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EDWIN THOMAS : 1911 ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN EAST TO WEST TRAVEL DIARY OF A NEW YORK MINING ENGINEER

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is the remarkable, original manuscript travel diary and charming relic of early 20th century Americana handwritten by Edwin Thomas who was a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and the diary covers his journey from New York out west to go to the Meeting of the Engineers in 1911. Over ten [10] pages Thomas does a super job writing a very nice account of seeing the Grand Canyon, seeing Indians, seeing the "Suicide Bridge" in Chicago and much more. Here are some snippets: Catasauqua Left home 12:35, Dale and Helen Wilson accompanying us to station. I have been peculiarly ill for about 2 weeks but have been reserving strength for this trip and started out very encouragingly I am happy to surf. Felt a wonderful sense of relief as I pulled out west-ward, for my great? Has been I would be compelled to give it up. Arrived in Chicago twenty minutes late. Mr. Sowders was at the station to meet Ed. We hired a Pierce Arrow Car and had a most beautiful ride through part of the most attractive part of the city. The pleasantest part being along the Lake Front where there were many beautiful home….The driver called our attention to Suicide Bridge where many have ended their lives. There is some one on guard day and night but in spite of this over five hundred are said to have jumped over board. Later Ed took us to the annex which was most fascinating. It was really luxurious and we saw the real life of Chicago. After roaming about for an hour seeing the sights, gay men and women etc, we drove to the Dearborn Street station where I at once recognized a member of the Engineers. Left Chicago late on account of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce and daughter who failed to make connections on account of a wreck. Made a few minutes stop at La Junta, just long enough to get a breath of fresh air and lake a part at the granite log house with its fascinating fire places and surroundings in general. At 11 AM we drew into Albuquerque, New Mexico. Where we had fifty minutes. The station and Indian room was most interesting. Finding it very warm I retired to my state room to be comfortable. By doing this I missed seeing the Indian Village at Laguna which I regretted exceedingly. Most of the passengers climbed to Adok village and returned most enthusiastic. In one house I am told they saw a sewing machine, lace curtains and everything was most emaculate. The El Tovar, Grand Canyon of Arizona Oct 3.…We had a long monstrous ride but when we reached our destination we felt doubly repaid. We lunched on the rocks over looking this grand chasm which is indescribably wonderful. A thing most thrilling and when once seen can never be forgotten. The view here not only extends across this wondrous abyss but far beyond into the painted desert. We saw where they have removed copper. Our first stop was at the Thor's Hammer of which I have a post card. I had heard much of the Canyon but to see it, ones self is the only way to realize and appreciate its wonderful grandure. As I stood on the brink of this wonderful panorama which never looks to be the same, for there are incessant changes caused by the different lights and shadows. I was told the distance across is from ten to thirteen miles. It is more than 6000 feet below the level of the plateau. We wandered into the Hopi House to watch the Indian women and men dance as well as little wee Indians who looked eagerly for dimes and nickels. Their song and dance soon grows monotonous and we remained but a short time. The El Trovar is most attractive. It is a long low rambling rustic but solidly built house. Its nature boulders and pine logs adds to its architecture….The most expert basket weavers and pottery makers are found here." The are a number of pieces of ephemera included with the group related to the meeting: manuscript Itinerary giving Thomas the Schedule from September of 1911; very nice illustrated menu from a Luncheon from October 15; menu for a Dinner on October 5th at the Sierra Madre Club; Official Program for the American Institute of Mining Engineers at the St Francis Hotel 1911; several postcards. Overall VG.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good+. Binding: Full-Leather

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