RAINBOW OF THE DESERT, ZION NATIONAL PARK Part 2
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: Rainbow of the Desert, Zion National Park, Part One. Airplane flying through clouds - relief map of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California showing locations of Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyons - airplane. “Southwest Utah, in which Zion is situated, is described as plateau country rather than a mountainous area. From the air one sees broad expanses of fairly level uplands with occasional mountainous juts and many deep canyons, the country would consist of a series of vast plains arranged one above the other like terraces. The rivers are more than half a mile below the rim rock.” Aerial views of canyons and plateaus. “Zion canyon was cut by the north fork of the Virgin River which emerges from a rocky cavern miles away from the park.’’ Aerial views of canyon - view of water running through tunnel of rock - views of running water - aerial view of canyon. “In its upper reaches, it is still a quiet stream meandering through meadows rich with bloom.” Panorama of stream and surrounding area, trees, hills - view of stream flowing through forest - ranger dipping hand in stream. “But the Virgin River still cuts just as it did centuries ago - when it leaps to sudden flood state.” River, panoramic view up cliffs - close-ups of raging water. “Gravel, sand, mud, and limey ooze, spread by seas, rivers, and winds were fused to make the mighty rocks of Zion.” Views of rocks and formations. “Antiquity is further suggested by well-preserved food caches and cliff dwellings.” Views of cliff dwellings - fire in cave - caves in side of hill - water running down side of hill. “Zion Museum exhibits recall colonizing efforts of Utah’s Latter Day Saints in silk and cotton culture.” View of mountain, plateau, trees - view of old ranch - children walking down road, old house in background - view of trees - ranger turning wooden textile machine - hands displaying fabric - ranger turning spinning wheel - hands displaying thread. “Names of Zion’s monoliths -- as Great White Throne, Angels’ Landing, etc. -- also suggest the religious influence.” Panoramic view of monoliths. “The Great White Throne best known monolith in the park.” View of Great White Throne. “Angels’ Landing rises a mere 1,500 feet above the river.” Views of Angels’ Landing. [1937]
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