Mary Colter in Motion

Mary Colter talking to a worker at the Desert View Watchtower at Grand Canyon, c. 1931.

Ever wonder what architect Mary E. J. Colter (1869 - 1958) looked like in action? The Grand Canyon Museum Collection has assembled a short (less than 4 minute) film from clips culled from Grand Canyon National Park archives. It includes Colter at the Desert View Watchtower construction site circa 1931 as well as more whimsical moments like her sharing a smoke with a Harvey Car decal or riding shotgun on a treacherous road. It’s well worth watching, whether you are a Colter fan or merely interested in a glimpse of the past.

Watch the short film here. Please subscribe to The Architectress.