Guest Column: The people of Tusayan in history

A story of the people who grew this town through hard work, determination, and foresight

Bob Thurston

More than half a century ago; while the railroad tracks were being worked on, Bob was right there with his feisty energy everyday. He had a place built for the workers. It was called Ed's Beds, where men could rent a room for $7. It was one of the very few buildings in town. Realizing the railroad was going to sell off property, he proceeded to buy up as much of it as he could. His instincts were good and, after all is said and done, Bob owned all the land we call Tusayan - a smart businessman of course, but also a hard worker who would leave the results of his decisions for the family. Three generations of this family have all been here for 50 or more years and include four generations.

Bonnie and Bill Thurston

Bonnie would work everyday of the week in their gas station, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. They had four children, which was a handful in and of itself. Always laughing and smiling, she worked, but seemed to enjoy it very much. Bill opened a garage on the west side of the highway. He was under trucks and cars nearly all the time. He would kid around with people and was welcome wherever he went. The original "Tusayan Bar" was the place where people could gather after work. Wild and raucous as any saloon in a western film; it was just one more of Bill's ideas.

Always ready to lend a helping hand to others, Bonnie and Bill are really responsible for the basic growth of the little town. Both Bonnie and Bill left a legacy for their children for generations to come.

Bill often said, "A contract is never as good as a person's word and a hand shake." Even now a person has to smile thinking of he and Bonnie.

Their children Clarinda, John, Bess, and Tammy grew up with a lot to learn. Bonnie and Bill planned for their future and continuation of their work ethic, good will, and decency.

Thank you Bonnie and Bill for the opportunities that would not be here without you.

Frans and Hannah Rotter

Coming to the U.S. from Europe, they had the chance to live the American dream. After working for a chain of restaurants, coming to work for Fred Harvey, managing the Best Western, managing the Red Feather Lodge, and building the Grand Canyon Plaza. Here again we know the challenges involved in their exceptional story and their daughter now operates the family holdings with the same standards and work ethic set forth by Frank and Hannah. Ann Wren is one of the really outstanding businesswomen anywhere. This town is a better place because of this family.

Elling and Barbra Halvorson

It was about 40 years ago when Elling brought his family to Tusayan. He had been awarded a contract with the National Park Service into the Canyon. For his job, he leased a helicopter and with a lot of hard work, he and Barbra and their children came here together. Their children went to school here, had many friends, and lived in a mobile home. With Barbra's sense of humor, it must have been like a long camping trip!

To add to the positive aspects of it all, they were instrumental in very many ways to the success of others by virtue of their generous support and reasonable, thoughtful treatment.

Their ingenuity has created some of the most notable businesses here. Among these businesses: Canyon Squire Best Western, Helicopter and Airplane Tours, Employee Trailer Park, Tusayan Campground, Grand Canyon Museum, IMAX Theater, and we can not forget the fall salmon bake!

Regina Clift

Forty years ago, Regina brought her four little girls to the Grand Canyon. After that trip, her life changed forever. For one summer she was offered the Grand Canyon Tourist Center gift shop. Due to the Halvorson's generosity, she was able to educate her daughters and provide them with advantages she never would have thought possible. Burt Shattuck was also instrumental in Regina's opportunity to open the Yippee-i-o Steakhouse. She has admired his business acumen since first meeting him. Regina commented recently "Burt is a wise man and trustworthy."

Moqui Stables and the Booth Family

What fun to take a horseback ride? Thousands of tourists have included a visit through the National Forest. Guided by expert horsemen, it is among the highlights in our town. The hayrides in the evening are lots of fun. Three decades, and over 25 years later, they continue to show visitors a great experience.

Los Buenos Amigos

We cannot overlook a very important group who has been crucial to the success of this town. Hispanic members of this community have worked, and still do, to bring their labor and commitment to Tusayan. Many of these people have lived and worked here the better part of their lives. Some of these people were only boys of 16, 17, and 18 when they came here. Now, many of them have grown children - as well as grandchildren.

Aforementioned people, who have a vested interest in the growth and development of Tusayan, should be praised for building a town, which serves tourists year after year. Even though the workers in the businesses come and stay for one season. Often, the managers might stay for a few years and then move on. Their help is appreciated and we are fortunate in always being able to hire competent replacements.