River Runners
For those who made a living off of river running, the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam was detrimental to their livelihood. River runners were and still are among the most prominent opponents of the dam. Their trips offered once in a lifetime experiences to many visitors, and after the announcement and construction of the dam, that statement became even more true.
A pamphlet produced by river-runner Ken Sleight of Wonderland Expeditions describing the upcoming river trips that he was offering through Glen Canyon between April and September of 1962, explaining that this would be the last year to see "wild" Glen Canyon. It includes a brief history of the ecology, geology, and human history of the region.
A collection of advertisements produced by the Larabee and Aleson Western River Tours Company between 1948 and 1959, advertising guided river trips on the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Margaret R. Strane recounted her experience running the Glen Canyon section of the Colorado River with Harry Aleson as her guide.
The opening to this advertisement immediately catches the reader’s eye. What is the invitation to? Well, in this case it’s to view and capture photos of Glen Canyon in a way that might never be possible again. This Larabee and Aleson Western River Tours ad captures the disdain and anger that people using the river felt at the knowledge that the Glen Canyon Dam was to be built. Larabee and Aleson certainly weren’t the only ones who felt this way, as Glen Canyon was a way for a few people to make a living, as well as a source of beauty and solace for many more.