Publicizing Bryce

Publicizing Bryce. . In July 1915, Joseph William (J.W.) Humphrey, a US Forest Service supervisor, visited this place for the first time. He wrote, “You can perhaps imagine my surprise at the indescribable beauty….It was sundown before I could be dragged from the canyon view…” Under his direction, photos, a film and articles publicized the beauty of Bryce and funding was found for road improvements and early trails., Tourism increased, and local homesteaders Reuben (“Ruby”) and Minnie Syrett saw an opportunity. They erected tents and supplied meals for guests near Sunset Point, and in 1920 constructed a Tourists’ Rest, a lodge with tent cabins. When Bryce Canyon became a national monument in 1923, the Union Pacific Railroad purchased Tourists’ Rest to construct the park’s now historic lodge and cabins. The Syrett’s visitor accommodations were relocated just north of the park, where Ruby’s Inn serves visitors to this day., [Caption]: I shall always feel that the part I played in introducing Bryce Canyon to the world is the greatest accomplishment of my life. J.W. Humphrey , [Caption]: Ruby’s Inn , [Caption]: Ruby Syrett , [Caption]: Early visitors , [Caption]: Guests gathered around the radio at Bryce Lodge