PIPE SPRING Cultures at a Crossroads: An Administrative History

The VIP Program

Volunteers in the Parks (VIPs) continued to play an important role in the monument's interpretive programs during the 1980s. Until his resignation on March 12, 1979, Maintenance Foreman Mel Heaton had always organized branding demonstrations. The staff had to learn how to organize the event, and managed - with the indispensable help of VIPs - to pull a demonstration together for Memorial Day that year. Thanks to the program, VIPs gave a branding demonstration on May 28, 1979, Memorial Day. A blacksmith also worked on site that day with his forge. [2327] "Both activities were popular with the visitors, with a few exceptions to the branding," Herr reported. [2328] Another event was held in September on Labor Day, this time documented by photographer Dick Frear of the Washington office, who came expressly for the purpose.

During the 1980s, male VIPs continued to offer branding and blacksmithing demonstrations. Memorial Day weekends often featured both events, with additional blacksmithing demonstrations offered during the summer, sometimes as many as six. Owen and David Johnson were often involved in the branding demonstrations, along with others whose names were unreported. One of the most frequent VIPs to demonstrate blacksmithing was John Cram, Fredonia High School welding teacher. He worked often enough that he left his anvil, forge, and vise on site. Keith Hepworth also demonstrated blacksmithing. Beginning in 1981, in addition to these types of demonstrations, two VIPs worked full-time as interpreters in the fort, one for 10 weeks in the summer, and the other for three months during the winter.

VIPs staffed a booth featuring Pipe Spring National Monument at the Northern Coconino County Fair for several years. VIPs also provided dance demonstrations for special events. Female VIPs continued to assist with domestic arts demonstrations, guide tours, and help with special events, such as decorating the fort for the "Christmas in July" program. (See "Interpretation" section.) Some women who began their work for the monument as VIPs were later hired as seasonal park aids, such as Yvonne Heaton.

Special funds were annually allocated for the VIP program. (See Appendix VIII, "Monument's Administrative Budget.") By 1989 VIPs could be compensated five dollars a day for meals and a stipend for transportation. Seasonal housing was sometimes provided, paid for by the benefiting account. For a count of VIPs involved in the monument's interpretive programs over the years, see Appendix IX, "Personnel."