Navajo times., 1962-11-15
Of 11Page'' and Progress

~ USc USEU SO91eSS
town has sprung into existence on the north
eastern edge OF the reservation getic and
enthusiastic new town on former Navajo Tribal land
The town is Page, Arizona. The site is govern
ment land which the Tribe exchanged for McCracken
Mesa to facilitate the construction of the giant Glen
Canyon Dam.
Some 6, 900 souls make the bustling town of Page;
young, exuberant and bouncingin the fgurative
of the word You almost feel the enthusiasm as
tangible thing just you the sincerity of the
welcome extended to Navajo and nOn-NavajO alike.
The epresident of the Chamber of Commerce, George
KOury personed the progressive tone which is found
throughout the bu S in community. There two
modern and efficient large SupermarketS. The Page
Market, operated by Alton ouc h ellie and Rabbits
Market, managed by Koury. There are several fine
new motes, drug stores, clean modern restaurants,
theater, owing alley and many otherS-who all
seem to share the progressive attitude demonstrated
by the Chamber of Commerce officials.
The streets are wide and well paved. Page boasts
the largest trailer court in the wOrld-prmary for
construction workers the Glen Canyon DAM On a
high mesa with fanta site view beautiful private
homes have been built
There is public swimming pool and nine-hOle
golf course, completely handicapped and grassed.
Page also boasts another feature not open to the
general public, but which would be much in demand in
the event OF nuclear attack. This is tunnel with
25 foot dome large enough for two way We ic ular
traffic, which descends to the power plant at de-
gree angle This puts large amount of rock
and earth above the head in the lower tions and
would possibly be the safest place in Arizona hide
out in the event of such attack.
Bud Russo, Information officer for the Bureau OF
very closeywith the people of Page
in promoting Glen Canyon Dam and Page. The Page
Chamber of Commerce frequently invites groups to
visit the Area, and Russo who is a most articular
spoke for Glen Canyon, spends his weekends
guiding groups through the fabulous Glen Canyon DAM
After pacing oneself to the apathy and compacency
of older off reservations towns, Page is bit
overwhelming. few hours in Page sends on his
way exhierated with the vim, vigor and vitality of
town vsualzing bright future. AS Bill Lee one of
the towns most energetic businessmen says 'Wearent
going to sit still; we're going after business and
while expect to get lot of tour st business,
aren't going to neglect our fine Navajo customers"
The contagious optimism exhibited by Page resi-
dents has much basis in fact. Last year, there
$50, 900 visitors to the Glen Canyon Bridge (This
before Navajo Route One completely The Ameri-
canAutomobie Association predicts that there will be
five million a year travelling this route
which passes such fantastic attractions Mon
ument Valley, Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
The Navajo Tribe expects the recreational develop
ment their extensive shoreine on Lake Powell to
become one of their major assets. Advance plans
being made now recreationa and other development
in this area when the impoundment of the water by the