Acknowledgements
I am indebted to many people whose invaluable
assistance made possible the completion of this work. I conducted the
research for this project at a number of different archives, libraries,
and repositories, and greatly appreciate the help and support provided
by their respective staffs. In particular, my thanks to Alan Ferg at the
Arizona State Museum, Johanna Alexander at the National Park Service
Western Archeological and Conservation Center, Mona McCroskey at Sharlot
Hall Museum, David Wilcox at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Rick
Selbock at the Bureau of Land Management office in Phoenix, Peter Pilles
at the Coconino National Forest, and the staffs at the Arizona
Historical Foundation and the Arizona Collection at Arizona State
University Hayden Library. These individuals generously offered their
time and expertise to answer research questions, recommend other sources
of information, and suggest new approaches to subjects under
investigation.
In addition, my most sincere thanks go to the
National Park Service (NPS) for giving me the opportunity to work on
this project. Superintendent Glen Henderson granted me open access to
the Montezuma Castle administrative files, provided me accommodations at
the monument while I was conducting research, and answered many of my
research questions. Chief Ranger Steve Sandell as well as Billie Owens-
Helm and Kate James from the administrative office helped me sort
through the various materials in the monument files and offered their
friendly support and encouragement. Monument volunteer Jack Beckman
shared his extensive knowledge of the history and wonder of Montezuma
Well. Many thanks to all of the staff at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot
National Monuments who took an interest in this project and whose work
contributes to the ongoing preservation efforts at the monuments. My
deepest gratitude goes to Bob Spude, program leader at the NPS Southwest
Support Office, who believed in my ability to accomplish this project,
obtained funding to cover research expenses, and offered his invaluable
guidance and support at every step of the way. Also thanks to Mary
Padilla in the NPS Southwest Support Office for her tireless photo
research.
Special thanks to my graduate committee at Arizona
State University. Dr. Peter Iverson, serving as committee chair, has
enriched my experience in academia by sharing with me his intellectual
curiosity, professional insight and integrity, and personal warmth and
understanding. Dr. Karen Smith and Dr. Noel Stowe have provided
tremendous support, advice, and encouragement toward the completion of
this project. Thank you also to the other faculty and to fellow graduate
students who have inspired me along the way. A grant sponsored by the
Research Support Program at Associated Students of Arizona State
University, the Graduate College, and the Vice President for Research
made possible the recording and transcription of oral histories that
contributed to my research.
Finally, this project would not have been possible
without the love, support, inspiration, and encouragement of my friends
and family. Thanks to my mother-in-law, Judy Foss, who carefully read
through a draft of my thesis and offered helpful editorial comments. For
all they have given me and taught me about being a decent, kind human
being, I am indebted to my grandmothers, Ruth Freedman and Ruth Protas,
and to my parents, Marlyne Freedman and Stephen Protas. I am also
grateful to my brother Brandon, who showed me how to eat ice cream with
relish. My wife Abigail has been by my side through this entire project,
and I am incredibly thankful for her loving support, editorial advice,
and patient understanding. I love you always.
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