Toll, Roger W. bound of the West 12(2003), ABOUT THE WEST Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll ABOUT THE WEST Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll JOW. Winter 2003, Vol. 42, 82 JOW. Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. elitist havens depriving the majority of their access Rainier, Rocky Mountain, and (later) Yellowstone na- Roger W. Toll rights to the national parks. Wilderness had the taint of tional parksy believed a national park should encom- elitism and foiled the democratic principles upon which pass majestic scenery just as Mather and Albright had Chief Investigator of Proposed National Parks the national parks had been founded believed. Rarely did that view include entire ecological Toll maintained his headquarters at Mount Rainier units. Therefore, as a result of his preconceived ideas, National Park, but upon his transfer to Rocky Mountain Toll remarked that the NPS did not regard the area as a and Monuments: Setting the Standards for National Park, he requested and received permission "suitable" candidate, The superintendent noted that if it from Mather to establish a dual headquarters, a summer had been accepted as a national park, it would have America's National Park System office in Rocky Mountain and a winter office in Denver. "seriously impaired" the criteria employed to judge Dietmar Schneider-Hector The harsh winters accompanied by forced park closures potential national parks. The problem, of course, rested and low visitation necessitated only minimum park staf- with the undefined criteria upon which he had based his fing. Accordingly, the superintendent believed the win- assessment. He concluded that if Quachita had entered Mr. Toll at present is away on an inspection trip ter headquarters would allow him to tackle the adminis- the NPS, it would have established the precedent for cre- Roger Toll's clerk in Denver, Colorado trative backlog that had accumulated during the hectic ating "inferior national parks" no longer containing "su- March 12, 1934 tourist season. It also afforded him the opportunity to perlative" areas of any "national importance." Naturally, meet federal and state officials "with whom we have Toll employed the qualities contained within "The T HE National Park Service's (NPS) creation on business and of establishing wider and better contacts Incomparable Circle," that is, America's premier nation- August 25, 1916, reflected the importance of that were useful in many ways." The superintendent al parks, to dismiss Quachita. preserving landscapes for their own intrinsic confronted a hectic administrative time schedule during Toll recalled that incessant political influence had qualities as well as for the benefits Americans derived the Denver duty. been generated in Congress to pass the legislation nec- from their "playgrounds." The NPS's mandate differed Toll's initiation as a park inspector began in 1928 essary to establish Quachita National Park. He stated sharply from the U.S. Forest Service's utilitarian mis- when Mather and Albright directed him to inspect the that the Quachita proposal had been "one of the most sion. The NPS's first decade had brought formidable proposed Quachita National Park, an area encompassing stubbornly fought" attacks to lower national park stan- challenges to the embryonic federal agency. NPS direc- Roger Toll (I.). and Horace Albright (r.) at Yellowstone 1930. 170,000 acres within Quachita National Forest, Arkan- dards so that a town could benefit "at federal expense." tor Stephen T. Mather and his field assistant Horace M. Yellowstone National Park, RG 79, National Archives The superintendent concluded Quachita should be He took comfort knowing that his adverse report had and Records Administration, Yellowstone National Park Albright had set the tone of the NPS agenda. The direc- rejected as an NPS candidate because the U.S. Forest helped defeat the plan. The inspection also familiarized tor and his selected subordinates shared similar views Service had plans for developing the area and the site him with the political power regional boosters could about the characteristics and the qualifications necessary ented, conservationist. He subscribed to the idea that did not possess the qualities of a national park. Toll held wield to secure their playground. Unlike many boosters for entry into the National Park System whether as a national parks should encompass the spectacular fea- lofty expectations of the characteristics that a national of rejected sites, the Arkansans wholeheartedly en- park, reservation, or national monument. These men re- tures of a landscape thereby echoing his superiors' park should possess because of his experiences at Mount dorsed the Forest Service's recreational plans for the garded themselves as pioneers blazing new administra- views His view reflected the generally accepted notion area. They envisioned greater economic possibilities for tive and conservation trails. One of these NPS pioneers, that excluded entire ecological landscapes, believed Roger Toll. their playground. Roger Walcott Toll, would play an instrumental role in that the national parks should be developed for the pub- Yellowstone Toll had learned the economic impact that Mount National Park, RG defining the composition of the National Park System. lic but too much development should be avoided when- 79, National Rainier, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone national Toll had become involved with the NPS as a result of ever possible. The superintendent argued that a park's Archives parks had upon the regional communities; consequently, and Records his acquaintance with Albright in Colorado and from a development must never detract or scar the landscape Administration he understood the power of his new duty as chief inves- meeting with NPS officials in Washington, D.C. Army because future generations of Americans were entitled Yellowstone tigator. Regional boosters broadcast their drawing cards, National Park Major Toll corresponded with Albright during the war to "the quiet dignity of our forests and the rugged that is, their natural attraction for tourist dollars. If the years and fortunately met Albright on several occasions. grandeur" of the lofty mountains H endorsed preserva- area received "national" park or monument (preferably Albright recalled that the major possessed admirable tionist ideals, but not in the John Muir tradition. He park) designation, economic prosperity for the region personal traits and conservation views. Also, Albright emphasized that the function of the parks must reflect loomed on the horizon. However, if a landscape failed to had been impressed favorably by his avid outdoor the democratic principles of the nation,) that is, garner "national" designation of any type, then boosters knowledge and enthusiasm for nature.Toll had moved to America's premier landscapes - the Jewels of resigned themselves to creating purely local play- Hawaii to study volcanoes following his release from scenery" must be available for everyone to experi- grounds. active when Mather prepared to travel to ence. The superintendent followed the Quachita tour by Hawaii, Albright had written Toll a letter of introduction Toll acknowledged that national parks should pro- inspecting two other proposed national parks, Hills in and suggested to Mather that he visit Toll. Upon his mote cultural nationalism. The parks should allow visi- Missouri and Ozarks in Arkansas. He deemed both areas arrival in Hawaii, Mather interviewed Toll for the super- tors opportunities to experience them in a variety of undesirable prospects because they did not possess the intendent vacancy at Mount Rainier National Park. ways: by automobile, by horseback, or simply by hiking. necessary "qualifications" that a national park should Albright recalled that Toll had "impressed" the director Therefore parks should provide roads, horseback trails, contain The reasons for denial echoed the discredited so much that he had hired Toll during the visit. Toll and hiking paths. Toll's promotion of park development 1921 All-Year National Park, New Mexico, proposal accepted Mather's offer and on May 29, 1919, entered never included uniform application in any park. He that had been the personal project of Interior Secretary the NPS as superintendent of Mount Rainier National asserted that if national park superintendents failed to Albert B. Fall.° Park. He remained at Mount Rainier until October 1920 develop their areas, then all that would remain in a park Roger Toll had been informed that his tasks as when he received his appointment as superintendent of would be wilderness Toll concluded that creating superintendent of Yellowstone National Park would Rocky Mountain National Park wilderness national parks did not serve the best interest include supplemental duties to inspect proposed nation- Roger Toll was a pragmatic, not a theoretical ori- of the American people He regarded wilderness areas as al parks and monuments during the winter months. He 84 JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 ABOUT THE WEST - Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll ABOUT THE WEST - Schneider-Hector Roger W. Toll JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 85 Roger Toll's boarded a California-bound train. Toll, accompanied by The Albright era has evolved as a watershed in NPS NPS headquarters for a proposed national park in the official N. F. Daum, Yellowstone National Park assistant; H. B. photograph history. Historian Richard A. Bartlett accurately por- Florida everglades. The inspection committee initially Yellowstone Hommon, sanitary engineer of the U.S. Public Health trays the Albright regime as a time of transformation, chartered an airplane to conduct an aerial reconnais- National Park, Service; and Kenneth C. McCarter, assistant landscape RG 79, National notably a change from a "small service of dedicated men sance of the area but later hired a dirigible so the team Archives architect, proceeded to Old Faithful, Lake Yellowstone, to a major government bureau staffed with career could have a better panoramic view. The group contin- and Records Administration, Sylvan Pass Station, Canyon, and then returned to Mam- employees concerned with their own futures. "19 He ued their travel by houseboat on the rivers, thereby Yellowstone moth noted that one indication of the change was the central- allowing them a close view of the everglades. According National Toll maintained his busy schedule touring Yellow- ization of power created by Albright. Superintendents to Albright, everyone noted the area's diverse flora and stone National Park. Unexpectedly, he received orders were losing their influence and power in important NPS fauna. Upon the completion of their inspection, the NPS from Albright to select seven rangers and proceed to matters. Bartlett referred to Toll as a "transition" super- submitted its recommendation for Everglades National Glacier National Park to assist in the suppression of the intendent because of his association with the first NPS Park to the House of Representatives Committee on raging summer fires. 4 Toll interrupted his Yellowstone hierarchy. Unquestionably, Bartlett correctly identifies Public Lands for review. Undoubtedly, Toll acquired activities and led his rangers on their fire-fighting as- Toll as a transitory figure in that context; however, he additional knowledge from Albright for the desirable signment.On September 13, 1929, following his return emerged as the principal individual responsible for the qualifications for potential NPS sites. After a brief stay to Yellowstone, Toll traveled to Livingston to welcome NPS's land acquisition inspections from 1928 to 1935. in Washington, D.C., to confer with Albright, Toll Secretary of the Interior Ray L. Wilbur, Director Al- Albright's plans for the national park system entailed returned to Denver on February bright, and Assistant Interior Secretary Northcutt Fly to increasing the number of inspections of prospective NPS Toll's duties as Albright's chief investigator/earne the Eleventh Annual National Park Superintendents' lands. The director had firsthand experience inspecting him the admiration and respect of his colleagues. ² In Conference, scheduled for September 18-25, 1929. areas in the West during Stephen Mather's tenure. Al- addition, his work in this capacity would be completed noted that Albright had received similar assignments Fortunately for Toll, he had a talented and loyal staff that bright, as superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, principally during the winter and spring months After during his tenure at Yellowstone; therefore, Toll's tasks ensured the conference functioned smoothly. Important had served also as the field assistant to the director; but spending the winter season (1931) in Denver, Toll would not be inconsistent with the Yellowstone superin- members of the NPS hierarchy also attended the confer- now, as director in his own right, Albright continued his arrived at Yellowstone on May 6, 1931, but remained in tendency. ence, as well as many of the national park superinten- active role inspecting potential NPS sites. The director the park briefly. He departed to inspect the proposed As an NPS superintendent, Toll understood the im- dents and Superintendent Frank Pinkley, of the South- decided that Toll should play a similar role as he had Upper Mississippi Valley National Park, but concluded portance of cultivating positive relations with communi- western National Monuments. The attendees were given played to Mather; that is, Toll became his chosen chief that it did not hold any national interest, thus failing to ties near a national park. Consequently, Toll visited Liv- a tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, investigator of possible national parklands. Albright meet the standards of established national parks. Subse- ingston, Helena, Great Falls, Butte, and Missoula to pro- and when the conference ended, everyone agreed that it trusted Toll's judgment and relied upon him for accurate quently he attended the State Parks Conference in St. mote cooperative relationships with the local Montana had been a successful meeting. Immediately following and sound evaluations. The director regarded his chief Louis from May 27-29, After his return to Yel- chambers of commerce. He attended meetings with the conference's adjournment, Toll and Thomas Boles, investigator a stalwart in the NPS in whom he placed his lowstone, Toll visited Old Faithful and Canyon. He and Montana state officials, U.S. Forest Service rangers, and Custodian of Carlsbad Caverns National Monument, de- complete confidence. Thomas Vint, NPS landscape architect, examined sever- Bureau of Public Roads managers. He returned to Den- parted to inspect the soon to be abolished (1937) Lewis As Albright's chief investigator of potential NPS can- al structural problems at several buildings at Mammoth, ver after the meetings to accompany his family to Yel- and Clark Cavern National Monument and subsequently didates, Toll remained vigilant; that is, inspecting the proposed Golden Gate road, and the museum at lowstone. Prior to his departure, Toll discussed NPS visited Big Hole Battlefield National Monument. Toll Yellowstone or investigating proposed sites throughout Fishing Bridge. Toll's summer stay was brief, because issues with federal civil service officers. ¹² consulted U.S. Forest Service rangers in Bitterroot Na- the United States. On January 1, 1930, Toll left Denver by the end of June 1931 he was on the road again in- Toll's first year as superintendent of Yellowstone Na- tional Forest about their serious mountain pine beetle to meet the director in Washington, D.C., to discuss specting sites in Missouri and Iowa The superintendent tional Park was a frantic time. He had to learn the ad- infestation problem on his return trip.1 The untiring arrangements for Toll to accompany him on a Florida returned to Yellowstone on October 5, 1931, and imme- ministrative requirements of Yellowstone as well as con- superintendent continued his harried pace. inspection tou Perhaps this was an early indication that diately learned that John D. Rockefeller. Jr.. and his tend with Albright's frequent visits to the park. He noted Albright also maintained a busy itinerary during his Albright was grooming Toll to succeed him as director wife had arrived in Livingston, Montana, to tour Yellow- in one report that the director's presence had increased first year as director; it included his Washington admin- The superintendent, accompanied by Albright and mem- stone. Toll drove promptly to Livingston to accompany the administrative workload of the stenographic staff to istrative duties as well as NPS field operations. On July bers of the Educational Advisory Committee, departed them to the park. He understood the necessity to extend the limit. At times it might have appeared to Toll that 29, 1929, he had been present during Grand Teton Na- Albright considered Yellowstone his personal Western tional Park's dedication, and played a major role in se- office. curing additional land for Jackson Hole He had accom- On June 20, 1929, Toll supervised the 57th anniver- panied the Yellowstone Boundary Commission survey- sary of the park ceremonies held at Gallatin Gateway, ing the upper Yellowstone River area; examined the pro- which only added to his administrative agenda. The posed lands for Great Smoky Mountains and Shenan- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railway offi- doah national parks: inspected Grand Teton, Bryce, cials coordinated the program that included entertain- Zion, the North Rim of Grand Canyon; and visited the ment provided by the Terry (Montana) Cowboy Band planned Boulder Dam site with Interior Secretary Ray and 50 Flathead tribal members. Toll welcomed the Lyman Wilbur. According to Albright, Assistant Direc- large enthusiastic crowd and many dignitaries, including tor Arno B. Cammerer's sound management in Wash- Director Albright; H. A. Scandrett, president of the ington, D.C., had allowed the director to inspect many Milwaukee Railroad; and Major Evan Kelley, district prospective NPS sites, as well as potential park addi- forester. Toll escorted Albright throughout the park, to tions. Albright set the tone of his directorship by dis- Jackson Hole and the nearby towns of Livingston, Mon- playing an assertive role, thereby ensuring that his sub- tana, and Cody, Wyoming. Six days later, Toll bid fare- ordinates played an active part in supervising their Horace M. Albright (I.) and Amo Cammerer. Stephen T. Mather at Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park, RG 79, National Archives Yellowstone National Park, RG 79, National Archives well to Albright at West Yellowstone where the director assigned national parks. and Records Administration, Yellowstone National Park and Records Administration, Yellowstone National Park 86 JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 ABOUT THE WEST Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll ABOUT THE WEST Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42. No. 87 extraordinary attention to such influential and political- the superintendent that his office would be available if 12-14, 1935, in El Paso, Texas. W. B. McDougall, NPS ly powerful guests. The superintendent escorted the he or any of his staff required assistance. couple to Lake where he bid them farewell. They pro- wildlife technician; Brown W. Randel, U.S. Biological The superintendent did not shirk his responsibilities. Survey; Daniel F. Galicia, assistant chief of the Mexican ceeded to Grand Teton National Park while he departed He responded quickly to the agents' derisive report by the following day to visit Devil's Tower National Monu- Forestry, Fish, and Game Department; and Juan A. That- defending his park. He argued that his staff had per- ment, Wyoming, and to inspect Craters of the Moon cher, Forest, Fish, and Game inspector for Chihuahua, formed their duties "with a high degree of industry, loy- National Monument, Idaho. By the end of the month, a Mexico, attended the conference where they agreed to alty, and honesty for the welfare of the park, the NPS, inspect Espuelas Mountain in northern Mexico. The weary Toll returned to his winter office in Denver. the Department, and the public interest." He stated The superintendent's monthly reports reveal the/busy attendees concluded that the area did not have premier unequivocally that he welcomed the audit because it had traveling schedule of Yellowstone's seasonal absentee qualities recommending it as an international park. been neglected for many years; therefore, if any blame However, McDougall suggested the committee review superintendent. During Toll's prolonged absences, sev- were placed at his door, he would not accept sole re- eral important subordinates had filled the void in the the area as a potential international wildlife refuge en- sponsibility. This was an indirect reference to Albright's compassing lands in New Mexico, Arizona, and Sonora administrative supervision; namely, Guy D. Edwards, tenure as Yellowstone superintendent, Toll tactfully and Chihuahua, Mexico. ¹8 George Baggley, Joseph Joffe, and J. W. Emmert. They acknowledged that the problems would be corrected but refused to accept the blame for the scathing audit's con- George Wright (I.). Roger Toll (3rd from right). Assistant Director In October 1935, Toll received his winter itinerary of performed their duties as best as they could in spite of the increasing administrative workload. The burden of National Park Service Conrad Wirth (on Toll's right side), and mem- proposed inspection sites. He anticipated that the list clusions; instead he noted that "some errors of judgment bers of the International Park Commission at Big Bend, Texas. arranging work schedules while encountering continu- would "fully occupy all available time between now and and procedure have been made but it is worthy of Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service, Harpers Ferry, WV the opening of the spring season in Yellowstone. ous personnel turnover hampered the acting superinten- comment that no individual is charged with taking committee known the International Park Commis- dents. Morale problems plagued the administrative staff improper action for personal profit." The superinten- possess a "genuine national interest just as national as they observed that the assistant superintendents also sion, appointed by Secretary of State Cordell Hull as dent recommended that financial audits should be con- parks. The national monument category included di- requested by Interior Secretary Harold Ickes and ap- made numerous official trips outside of Yellowstone ducted annually. Surprisingly, Cammerer did not repri- verse geological, historical, and scientific holdings. proved by President Franklin Roosevelt, met a similar while they were restricted to office duties. The acting su- mand Toll; instead he continued to support Toll by Because no specific criteria identified the necessary pre- perintendents also conducted numerous trips to Living- Mexican committee to study the feasibility of establish- retaining him in his dual capacity. Understandably he requisites for national monuments, Toll's decisions were ston to attend official functions. The monthly reports ing international parks and wildlife refuges along the dared not antagonize Toll about issues that he knew Toll subjective. His interpretation of the definition of "gen- record repeated inspections by Toll and Edwards upon U.S.-Mexico border. The American contingent included did not exercise daily supervision over. Toll continued to uine national interest" and how it might be incorporated their return to Yellowstone. Occasionally, the four prin- Roger Toll; George Wright, chief of the NPS Wildlife perform his duties as superintendent and chief investiga- within one of those classifications would decide the fate cipal Yellowstone administrators traveled together to in- Division; Herbert Maier, regional officer of Emergency tor to the best of his ability in spite of the administrative of proposed areas. For example, he considered the pre- Civil Works; Conrad Wirth, assistant NPS director; and spect the park. These constant inspection trips offer the difficulties. Columbian at Utah as impression that these men preferred to be in the park, Ira Gabrielson, chief of the Bureau of Biological Survey. Roger Toll had investigated more than 129 sites for excellent an indigenous Toll received the appointment as the leader of the U.S. that is, actively involved in the field instead of being possible inclusion in the National Park System from American did not confined conducting operations from an office. How- delegation because of his field expertise. On February May 1928 until his untimely death on February 25, hold National ever, the continuous trips could imply a lack of man- 17, 1936, the committee met in Alpine, Texas, then pro- 1936. Overwhelmingly, many of the inspected areas had Park monument agement supervision required at a time when adminis- ceeded to the Big Bend country and the adjacent region been rejected or had been considered only as extensions candidates not rec- trative problems had worsened. Toll's winter and spring in Mexico. Wirth left the group following the inspection. to current NPS holdings. Toll's inspections and recom- commendation not possess an absences undoubtedly had a detrimental impact upon his He proceeded to the Big Bend Civilian Conservation mendations carried weight with the NPS director who intrinsic a attraction. "sufficient System. unique Toll representations culture, he artwork special because inspected had The feature national but submitted majority quality Dry Toll concluded required did interest" Fork of felt of of favorable national they the of Pictographs receive to that ancient national did national enter the importance; reports favorable the site in acting superintendents and his clerical staff. The pattern Corps camp, then returned to Washington, D.C. Follow- relied heavily upon his chief field investigator. Toll sub- However, on sites of a divided Yellowstone command structure continued ing Wirth's departure, Toll and his associates traveled mitted adverse reports for sites that he believed held no containing a for to confront the park staff as well as Toll. to El Paso, Texas, after completing their tour. They national interest, such as, Palo Duro Canyon, Texas. example, Fort Union, White Sands, Great Sand Dunes, Superintendent Toll's prolonged absences led to arrived at noon, remaining briefly in El Paso where Occasionally, however, if a potential candidate lay near Capitol Reef, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.3 Toll unforescen consequences. In 1935, Yellowstone Nation- several new individuals joined the motorcade. The com- an adjacent national park, instead of rejecting the site, he ensured that sites in national parks and national monu- al Park received two unannounced visitors, namely NPS mittee decided to continue its inspections of Ajo would recommend its inclusion into the existing nation- ments were considered America's best landscapes; Special Agents A. J. S. Eccleston and George T. Patter- Mountains in Arizona and Mexico for park consid- al park. For example, the Guadalupe Mountains and the therefore, approved areas joined the select company of eration, and the Hatchet Mountains in New Mexico's son of the Division of Investigations. The two agents Southeastern portion of Lincoln National Forest were the National Park System. conducted a thorough financial investigation of Yellow- cases where he recommended both areas as additions to In early November 1935, Toll reflected upon his role stone noting the following discrepancies: official stamps Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Another determina- as the NPS's chief investigator of proposed parklands. had not been recorded; failure of the disbursing officer tion rested with the question, how does the federal gov- He stated that "the mission of the national parks is to to tally and safeguard money properly; falsification of ernment acquire the land for an area recommended for provide, not cheap amusement, but healthful recrea- vouchers in order to remain within park appropriations; national park status, for example, Big Bend in Texas? tion He emphasized that it had been important for NPS personnel occupying government housing without Toll agreed that Big Bend held an area of national inter- his credibility to acquaint himself with America's major payment; meal prices increased to collect surplus est and unique diversity worthy of national park status. "scenic, historic, prehistoric, and scientific" landscapes. money; failure to charge labor costs to the correct ac- Once the federal government resolved the land issue, He considered it a requirement to know the history of a count; and no enforcement of government policy to Big Bend National Park became a reality on June 20, proposed area so he could determine if it contained force employees to pay or replace lost equipment 1935. some "outstanding national value." NPS Director Cammerer received the agents' findings, The superintendent's task had included inspecting Toll directives also entailed inspecting potential inter- he informed Toll that their report indicated that many sites for national monument consideration. too. Toll be- national parks in collaboration with Mexican officials George Wright (far right), Roger Toll (4th from left), Conrad Wirth park practices were "not in harmony with good admin- lieved that national monuments in contrast with nation- who had expressed interest in establishing international (4th from right), and International Park Commission colleagues at istration and the policies of the Service." He reminded al parks should highlight one major attraction as well as Boquillas, Mexico, on February 19, 1936. parks. That culminated in meetings during October Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service. Harpers Ferry, WV 88 JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 ABOUT THE WEST - Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll ABOUT THE WEST Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 89 boot-heel country and the adjacent Mexican area as a prospective NPS candidates located throughout the Toll's Inspections of Proposed National Parks, Nov. 5 Florissant Petrified Forest, Colorado wildlife refuge.40 United States. He based his decisions upon his early Monuments, and Land Extensions Nov. 6 Arches National Monument, Utah As the group proceeded toward Tucson, Arizona, Toll "The following is a chronological list of the reports that I have Nov. 7 Colorado outdoor excursions, his professional field Yampa Canyon (preliminary), Colorado prepared with reference to areas proposed for national parks and Nov. 8 Wayne Wonderland (preliminary), Utah Wright rode together in one car and were followed experiences, and the views held by his mentors. As a monuments and also existing national monuments. These reports are Nov. 19 Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky by W. B. McDougall and W. B. Bell of the Biological result of Toll's dedication to the NPS and his interpreta- all available in the National Park Service, Washington, D.C." Nov. 21 Mammoth Cave, Kentucky ROGER W. TOLL Dec. 6&7 Survey in a second car.4 Toll and Wright had known tion of the desirable national park or national monument Historical National Monuments, General each other for many years as a result of Wright's numer- characteristics, many unspectacular sites or local play- 1933 Date of grounds were eliminated as potential NPS candidates Report Mar. 7 ous research projects at Yellowstone. Tragedy struck the Area and State Cactus Area (supplemental), Arizona Mar. 21 Channel Islands, California party at approximately noon, on February 25, 1936. As while the spectacular, majestic, or unique areas possess- 1928 Mar. 22 Cactus Area (supplemental), Arizona the survey party approached Deming, New Mexico, an ing national significance entered the NPS based upon his May 30 Quachita Mountains, Arkansas Mar. 28 Palm Canyon (Riverside County), California June 18 Shepherd of the Hills, Missouri Mar. 29 Kofa Mountains, Arizona oncoming car had a tire blowout, causing it to crash into recommendations. The superintendent had played a June 22 Northwestern Arkansas, Arkansas Mar. 30 Borego Palm Canyon, California Toll's automobile. The impact killed Toll instantly while decisive role in defining the types of landscapes eligible July 23 Verendrye National Monument, North Dakota Mar. 31 Thousand Palms, California Wright died two hours later.4 for entry into the NPS He had continued the legacies of July 23 Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska Apr. 3 Sand Hills, California Aug. 17 Killdeer Mountains, North Dakota Apr. 12 Painted Canyon, California Sadly, Toll and Wright had sacrificed their lives in Stephen Mather and Horace Albright by ensuring that Aug. 31 Roosevelt (Badlands), North Dakota Apr. 17 Morongo Pass & Devils Garden, California vain. The proposals for the international parks lingered only the proper landscapes joined the National Park Nov. 23 Teton (Badlands), South Dakota Apr. 18 Red Rock Canyon, California and eventually were scrapped because of the delays in System. While other NPS investigators continued the 1929 Apr. 19 Abo Spanish Ruins, New Mexico establishing Big Bend National Park and the beginning process of inspecting possible lands for the NPS after Oct. Lewis & Clark Cavern Nat'l Monument, Montana Apr. 30 Mystic Maze, California Nov. 15 Timpanogas Cave Nat'l Monument (USFS), Utah Apr. 21 Giant Pictographs, California of World War II. America and Mexico placed a low pri- his death, no one would achieve or enjoy the stature Nov. 18 Jewel Cave National Monument (USFS), South Dakota Apr. 24 Harquahala Mountains, Arizona ority on creating the border parks. However, Mexico Roger Toll had attained as the NPS's chief investigator Nov. 22 Hallows Mountains, Oregon May 3 Joshua Tree Area, California, Arizona, Nevada unilaterally established Pinacate National Park adjacent of proposed national parks and monuments) Thus the Nov. 29 Dinosaur National Monument, Utah May 4 Cabrillo Nat'l Monument (War Dept.), California Nov. 30 Fossil Cycad National Monument, South Dakota Sept. 20 Snake River Canyon, Wyoming to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and recently unheralded Roger Toll has evolved as the pivotal admin- Dec. 18 Yampa Canyon, Colorado 1930 proposed Sierra Del Carmen National Park, south of Big istrator responsible for implementing the national park Dec. 21 Nine Mile Canyon, Utah Jan. 16 Hallows Mountains (supplemental), Oregon Dec. 22 Bend National Park. Environmentalists and park enthu- Dry Fork, Pictographs of, Utah and monument categories and helping to establish the Mar. 20 Hooker Hammock, Florida 1934 siasts anticipate that Sierra Del Carmen and Big Bend standards for inspecting prospective NPS nominees dur- Apr. 26 Everglades, Florida Nov. 26 Bandelier National Monument (USFS), New Mexico Feb. 21 Guadalupe Mountains, Texas national parks could evolve as the "International Park of ing the agency's formative years. Toll filled an important Mar. 3 Big Bend, Texas the Rio Grande. " The fruition of U.S.-Mexico interna- 1931 niche in defining the qualifications for entry into Mar. 7 Palo Duro Canyon, Texas Apr. Great Sand Dunes, Colorado Mar. 29 tional parks remains to be fulfilled. America's early National Park System. Spanish Diggings, Wyoming Apr. 23 Death Valley, California Apr. 7 Desert Plant Area, California When Cammerer learned of his men's deaths, he or- Apr 28 Navajo Country, Arizona, Utah Apr. Desert Plant Area (supplemental), California dered Yellowstone National Park Acting Superintendent ACKNOWLEDGMENT May 1 Moapa Valley, Nevada Apr. 13 Wayne Wonderland, Utah Emmert to attend Toll's funeral in Denver and ordered I would like to thank Lee Whittlesey, historian; Alissa Cherry, May 9 Boulder Dam Region, Nevada, Arizona Apr. 16 Desert Plant Area (supplemental), California librarian; and Sean Cahill, photo archivist, at Yellowstone National May 15 Meteor Crater, Arizona Apr. 17 Pikes Stockade, Colorado Yellowstone's flags flown at half-mast for 30 days. The Park. I also wish to thank Tom Durant, photo archivist/historian, June 26 Tower Rock, Missouri Apr. 19 San Rafael Canyon, Utab close-knit NPS personnel of the Mather, Albright, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; and Eric Bittner, archivist at the June 26 Fort Atkinson, Iowa Apr. 21 Padre Island, Texas National Archives and Records Center, Rocky Mountain Region, Oct. Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming Cammerer years were affected emotionally because they Apr. 24 Palm Grove, Texas Denver, Colorado. These individuals provided invaluable help to Oct. 8 Mississippi River Valley, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, etc. Apr. 25 Frio Canyon, Texas had lost a member of the "family." The funeral services complete this project. A special thanks goes to Gayle P. Hector of Oct. 15 Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho Apr. 25 Yampa Canyon (supplemental), Colorado were held at St. John's Cathedral, on February 28, 1936, Hillsboro, New Mexico, for typing this manuscript. Dec. 2 Comstock Lode, Nevada Apr. 27 Davis Mountains, Texas Dec. 11 Spa (Steamboat Springs), Nevada with NPS personnel acting as pallbearers. Memorial ser- May 15 Perpetual Ice Cave, New Mexico 1932 June vices were also held on March 2, 1936, in Livingston, NOTES Big Hom Canyon, Wyoming, Montana 1. Horace Marden Albright, The Birth of the National Park Service: Jan. 11 Carlsbad Caverns Nat'l Park Extension, New Mexico Nov. 22 Stratford Hall, Virginia where Toll's friends paid their final respects. Roger Nov. 24 The Founding Years 1913-33 (Salt Lake City, UT: Howe Jan. 20 Guadalupe Mountains (preliminary), Texas Bladensfield, Virginia Toll's death deeply affected his family, the Yellowstone Brothers, 1985), Jan. 29 White Sands, New Mexico Nov. 25 (Roger Walcott Toll was born in Denver, James Monroe Birthplace, Virginia Colorado, on October 17, 1883. He attended Denver University Feb. 6 Oregon Caves Nat'l Monument (USFS), Oregon Nov. 26 Dismal Swamp, Virginia, North Carolina staff, his colleagues, and his many local friends. Emmert Feb. 10 Pyramid Lake, Nevada Nov. 26 (1901-1903) and Columbia University earning a civil engineer Cape Hatteras, North Carolina expressed his feelings in his official monthly report. He degree in 1906. Toll worked as an engineer for a variety of agen- Feb. 15 Lava Beds National Monument (USFS), California Nov. 27 Dogue Mill, Virginia wrote that "in the passing of Superintendent Toll the cies that included Massachusetts State Board of Health (1907); Feb 18 Lehman Caves Nat'l Monument (USFS), Nevada 1935 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (Alaska 1908); Denver Feb. 27 Archaeological, New Mexico Yellowstone, the National Park Service, and the country Jan. 29 Fort Hall, Idaho Tramway Company: and the U.S. Army as an Ordnance officer Mar. 14 Colossal Cave, Arizona Feb. 21 Fort Caroline, Florida at large has lost a faithful servant, a fine executive, a de- Toll's immediate family included his wife Marguerite Cass Toil Mar. 21 Painted Desert, Arizona Mar. 14 Everglades (photos). Florida voted husband and father, a lover of the great outdoors, and children, Donald, Natalie, and Roger, Jr. Superinten- Mar. 22 Montezuma Well, Arizona Mar. 21 Fort Jefferson, Florida and a most lovable character." Among the many tele- nt-Yellowstone National Park-Monthly Report (S-YNP-MR) Mar. 22 Picture Rocks, Arizona Mar. 29 Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia 1936 Mar. 5, 1936, and Horace M. Albright, Marian Mar. 22 Crystal Cave, Arizona Apr. Pensacola Beach Project, Florida grams of condolences, one stood apart from the rest. Albright Schenck, and Robert M. Uttley, Creating the National Mar. 23 Arizona National Park, proposed, Arizona Apr. 8 Fountain of Youth, Florida Toll's colleague John R. White, superintendent of Se- Park Service: The Missing Years (Norman: University of Mar. 23 Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona Apr. Will Rogers, Oklahoma Oklahoma Press, 1999), 331. Mar. 23 Tonto National Monument (USFS), Arizona quoia National Park, reflected upon his friend's death, Apr. 10 Alamance, North Carolina 2. Roger W. Toll, address at National Park Superintendents' Mar. 31 Cactus Area, Arizona Apr. 18 Old Fort at New Smyma, Florida and succinctly penned, "Goodbye to Roger Toll A Apr. 27 Redwood Belt, California Conference, at Yosemite National Park, Nov. 13-17, 1922. June 25 Red Rock Lakes, Montana Man Who Matched His Mountains Explanatory letter Dec. 1, 1922. Larry M. Dilsaver, ed., Ameri- Apr. 29 Calistoga Petrified Forest, California Aug. 19 Capitol Reef, Utah Lake Tahoe, California, Nevada Roger W. Toll had implemented the accepted nation- ca's National Park System: The Critical Documents (Lanham, Apr. 30 Aug. 20 Big Hole Battlefield, Montana MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 1994), 57-61. May Royal Gorge, Colorado Sept. 5 Green River, Colorado, Utah al park views held by Stephen T. Mather, Horace M. 3. Ibid. June 16 Colorado River Withdrawn Area, Arizona, Nevada Sept. Organ Pipe Cactus, Arizona Albright, and Arno B. Cammerer. Toll emerged as a de- 4. Roger Toll memo to A. J. S. Eccleston and George T. Patter- Oct. 26 Kolob Canyons, Utah Sept. 11 Game Reservations, General Oct. 31 Cedar Breaks, Utah pendable, loyal, and honest superintendent and chief son, Nov. 5, 1935, Western History Dept., Denver Public Sept. 12 Kofa Mountains, Arizona Library. Nov. 1 Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado Sept. 16 investigator upon whom the directors could rely En- Nov 2 5. "Supplementary List of Reports on Areas Proposed for Inclusion Roosevelt Radium Hot Springs, Utah Zion Nat'l Monument (Kolob Canyon), Utah Sept. 21 Colorado River Exclusion, Utah thusiastically, Toll had assumed the task of inspecting Nov. 3 within the National Park System," Denver, National Archives Church Butte, Wyoming Oct. 10 Gates of the Mountains, Montana Nov. 4 Johnson Canyon Pictographs, Utah Oct. 16 Absaroka (Crazy Mountains), Montana 90 - JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 ABOUT THE WEST - Schneider-Hector: Roger W. Toll JOW, Winter 2003, Vol. 42, No. 1 - 91 and Records Center (NARC), Record Group (RG) 79, box 15, file 30. Toll memo to A. B. Cammerer, Jan. 17, 1936. Two Interior De- 27-53. partment special agents had also interviewed Toll on November 6. Toll memo to Eccleston and Patterson, ibid. "The Incomparable 5, 1935, requesting a complete winter itinerary. Toll memo to KANSAS WESTERN HISTORY Circle" includes Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Director NPS, Nov. 11, 1935, YNP, NARA, RG 79, box A-82, Sequoia, Yosemite Valley, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier, Glacier, and correspondence 1936. Yellowstone national parks. Henry Ottridge Reik, A Tour of 31. Judith K. Fabry, "Guadalupe Mountains National Park: An America's National Parks (New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., Administrative History," Southwestern Cultural Resources RED LODGE 1920), 11-20. Center Professional Papers No. 19, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1988. Americanizino Promised Lands the Mythic 7. Ibid. Congress established Guadalupe Mountains National Park in 8. Inspection Reports, NARC, RG 79, box 15, file 27-53. 1972. 9. Ibid; also see. Dietmar Schneider-Hec "A B. Fall's All-Year QUACKS 32. "Supplementary List of Reports on Areas Proposed for Inclusion Park New Mexico Historical Review, 68, (July YAN NUTS within the National Park System," Denver, NARC, RG 79, box 291-31 On January 17. 1929, Toll received orders 15, file 27-53. promotion Memory, from NPS Director Horace M. Albright to assume his vacated 33. Toll memo to Horace M. Albright, Jan. 29, 1932, "White Sands and the creation of superintendent position at Yellowstone National Park. Toll did National Monument Report. the american est not arrive in Yellowstone until March 25, 1929, even though be 34. Supplementary List, Dec. 22, 1933, Denver NARC, RG 79, box CAFE been appointed Superintendent effective February 1, 1929. He 15, file 27-53. David M. wrobel had remained in Denver to inform his replacement Edmund 35. National Parks: Index 1999-2001 (Washington, D.C.: Depart- KANSAS Rogers, of his new duties. On April 18, 1929, Toll traveled to ment of the Interior, 2001), 83; Capitol Reef (original site name Bonnie his new assignment where he received a thorough briefing from was Wayne Wonderland) established as a national monument in Acting Superintendent N. F. Daum. S-YNP-MR - 1929 - 1937. Great Sand Dunes, Capitol Reef, and Black Canyon of the Mar. 6, 1929. On January 4, 1929, Albright had been ap- Gunnison have been reassigned national parks, while Pecos Na- Red Lodge and the Promised Lands Kansas pointed National Park Service (NPS) acting director because of tional Monument has been redesignated a National Historical Stephen Mather's prolonged illness. Albright became the direc- Park. Mythic West Promotion, Memory, and The History of the Sunflower tor when Mather finally submitted his resignation eight days 36. Toll memo to Cammerer, Nov. 5, 1935, Western History Dept. later. Coal Miners to Cowboys the Creation of the State, 1854-2000 Denver Public Library. 10. Toll memo to Eccleston and Patterson, ibid Bonnie Christensen American West 37. Toll memo to Eccleston and Patterson, Nov. 5, 1935, ibid. Craig Miner 11. S-YNP-MR 1929 Apr. 3, 1929. 38. S-YNP-MR - 1936 Mar. 5, 1936. 12. S-YNP-MR - 1929 June 7, 1929. "A splendid book that offers a fresh and David M. Wrobel "This is the best history of Kansas we 39. Ibid, 13. Ibid. 40. Frank Pinkley, superintendent of Southwestern National imaginative look at the constantly "A valuable and engagingly written have ever had. It is not only well- 14. S-YNP-MR - 1929 July 9, 1929. Albright had stayed away Monuments had been appointed to serve on the committee, but shifting definitions of Western and of study that enlarges Wrobel's strong researched and comprehensive but also from Yellowstone National Park during most of June 1929. He could not join his fellows because of a previous engagement in one Montana town's often muddled reputation as a superb cultural histori- enlivened by many wry anecdotes and returned on July 15, 1929, and departed on August 6, 1929. Washington, D.C. Park Service Bulletin, Mary C. Ryan, ed., efforts to keep up with the latest in an of the American West. Taking telling quotations, and by a great deal 15. S-YNP-MR - 1929 Sept. 10, 1929. Feb.-Mar. 1936, 1-2. 16. S-YNP-MR 1929 Oct. 8, 1929. The conference attendees Western fashions. Rich in detail, booster writings and pioneer reminis- of personal affection. Highly readable 41.S-YNP-MR - Jan.-June 1936, Mar. 5, 1936. The Mexican com- also included A. B. Cammerer, associate director; and custodians, insightful, and important." M. cences seriously, Wrobel proves their and engaging."-Donald Worster, mittee remained briefly in El Paso, then planned to proceed by Charles Smith of Petrified Forest National Monument and John train to Tucson. Emmons, author of The Butte Irish: clear, shaping influences on western author of A River Running West: The Needham of Muir Woods National Monument However, the 42 Ibid. The oncoming car contained the Ohmer family (the parents, Class and Ethnicity in an American identity. A pathbreaking work." Life of John Wesley Powell superintendents from Platt, Arcadia, and Sullys Hill national a son and a daughter) from Connecticut. Tragically, their son also Mining Town, 1875-1925 -Richard W. Etulain, author of 528 pages, 74 photographs, Cloth $29.95 parks did not attend. died in the crash. The Deming Graphic, Feb. 27, 1936, 1. 4, and 17. Ibid., The redesignation of Carlsbad Caverns National Monument 312 pages, 22 photographs, Reimagining the Modern American West The Deming Headlight, Feb. 28, 1936, 1. 6. Herb Maier accom- to Carlsbad Caverns National Park occurred on May 14, 1930. Cloth $34.95 panied Toll's body to Denver while McDougall escorted Wright's "An original and significant contribution." Quacks and Crusaders The conference adjourned on September 15, 1929. remains to Washington, D.C Edmund Rogers, who had suc- -Walter Nugent, author of Into the The Fabulous Careers of 18. Albright, The Birth of the National Park Service, 240. ceeded Toll at Rocky Mountain in 1929, followed Toll again by 19. Richard Bartlett, Yellowstone: A Wilderness Besieged (Tucson: Americanizing the West: The Story of Its People becoming his replacement at Yellowstone National Park. George John Brinkley, Norman University of Arizona Press, 1989), 295. West "David Wrobel can now be called one Wright had been born on June 20, 1904, in San Francisco, Baker, and Harry Hoxsey 20. Ibid., 296. On October 30, 1929, Toll departed Yellowstone to California. His NPS career began in 1927 as a temporary ranger inspect the proposed Wallowa National Park in Oregon and Race, Immigrants, and of the shrewdest and most insightful Eric S. Juhnke at Yosemite National Park. His wife and two young daughters commentators in the seemingly endless returned on November 10, 1929. Upon his arrival in Yellowstone, survived his death. Park Service Bulletin, ibid., 3. Wright never Citizenship, 1890-1930 discussion of what exactly the West is "Based on prodigious research, Juhnke's Toll conducted several important administrative trips throughout regained consciousness, dying at 2:05 p.m. in a Deming hos- the park. He concluded his work on November 29, 1929, and the Frank Van Nuys and who westerners are. This is both book makes a major contribution to pital, following morning departed Yellowstone for his Denver winter 43. Laurence Parent, "The Sierra Del Carmen and Big Bend: A New "Provides a provocative description of a fine synthesis and an original, the study of health quackery in headquarters. Toll's Denver staff included one administrative International Park?" National Parks of Northern Mexico (Tucson, how Westerners perceived their region exceptionally intelligent contribution." America. Readers will be gripped clerk who ensured that the superintendent would be available AZ: Sunracer Publications, 1994). as a 'Racial Frontier, an image that -Elliott West, author of The by his narrative and enlightened by whenever Albright issued inspection directives. S-YNP-MR 44. Ted Dansie memo to Mr. Joffe, Feb. 27, 1936, YNP. NARC, RG shaped their responses to immigrants Contested Plains: Indians, Goldseekers, his insights into a major, continuing 1929 Dec. 4, 1929. 79, box A-82. 21 S-YNP-MR 1930 Mar. 4, 1930. 45. Ibid. in the late nineteenth and early and the Rush to Colorado problem in the nation's health market- 22. Albright, The Birth of the National Park Service, 256. twentieth centuries. Sheds much 296 pages, 25 photographs, place."-James Harvey Young, author 23. S-YNP-MR 1930 Mar. 4, 1930. new light on their attitudes and Cloth $34.95 of American Health Quackery 24. S-YNP-MR - 1930 Nov. 4, 1930. actions, particularly in the two decades 224 pages, 28 photographs, Cloth $29.95 25. S-YNP-MR 1931 - June 4, 1931. Originally from Wald- 26. S-YNP-MR - 1931 - July 2, 1931 between 1910 and 30."-Elliott 27. S-YNP-MR 1931 June 4, 1931 For example, both Toll and kirch, Germany, Dietmar Robert Barkan, author of And Still Available at bookstores or from the press. VISA and MasterCard accepted. Schneider-Hector received Edwards attended the NPS Superintendents' Conference in Hot his Ph.D. from Texas Tech They Come: Immigrants and American Springs, Arkansas, from April 4-8, 1932. While Toll departed University. He is currently Society, 1920 to the 1990s University Press of Kansas Denver on April 1, 1932, Edwards left Yellowstone or March 29, 1932, and returned May after visiting Great Smoky a resident of Hillsboro, 304 pages, 22 photographs, Mountains National Park S-YNP-MR 1932 May 4, 1932. New Mexico, and assistant Cloth $35.00 2501 West 15th Street Lawrence KS 66049 28. June 3, 1932. Phone 785-864-4154 Fax 785-864-4586 professor at New Mexico 29. Arno Cammerer memo to Roger Toll, Jan. 13, 1936, Yellowstone State University. Schnei- www.kansaspress.ku.edu National Park (YNP), National Archives and Records der-Hector is the author of Administration (NARA), RG 79, box A-82. Albright resigned as White Sands. director effective August 9, 1933. Albright, The Birth of the National Park Service, 312