25. Ranger Ops

Welcome to the Ranger Operations building, the 4th stop of the Historic Village tour.  Does it look familiar?  It should; this building was modeled after the old Superintendent’s house, and is one of the most accomplished structures built in the rustic style.   Today, it holds the offices of our law enforcement rangers.  We ask you to be respectful of their work by appreciating the building’s exterior from this quiet intersection which, at one point, was the very heart of the Village.

The year is still 1931, and the Ranger Ops building is showcased proudly at the park’s Civic Center , the meeting point of the main road, the train depot, and walking trails leading to local housing.  This intersection is where rangers gather before heading into the dark on daring night rescues, where families get their groceries, where visitors buy souvenirs, and where bachelors admire young ladies fresh off the train.

 This intersection is full of activity.  A well to do family has just parked their Ford Model A Coupe in the lot across the street.   The car is brand new, but you can’t tell with all the road dust.  On the opposite side of the parking lot is Babbitt’s General Store.  Some railroad men lean against its walls, eyeing the car wistfully and dreaming of fortunes they have not yet earned.  Children cluster together in an empty parking space, playing a heated game of marbles.  The Chief Ranger’s daughter  is winning, much to her brothers’ dislike.  But, oh, what is this?  A group of mule skinners and Rangers have joined the railroad men. They’re planning a bit of mischief that is a signature of the Canyon’s unique culture:

“All right, now y’all know that my misses is in charge of the afternoon weddin party at the Community Building.  There’ll be an accordion and harmonica for our dancing pleasure, and I hear tell that Shirley ordered a ham from Sears & Roebuck.  Everyone will have a respectable time and then retire.  That’s when the real fun begins, see, cause I’m in charge of the Shivaree.

Tonight, we meet here at 9 o clock.  Bring pots, pans, tins, whistles, even your shotguns.  Then, the thirty of us will fill the black night with the most terrifyin and ungodly racket imaginable.

We’ll bust in on the lucky couple’s cabin, see if we can surprise ‘em.  Then, some of us fellahs will haul John Bartholomew up to the Rim and lock him in the old bear cage.  The rest of you can throw Bernice in a wheelbarrow and roll her back and forth cross the railroad tracks till that Harvey Girl cries.  I’ve talked to the Chief Ranger, and he promised to give us two hours of mayhem ‘fore they break us up.  Yessirree, ain’t nothing like a Grand Canyon weddin night. ”

Living far away from city lights and attractions, these Villagers had to create their own fun.  They passed the time by hiking, playing music and card games, sharing meals, and occasionally heading into town. That may seem primitive, but many folks took great pleasure in the unique culture forged by this rural town.

Perhaps that’s why the locals have been so dedicated to caring for their Village, for the buildings and byways which shaped and supported their lives.  What would they do without this place?  It’s a question the locals are struggling with at the next stop of the tour.  To join them, continue west on the sidewalk.  After passing the mule barn, you’ll find yourself at the final stop, just outside of our Community Building.