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Show 85 Grimes' narrative lamented that the canyon did not receive the attention of other natural attractions in the West. "What seems so strange is that a piece or nature's handiwork so spectacular and so unusual should exist practically unknown in the heart of a section of the continent celebrated for its scenic wonders and national playgrounds, and surrounded by civilization.',244 Grimes predicted the canyon would some day take its place with the country's national parks: "And it deserves to be, and doubtless some day will be, set aside and protected by the national government as one of the natural and scenic wonders of the western hemisphere [sic].'.2 45 The interest from journalists, business leaders, and politicians placed the canyon on the pages of the national press, too. However, Bryce was usually publicized in Zion's shadow. As public interest and political will grew to elevate the canyon to national park status, news of Bryce mirrored a faded image of Zion's years in the spotlight. A False Start When Grimes later became Utah state secretary to Governor Simon Bamberger, he influenced state officials to promote Bryce Canyon. I lis efforts Jed to the Legislature's "joint memorial" asking Congress to "set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people a suitable area embracing 'Bryce's [sic] Canyon' as a national monument under the name of the 'Temple of the Gods National Monument. ,,,246 Later that year, in 1919, Senator Reed Smoot proposed creating Utah National Park, which would include Zion, Bryce, 144 [bid. 245 Ibid. 246 Utah State Legislature, Join, Memorial, 13"' Utah State Legislature, March 13, 1919. |
