In This Issue

Lake Powell. USHS collections.

The concept of heritage tourism and statewide hearings on wilderness designation are much in the Utah news this spring. Debates on balancing environmental consideration against the need for economic development constantly ring through city and county chambers, legislative halls, and congressional committee rooms. Anyone who has listened to or participated in this great dialogue will read the first three articles with special interest. Leading off is a look at the discovery of Gregory Natural Bridge and the high hopes an early river guide held for exploiting it to promote business. Then comes a photo essay that depicts a portion of the majestic and beautiful natural formations, including Gregory Natural Bridge, now lying submerged beneath the water of Lake Powell. The third article is a biographical reminiscence of a colorful Arches National Monument superintendent in simpler times when visitation rates were only a fraction of today's volume and when Explorer Scouts provided search and rescue operations.

Determination is the unifying theme as we shift to the nineteenth century for the next two selections It, along with pioneer industry and technology, was the key to success in forging the St George Temple baptismal font and transporting it by ox train from Salt Lake City. Determination again, this time in concert with adaptation and resourcefulness, defined the cultural transition made by the Shoshones as they faced white intruders into Cache Valley during the 1850s and 60s.

Now fifty years from the end of World War II, we conclude this issue with thoughts of men who participated in that great conflict. One Utah veteran reflects on his days as a unit commander stationed in Australia; the other enjoys a memorial tribute for having returned from the Pacific to forge an outstanding career as a historian that included more than a decade as director of the Utah State Historical Society.