Return to the Old West via the Grand Canyon Railway

1901 ~ 2011
Volume XXVIII • Williams, Arizona
Return to the Old West via
the Grand Canyon Railway
I
t wasn’t the cowboys and it wasn’t
the cavalry, but the iron horse that
finally conquered the West’s great
wilderness. And there’s no better
example of hidden treasures revealed by
the locomotive’s journey west than the
Grand Canyon.
While the canyon’s potential was
realized as early as the 1880s, the journey
at the time was difficult to say the least.
The remoteness of the area would have
sealed its fate as merely a very deep hole
in the earth marked on a map, had it not
been for William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill
and his grand visions of a railroad to the
canyon.
O’Neill, who was mayor of Prescott at
the time, owned several mineral claims
and had built a substantial cabin on the
South Rim of the Grand Canyon. But
while he’d found his wealth, he wasn’t
able to unlock it from the canyon due to
the high cost of transporting the ore. A
man of action, he lobbied for nearly five
years before securing the funding for the
Railway.
On Sept. 17, 1901, O’Neill’s vision
became a reality when the first steam
train took passengers and supplies from
Williams, Ariz., to the South Rim of the
Grand Canyon.
The Railway revolutionized the
canyon, sharing its natural wonder with
the general public. In its heyday, Grand
Canyon Railway — then a subsidiary
of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
Railway Company — had two scheduled
arrivals per day at the South Rim, but
as many as six special trains might also
arrive at the Grand Canyon in one day.
Notable passengers included President
Theodore Roosevelt, President William
Howard Taft, John Muir, President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, King Paul and
Queen Fredericka of Greece, President
Dwight David Eisenhower, Clark Gable,
Candice Bergen, Jimmy Durante, Doris
Day, Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater
and Arizona Governor Rose Mofford.
It was the preferred method of travel
until the advent of the automobile.
And as America fell in love with the
automobile, the locomotive’s romantic
wail faded like an Arizona sunset.
The final rays of golden sunlight
disappeared June 30, 1968 as Train No.
14, a diesel locomotive pulling only one
baggage car and one coach car, left Grand
Canyon Depot with just three people
aboard. Beginning the 65-mile trek to
Williams, the engineer gave the horn two
short blasts heard only by those aboard
and canyon wildlife. No one was present
to send the train off, or to celebrate the
contributions the Railway had made.
As the last passenger train traveled out
of sight, the tracks grew quiet and stayed
that way for nearly 20 years.
The tracks began experiencing minor
rumblings again in the late 1980s.
Investors came and went, promising
restoration then fleeing when financing
See Return to the Old West, Page 5
On its way to the Grand Canyon South Rim, the train is pulled by a diesel locomotive. The scenery
is dynamic as the train departs through cool pines, gradually travelling through desert-like plains,
eventually arriving at Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
A quick glance of what’s inside ...
• What to see and do at the
Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon
National Park Map
• Wild West Outlaws kept at bay
• Ride The Polar Express
• Fred Harvey —
Civilizer of the West
• Your most
common questions answered!
2 Territorial Times
Territorial Times
3
Buy one
Dinner
at regular price
and get the
Second
Dinner
(of equal or lesser value)
for
1/2 price.
Just show your server this ad
(No other discounts apply)
JD’s Espresso
Hot & Cold
Drinks
Smoothees
Ice Cream
Free Wi-Fi
Mini-Donuts
219 E. Route 66 ~ Williams
Located in Gateway Plaza
(928) 635-2770
World Famous
4 Territorial Times
GCR receives 14001 certification for environmental management
Xanterra employees wave to the departing train from the Williams Depot platform, while encouraging passengers to support the company’s environmental goals.
S
hortly after Xanterra Parks &
Resorts purchased the more
than 100-year-old Grand
Canyon Railway and modern Grand
Canyon Railway Hotel in 2007, the
company’s dedication to environmental
stewardship was a priority. Xanterra
quickly became aware that railways,
by their very nature, tend to be harmful to the environment. Not only do
they consume significant amounts of
natural resources, but also the processes
used to maintain them are far from efficient. This posed a serious challenge to
Xanterra Parks & Resorts at the Grand
Canyon Railway.
So how does a company, whose roots
are deeply embedded in its environmental mission, maintain and operate
a railway and hotel that serves one of
our Natural Wonders of the World using
environmentally-friendly
methods,
while delivering prices and a level of
service that every guest can appreciate?
Xanterra’s answer to this challenge was
to immediately incorporate an in-house
environmental team whose sole purpose
was to initiate new, strict environmental
procedures for both the Grand Canyon
Railway train and hotel, oversee the programs and continue to work toward the
goal of becoming the most environmentally-friendly short-line railway in the
world.
Xanterra’s new, dedicated Environmental Affairs (EA) department at the
Grand Canyon Railway was put in charge
of all this and more. Ensuring ongoing
repairs and maintenance is performed on
the Railway’s 11 locomotives, 39 passenger train cars and 65 miles of track
is done in a strict, environmentally-conscious way and to implementing new
methods of resource conservation in
both restaurants and all 298-rooms at
the Railway’s hotel. The EA Department
has an enormous job, and one that maintains vigilance to company goals. With
unwavering dedication, the EA Department has made significant strides since
its implementation in early 2008. Only
by working together with the established management team and personnel
were then able to make such measurable
reductions. Continual improvement is a
credit to our EMS and more importantly,
everybody that works here.
The goal of the Environmental Affairs
Department is to maintain Grand Canyon
Railway as a streamlined, environmentally-friendly company that is line with
the mission of Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
The Grand Canyon Railway still utilizes
steam, but is doing things differently. As
a result, Xanterra Parks & Resorts saves
an estimated 15,000 gallons of water per
roundtrip journey to the Grand Canyon.
The Environmental Affairs Department’s
other environmental initiatives include
intense recycling, water and energy conservation, and waste reduction programs
in the hotel, at the depot and on the train
to the Grand Canyon.
Through the combined dedication of
the Environmental Affairs team, employees and guests of the Grand Canyon
Railway, the program has seen resounding success. Grand Canyon Railway has
successfully reduced fuel, water and
electricity consumption, and waste production. These successes can be related
to a number of practices, including:
reducing the idling of locomotives when
not in use, reducing the size of vehicles in the company automobile fleet,
installing low-flow plumbing fixtures,
identifying and fixing leaks in structure
plumbing, installing compact florescent
and LED lighting retrofits, and installing motion sensors and timers on light
fixtures throughout the property.
Additionally, Grand Canyon Railway
ran its steam locomotives during every
summer tourist season prior to the locomotives’ retirement in 2008. By operating an all-diesel fleet of locomotives
year-round, the company was able to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air
pollutants associated with steam locomotive use. The Railway has reduced
approximately 2,700 tons of carbon
dioxide (chief greenhouse gas) emissions and 2.5 tons of sulfur oxides as a
result of not running steam from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
In 2007 GCR switched from Low
Sulfur Diesel (LSD) to Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel (ULSD). LSD has 500 ppm of
sulfur and ULSD has 15 ppm of sulfur.
This is a 97 percent reduction of sulfur
into the atmosphere. The best part of this
story is the EPA does not require marine
and locomotive applications to switch
to ULSD until 2012. GCR’s management team did it in 2007 because they
believed it was the right thing to do.
In order to reinstate the popular “steam
train” option, locomotive No. 4960 was
converted in 2009 to run purely on 100
percent recycled waste vegetable oil
(WVO) provided by A Greener Day
Recycling. WVO is not only a carbon
neutral, clean fuel source; it is also a
“closed-loop” system, meaning that the
oil burned in the locomotive is first used
to cook french fries and other foods at
Railway and South Rim restaurants prior
to being used as fuel in the engine. When
the oil is no longer usable for cooking
purposes, it is collected, filtered and dewatered — preparing it to be used as a
fuel source. Once that process has been
completed, the waste oil is deposited into
the fuel tank of the steam locomotive.
Despite the light smell of fresh french
fries, burned vegetable oil is completely
harmless to the environment.
Additionally, in January 2009, Grand
Canyon Railway banned all EPA F-listed
solvents used for cleaning and substituted them with 100 percent citrus-based,
biodegradable cleaners. This, along with
other hazardous material reduction and
management measures implemented at
the Railway, enabled the company to
reduce the amount of hazardous waste
generated by nearly 18 tons compared to
2008 data, thereby qualifying the Railway for the Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA’s) Conditionally Exempt
Small Quantity Generators (CESQG)
designation.
See Certification, Page 9
www.innsuites.com
69
Studio $
l
a
Speci From
$99 Jan & Feb 2011
FREE
Phoenix/Tempe (2)• Tucson (2) • Yuma
Albuquerque • Ft. Worth/Dallas
Mention or present this ad • Valid Sun. - Thurs.
Hi Speed Internet
Breakfast Buffet
Soc Hr/HBO/Paper
2 Room Suite add $20
Romantic Presidential Jacuzzi Suite add $40
Rates may vary in Tucson area - Good thru 12-30-2010
Call Free 1-888-INNSUITES
Territorial Times
5
Xanterra brings years of customer service
experience to Grand Canyon Railway
A
fter more than 25 years of investing
devotion and resources in the railway, the
couple responsible for restoring train service
to the Grand Canyon — Max and Thelma
Biegert — decided it was time to retire, and selected
Xanterra Parks & Resorts as the company to continue
their legacy.
For the last 105 years, Xanterra Parks & Resorts
has operated lodging and restaurant facilities at
some of the most beautiful places on earth — this
country’s spectacular national parks and state parks.
From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Xanterra
name has become synonymous with park and resort
hospitality in pristine environments.
The name Xanterra (pronounced “Zanterra”) is
derived from “Xanadu,” originated in the poem
Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who depicts
Xanadu as an idyllic and beautiful paradise, and from
“terra,” the Latin word for earth. Thus, the name
Xanterra means “beautiful places on earth.”
Xanterra’s company philosophy of warm and
friendly hospitality began with Fred Harvey, a 19th
century visionary who provided weary travelers on
the Santa Fe Railroad — including the original Grand
Canyon Railway operation owned by the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe — with a warm bed and
home-cooked meal. Commonly known as “Harvey
Houses,” these exquisite food service facilities along
the railroad were run by “Harvey Girls.”
In order to qualify as one of the “Harvey Girls,”
the women had to have at least an eighth grade
education, be of good moral character, have excellent
manners and be neat and articulate. Harvey paid
good wages, as much as $17.50 per month with free
room, board and uniforms. In return for employment,
the “Harvey Girls” would agree to a six-month
contract, agree not to marry and abide by all company
rules during the term of employment. According
to Will Rogers, Harvey “kept the West in food and
wives.”
In 1968, Xanterra purchased the Fred Harvey
Company and still operates his world-famous El
Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon.
Today, Xanterra is the largest park management
company in the nation. Chances are, you’ve
visited one of Xanterra’s national park operations:
Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore,
Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, the Petrified
Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park or Crater Lake.
Xanterra also owns Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg,
Va. manages 10 Ohio state park resorts.
Xanterra is operated by people who recognize the
interdependence between its resorts and the natural
environment. For this reason, Xanterra has banned
endangered fish from all of its menus, installed
emission controls on tour buses, reduced global
greenhouse gas emissions, reduced energy and water
consumption, and replaced snowmobiles and boats
with cleaner-burning models.
Although Xanterra now spans the country, it
remains true to the legacy established by Fred Harvey
of simple hospitality. And Xanterra will continue to
set the standard for ecologically sound resorts that
complement, not harm, their natural surroundings.
For more information, visit www.xanterra.com.
• Return to the Old West
From Page 1
went awry. The town of Williams was struggling, but still daring to dream that the
Railway would return one day and with it, rebuild the small town celebrated as the
Gateway to the Grand Canyon®.
It wasn’t until a determined crop duster and his wife entered the scene that the
Railway had a chance of coming back to life. Reaching deep into their pockets and
tapping all the resources available to them, Max and Thelma Biegert dedicated
everything, including an initial $15 million, to reinstate train service to the Grand
Canyon.
“It was the preferred method of travel until the
advent of the automobile. And as America fell in love
with the automobile, the locomotive’s romantic wail
faded like an Arizona sunset.”
A reference to the mood on the last day Train No. 14
traveled to the canyon on June 30, 1968.
Pulling together a talented team of people including steam locomotive experts,
Max and Thelma went to work restoring the dilapidated Williams and Grand
Canyon depots as well as the 65 miles of weather-beaten railroad track. The team
rebuilt washout areas and bridges, replacing 30,000 railroad ties and countless more
rails, beams and spikes.
Their hard work paid off, and on Sept. 17, 1989 — 88 years to the day from the
first train to the canyon — Max and Thelma Biegert brought the powerful pull of the
steam locomotive back to Grand Canyon National Park.
More than 10,000 people and dignitaries arrived in Williams to celebrate the return
of the Railway, with more gathered to greet the passengers arriving at Grand Canyon
Thousands gather prior at the Williams Depot prior to the inaugural run in September of 1989.
Depot. It seemed as though the whole world recognized the importance of returning
train service to the canyon.
Grand Canyon Railway gained momentum with each passing trip to the canyon,
growing into the operation it is today. Providing daily service and transporting more
than 225,000 passengers to the Grand Canyon each year (more than 2 million since
1989), the Railway is much more than an alternative mode of transportation.
The simple act of returning train service restored an integral part of the Grand
Canyon’s history. The wail of the historic locomotives traveling the rails today, shares
the story of how the canyon came to be.
No, the West was not won by cowboys or cavalry, but by the iron horse and the
people whose vision of grandeur was matched only by the Grand Canyon itself.
There's plenty to see and do at the Grand Canyon
6 Territorial Times
The National Park Service
welcomes you to Grand
Canyon National Park
The ride across the open, grass and
sagebrush-covered plains of northern
Arizona has been enjoyable, and now you
are anticipating your first view of Grand
Canyon. The train backs into the rustic
depot, but the canyon is still not in sight.
How can you hide the Grand Canyon? If
you have arranged for a commercial sightseeing tour, you will be boarding your bus
by the depot. If you are on foot, you want to
know the quickest way to the Rim.
Before leaving the depot area, pick up a
copy of the park newspaper, The Guide. It is
available inside Grand Canyon Depot. This
publication contains information that will
be useful in planning your next few hours.
Time
Unless you are staying overnight, you have
about three hours to explore and enjoy the
Grand Canyon Village area — not much time
to explore a wonder that formed over the last
few million years in rocks that are hundreds of
millions of years old. Plan your activities well.
Time, tide, and trains wait for no one.
Seeing the canyon
People, buses and traffic swirl in apparent
confusion as you step down from the train.
Make your way carefully across the street
and up the stairs. Walk by the front of the
El Tovar Hotel to the low rock wall on the
rim. What will be your first impression?
The myriad of colors will enthrall the artist.
The interplay of light and cloud shadows
will delight the romantic. The rock layers
and landforms will strike the geologist.
Almost everyone will be overwhelmed by
the immensity of the scene.
Take some time to enjoy the scene. Watch
the ravens as they play on the air currents.
Can you spot any hikers or mule riders on
the Bright Angel Trail below you? Most
days the views are almost endless. Can you
see Mount Trumbull 60 miles to the west?
During the warmer months, numerous rock
squirrels will soon come begging. Do not
feed them. Rodent-bitten fingers are one
of the most common injuries treated at the
clinic.
You may also observe one of the largest
and rarest birds in North America – the
California condor. Soaring on nine-foot
wings, condors easily dwarf their turkey
vulture cousins and the omnipresent ravens.
Numbered wing tags identify individuals
and confirm that you have spotted a condor.
Releases to reestablish condors in northern
Arizona began in 1996.
Be sure to visit the new Verkamps Visitor
Center, located in the old Verkamps Curio
building just up the hill from the El Tovar.
stops are shown on the map in The Guide.
The Village and Kaibab Trail Routes run
year-round, while the Hermit Rest Route
operates March through November. Buses
come by every 10-20 minutes. You are
permitted to get on or off at any stop and can
transfer from one loop to the other.
Grand Canyon Village History
Lunch
After satisfying your curiosity with a view
of the canyon, you may want to eat lunch. If
you brought your own food or have a box
lunch, picnic tables are available around the
depot or south of the railroad tracks along
the parking lot. Use caution walking around
the train.
There are a number of restaurants near
the depot. The El Tovar offers a fine dining
experience, but a table may be difficult to
obtain without a reservation. Further west
along the rim, but still within easy walking
distance, is the Bright Angel Restaurant,
suitable for family dining. The adjacent
Bright Angel Fountain offers another
possibility, especially if you are in a hurry.
The Arizona Room next to the Bright Angel
Lodge is open for lunch (seasonal). South of
the rim, the Maswik Cafeteria offers a good
menu selection. Although it is a walk of only
¼ mile, the free shuttle buses may be a better
way to get to Maswik.
Two other options are found at Market
Plaza, about a mile east of the depot. Canyon
Village Marketplace, a general store, features
both groceries and a delicatessen. Yavapai
Cafeteria provides a variety of foods in
a casual setting. You can walk along the
Greenway, a paved multipurpose trail that
starts near the Grand Canyon National Park
Lodges General Office or ride the free shuttle.
Time will be a concern when traveling to
these more distant locations.
Shuttle Bus Service
The best bargain at the South Rim is a ride
on the free shuttle buses. There are three
shuttle loops. The Village Route stops at
many of the lodges and stores in Grand
Canyon Village and Grand Canyon Visitor
Center. The Hermits Rest Route travels
eight miles west to Hermits Rest, stopping at
several overlooks along the way. The Kaibab
Trail Route circles between Grand Canyon
Visitor Center and Yaki Point, providing
access to the South Kaibab Trail. Routes and
The first buildings in this location, including
the still-standing Buckey O’Neill Cabin
near Bright Angel Lodge, were constructed
in the 1890s. The arrival of the railroad in
1901 spurred further development. The El
Tovar Hotel and the Hopi House gift shop,
constructed by the railroad, opened in 1905.
Verkamp's Curios built their store a couple
of years later. The railroad depot was added
in 1910.
A major change in administration occurred
in 1919 with the authorization of Grand
Canyon National Park. The National Park
Service assumed responsibility from the U.S.
Forest Service.
Significant improvement to roads, paths,
and walls was accomplished under the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program
in the 1930s. Bright Angel Lodge replaced
an earlier collection of tents and ramshackle
structures in 1935. The most recent buildings,
Thunderbird and Kachina Lodges were the
result of the Mission 66 program, although
they were not built until 1968 and 1971.
Pick up a copy of the Self-Guided Walking
Tour of Grand Canyon Village Historic District
at the transportation desks at Bright
Angel Lodge or Maswik Lodge for more
information. Visit the History Room in the
Bright Angel Lodge for the story of the Fred
Harvey Company.
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail follows the canyon rim for
almost 14 miles from Hermits Rest to Desert
View Drive. The section in the village is paved
and nearly level, providing a perfect way to
enjoy the canyon scenery. There are no walls
or railings along much of the trail. Watch
your footing, do not venture too close to the
edge, and remember that gravity works even
in a national park.
Walk east from El Tovar ¾ mile to the first
trail junction. Follow the right-hand trail 0.4
mile back to the main road. Pick up the westbound shuttle and you will soon be back at
the depot. An alternative is to ride the Village
shuttle west from the depot and make the
exchange to the Hermits Rest shuttle. Leave
the shuttle at one of the first stops on Hermit
Road and follow the Rim Trail downhill back
to the Village area. Both of these walking/
shuttle loops will take up most of your
afternoon. Remember to take water with you
on these walks. Watch your time.
Visitor Center
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is located
approximately 1.5 miles from the Railway
Depot. Bike rentals and guided tours are
available at the visitor center. You can ride
the shuttle to the visitor center and enjoy the
views from nearby Mather Point, but it will
require most of your afternoon. Board the
shuttle at the stop near the public garage, east
of the end of the railroad tracks, to save time.
Restrooms
Sometime during your stay, you may
decide that a restroom might be a good idea.
Restrooms are relatively scarce, because of
the lack of water. You may want to use the
facilities in the depot. Other restrooms are
located downstairs in both the El Tovar Hotel
and Bright Angel Lodge, Verkamps Visitor
Center, at Park Headquarters, and outside
Canyon Village Marketplace. Most dining
facilities have restrooms as well. If you
venture that far, the Grand Canyon Visitor
Center has excellent restrooms.
Ranger Walks
Check in The Guide for free ranger walks
and talks. Programs are often scheduled to
begin in the El Tovar Hotel area. You have a
better chance of catching a program during
the summer months, although programs are
offered year-round.
Staying Overnight?
Overnight stays open up many possibilities.
Ride the shuttles to Hermits Rest on the
west or Yaki Point on the east. Try to time
your shuttle ride to take in a Grand Canyon
sunrise or sunset. Everyone wants to know
the best point for sunrise or sunset, but
the truth is that there is no bad viewpoint.
Colors intensify and shadows heighten the
feeling of depth in the low angle of light.
Ranger-led evening programs are offered
every night. Many more ranger programs
are presented throughout the day. Children
will be interested in participating in the
Junior Ranger Program. Details are in The
Guide.
If you have already walked along the Rim
Trail, you might challenge the Bright Angel
Trail. Starting near Kolb Studio, the trail
quickly switchbacks down the Bright Angel
Fault. The “easy” downhill slope lures hikers
into going further than they intended. Plan
on taking twice as long to hike up as you do
to walk down. Do not forget water, hat, and
seasonally appropriate clothing. The Bright
Angel Trail can be very icy during the winter.
Come again
The National Park Service hopes that you
enjoy your stay at Grand Canyon as part of
your Grand Canyon Railway experience.
Please return and explore further this
national treasure. The National Park Service
cares for these special places saved by the
American people so that all may experience
our heritage.
Territorial Times
Grand Canyon Railway completes hotel upgrades
T
he Grand Canyon Railway in Williams has
recently completed renovations to the 297room Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The
most extensive and noticeable work was
performed just off the lobby in Spenser’s Pub and in
the newly upgraded Deluxe rooms.
“The goal of this project was to enhance the
guest experience by offering more menu items in a
comfortable and convenient setting,” said Jeff D’Arpa,
General Manager of Resort Operations. “At the same
time, we are always looking at ways to upgrade guest
rooms and our common areas.”
Renovations at the Railway’s hotel and dining
facilities include:
Spenser’s Pub kitchen and dining area — The
limited kitchen in Spenser’s Pub was expanded to
allow a larger menu that now contains specialty
pizzas, sandwiches, salads and pastas. A 50-inch
LCD television was added to the pub. The Santa Fe
meeting room across the hall from Spenser’s has been
converted to a dining area to accommodate the hotel’s
peak times, especially when the popular Polar Express
is conducted.
Hotel Carpeting — A contemporary pattern carpet
has been installed.
Triple Sheeting — Guest rooms have been upgraded
with a triple sheeting bedding system. Bedding
components are comprised of box spring skirting, bed
scarf, synthetic down blanket and additional pillows.
This development has resulted in a clean look away
Deluxe rooms feature two triple-sheeted queen beds, LG flat-screen TVs with satellite TV, and new
Thomasville furnishings. The rooms also have a micro-fridge, in-room coffee maker, telephone, alarm
clock, air conditioning and a full bathroom with granite countertops. Like the standard rooms, the
deluxe rooms are a spacious 300+ square feet and have been recently renovated with new carpet,
VOC-free paint and low flow showerheads.
7
from traditional bedspreads.
Lobby Furniture — The hotel lobby now features
custom leather furniture and accessories with deep
wood accents. The lobby’s classic Victorian accent
chairs were also refinished.
Workout Room — New pieces of fitness equipment,
including an elliptical machine and two treadmills,
have been added.
The Grand Canyon Railway offers several
convenient train packages that include lodging at the
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Four room types are
available – Standard, Deluxe, Standard Suite and the
luxurious Rail Baron Suite. Same day reservations
are often available and walk-up reservations are
welcomed.
Live like a rail baron while you stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The exclusive Rail Baron
suite is 1,000 square feet and features a spacious living room, full kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar, full size dining table with a separate luxurious
bedroom and bathroom. The suite is bright and airy and will have you relaxed as you enjoy a fulfilling stay in Williams.
Go RVing at Grand Canyon Railway’s RV Park and Pet Resort
I
magine getting off the train and sleeping in your own bed, roasting
marshmallows by a campfire and lazily identifying star constellations in the
night sky. This is reality for people staying at Grand Canyon Railway’s RV Park.
Opened in spring 2006, the RV Park provides a relaxing and modern RV
campground environment within walking distance to Williams Depot (a shuttle
is also provided), downtown Williams and the famed Route 66. The park sits just
west of the historic Williams Depot and adjacent to the former Santa Fe main line or
current BNSF Phoenix Sub.
When not enjoying the sights and sounds of trains, guests can make use of the
park’s many community features, including a 72-seat pavilion with gas grills, picnic
tables and a fire pit.
“When developing our RV Park, it was very important to us to create a sense of
community, not just spaces for people to hook-up to for a night here or there,” said
Jeff D’Arpa, General Manager of Resort Operations.
Additional features include a full-service convenience store, laundry, and shower
and restroom facilities. Recreational activities also abound with community volleyball
and basketball courts as well as horseshoe pits and a playground for children.
The park is comprised of 124 RV spaces featuring ample room for slideouts as
well as buddy spaces for traveling companions and full hook-ups, including wireless
Internet and cable television. Several spaces also feature an uninterrupted view of the
BNSF line, which carries up to 10 mixed-consist trains through Williams every day.
And while many RV parks are known as pet-friendly, Grand Canyon Railway
RV Park downright pampers pets. Guests who prefer not to leave their loved one
alone when riding the train or exploring historic Route 66 in downtown Williams,
can check them into the railway’s own Pet Resort. This is especially ideal for guests
looking to stay overnight at the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Railway’s Pet Resort offers 28 rooms for dogs and 16 comfortable
rooms for cats. Both dogs and cats are kept cool and comfortable with central air
conditioning during summer months and heat in the winter. The Pet Resort’s canine
guests also enjoy interactive group and individual playtime during their stay as well
as the opportunity for a doggie wash.
All of this makes Grand Canyon Railway RV Park a one-of-a-kind vacation
destination. For more information and park rates, visit www.TheTrain.com or call
1-800-THE-TRAIN.
8 Territorial Times
Grand canyon national park profile
AUTHORIZATION:
Grand Canyon was first set aside as a forest reserve in 1893 by President Benjamin Harrison
(Presidential Proclamation No. 45). President Theodore Roosevelt established Grand Canyon
National Monument by Presidential Proclamation No. 794 in 1908. Administration was under the
United States Forest Service until the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park on Feb. 26,
1919. The park was enlarged by the Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act, passed on Jan.
3, 1975.
PARK SIZE:
1,218,376 acres
1,904 square miles
“THE GRAND CANYON”
Length
277 river miles
Width
Minimum (Marble Canyon)
600 yards
Average Rim to Rim
10 miles
Maximum Rim to Rim
18 miles
Average Depth
1 mile
Rim Elevations
South Rim
7,000 feet
North Rim
8,100 feet
Lake Mead Boundary
1,200 feet
“THE COLORADO RIVER” (Within Grand Canyon National Park)
Length
277 miles
Average Width
300 feet
Minimum Width
76 feet
Average Depth
40 feet
Greatest Depth
85 feet
Average Gradient
8 feet/mile
Elevation at Phantom Ranch
2,400 feet
The Colorado River is 1,450 miles long from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
to the Gulf of California.
GEOLOGY:
The carving of the Grand Canyon by the Colorado River has taken place over the last six million years, exposing rocks at the bottom of the canyon that are close to two billion years old.
Common questions
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on your way to the Grand Canyon aboard the Grand Canyon Railway’s restored
coaches. Passengers may choose from four classes. It’s more than just a train ride, with features such as strolling
musicians and a Wild-West show.
PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE:
Birds
315 species
Mammals
88 species
Fish
26 species
Reptiles and Amphibians
59 species
Plants
1,500 species
Biotic Life Zones
5
(Lower Sonoran/Upper Sonoran/Transition/Canadian/Hudsonian)
ENDANGERED SPECIES:
Animals — California condor, humpback chub, southwestern willow flycathcher and Kanab
ambersnail. In addition, there are four threatened species: the bald eagle, the Mexican spotted owl, the
peregrine falcon, and the desert tortoise. Moreover, 25 animals are noted as special status species.
Plants — Sentryntry milkvetch. In addition, there are seven other “species of special concern.”
ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES:
The oldest human artifact collected in the park dates back at least 10,000 years. The park has
recorded more than 2,700 archeological resources with an intensive survey of about 5 percent of the
park area.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES:
National Historic Landmarks
Individual Buildings
4
Districts (120 buildings)
2
National Register of Historic Places
Individual Structures
3
Districts (164 structures)
4
Current nomination forms list an additional 142 buildings, 10 structures and five trails.
List of Classified Structures (LCS)
485 listings
LCS is inclusive of the National Historic Landmark and National Register Programs.
Information courtesy Grand Canyon National Park.
What wildlife might I see during
the journey?
T h e w i l d l i f e m o s t f re q u e n t l y
spotted during Grand Canyon
Railway’s journey includes elk
(mainly in the treed areas), mule
deer (sighted in the woodlands),
pronghorn which are commonly
referred to as antelope (seen out on
the high desert plains), and prairie
dogs.
For those with extremely sharp
eyes, watch for jackrabbits, coyotes,
skunks, mountain lions, bobcats,
re d t a i l e d h a w k s , w i l d t u r k e y s ,
roadrunners and bald eagles.
Once at the canyon, be sure to
look for the spectacular California
Condors. They can frequently be seen
floating on the thermals during the
summer months.
Is the Grand Canyon line a
narrow gauge or standard track?
The line is a standard gauge and
measures 56.5 inches.
What is the maximum speed
Grand Canyon Railway travels?
Grand Canyon Railway follows
the ATSF-imposed 40-mph maximum
speed limit on the line. This is for
our passengers’ safety and due to
the grades and curves our train must
maneuver through to arrive at the
Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon
line has grades up to 3 percent and
12 degree curves.
Who owns the tracks the train
travels across?
Grand Canyon Railway owns the
65-miles of track and operates on a
right-of-way through Forest Service
and National Park Service land.
How does Grand Canyon Railway
turn the train around at the Grand
Canyon?
We utilize a wye located in Grand
Canyon National Park. A wye is a
triangle made out of tracks, which
allows the entire train, including the
engine, to turn 180 degrees. The train
turns in the wye before arriving at
the Grand Canyon Depot.
Territorial Times
9
Maintenance crew keeps railway on track
A Grand Canyon Railway employee inspects the lead truck of
a steam locomotive. The locomotive was in the shop for a frame
inspection and repairs to the bearing box.
T
he melodic cacophony of a train whistle
can be heard for miles. In Williams, people
have been hearing this call since the town
was founded more than 100 years ago.
Many in town continue to prosper in this old-style
livelihood.
Grand Canyon Railway Trainmaster Ervin White
and Chief Mechanical Officer Sam Lanter are
two men who continue this nostalgic lifestyle in
Williams today.
Since Grand Canyon Railway’s re-debut on the
tracks in 1989, the train cars and engines have
been cared for, repaired and refurbished by GCR’s
uniquely qualified and dedicated crews in the
mechanical department.
•
Certification
From Page 4
As a result of Grand Canyon Railway’s dedication to
environmentally-friendly practices, the company was also
awarded with the prestigious ISO 14001 certification in
2009, making the Grand Canyon Railway the only shortline railroad in the United States to hold such designation.
ISO 14001 is an international Environmental Management System standard that was published in 1996 by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The
ISO 14001 standard strictly ensures environmental protection, regulatory compliance, continual improvement and
The railway employs an average of 35 people
in the maintenance shop. That number includes
welders, electricians, boilermakers, machinists,
laborers and painters. Mechanics also maintain 65
vehicles and pieces of non-rolling equipment.
It takes that many people to complete all the
projects the railway undertakes. For example, in
1999 the crews refurbished eight passenger cars. In
spring 2006, they restored a number of the Budd
coaches.
To accomplish all the work GCR tackles each
year, crews have access to $500,000 in machinery.
One example of a high-priced tool is the quartering
machine, acquired from the now defunct Norfolk
Southern Railway steam operations in Birmingham,
Ala.
A lot of time is spend finding parts at auctions,
but Lanter said if they can’t find a part, they just
make one. The crew also has access to a complete
machine shop that includes a milling machine,
lathes (including a wheel lathe), a radial drill and a
horizontal boring mill.
A big component of the repair shop is the 80-ton
drop table with an inspection pit that is capable of
handling a 90-inch driver wheel. Without this piece
of equipment, crews would have to jack up the
engine or car to get the wheels out.
One of the largest employers in Williams, the
GCR locomotive shop has a unique workforce.
Due to the nature of the work performed at the
locomotive shop, skilled tradesmen can be hard to
come by. Many of the shop employees have been
trained on-the-job, Lanter said.
“We’ve trained many individuals who have not
only moved on to other railroads, but who now
work with Grand Canyon Railway with greater
responsibility,” he said.
Lanter himself has worked more than 30 years
in the historic locomotive industry. White credits
Lanter with ensuring that the locomotive shop runs
smoothly.
“Sam (Lanter) is a highly dedicated staff
member. His skills keep the Grand Canyon Railway
locomotive shop operating smoothly and with
great reliability,” White said.
“It is a constant endeavor to apply modern
methodologies to vintage equipment,” Lanter said.
“This is a unique business due to the nature of
pollution prevention.
Xanterra Parks & Resorts invested a significant amount
of resources into making the Grand Canyon Railway’s
environmental program a success. By developing and
installing a dedicated, in-house environmental team, the
Railway was quickly able to modify any operational practice that did not fit within the scope of Xanterra’s mission
of environmental stewardship. In the more than two years
since the environmental program was initiated, the Railway has made giant strides in the direction of true “Green
Tourism.”
The Railway’s green initiatives expose more than
200,000 passengers annually to a truly unique form of
modern tourism. From the reintroduction of our vintage
“We’ve trained many individuals who have
not only moved on to other railroads, but
who now work with Grand Canyon Railway
with greater responsibility.”
Sam Lanter
Grand Canyon Railway
Chief Mechanical Officer
Boilermakers are repairing the lead truck bearing box on a steam
locomotive.
what we do. We are a small workforce and we
are always looking for fresh talent and skilled
craftsmen.”
For employment opportunities on GCR, call 1800-THE-TRAIN or visit www.thetrain.com.
steam locomotives powered by waste vegetable oil, to
recycle bins in every hotel room and train car, to constant
reminders of the importance of sustainable living, the
Railway empowers young and old alike to help protect the
earth and our priceless Natural Wonders of the World for
future generations.
When a company makes a promise to environmental
stewardship, it’s a life-long commitment. Xanterra Parks &
Resorts at the Grand Canyon Railway has come a long way
since the inception of its Environmental Affairs department in 2008. However, the journey doesn’t end there. The
Railway will continue to enforce company-wide environmental programs, ensuring the protection of our Natural
Wonders for many generations to come.
10 Territorial Times
Buckey O’Neill: A debt we cannot pay
N
o one person worked harder to bring this
railroad to the Arizona Territory and, if any
one person is to be thanked or praised for
making the original Grand Canyon Railway
a reality, it is William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill.
In 1893, O’Neill – son of Ireland and mayor
of Prescott, legendary sheriff of Yavapai County,
prospector, promoter and Rough Rider – realized
money could be made in the mining and railroad
business between Williams, Ariz., and the Grand
Canyon.
He had a number of copper claims and backed
some others in what would become the Anita area, 45
miles north of Williams (remnants of this once thriving
community can be viewed along the railway journey).
In addition, O’Neill had several of his claims in the
Grand Canyon area and a substantial cabin on the
South Rim. This cabin remains today as part of the
Bright Angel lodge and it is the oldest structure at the
canyon.
O’Neill and other prospectors from the Francis
Mining District south of the Grand Canyon had been
impressing assay offices with copper and ore richer
than any ever seen up to that time in Arizona. But the
money needed for transportation to haul the ore to the
smelters was always just out of reach.
O’Neill realized that a railway would provide
economical transportation and began lobbying for the
development of such a line from the Grand Canyon.
For years, O’Neill visited the offices of investment
companies in Chicago and New York, pushing for
the establishment of a railroad to the Grand Canyon.
Finally, he convinced Lombard, Goode and Company
to take the risk in 1895. Still, the wheels of progress
Company completed the railroad to the South Rim
in 1901 and opened the legendary Grand Canyon
Railway.
In addition to hauling copper and ore, the railway
became the preferred method of transportation for
tourists interested in visiting the Grand Canyon. The
railway was a thriving success.
O’Neill would have been overjoyed with this event,
but he never lived to see any of his efforts on behalf of
the railway realized.
During the 1870s and 1880s, O’Neill survived
many encounters with death at the hands of robbers,
gunmen, a raging river that drowned his horse but
failed to claim him, and a leap from a moving train
to capture an escaped prisoner. His Irish luck ran out
in Cuba while serving as one of Colonel Theodore
Roosevelt’s famed Rough Riders.
When Colonel Roosevelt organized his regiment of
Rough Riders at the onset of the Spanish American
War, O’Neill unhesitatingly stepped forward as the
first to organize a troop to serve under him. Captain
O’Neill put together a trough group of miners,
cowboys and loggers from the Territory of Arizona
into Troop A, First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry.
These men served with great distinction in Cuba
and particularly at Kettle Hill (usually reported as
San Juan Hill). But they did not serve as cavalry. Their
Photo courtesy of Lombard Collection horses had been left behind in the United States due
Buckey O’Neill is recognized for initiating the construction of the to lack of transport. While they operated as infantry
65-mile Grand Canyon line.
preparatory to the attack of Kettle Hill, O’Neill was
killed by a Spanish sniper at dawn on July 1, 1898.
turned slowly.
The Santa Fe & Grand Canyon Railroad finally Today, he rests in Arlington National Cemetery in
began construction to Anita in 1898. After a change in Arlington, Va.
Let us hope he rides with us in spirit today.
ownership, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad
Depot, Fray Marcos exists over 100 years
1908-2011
Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway
In 2008, the Williams Depot and Fray
Marcos Hotel celebrated an impressive 100
year anniversary. Constructed in 1908, the
Williams Depot is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. The depot is
one of the few buildings in Williams that
has remained virtually unchanged in more
than 100 years. The structure is the oldest poured-concrete structure in Arizona,
surviving demolition by the Santa Fe
Railroad. Abandoned for many years, the
depot was restored to its former glory in
1989. The modern Grand Canyon Railway
Hotel was designed to resemble the historic
Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot
structures that stand nearby. During your
stay, take time to walk the grounds of this
landmark. Imagine you are visiting 1908
Williams, when Arizona was merely an Old
West Territory.
Territorial Times
11
Fred Harvey — Civilizer of the West
F
red Harvey left his native
London at the age of 15 to seek
his fortune in America. At the
time, the country’s railroads
would take you West, but you couldn’t
get a square meal or decent lodging
west of St. Louis. So, if you were a
young man in the 1870s, restless with
ambition and a desire to conquer new
frontiers, you had best have a strong
stomach. Also, you would have to
leave any ideas of a family behind, as
there were, the records say “no ladies
west of Dodge City,” and “no women
west of Albuquerque.”
Fred Harvey was a western railroad
man in those days. He knew what
travelers into the West had to put up
with, for he traveled several railroads,
including the Hannibal & St. Joseph,
popularly known as the “Horrible
& Slow Jolting.” He clerked for the
first mail train and was a traveling
freight agent for the Burlington. His
fastidious English tastes revolted at
the unpalatable dry biscuits, the greasy
ham-leather and the weak old coffee.
The dirty, fly-ridden quarters and the
all-too-prevalent custom of fleecing
travelers “who wouldn’t be back
anyways,” made Harvey angry enough
to change things.
He was determined to bring good
food, civilized service, and attractive,
honestly run eating houses and hotels
to travelers in the West. If he could
get the cooperation of the railroads, he
knew he would succeed.
“I know what to do; I’ve had
experience in the best restaurants in
New York and New Orleans and ran
my own in St. Louis,” Harvey said.
But the railroads had no time for
a visionary young man with ideas
about food service. One facetiously
suggested, “take your ideas to the
Santa Fe; they’ll try anything.” Harvey
followed that suggestion and found
the remark, intended as humor, to be a
prophecy.
In 1876, Fred Harvey opened his first
railway restaurant in Topeka, Kan., on
the second floor of the little red Santa
Fe Depot. From that modest beginning,
the Harvey organization grew into a
far-flung resort, restaurant, hotel and
retail organization, with operations
extending from Cleveland to the West
Coast.
Good food, good cooking, spotless
dining rooms and courteous service
– introduced by Harvey in his first
Harvey House – brought a booming
Fred Harvey vowed to bring good food, civilized
service and attractive, honest eating houses to
travelers in the West.
business that pleased Santa Fe
passengers and amazed Topeka
residents.
Late in the same year, when Harvey
opened his first hotel at Florence, Kan.,
on the Santa Fe, the joint venture was
welcomed with wild acclaim. The
chef, who was hired from Chicago’s
Palmer House, received the fabulous
salary of $5,000 a year. Linens were
imported from Belfast, Ireland; silver
from Sheffield, England; china from
France. The furniture was hand-carved
antiques. Society balls were held at
the hotel; the menus were a gourmet’s
delight.
Harvey’s hotel was a civilizing
influence in other ways, too. The
following notice appeared in a June
1879 Florence newspaper: “Every
Tuesday and Friday the ladies of
Florence can have the use of the
bathrooms in the Fred Harvey hotel.
This will be a luxury which will be
duly appreciated. All other days the
bathrooms will be open to gentlemen.”
During the 1880s and 1890s, Fred
Harvey’s unique restaurants and
hotels – Harvey Houses – opened,
one after another, every 100 miles
along the Santa Fe through Kansas,
Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, New
Mexico, Arizona and California. This
was necessary, it was said, “To keep
western traffic from settling in any one
place where Fred Harvey served his
incomparable meals.”
Rivaling the good food and modern
accoutrements that Fred Harvey
brought to the West were his “Harvey
Girls” – pretty, well-trained waitresses.
The girls were recruited from good
homes in the East and had a major
part in taming the West. To the frontier
outposts of the West, where stampeding
buffalo herds were as common as
attacking Indians, train robberies
and horse thieving, the Harvey Girls
brought culture, refinement and
romance.
These ads ran in eastern papers:
“Wanted: young women, 18 to 30 years
of age, of good character, attractive and
intelligent, as waitresses in Harvey
Eating Houses in the West. Good wages
with room and meals furnished.”
The same pioneering spirit that sent
restless young men into the West drew
the Harvey Girls. Many were school
teachers, lured by the excitement of the
unknown and a chance for romance.
Young, pretty and well-turned out in
their crisp white aprons and bows over
well-fitted black shirtwaists, the girls
were a sight to the eyes of lonesome
western males. They were housed in
dormitories presided over by sensible
mature housemothers. They were
looked after as carefully as boarding
school students in “female seminaries”
in the East.
Gentlemen callers were permitted at
certain hours in the well-chaperoned
parlor; that is, if they left their sixshooters at the door. But it wasn’t long
before the cowboys and cattlemen
who tried to ride their broncos right
into Harvey Houses were persuaded
to change their manners and took
more kindly to the alpaca coats Fred
Harvey kept on hand and demanded
his coatless gentlemen diners wear.
Before long, the cowboys were
seen accompanying the Harvey
Girls to church on Sundays. When
that happened, everyone took it for
granted that marriage was the next
step and that the roaming devil-maycare Westerner was about to become
respectable. The press dubbed Fred
Harvey “Civilizer of the West,” and one
article from the 1880s said he “made
the desert blossom with beefsteak and
pretty girls.”
Some believe at least 20,000 Harvey
Girls became the brides of ranchers,
railroad men and cowboys, founding
many of the first families of the West.
And many of the male offspring of
those families were named “Fred” or
“Harvey” in deference to the man who
had the vision to civilize the region.
Harvey meals included as many as
seven entrees – with seconds – for 75
cents. Prices were apologetically raised
to one dollar in 1920 and remained
at about a dollar until 1927. Menus at
Harvey Houses were coordinated to
avoid duplication on a trip. If you had
prime rib at Needles, you had chicken
at Barstow.
See Fred Harvey, Page 21
Own Fred
Harvey’s real story
The Fred Harvey story has always been
a fascinating one in the southwest, and
particularly at Grand Canyon, an area
where Fred Harvey’s name was common.
But his story, according to author Stephen
Fried, has never been completely told. In
his newest book, “Appetite for America:
How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey
Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That
Civilized the Wild West,” Fried explores
the man behind the myth of Fred Harvey.
“Appetite for America” is available at
a number of bookstores in northern
Arizona. However, you can own your own
copy today by visiting a Grand Canyon
Railway gift shop located at the Williams
Depot.
12 Territorial Times
Our four seasons offer
not only spectacular
beauty with our pine
covered mountains,
pristine lakes, canyons
and meadows, but so
many recreational
possibilities such as
fishing, hiking, skiing,
golfing, camping and
so much more.
For information about all Williams has to offer go to
www.williamschamber.com or call 800-863-0546.
November through January - The Polar Express 2010 and Mountain Village Holiday
– Experience what has become a new family tradition through the magic of the Polar Express,
the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy the trip to the North Pole and then
home with Santa. Call 1-800-THE-TRAIN. www.thetrain.com.
November 27th – The Williams Parade of Lights and Official Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Celebrate the holidays in our historic setting in the mountains. The colorful Light Parade
starts at 7:00 pm and travels down historic Route 66. The Tree Lighting Ceremony sponsored
by Grand Canyon Railway, APS and the Chamber of Commerce immediately follows the
parade. Enjoy Dickens carolers, lighting contests, live entertainment, luminarias and downtown shopping.
2011 Events – Williams is all about events and recreation. Car Shows, Rumbles, the AZ
State HOG Rally, Air Shows, Small Town 4th of July, Rodeos, Ropings and Barrel Racing,
Pageants and Parades and Holiday Celebrations and the Polar Express are some of the
highlights of our event schedule.
Diesel’s rich history on the rails
G
Territorial Times
rand Canyon Railway offers
its guests the opportunity to
relive history – both en route to
the canyon and in its restored,
vintage locomotives and passenger cars.
While many people think of steam as
being historically accurate, they often
overlook the diesel locomotive and its
role in evolving the railroad system.
Diesel helped railways increase service
and expand operations, largely due to
the engine’s efficiencies over steam.
The new diesel locomotives replaced
the aging steam fleet for many reasons
including having better fuel efficiency,
pulling power and lower maintenance
costs.
Grand Canyon Railway was
not immune to these operating
improvements, and diesel locomotives
have a colorful history of freight and
passenger service on the Grand Canyon
line from the 1940s to the 1960s.
Today, Grand Canyon Railway
is home to a remarkable collection of
America’s famed diesel locomotives.
Locomotive No. 1105 is used for work
trains and backup power occasionally.
It is painted in the similar silver/gold
paint scheme as the F40s. Engines No.
6773, No. 6793, No. 6776 and B-Units
No. 6871 and No. 6860 are all FPA-4,
built by ALCO (American Locomotive
Company) in 1959.
The FPA-4 model is unique in that
it is designed to be longer for holding
a steam generator in the back. The
steam generator is utilized for heating
cars. Locomotive 6793 is the last of the
series the FPA-4 model locomotives
built. Originally belonging to Canadian
National Railway, the FPA-4 locomotives
were purchased by Grand Canyon
Railway in the 1990s.
Locomotive No. 6773 began service
for Grand Canyon Railway in 1991. No
6793 began service in 1996. No. 6871
began service in 1998. B Unit No. 6776
began service for GCR in 2000. And
B Unit No. 6860 began service for the
railway in 2001.
Additionally, Grand Canyon Railway
acquired three F-40PH locomotives in
February 2003. General Motors Electro
motive Division built Nos. 237 and 239
in 1977 and No. 295 in 1979. Amtrak
used the engines through the late 1990s.
These engines are currently being
restored, and No. 239 entered service
for the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar
Express in 2004. No. 295 entered service
13
in February 2009. Locomotive No. 237
entered into service in January 2010.
Grand Canyon Railway’s locomotive
shop works to evolve and preserve its
diesel locomotives much like they do
for its steam counterparts. The Railway
has re-geared its diesel fleet. The regearing is increasing fuel economy and
pulling power, making it possible for the
Railway to run one less locomotive per
train consist.
Passengers enjoy varying scenes as the locomotive snakes through trees.
Step Back In Time
More Than Just Lodging
9 OSE
2
19 BO S 6
CA UITEs up to
S Sleep
31
Pu 950
RA llma ’s
n
I
SU LCAR
ITE
S
Free
Woodall
4 Star Rating
5 Rock
Rated Motel
RV Park
Full Service at all sites
Tent Camping
Big Rig Friendly
Family Reunion
Hotspot
General Store
Group Meeting
Space
BBQs
10% OFF Train
Car Rooms
Limited Time Offer
18 of the original
1940’s Flagstone
Cottage Style Rooms
13 Acres in the Pines
Coin Laundry, Playground
Private Showers, Rec-Room
FREE Cable TV and MORE!
1-800-482-3955
HEATED
SEASONAL
INDOOR POOL
Grand Canyon Exit #165 off I-40
Route 66 & Rodeo Rd., Williams AZ
www.thecanyonmotel.com
Territorial Times
14 Territorial Times
Attention
Grand
Canyon
Railway
Passengers
The
leaves
The train
train leaves
promptly!
promptly
at 3:30 p.m.
When
thefree
free
When using
using the
shuttle
buses,
shuttle
buses,
please
watch your
time,
to
please
watch
your
ensure
you
don't miss
time, to
ensure
you
the miss
returnthe
tripreturn
to
don’t
tripWilliams.
to Williams.
When You Arrive
at the Canyon Depot
The
GrandCanyon
Canyon
Railway
is anwalk
easy
The Grand
Railway
DepotDepot
is an easy
to walk
the rimtoofthe
therim of
the
Canyon
400thefeet
steps
byTour
thebuses
El Tovar).
Canyon
(about(about
400 feet up
stepsup
bythe
the El
Tovar).
depart Tour
buses
just west
depot.
are
several
just westdepart
of the depot.
Thereof
arethe
several
placesThere
to have
lunch
withinplaces
to
havedistance:
lunch within
walking
distance:
El Tovar
Hotel,
walking
El Tovar Hotel,
Bright
Angel Lodge
(Coffee Shop
andBright
Angel
Shop and
Arizona
Room),
Maswik
ArizonaLodge
Room), (Coffee
Maswik Cafeteria.
Refer
to the map
for location
and Cafeteria.
Refer distances.
to the map
for location
and approximate
approximate
Restrooms
are available
at the Depot, at distances.
each
Restrooms
are available
at other
the Depot,
of the
restauof the restaurants,
and at several
locationsat
in each
the village.
Free
rants
at isseveral
other
locations
in the
village.
shuttle
shuttle, and
service
provided
by the
National Park
Service.
The Free
Village
service
is provided
the
National
Service.
The Village
Route takes
you to manyby
spots
throughout
thePark
developed
are including
Route
takes
you
to
many
spots
throughout
the
developed
the newest visitor — Canyon View Information Plaza. This facility area
including
the newest
center
— Canyon
View
includes a visitor
center, visitor
bookstore,
restrooms
and a short
trailInformato
tion
Plaza.
This
facilitiy
includes
a
visitor
center,
bookstore,
the rim. Plan at least two hours to visit Canyon View Information
restrooms
and a short
trailtakes
to the
rim.
least
two
to
Plaza. The Hermits
Rest Route
you
to aPlan
view at
points
west
of hours
the
visit
Canyon
View
Information
Plaza.
The
Hermits
Rest
Route
developed area. It will take you two-three hours to explore this portion
takes
youofto
points
west Rest
of the
area. 1It will
of portion
theview
canyon.
The Hermits
Routdeveloped
is operated March
take
you
two-three
hours
to
explore
this
portion
of
the
Canyon.
through Nov. 30. PLEASE ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE THE
The
Hermits Rest Route is operated March 1-Nov. 30. PLEASE
RETURN TRAIN DEPARTING PROMPTLY AT 3:30 P.M.
ALLOW ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE THE RETURN TRAIN.
PLEASE HELP PRESERVE...
the Grand Canyon for future generations by treating it as
you would your most treasured possessions.
It is, after all, one of your national parks to be enjoyed.
You are one of millions who will visit here in a given year. Imagine how
the park would look if each of its visitors dropped litter, collected rocks,
picked a wildflower and took a lizard home as a pet. The Grand Canyon
and all national parks can remain extraordinary only through the efforts
of visitors.
While hiking, practice the principles of minimum-impact or no-trace
visitation. The essence of this philosophy is to leave everything as you
found it.
Do not feed the animals. The feeding, touching, teasing or disturbing of
wildlife in national parks is prohibited. Visitors have been kicked, bitten
and chased at Grand Canyon while trying to feed wildlife. It is important
not to feed deer, squirrels or any other wild animals in the park. When
you feed wildlife, you are committing an illegal act.
Use caution near the edge! Footing can be dangerous and people do die
from falls at the rim.
Watch your children. Your hand and voice may be too far away once
your child has climbed over a barrier or wall.
Information provided courtesy of the Grand Canyon Association.
Hiking the rim
and the Canyon
The most pleasant hikes are on the
Rim Trail. Walkers experience varying
Canyon views from the many overlooks. During the railway layover it
is recommended that passengers walk
no further than ”Trailview Overlook“ 1
mile to the west of El Tovar (1 hour
round trip), or ”Yavapai Observation
Station“ less than 1-1/4 miles east of El
Tovar (1-1/2 hour round trip).
Hiking into the Grand Canyon can be a
very strenuous experience. It takes
more than a full day to hike to the
canyon bottom and back. Many visitors
enjoy a short hike on the Bright Angel
trail to experience the canyon below the
rim. It is recommended that you do so
only with good health, hiking or athletic shoes, plenty of water, and that
you allow twice as much time to return
than the time of your hike into the canyon.
Legend
❦
Shuttle Bus Routes
(Indicated in red, blue, or green)
Shuttle Bus Stops (Indicated in
red, blue, or green)
Major Park Roads
Shuttle Buses Only
Secondary Roads
Parking
Paved Trails
Unpaved Trails
15
16
Territorial Times
The
Christmas
Tree
Gallery
The best kept
secret in town!
“Tiz the Season”
The magic is yours year round
in Williams at the
Christmas Tree Gallery and Gift Shop
Located at the East end of town next to Williams Realty
(928) 635-1954
402 East Route 66 • Williams, AZ
Territorial Times
17
Authentic Mexican
& Sonoran Cuisine
Monday thru Friday
11:00 am-2:00 pm & 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Saturday 4:00 pm-8:00 pm
Located behind The Sultana
106 S. 3rd St • Williams • 928-635-2305
Sandoval’s
Exit 163 N. Grand Canyon Boulevard
2 Locations
®
RV and Auto Repair
Complete RV and Auto Repair
Tires
Towing and Emergency Service
Convenience Market
Full Convenience Market
Exit 163, I-40
Exit 163, I-40
771 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ. 86046
999 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ. 86046
928-635-2623
928-635-2291 • 928-635-1934
18 Territorial Times
s
’
a
s
Ro CANTINA
South of the Border Cuisine in a Festive Atmosphere
Patio • Family Dining • Kid’s Mini Arcade
Mexican Style Steak • Salmon • Pork Chops
SSPORTS
AR
BAR
PORTS B
E
E
Join
Us
For
13
Flavors
of
R
F
MARGARITA
MADNESS!
Fried Ice Creamof
with purchase
entree or 3 item
meal
(show this ad)
HAPPY HOUR 4-7PM
Where
the Locals
Eat!
Try Our $3.00 Mojito
Open 11am
FREE WI-FI HOTSPOT
Delivery 5-8pm
Closed Monday
Just North of the Depot’s Parking Lot
411 North Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, Az
525 W. Route 66
Williams, AZ 86046
(928) 635-4590
(928) 635-0708
Territorial Times
Polar Express train trip enchants young and old
G
rand Canyon Railway will
begin their 10th season of
carrying children, their
parents and grandparents on
a magical journey from Williams, Ariz., to
the North Pole in November.
It is anticipated that more than 90,000
passengers will board the Polar Express
for the 2010 season. This special nighttime excursion takes a little more than an
hour, and is a recreation of the popular
children’s Christmas book written by Chris
Van Allsburg.
As the train pulls out of the Railway’s
Williams Depot, attendants begin serving
cups of steaming hot chocolate and
chocolate chip cookies to all passengers.
Warmed from treats, passengers sit back
and relax as the train makes its way
through a pitch-black forest. At just the
right moment, the reading of the Polar
Express story begins, mesmerizing
Santa shares a hug with a young passenger on the Polar Express.
children and adults alike.
19
The story reading comes to an end just
in time to give everyone a chance to get
ready to meet Santa Claus! As the train
pulls slowly into the North Pole, all of the
passengers are treated to the vision of a
large complex of buildings – and Santa
Claus and his reindeer welcoming one and
all to his home.
Once Santa climbs on board, the train
starts its return trip to Williams and Santa
makes his way through all of the train cars,
greeting each child and presenting each one
with a very special gift.
Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express
train trips depart at 6:30 p.m. each evening.
Most evenings a second train departs at 8
p.m. Visit www.thetrain.com for a complete
Polar Express schedule.
Reservations are required and tickets for
the 2010 season are selling fast. Call 1-800THE-TRAIN today to book this magical
journey.
A GCR Conductor welcomes children as they board The Polar Express.
20
Territorial Times
Master Grand Canyon Railway’s Train Games
Territorial Times
21
Marshal Goodmore keeps Wild West outlaws at bay
Grand Canyon Railway Marshal John B. Goodmore fights the Cataract Creek Gang for the welfare of the passengers at the depot.
I
t is a fact known amongst the scoundrels,
villains and desperadoes in the area that
Grand Canyon Railway travels to the Grand
Canyon loaded with wealthy tourists from all
around the world. Due to the strict schedule, which
the train maintains, it becomes an easy target for
bandits. This is where Marshal John B. Goodmore
– the B stands for “B” good or “B” gone – comes
into the picture. He and his deputies have been
hired by the Railway to ensure that visitors return
from their train journey with valuables intact.
Goodmore made a name for himself as a Kansas
City lawman who kept the likes of Jessie James
from “stirrin’ up too much of a ruckus” in his
hometown. It is rumored that a woman, actually
a floozy named Priscilla Goodbody, lured the
Marshal to Williams. However, let me warn you
that the Marshal has been known to plug folks who
have the audacity to mention this to him. For you
see, Miss Priscilla has been spotted around town
with Two Feathers, leader of the infamous Cataract
Creek Gang. When asked directly, the Marshal will
tell you it was his “interest in mining” which lured
him to this area rich in copper.
“I’ve been the Marshal for several years now
and ah,” he hesitates for a moment as he wipes
the dust and sweat from his brow, “the biggest
problem is chasing old Two Feathers and the
Cataract Creek Gang. It seems like I can always get
most of ‘em except Two Feathers. He slips through
the cracks, so to speak, and gets away from me
every time. Then he rebuilds the gang and tries
• Fred Harvey
the number who wished dining room and lunch
counter service and telegraphed this information
ahead. A mile out of town, the engineer blew a
signal announcing the approach of the train. By
the time the train arrived, the white coated porters
banging on a big brass gong had started the first
course to each plate and the entrees were sizzling in
the kitchen.
The waitresses, taking orders for coffee, tea
or milk, arranged cups according to a code and
the “drink girl” immediately followed serving
accordingly. Then came the grand entrance of
the manager himself, bearing aloft great platters
of steak, chops or seafood that he served with a
From Page 11
In the racketeering days before Harvey Houses
were established, diners paid in advance, then,
when they had barely started to eat, the train crew
shouted its “all aboard” and passengers had to run
out without their meal or to be left behind. In this
way the same food provided many meals and the
train crew got a cut of ten cents per passenger.
In contrast, Harvey Houses followed a foolproof
system to assure the comfort and satisfaction of
travelers. Trainmen canvassed the passengers, noting
again. I ‘member one time he was gone for six
months. Thought I’d done got rid of him when he
showed up again with another ornery bunch of
gun slingers.”
“The only other trouble I run into is some ladies
that talk too much, but I reckon that’s not too much
trouble,” he grins.
“I’m on constant lookout all the time, walkin’
back and forth, constantly checking. Sometimes
Two Feathers gets passengers to help him. I never
know for sure. One time he even enlisted a kid
– was the worst thing I ever saw,” he explained.
“Always have to be on constant lookout,” he
murmurs again.
As he is talking, his eyes never stop roaming the
train platform where the interview is taking place.
“One time that old sneak Two Feathers tried
to rob the Governor of Arizona who was riding
this train. I’d heard rumors that he was gonna’
go after Governor Rose Mofford so I enlisted a
bunch of deputies just to be safe. Sure enough, Two
Feathers had a group of about 12 to 15 with him
this time, and things were lookin’ bad. I had to go
help my deputies during the showdown and we
really wiped the Cataract Creek Gang out that day
– or so I thought. I went back to check on that nice
Governor lady and she was in tears. Two Feathers
had gotten her watch and was gone, plumb out
of sight. Well, I pulled together a posse, and we
chased him for two weeks but lost him in the
Superstition Mountains. His trail just disappeared,”
he shakes his head, still disbelieving.
It had been reported that Two Feathers has had
an illustrious career of robbing trains all across the
country, however, the last 16 years, he has been a
constant plague to GCR.
When questioned about Two Feathers continued
assault on this particular railroad, Marshal
Goodmore hesitates before he says, “Well, I hate
to say it, but it’s not the money or goods anymore.
It has come down to a personal thing between me
and him.”
As he speaks, I wonder if Priscilla Goodbody has
anything to do with this vendetta?
“One day it will come down to a showdown, just
me and him. Then we’ll find out who’s the best,”
he concludes as he turns and heads down the brick
platform marking the end of the interview.
flourish. Passengers were assured ample notice
would be given before the trains departed and were
encouraged to take their time and enjoy their meals.
Plenty of coffee was served. Desserts came in time,
and five minutes before train time as signal was
given to those lingering over a last bite. When the
Santa Fe put on dining cars, Fred Harvey served the
meals on wheels.
Fred Harvey died in 1901 but sons operated the
business until the 1930s. Xanterra Parks & Resorts
(previously known as Amfac Parks & Resorts)
purchased the company in 1968. The company still
honors the Harvey name through its retail division,
Fred Harvey Trading Company.
22 Territorial Times
Coach Class
This class of service is comprised
of Budd Coach Class, streamlinerera coaches named after the famous
Budd Manufacturing Company.
Budd Coach Class is available yearround and features air-conditioning
during the warmer summer months.
T
First Class
The opulence of oversized reclining
seats along with extra-large windows
make for a true First Class experience.
As do the fresh fruit, pastries, coffee
and juice provided during the morning
journey and appetizers on the way
back. Fine spirits are available and
complimentary soft drinks are served
in the air-conditioned cars.
Observation
Dome Class
Luxury Parlor Class
Grand Canyon Railway’s
Vista Dome coaches observation
seating offers breathtaking views
from an exclusive glass-enclosed
dome area. While taking in the
panorama, enjoy complimentary
pastries in the morning and
appetizers and sparkling wine
in the afternoon. Service of fine
spirits is also available. This class
is restricted to ages 16-plus.
Inside our Luxury Parlor Cars is
a grand tradition of elegance and
extraordinary comfort. Outside
the rear car is an open-air platform
allowing for timeless snapshots.
Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and
juice are provided throughout the
morning, and sparkling wine and
snacks complement the afternoon
journey. The air-conditioned cars
also feature a wood bar serving fine
spirits. This class is restricted to
ages 16-plus.
Wa t c h f o r t h e b l u e re cycle bins!
o help do our part in cons e r v i n g re s o u rc e s a n d re d u c ing landfill waste, Xanterra
Parks & Resorts at the Grand Canyon
Railway proudly recycles.
“We reduce and recycle waste, conserve energy and water, and educate
our guests and employees on envir o n m e n t a l s t e w a rd s h i p . We b e l i e v e
t h a t i n c re a s i n g t h e s u s t a i n a b i l i t y o f
natural systems is not just good business. It is the right thing to do,” said
Andy Todd, CEO of Xanterra Parks &
Resorts.
Our employees help increase guest
environmental awareness on issues related to how Xanterra Parks & Resorts
a t t h e G r a n d C a n y o n R a i l w a y i s re ducing its impact on the environment.
R e c y c l i n g i s o n e w a y. We h o p e y o u
will support our efforts!
Please use the blue-colored recycle
bins located in Grand Canyon Railway
hotel rooms, train cars and throughout
our campus. The following items can
be recycled:
• P a p e r — M a g a z i n e s , n e w s p a p e r,
c a t a l o g s , w h i t e p a p e r, c o l o r p a p e r,
strip cut shred paper, letters and junk
m a i l . P l e a s e b a g s h re d d e d p a p e r i n
c l e a r, p l a s t i c b a g s . C ro s s c u t s h re d
paper is not accepted.
• Cardboard — Empty and flattened
boxes. Please remove and discard
Styrofoam, packing peanuts and plastic wrap before placing cardboard in a
recycling bin.
• Paperboard — Dry food boxes such
as cereal, cake mix, cracker, beer and
soda containers, clean pizza boxes,
shoe and shirt boxes. No waxed paperboard such as frozen food boxes, produce, milk and juice boxes.
• Plastics (Nos. 1-7) — These include
a l l s o d a b o t t l e s , d e t e r g e n t , w a t e r,
shampoo bottles, milk jugs, other plas-
t i c f o o d c o n t a i n e r s a n d a l l l i d s ( re m o v e l i d s f ro m b o t t l e s a n d p l a c e i n
bin separately).
• Aluminum/Metal Cans
• Magazines/Catalogs
• Glass
Please keep these items out of recycling —
• Plastic wrap
• Styrofoam
• Pet food bags
• Paper plates and cups
• Thermal paper
• Diapers
• Napkins
• Zip lock bags
• Sandwich bags
• Plastic sleeves
• Excess food
• Grass clipping or yard waste
• Liquids
• Facial and toilet tissue
• Waxed paperboard
Territorial Times
I think I can, I think I can ...
A Q&A with the Railway’s ‘Jack of all trades’
H
is name is not “Jack,” but Mike
Brooks. Mike has just about done
it all since he began working
with Grand Canyon Railway for
the first time in 2000. As a Steam and Diesel
Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, Steam
Fireman, Dispatcher, Brakeman, Carman,
and now the Assistant Trainmaster, Mike has
become very familiar with what it takes to keep
Grand Canyon Railway running safely.
Q: Mike, you’ve been both a steam
and diesel locomotive Engineer. Is there
a distinct difference between the two
positions?
A: There is a major difference between
running steam locomotives and diesel
locomotives. With a diesel locomotive,
the primary concern is getting the train
over the railroad. The diesel locomotive
pretty much takes care of itself, and
responds to what the Engineer calls for.
With a steam locomotive, not only do you
have your hands full getting the train over
the railroad, but you are also balancing
the demands of the locomotive. Steam
locomotives are far from “set and forget”
machines, so every little adjustment to
various settings makes a big difference in
the operation of the locomotive. In either
case, I am constantly thinking of what I
will need to do over the next mile or more,
23
being aware of where the train is, what it
is doing, and watching the track for any
defects or livestock that may decide to
cross our track. An Engineer is always
vigilant, and constantly has something to
think about. Did I mention it’s a whole lot
of fun?
Q: You must have learned to be a
steam Engineer after you learned to run
the less demanding diesel engines. Is
that correct?
A: That’s correct. Grand Canyon
Railway has typically trained people
See Jack of all trades, Page 24
Grand Canyon Railway’s historical timeline
1893 — The Grand Canyon is first established as a
forest preserve by presidential proclamation.
1901 — On Sept. 17, the first passengers arrive at
the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard the train from
Williams, Ariz.
1908 — A presidential proclamation establishes the
Grand Canyon as a national monument. On March 10,
the historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot were
built and designed for use by the Santa Fe Railway.
Designed by architect Francis W. Wilson of Santa Barbara,
Calif., the historic hotel was built with 22 guestrooms and
10 employee quarters on the second floor. Both structures
opened for service. The Williams downtown district,
including the historic hotel and depot, is on the National
Register of Historic Places.
1919 — Grand Canyon National Park is established by
an act of Congress on Feb. 26.
1920s — A good road into Grand Canyon National
Park is built, making travel to the rim easier than ever
before.
1940s — Diesel locomotives begin traveling the Grand
Canyon line.
1953 — Last steam train travels the route to the Grand
Canyon. The more economical diesel locomotives replace
the classic steam locomotives.
1954 — Retired by the Santa Fe in 1954, the Fray
Marcos Hotel remained closed to the public although the
depot continued to service the East-West mainline and
Williams-Grand Canyon train traffic.
1968 — In July, three passengers travel the last
regularly scheduled train service to the Grand Canyon.
1969 — Grand Canyon Depot closes nearly a year
following the discontinuation of passenger service (May).
1975 — United States Congress passes an act to expand
Grand Canyon National Park.
1984 — On Dec. 30, Williams’ downtown business
district achieves listing on the National Register of
Historic Places.
1988 — Santa Fe maintenance crews and the field
engineer abandon the Williams train station facility for
good.
1989 — On Jan. 10, entrepreneurs Max and Thelma
Biegert announce redevelopment of the railway route to
the Grand Canyon and the rehabilitation of the historic
Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot. On Sept. 17, the
Williams Depot re-opens under Grand Canyon Railway’s
ownership.
1989-90 — Reconditioning of two vintage 1906 and
1910 steam locomotives take place; each locomotive
requires 8,000 to 10,000 hours to rebuild.
1990 — The Grand Canyon Depot re-opens to
welcome Grand Canyon Railway’s trains in July.
1993 — Grand Canyon Railway carries more than
105,000 passengers per year, which reduces automobile
traffic to the South Rim by approximately 40,000 cars.
1995 — The modern-day Grand Canyon Railway
Hotel (built to resemble the historic Fray Marcos Hotel)
opens its doors. The Railway begins daily passenger
service and re-introduces vintage diesel locomotives to
the Grand Canyon line.
1996 — Steam locomotive No. 4960 makes its first run
on the Grand Canyon line after being fully restored. The
restoration required more than $1.5 million and 80,000
man-hours.
1998 — On Oct. 1, Reginald and Pat Barker become the
millionth passengers to ride Grand Canyon Railway.
1999 — Grand Canyon Railway placed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Max & Thelma’s Restaurant
opens to the public on March 4. On Aug. 2, Amtrak
service adds a stop at Williams Junction.
2001 — Grand Canyon Railway begins running a
special Polar Express train to the “North Pole” during the
holidays.
2002 — The Grand Canyon Depot restoration project
is complete.
2004 — On July 21, Catherine Harris becomes the twomillionth passenger to ride Grand Canyon Railway.Steam
locomotive No. 29 rides the Grand Canyon Railway line
after an extensive restoration involving $1 million and
26,000 man-hours.
2005 — Grand Canyon Railway is honored with
three of the four top annual awards from AAA Travel,
including Partner of the Year, Best in Service and Best in
Marketing.
2006 — Grand Canyon Railway introduces seasonal
train schedules and opens a 124-space RV Park and
Pet Resort. That fall, Grand Canyon Railway debuts
a completely new product – The Sunset Limited.
Approximately 238,000 people travel to the South Rim
aboard Grand Canyon Railway.
2007 — Xanterra Parks & Resorts assumes ownership
of Grand Canyon Railway.
1908-2008 — One hundred year anniversary of the
Williams Depot and Fray Marcos.
2008 — Grand Canyon Railway discontinues steam
locomotive service.
2009 — Grand Canyon Railway receives 14001
certification for environmental management (see article
on Page 4).
2009 — Grand Canyon Railway reinstates limited
operation of steam locomotives powered by waste
vegetable oil.
24 Territorial Times
About The Passenger Rail Cars
G
rand
Canyon
Railway is home to a
remarkable collection
of historical railway
cars, each with its own story.
Grand Canyon Railway works
to maintain the original look
of the railcars, showcasing rail
travel’s rich and diverse history.
All of the Railway’s cars are
equipped with restrooms, staffed
by a passenger service attendant
and can be reserved for groups
and special events.
• Budd Coach cars — Built by
Budd Manufacturing Company.
Refurbished by the Grand
Canyon Railway’s locomotive
shop in 2005-2006, these coach
cars offer guest air-conditioning
and better serve passengers with
disabilities.
• Pullman Coach cars
— Built by Pullman in 1923,
Harriman-style coach cars seat
80 to 88 passengers. The Grand
Canyon Railway uses fully
restored Harriman-style coach
cars exclusively for The Polar
Express™. Grand Canyon
Railway established the limited
schedule in 2006 to help preserve
these fascinating railcars for
future generations.
• The Arizona and Bright
Angel — Grand Canyon
Railway acquired the cars in
2003 from Amtrak. The complete
and full restoration of the cars
was completed in 2004, and
went into service as First Class
coach.
• The Buckley O’Neil
— When Southern Railway
passed its passenger service to
Amtrak in 1979, the Buckley
O’Neil Class Cars followed, then
served on the Alaska Railroad
before coming to Grand Canyon
Railway. The name of these cars
honors Grand Canyon Railway’s
original owner.
• The Colorado River — This
car was built in 1948 as a 16section sleeper for the Denver
Rio Grande Western. The car
changed hands multiple times
before being acquired by the
Railroading Heritage of Midwest
America. Grand Canyon
Railway purchased the car in
June of 1999, rebuilt the car and
•
Jack of all trades
From Page 23
to run diesel locomotives first to get comfortable,
before putting them through Steam Locomotive
training. This allows the individual to get comfortable
with the railroad and become very familiar with
train handling techniques before taking on the
additional challenges of running a steam locomotive.
However, in the past, this was not the case. The only
locomotives in operation were steam, so a person got
the full treatment right at the beginning.
Q: Since you began your training here at the
Grand Canyon Railway, do you still require all of
the same special training and certificates as the big
railroads like BNSF or Union Pacific?
A: Yes, we follow the same Federal Railroad
Administration regulations that all railroads do. We
require most of the same rule books, training, and
certifications as the major railroads. We get periodic
inspections from the Federal Railroad Administration,
where our records and practices are audited to ensure
compliance with the regulations. We strictly enforce
and follow rules and safe operating practices. This
ensures the utmost in safety for our passengers and
crew.
it into service in April 2000.
• The Yavapai and Anasazi —
This car was built in 1950 by the
Budd Manufacturing Company
for use by the Southern Pacific.
Grand Canyon Railway
purchased the car in 1998 and
put it into service that year. This
car was renovated in 2009.
• The Coconino — This is a
unique dome coach was built by
Budd Manufacturing Company
in 1954. Grand Canyon Railway
purchased it in 1996, and went
into service March 1997.
• The Grand View — The
Grand View Car ran as a Vista
Dome Coach on the famed
California Zephyr, arguably
one of the most famous trains
of all times. The Grand Canyon
Railway acquired this classic
dome coach car in 2004. The
Grand View remains all original.
• The Kokopelli — In May
of 2000, Grand Canyon Railway
leased car No. 1326 from the
Great Northern Dome Company
to replace another dome car. It
was repainted and named the
Kokopelli
Williams’ own Colonel Jim Garvey entertains passengers in the dome car.
• The Santa Fe — The Santa
Fe was built in 1948. A 37-seat
coach, it was considered the lap
of luxury, providing patrons
with modern and comfortable
seats. The Grand Canyon
Railway became the proud
owner in 2004.
• The Chief — Grand Canyon
Railway acquired the car in 2002;
this car had many restorations
and one collision prior to
arriving at Grand Canyon
Railway. The Chief was put into
Q: You must have gone through a lot of training
in order to learn all of the skills related to your
various positions on the train. Can you say which
job is your favorite?
A: I would have to say my favorite job
is Conductor. You meet people from all over the
world. Children tend to get excited when they see
the Conductor. It allows me to talk to people about
railroading and northern Arizona, which are two of
my favorite topics. Sometimes, I’ll talk to people who
were railroaders at some point in theirs lives, or that
are currently working for a railroad. The stories about
the glory days of rail travel are always entertaining as
well.
Q: As the conductor, is there one question that
you get asked most often?
A: I’d say one of the most common questions
people ask is why am I back in the cars when I am
supposed to be “driving” the train. Once I get the
idea of an Engineer introduced, the questions tend to
lean more toward the Conductor’s responsibilities.
As the Conductor, I am ultimately responsible for the
safe and efficient operation of the train. I must keep
a constant lookout for problems that may develop. I
must work with the rest of my crew to ensure that all
service in October 2002.
• The Max Biegert —This
recently refurbished Luxury
Parlor Car is named after the
businessman responsible for
reinstating train service from
Williams to the Grand Canyon
in 1989. The railcar was built in
1954 and was originally known
as the Bonaventure. The car
debuted as The Max Biegert in
September 2006 and is still in
use on Grand Canyon Railway
today.
rules are being followed, and everything that needs
to be done is done in a safe manner. I’d say the job is
similar in ways to that of a ship captain, except that I
am not allowed to conduct wedding ceremonies, and,
most of the time, there is a lot less water to contend
with.
Q: Are there particular challenges in conducting
the trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon?
I wouldn’t say there are any major challenges in
making a trip to Grand Canyon that aren’t faced
by other passenger trains around the world. We
still operate using some of the older methods of
railroading, which requires a more heads-up attitude
in some circumstances. We still do everything by
written authority here, which means it is up to the
train crew to figure out where they are authorized
to be at any given time. When it comes to being an
engineer, our railroad is anything but flat. All those
hills and curves keep you busy for the entire round
trip.
If you have further questions for Mike Brooks, our
illustrious “Jack of all trades,” can still be found on the
train occasionally. Mike is always more than happy to
answer questions and visit with our passengers, as is all of
our staff.
Territorial Times
25
Depots are attractions in themselves
The 1908 Williams Depot is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
T
he Williams Depot is one of
the few buildings in Williams
that has remained virtually
unchanged in nearly 100
years.
Built in 1908, the Williams Depot and
original Fray Marcos Hotel was one of
the famed “Harvey Houses” built for the
Santa Fe Railroad by the Fred Harvey
Company.
The structure is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, and is the
oldest poured-concrete structure in
Arizona, surviving demolition by the
Santa Fe Railroad. The building, now
known as simply Grand Canyon Railway’s
Williams Depot, was spared because it
was more expensive to demolish such a
structure than it was to pay taxes on the
property, historians have noted.
“The Grand Canyon Railway depot is
the first stop on our historic downtown
walking tour,” noted Teri A. Cleeland,
Williams historian. “Studies have shown
that people are increasingly interested
in learning about America’s past. The
Grand Canyon Railway depot represents
the glamorous days of rail travel when
presidents, kings and movie stars awaited
their departure on the same platform
frequented by visitors today.”
Adding to the depot’s nostalgia is an
authentic vintage locomotive on display
that is representative of the type of
locomotives used as part of the northern
Arizona logging operations.
The Depot at Grand Canyon National
Park is equally impressive and historically
significant.
The depot was constructed in 19091910 and is part of the Grand Canyon
National Park Historic District. It is the
last operating logo depot, and among
three remaining of approximately
14 known log depots to have been
constructed in the United States. Of the
three, the Grand Canyon Depot is the
only one in which logs were used as
the primary structural material and the
only one of its kind serving an operating
railroad.
Closed to the public in 1969 following
the discontinuation of passenger service
in July 1968, the depot was rehabilitated
and re-opened on July 4, 1990 by Grand
Canyon Railway. The well-preserved log
and wood-frame structure is two stories
high.
Did you know?
The modern Grand Canyon Railway Hotel was designed to
resemble the historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot
structures that stand nearby.
Answer from Page 20
Nos. 1 and 4 are the same! How did you do?
A couple exits the train at the historic Grand Canyon Depot.
JUNCTION
(Under new ownership)
Branding Iron Restaurant
Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Specializing in BBQ - Brisket and Ribs
Iron Horse Saloon
Serving your favorite beverages
Drover’s Hotel
Themed rooms, includes breakfast.
Seasonal Evening Entertainment
928-635-4512
321 West Route 66, Williams AZ 86046
www.wildwestjunction.com
[email protected]
26 Territorial Times
Territorial Times
COME WALK THROUGH THIS
ANIMAL WONDERLAND
GRAND CANYON
DEER FARM
~ going strong since 1969 ~
Huge variety of Souvenirs &
Gifts and we ship.
Kayla and
the deer.
Visitors
can get this
close to the
deer.
CHLOE
AND
ZOEY,
Baby Wallabies
Newest members of
the Deer Farm
July 2009
Llama LEAH
“kissing” a young
visitor.
Enjoy the
“friendly” animals
at the Deer Farm.
1.800.926.DEER
in Williams call 635-4073
January 1 - March 15
March 16 - October 15
October 16 - December 31
Daily: 10am - 5pm
Daily: 9am - 6pm
Daily: 10am - 5pm
6769 E. Deer Farm Road
Williams, AZ 86046
Just 8 miles east of Williams on I-40, Exit 171
Visit us on the web at: www.deerfarm.com
or send Email to: [email protected]
~ Hours are weather permitting;
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day ~
27
28
Territorial Times