Brookins and Shirley inducted into GC Hall of Fame

Both recipients' names engraved on a permanent plaque located at the Shrine of Ages

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Long-time Grand Canyon-area notables Bill Brookins and James W. Shirley were inducted into the Grand Canyon Hall of Fame last Saturday.

The 14th annual induction included a presentation on the two individuals, and took place during a Grand Canyon Historical Society (GCHS) picnic at Shoshone Point. The names of the two recipients were engraved on a permanent plaque, which can be found at the Shrine of Ages.

Hall of Fame Award Chair Al Richmond said the Hall of Fame awards began in 1998 following a meeting with former park superintendent Rob Arnberger.

"We were just sitting around one day taking about how many people have put so much into the community and thought maybe this would be a good way to recognize it," Richmond said.

The society typically honors two individuals per year; one living and one deceased. The presentation is open to the public. Previous recipients of the award and current residents recommend the individuals.

"There are so many folks that have put so much into the community over the years who are now long gone and we want to remember their contributions in that regard, and then recognize folks that are working at it today," Richmond said.

The awards, presented by the National Park Service and the Grand Canyon Historical Society, consisted of a presentation discussing the various achievements of the honorees.

According to a GCHS press release, Bill Brookins always finds time to help in the community, always involved with projects in the Grand Canyon and Tusayan. The release noted Brookins' work with the Kolb Studio, Boy Scouts, Toys for Tots, and Rotary.

The press release went on to say Brookin's wood working skills are such that local charities and fund-raisers have come to count on him to provide handcrafted furniture for their events.

The induction came as a surprise to Brookins, who said he was honored to be chosen for the award.

"I thought I was going to the picnic to talk about the Kolb Brothers, because everyone knows I love them so much," Brookins said. "I was shocked. Really, the credit should go to my wife Patty. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to do what I do."

The second inductee is the late James W. Shirley, who served as manager of the Babbitt General Store for many years. He was selected due to his "intimate knowledge of the local people, and his natural leadership lead to initiation of many projects and arrangement of help to those who needed it most."

The information from the press release said Shirley always found time to work with the Boy Scouts and, although never a member, participated in the many projects initiated by the American Legion's John Ivens Post. Those who knew him said that Shirley left the Grand Canyon community a better place for all of his efforts.

"He was quite the individual." Richmond said, who knew Shirley personally.

The GCHS organization began as the Grand Canyon Pioneer Society in 1984 in an effort to contribute to the history of Arizona's premier natural wonder. The group changed their name to the Grand Canyon Historical Society in 2002. The 501(c)(3) organization's mission is to study and preserve the history of sites, historical photographs and artifacts of the Canyon and surrounding areas; and to support the restoration of sites and buildings at Grand Canyon National Park, according to their website.

GCHS can be found online at www.grandcanyonhistory.org.