly in August 1937. Aiding him in the interpretative work were Harritt and Alfred Peterson, another temporary ranger. [200] In October the Navajos held a fire dance on the rim, and Faris reported that from 1,500 to 2,000 whites and Indians were in attendance. [201]

During the 1938 season, 1,573 visitors were counted. [202] Aiding in interpretation programs were temporary Rangers Bill Lippincott, Woody Spires, and Ted Cronyn. The best month for visitors was August, when 362 people came to view the canyon. On November 14 Faris left Canyon de Chelly and went to White Sands. Replacing him as custodian was Ted Cronyn. [203]

A guard wall was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps-Indian Service at the first lookout on the south rim of Canyon de Chelly in 1939. [204] Cronyn reported that he loaned his "sources of information" on Canyon de Chelly to a teacher at the Indian School in Chinle for classroom use, and also gave a talk on the Park Service to 40 Navajos at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp. [205]

Apparently there still was not a museum at de Chelly because Cronyn declared that "we are going, to need a museum here pretty soon; almost a dozen artifacts from the canyons have been collected." [206] Other accessions were donated by Dr. Seidelman, a Navajo Service doctor, and by Dr. Noble. Seidelman donated photographs of Navajos and Mummy Cave, while Noble donated views of the canyons and "other things." [207] Cronyn also reported that a Navajo brought in an old rope, feather blanket material, and a unique sandal. Another Navajo brought in two stone hammers. [208] Also ready to be placed in a future museum display were several small artifacts, hair and yucca braids, and yucca quids. [209]

Visitation continued to mount: 384 people in June, 358 in July, 364 in August, and 292 in September. Aiding Cronyn in his work was James Spuhler, the temporary ranger in 1939. In June a young Navajo visitor was instructed to remove his initials from the canyon wall next to one of the ruins. Cronyn reported that other initials there would also have to be removed. [210] As the year closed, Cronyn complained of bread wrappers and peach can labels discarded by the Navajos. [211]

Although there was not an actual campground established at Canyon de Chelly by 1939, campers were allowed to choose sites either beside the custodian's residence, near the pumphouse, or out on the rim. The least preferable site was near the pumphouse, Cronyn reported. [212] Apparently work on a permanent site was contemplated, because a Mr. Richey was considering locating it near the pumphouse where shade was afforded by a row of cottonwood trees. Cronyn said that this site was not advisable because Navajos were accustomed to camping there and because the area was subject to floods. Other sites suggested were on top of the hill behind the custodian's residence, in a draw west of the residence, and in a draw east of the residence—although this last contained Navajo dwellings. [213]

In August 1940, 537 visitors came to Canyon de Chelly—the highest number et recorded. During the entire year there were 2,738 visitations. [214] Temporary Ranger Quintin Bradley aided in erecting directional signs for the area as well as cat and dog signs. In September Cronyn left for Kings Canyon National Park in California. Replacing him was Charles Wyatt, who became the fourth custodian at Canyon de Chelly. [215]

Plans for a multiplex display were laid in April 1941. More directional signs were erected and more visitor contact was possible due to the presence of three rangers and one custodian in July. Wyatt reported the following minutes of contact time for July: Wyatt—2,060 minutes, Edwin C. Alberts—1,450 minutes, Wesley Hurt—2,560 minutes, and James Spuhler—3,095 minutes. [216]

Many reports were made of wild animals seen in and around Canyon de Chelly. For example, in 1941 several Navajos reported seeing turkeys far up Monument Canyon. Tuly Bia, another Navajo, reported that his dog attacked a badger and was badly hurt. Many badger burrows and tracks were discovered around White House Overlook and the headquarters. [217]

Other animals sighted were skunks in the vicinity of the headquarters and the Thunderbird Ranch; coyotes, whose pelts were said to be used by Navajos in their ceremonies; [218] and two black bears. Chauncey Neboyia, a Navajo, reported that the numerous ground squirrels sighted were very scarce about 15 years ago. [219]

During these years, several articles appeared publicizing Canyon de Chelly. For example, Betty Budlong wrote "Navajo Sand Painting-De Chelly" for Southwestern Monuments, August Supplement, 1935, and Earl H. Morris wrote "Mummy Cave" for Natural History 41-42, 1938.

During the early years of development at Canyon de Chelly (1931-41), many necessary tasks were accomplished, but much additional work remained to be done. As war clouds gathered over Europe and spread to America in 1941, the effects of mobilization were felt at Canyon de Chelly.