The Flagstaff Failure Who Created A Legend
He didn’t actually mention his name, the name of the man who died with his reputation in tatters, a broken individual whose costly mistake left him shunned by society with all his positive achievements largely forgotten because of one simple mistake.
But it was a costly one – at least that’s what they said at the time – a mistake that would have run into millions had it been evaluated in monetary terms……..and all because of a rogue eyelash.
Blake was standing outside his offices on Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, home to AZ Segway and Pedal Tours but, at that moment, was loving every minute of his new role as purveyor of yarns and local stories!
“Decades ago the guy in question somehow convinced monied people that there was life on Mars. He’d spotted a thin line in his telescope lens – allegedly Martian canals – that ‘proved’ the planet was more than rock and dust. They bought his story and invested cash – lots of it – to build the ultimate first generation observatory here in Flagstaff.”
But the so-called ‘line’, possibly proof of water or even an army of little green men, was no more than an eyelash straddling the viewing lens…..at least that’s what Blake said!
“It didn’t do much for his reputation,” sighed our man of the moment, showing us how to untie the complicated chin straps on our hard hats, as we prepared to ship out on his impressive two-wheeled Segways for a tour of Downtown Flagstaff.
“But, more than 100 years on, I reckon he’s a hero because, without him, Flagstaff would probably not be home to the most important observatory in the world. It was where Pluto was discovered.”
It was a powerful end to a wonderfully embellished story – however accurate or not – and Blake’s personality clearly made him a valuable asset to the local tourist trade!
Fifteen minutes after his denouement, we had been briefed and were on our way in convoy down the wide, spacious streets of his Arizona hometown, a place straight out of native America.
Communication headsets enabled our leader to deliver his seamless narration as he gently guided us through the morning hordes of students walking around Northern Arizona University campus, as robots dutifully delivered their morning nourishment to those too lazy, or too busy, to leave their rooms!
Personally we’d been fed like Lords just a couple of hours earlier at MarteAnne’s Burrito Palace, a Mexican eatery at 112 E. Route 66, and we feared that the early morning portions might have left Blake’s Segways screaming for respite as our food-laden bodies took refuge on their motorised platforms!
Mexican Munchies At MarteAnne’s Burrito Palace!
We had been so impressed by our surroundings - bride and groom clad skeletons championing Mexico’s famous ‘Day of the Dead’, as well as the quality of MarteAnne’s menu - that we had already been there twice.
The only criticism is that we’d forgotten to pack our expanding waist pants, a vital necessity in a country where the words ‘small portion’ leave waitresses eyeing you with suspicion!
Right then it was Blake’s Segways that were having to take the strain of the early morning breakfast.
He gave us a whistle stop tour of this wonderful town – which was worthy of three nights rather than the two we allocated – and the brisk, morning weather proved a perfect tonic for blowing away any ghostly cobwebs, particularly those at the Monte Vista Hotel where we were staying, said to be Flagstaff’s most haunted! Everyone from John Wayne to Freddie Mercury appeared to have stayed there!
All too often Florida and New York with, perhaps, of a smattering of LA thrown in, has come to represent all things American to the average Brit.
However, if there is one thing that my coast to coast train trip across the States has reminded me of, is that the Big Apple, Orlando and LA are no more representative of the USA than London is of ‘England’.
It is a country of vast diversity and a moment of split-second bravery is all it takes to leave the well-trodden path and venture down the one with moss underfoot. Flagstaff sits on such a pathway but is a town that delivers in spades.
Were they still alive perhaps Tim and Michael Riordan would confirm that to be the case. These days all that is tangibly left of the brothers’ legacy is Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.
It was built in 1904 for the two brothers, both of whom were instrumental in establishing Flagstaff’s early lumber industry as well as much of the town’s infrastructure.
Their 13,000 square foot duplex home, designed by architect, Charles Whittlesey, is a remarkable example of American Arts and Crafts-style, featuring a rustic exterior composed of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches and hand-split wooden shingles.
Momentarily it transports you to another period in time when everything would have been a physical struggle as America opened up the last of its wild frontiers. But, all those decades ago, not even the Riordans could have foreseen what was to follow.
‘Did you know every astronaut who walked on the Moon trained in Flagstaff?’
The statement proudly adorns much of the town’s promotional literature and it is hard to visit this area without hearing about native Americans, Neil Armstrong, or the seemingly ubiquitous Lowell Observatory, soon destined to further consolidate its international reputation as perhaps the world’s leading star-gazing observatory.
Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy is all around you, if only in the rugged landscape, however, the observatory itself can be found at 1400 West Mars Hill Road, a short car ride from the town centre and it’s only when you get to see the equipment there that you realise what a privilege it is to even be allowed in!
It now boasts the newly opened Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO), an innovative, 4,300 square-foot public telescope observing plaza featuring six advanced telescopes and a suite of sleek, educational exhibits. The entire facility is also set to expand dramatically over the next three to five years as its new Astronomy Discovery Center comes to fruition.
However, the nearest that Mr or Mrs Average will come to flying in the locality is courtesy of the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. The first mistake you make is to give too narrow an interpretation to promo literature promising the ultimate zipline experience! This tends to conjure up images of hanging on for dear life as you are thrust along a 2km wire; no such thing!
The facility at Tuthill County Park is a little more demanding and not for the faint-hearted. Firstly it involves climbing up and down HUGE trees, whilst strapped into a harness, and navigating a whole series of zip line wires over two hours. Tiring yes, exhilarating, absolutely!
“You couldn’t have walked from town, well not in Winter and it would have taken you a long time even today.” Our Uber driver was correct of course because the Museum of Northern Arizona was a good 10 or 15 minute drive from Downtown Flagstaff.
Founded by Harold S. Colton and Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton in 1928, the MNA is a private, non-profit, member-based institution located at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks.
It was originally established to protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of northern Arizona and it is not only a treasure trove of native American Indian culture, but plays a vital role as interpreter of the Colorado Plateau.
Flagstaff was a beautiful respite from the bustling chaos of New York and Chicago and, were it a 100 years ago, I feel sure that John-Boy Walton might have stepped from the bushes and politely invited me round for afternoon lemonade with the extended clan!
Now, the kindly smiles and welcoming comments are the preserve of the Uber drivers and local shopkeepers who are always eager to help.
Flagstaff has long arms and, if you are prepared to don a good pair of walking shoes and a warm coat if you’re there in the winter months, she will invite you in a give you an experience that will be talked about long after you have returned to God’s own county!
Fact Box
Hotel Monte Vista: www.hotelmontevista.com
MartAnne’s Burrito Palace: https://www.facebook.com/MartAnnes/
AZ Segway and Pedal Tours: www.azsegwayandpedaltours.com
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park: www.azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion
Museum of Northern Arizona: www.musnaz.org
Lowell Observatory: www.lowell.edu
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure course: www.flagstaffextreme.com
Twitter: @DiscoverFLG
Facebook: FlagstaffArizona
For more information on the breadth of experiences found across the USA, please visit www.visittheusa.co.uk
