Herb Ringer and his mother and father started traveling extensively after the end of WWII. Until then, most of Herb’s wanderings were in the vicinity of Reno, Nevada or the far eastern side of California. he especially loved exploring the abandoned mines and ghost towns of Nevada. But in 1946, the Ringers headed for the Grand Canyon and other parks of the Colorado Plateau. They were stunned by the Grand Canyon and Herb’s father, Joseph, recorded his thoughts in the journal that Herb gave him for Christmas 1944. Joseph would maintain that journal until his death in 1963. Many of those journal entries are included in this story.
The Ringer Family’s first big trip to Utah came in 1946. They were still driving their 1941 Lincoln Zephyr, though you will only see one photograph of it, further down in the Bryce Canyon section. Many Zephyr readers are as much in love with Herb’s cars over the decades, as they are the scenery so I have included excerpts from Joseph Ringer’s journals about both. You’ll find the history of their car purchases to be remarkably detailed. And that makes sense since most Americans then (and now) are more worried about their vehicles running than geology. Still Joseph was often overwhelmed by the beauty of the area and expressed those emotions often.
This album and the excerpts are from numerous trips that began in 1946. But most of them are from trips in the 1949 Ford Woody and the turquoise 1956 Ford truck with the camper, between 1950 and 1957. I include a couple additional photos from 1962 and one from 1965, when Herb was now traveling alone with his mother. Herb’s father died of cancer in 1963, a year before Medicare legislation was passed. Herb later told me that he spent the family’s entire life savings, $37,000 trying to save his father’s life.
And note the * (asterisk) — It’s the “complete collection…so far. I keep finding more photographs, which is always a delight to discover…JS
SPRINGDALE, UTAH…JUST WEST of ZION
The Ringers left Reno and would make their way across the southern part of Nevada to Utah, and St. George. Springdale as most of you know, is the Gateway to Zion. Herb paused here in the mid-50s to take a photo of the Main Street…
HARDY’S MARKET & the ZION PARK MOTEL…1954
This restaurant was in Springdale but Herb never identified it by name. What impressed him was the apple tree growing in front, that literally engulfed much of the diner and extended well over the roof…Springdale, Utah. 1954
“Best Food in the West”
THE CHIEF DINER: This incredibly colorful diner, that Herb noted was made from a railroad car, was in the Springdale batch of photos but never says so for sure on the slide itself. So it’s a mystery and if any Zephyr readers know the backstory on this diner please contact me. NOTE: Just after I posted this story, I received a comment from William Diehl. This diner was actually in Durango, Colorado. How it got mixed into the Zion batch, I don’t know. According to a website I just found, the diner operated into the 1980s. The sign is still intact and located somewhere in downtown Durango, but has recently come under attack for its depiction of Native Americans as being “racially insensitive.” JS
April 24, 1946. Joseph notes that they “went onto a national park called Zion…”
The road from Springdale to the Zion main entrance in 1948
ENTERING ZION NATIONAL PARK
The Zion National Park Entrance in 1948
The Ringer Family sets up camp at Zion in the shadow of The Watchman.
Herb didn’t label this slide; I’m guessing it might be the Angels landing trail? Any comments or corrections are always appreciated
A busy summer day in Zion Canyon, in the Woody. 1950
Sadie obviously took this photograph of father and son. The Ringers were ecstatic over the scenery, They would return here and to Bryce again and again over the next 15 years.
This was a tourist cabin at Zion. Pretty luxurious for 1948.
This is a bit out of order, but since it’s among the first images of the Woody, here are Joseph’s comments on the purchase of the Woody. The 1946 Ford that they traded served them well, though as you’ll see later, Joseph did not have many kind words for the 1941 Lincoln Zephyr that they purchased in 1945.
Neither Herb nor Joseph ever referred to their new car as a “Woody.” It was always the “station wagon.” This is a classic shot of two beautiful ‘objects.’ —Zion sandstone & the Ford
If you’ve been to Zion, you know what the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel is. It was built in the late 1920s and early 1930s to provide easier access to Zion from Utah communities to the east. The engineers built the tunnel so that it was always 23 feet from the edge of the canyon wall. At regular intervals, portals were cut to provide a view of Zion Canyon and to improve ventilation. For decades it was possible to park at those portals. That’s where Sadie is standing. If you look closely, at bottom left, you can see the highway as it reaches the valley below. Overwhelming crowds and oversized vehicles forced the NPS to close those parking areas many years ago.
Joseph’s journal entry as they first viewed Zion and drove the tunnel for the first time. 1946
The new-ish Ford truck at Zion. 1955
Joseph’s description of their latest acquisition. It warranted a couple journal pictures
The Ford Truck in Zion. 1957
A photograph almost suitable for a Life Magazine advertisement.
A journal entry as the Ringers prepare to leave Zion and head for Bryce.
I haven’t mentioned them until now, though I have in other Herb Ringer stories. The Ringers LOVED Burmese Cats. Over the decades, they always had a Burmese with them, and the cats, as you’ll see in a minute, even went on the trails with them. Leashed cats, not going insane. A miracle of sorts.
This is the last Zion picture. You can see Sadie and the cat. This is from 1965, when they upgraded to a van.
From Zion to Bryce Canyon…pausing at MT CARMEL JCT.
Near Mt. Carmel Jct. 1950
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Camping at Bryce with the 1941 Lincoln Zephyr. Summer 1946. Below is Joseph’s notation when they bought the Zephyr.
But apparently, the 12 cylinder Lincoln Zephyr, despite its wonderful name, was a disaster. Less than two years later, Joseph Ringer made this entry in his journal:
Until I read Joseph’s notes, I had never known this Ford was called a “Supper Car.” I think most likely he meant to write “Super.” Joseph was a brilliant musician, a master of the French Horn, and played with some of the greatest orchestras in the world. But he wasn’t the best ‘speller.’ Though this is is the only photo of the 1946 Ford, in this post. the Super Ford served them well. To me it’s almost as beautiful as The Woody.
Herb above the arch at Bryce Canyon
According to Joseph’s Journal: “This canyon is the greatest I ever seen, and is even better than Grand Canyon of Arizona. Seen all formations of red rocks & very steep going into canyon…was just spell bound all of us to see this God’s country.. We took lots of pictures from the summer house you could see for miles all around. This canyon is the greatest we have ever seen on our travels out West. The red rocks look like castles and seen snow capped peaks in the distance.”
Joseph Ringer at the foot trail tunnel.
Herb even made sure to photograph some of their “old camping gear.” From the caption on his slide, I got the impression that maybe they were ready to upgrade their equipment.
Joseph Ringer part way down the Navajo Loop trail.
Pausing for lunch at Bryce Canyon. 1952
The “crowds” on the Navajo Loop Trail. 1952
The Bryce Canyon Lodge with the 1949 Ford Station Wagon in front. Another busy summer day.
A closeup of the Lodge, the Woody and Gata, the Burmese Cat. Though she hiked the trails, she was not allowed to drive the car.
Three Herb photographs of their Woody and various campsites at Bryce. In the last photo, always eager to find a better angle, Herb climbed a pine tree to get that aerial view of their Ford and his parents
Joseph Ringer, pausing to catch his breath.
In this photo, it almost appears that Joseph is pulling Sadie up the slope. She seems to have a good grip on his sweater.
The Bryce Canyon Museum. 1950
Sadie in camp. 1952
Two young women on the Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce. They paused long enough for Herb to take these two photos. It’s difficult to see if they were flattered or annoyed.
Herb in camp. It was a tradition for Herb to have one beer every evening as the sun began to set.
The Ringers had a particular affection for chipmunks. Zephyr readers have no idea how many chipmunk slides I have culled from the master file. But then again, any friend of the Ringers is a friend of mine.
From 1965. One of Herb’s first visits to Bryce after his father died. He encountered a group of 17 campers from New York who had caravaned across the country to Bryce, all with their identical popup trailers. A luxury in those days.
1962. The store at Bryce. This would be Joseph’s last trip to Bryce.
The famous Ruby’s Inn near the east entrance to Bryce Canyon. The original hotel, built in 1916, was severely damaged in a 1984 fire, but the Inn was rebuilt and still operates today.
Herb passing through the tunnel on the Navajo Loop Trail. 1948
HERB RINGER in 1997, on his last visit to Hope Valley
For more on the life of HERB RINGER click here or on the image of Herb to read the most recent Zephyr story about Herb, called “I Longed for the Western Life. He documented the West, in words and photos for half a century. And he was my dear friend. He died on December 11, 1998— JS
Jim Stiles is the founding publisher and editor of The Zephyr (“Clinging Hopelessly to the Past Since 1989.”) cczephyr@gmail.com
TO COMMENT ON THIS STORY PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE…
The Zephyr Blue Moon Extra posts weekly, usually on Monday morning. We always post the link on The Zephyr facebook page at about 7:30 AM MST and send out the link to our email list at about 7:45 AM…But occasionally I will put the new Extra on our website the night before. If you want a sneak peak, be sure to check: https://www.canyoncountryzephyr.com/
Actually, Facebook is getting rid of “likes” for pages like The Zephyr… Instead you get to “FOLLOW” us. You can still “like” individual posts. Why they can’t justleave the site alone is beyond me, but that’s whatFacebook likes to do. ALSO NOTE: I post old photographs and stories from our 25 year old archives every day. Pictures from Herb Ringer, Edna Fridley, Charles Kreischer.. even a few old photos from my Dad. So if you want to stay caught up on our amazing historic photo collections, be sure to “follow” us on Facebook…Thanks…Jim https://www.facebook.com/FansoftheCanyonCountryZephyr/
Six years ago, The Zephyr, me & four other individuals were sued for defamation by the former Moab City Manager. Faced with mounting legal bills, my dear friends John and Isabel De Puy donated one of John’s paintings to be auctioned. ALL the proceeds went to our defense. Thanks to them, our bills were almost completely covered. Now I’d like to return the favor. Check out the link below and their online shop… JS https://www.depuygallery.com/shop.html
The roadside Indian figure is now a sign for the Toh-Atin art gallery, which represents many Native American artists. The loudest controversy about the sign flared up in 2020, with petitions and protests.
Wonderful historic photos. Bryce is my favorite. I love the magnificent scenery. I didn’t get to see the lodge, but walked on the rim in 2017. Only the GC is more beautiful and spectacular. Thanks for this article. & glimpses of the good old days.
Herb’s photos are priceless. They allow us to share his adventures and sights in a time long ago. In my childhood I could smell the hot dust of dirt paths and hear the screen doors slam. These articles give me peace of mind. Thanks.
I like the fact that we smelled the same dust of those dirt paths at “The Woods,” and could hear those same screen doors slam. I’m grateful to have been your neighbor, old friend. Except that in my mind, you will always be “David Mark,” and I’m sure I’m still “Jimbo” to you….Long ago and far away in a distant galaxy.
A wonderful retrospective tour of Bryce and Zion. Reminiscent of my own first visit with my father and brother in 1967 traveling in a Chev. Greenbrier Corvair-engine van that my dad retrofitted for camping!
I also took note of the April 10, 1947 journal entry about their visit to Bodie. I worked there as a California State Park Ranger 1973-1975. I’m curious–did Herb leave with you any Bodie photos?
Very nice; it’s truly amazing how those places look so much the same as they did seventy years ago…the only difference is the numbers and shapes of both the tourists and the vehicles. Herb and his family look like 40s movie-star private-eyes on the trail.
The third photo of Zion is of the East Rim Trail, currently closed, perhaps permanently, by a rockslide. Angels Landing is of course on the west side of Zion Canyon. In fact, I think the photo of the East Rim Trail was taken from Angels Landing.
The eighth photo of Zion was taken, I’m almost sure from the end of the Great Arch of Zion trail, which begins at the upper end of the long tunnel. I remember stopping at all the old tunnel windows, but they don’t offer that view.
Oh Bob. Now you’ve disappointed me. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. As the preacher said to the rabbi, “let us revel and rejoice in our diversity.” Personally I think it’s beautiful and pure Americana. You’ve been in the old country too long.
Fair comment, Jim. Actually, looking at it again, without wearing my ‘beer goggles’, it doesn’t seem half as gaudy. “Best Food In The West” is probably a slight exaggeration but, hey, when you’re hungry …
Your archives provide a fascinating glimpse of a world I’ll never experience in person.
So, thanks for that.
Hello Jim,
Another interesting story, with their journal entries and really neat pictures of cars and canyons. Makes me remember my first visit to Zion with my parents in 1959. IN the tunnel my dad took his hands off the wheel to pull up his pants and ran into the side of the tunnel and my mother screamed! He had taken off a few days early from his seasonal job at Glacier and we toured through the SW enroute home to Wisconsin. Great trip!
The ‘Chief Diner’ was located in Durango, and survived until the early 90’s.
Thanks for the correction. I wonder how those two images got mixed into the Zion/Springdale photos by Herb. It’s a shame it’s gone…Thanks again–JS
Here’s a link to a photo and story:
https://flashbak.com/roadside-america-a-look-at-midcentury-diners-31554/the-chief-diner-durango-co-c-1955/
The roadside Indian figure is now a sign for the Toh-Atin art gallery, which represents many Native American artists. The loudest controversy about the sign flared up in 2020, with petitions and protests.
Wonderful historic photos. Bryce is my favorite. I love the magnificent scenery. I didn’t get to see the lodge, but walked on the rim in 2017. Only the GC is more beautiful and spectacular. Thanks for this article. & glimpses of the good old days.
The lodge is still there but brown now instead of green.
Absolutely fabulous. Can hardly wait to see these on a bigger screen.
Thanks for these rides in the Time Machine!
I love looking at these beautiful old photos of a disappered world. But they always make me cry a little.
Memories of a time when you didn’t need a “timed entry permit”………
Herb’s photos are priceless. They allow us to share his adventures and sights in a time long ago. In my childhood I could smell the hot dust of dirt paths and hear the screen doors slam. These articles give me peace of mind. Thanks.
I like the fact that we smelled the same dust of those dirt paths at “The Woods,” and could hear those same screen doors slam. I’m grateful to have been your neighbor, old friend. Except that in my mind, you will always be “David Mark,” and I’m sure I’m still “Jimbo” to you….Long ago and far away in a distant galaxy.
A wonderful retrospective tour of Bryce and Zion. Reminiscent of my own first visit with my father and brother in 1967 traveling in a Chev. Greenbrier Corvair-engine van that my dad retrofitted for camping!
I also took note of the April 10, 1947 journal entry about their visit to Bodie. I worked there as a California State Park Ranger 1973-1975. I’m curious–did Herb leave with you any Bodie photos?
Love this story and all the pics! Thank you for sharing!
Very nice; it’s truly amazing how those places look so much the same as they did seventy years ago…the only difference is the numbers and shapes of both the tourists and the vehicles. Herb and his family look like 40s movie-star private-eyes on the trail.
My two favorite places on earth. Zion and Bryce. Thank you for sharing these awesome historic photos. The vehicular aspect is priceless.
The third photo of Zion is of the East Rim Trail, currently closed, perhaps permanently, by a rockslide. Angels Landing is of course on the west side of Zion Canyon. In fact, I think the photo of the East Rim Trail was taken from Angels Landing.
The eighth photo of Zion was taken, I’m almost sure from the end of the Great Arch of Zion trail, which begins at the upper end of the long tunnel. I remember stopping at all the old tunnel windows, but they don’t offer that view.
Thanks for the update and correction. I depend on you Eagle-eye commenters to find my mistakes.
Well, wherever it is, there’s no way you could miss The Chief Diner. What an eyesore.
Oh Bob. Now you’ve disappointed me. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. As the preacher said to the rabbi, “let us revel and rejoice in our diversity.” Personally I think it’s beautiful and pure Americana. You’ve been in the old country too long.
Fair comment, Jim. Actually, looking at it again, without wearing my ‘beer goggles’, it doesn’t seem half as gaudy. “Best Food In The West” is probably a slight exaggeration but, hey, when you’re hungry …
Your archives provide a fascinating glimpse of a world I’ll never experience in person.
So, thanks for that.
Keep ’em coming.
Hello Jim,
Another interesting story, with their journal entries and really neat pictures of cars and canyons. Makes me remember my first visit to Zion with my parents in 1959. IN the tunnel my dad took his hands off the wheel to pull up his pants and ran into the side of the tunnel and my mother screamed! He had taken off a few days early from his seasonal job at Glacier and we toured through the SW enroute home to Wisconsin. Great trip!