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Show 80 Zion National Park enjoyed a fairly smooth ride, the road to the dedication was bumpy. In a telegram from the National Park Service to Utah's governor, Mather expressed concern about a state public land auction scheduled for the same day as the dedication. The De.sere/ News described the land parcel that was the focus of concern: "This is a fine stretch of land, according to those who have seen it, located within the limits of Zion park where the climate is semi-tropical and where fruits, nuts and tropical products can be grown.•.229 Mather was unhappy with the idea of private land inside a national park and asked the governor to reconsider. The Deseret News reprinted Mather's telegram, part of which read: ';Cannot proposed sale be cancelled and state land board select other public lands in lieu thereof? Against best interest of park to have this scenic region pass into private ° ownership." 23 Four days later the newspapers reported the issue resolved. The state complied with Mather's request and cancelled the sale. 231 The Salt Lake Tribune later reported that the federal government agreed to trade the parcel for land outside the park. 232 The Dedication The September 15, 1920, dedication ceremonies were attended by 700 to 800 people, depending on the newspaper reporting the numbers. Eighty members of the Salt ii, Deserel News, 4, 1920,sec. 2, \. HO 'Zion National Park Sale Is Pro1es1ed in Wire Received by Gov. Bamberger," Scp1cmbcr Ibid. 2ll Salt lake Tribune, "Zion Park Land Sate Cancelled," September 8, 1920, 5. m Sall lake Tribune, "State Land Board Makes Series of Auction Sales," September 16, 1920, 5. |
