PIPE SPRING Cultures at a Crossroads: An Administrative History

Alcohol and Law Enforcement Problems

During the 1950s, Heaton makes increasing reference to dealing with drunkenness on the monument grounds or on nearby reservation lands. A rising number of road accidents were being linked to drunken driving in the area. A devout Mormon, Heaton abstained from drinking. A few of his journal entries (HJ) are as follows:

Was up part of the night getting drunken Indians off the monument. (HJ, December 23, 1954)

Having trouble in this area with Indians getting drunk and running into things and livestock there. Sure is a need for law officers to handle them on the reservation. (HJ, April 16, 1955)

Went out with Arizona Road [Highway] Patrolman to quiet down some drunken Indian this evening. (HJ, April 17, 1955)]

Not all of his references to drunkenness were associated with his Kaibab Paiute neighbors. On May 18, 1957, about 125 Kanab high school students had an outing at monument. According to Heaton, the youngsters were boisterously

... celebrating their graduation and closing of their school. How they did carry on! Pop, beer, and hard drinks and lunches. Some so drunk they could not walk. Was up around the fort and area trying to keep them a little bit under control. This morning papers, bottles and cans everywhere in the picnic area and along roadways. Of all the picnickers that visit Pipe the Kanab people are the dirtiest and [most] unruly of them all. [1634]