5.75 linear feet textual material (including 22 maps),
304 digital files (PDF),
18,040 photographic images (including slides, prints, and
negatives),
47 Super8 film reels and 7 videocassettes,
1 poster
Abstract
The George H. Billingsley papers contain materials related to
the book Quest for the Pillar of Gold: The Mines & Miners of
the Grand Canyon (1997), which Billingsely co-authored with Earle E. Spamer
and Dove Menkes, as well as Billingsley's work as a geologist with the United States
Geological Survery (USGS) and trip logs, photographic material, and films related to
hikes and river trips Billingsley took with colleagues, family, and friends.
Identification:
NAU.MS.330; NAU.PH.2000.54;NAU.MI.2015.10
Language
English.
Repository
Cline Library. Special Collections and Archives
Department.
Northern Arizona University
Box 6022
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6022
Phone: 928 523 5551
Fax: 928 523 3770
Email: Special.Collections@nau.edu
Biographical Note
George H. Billingsley was born on November 23, 1945 in Furness, England. When he was two
years old, he and his mother moved to a ranch just southwest of Prescott, Arizona, where
he was raised.
Billingsley attended Northern Arizona University (then called Arizona State College)
where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1968 and his Master's in Geology in 1971.
After graduating, he worked as a National Park Service ranger at Walnut Canyon National
Monument and Grand Canyon National Park. Between 1970 and 1977, he was a professional
Colorado River Guide. He also worked as a geologist for the United States Geological
Survey (USGS), where he still volunteers today (2019).
Since 1970, Billingsley has created 70 geological maps, including the Blue Dragon map
(1976), a geologic map of Grand Canyon National Park which is the largest selling
geologic map of all time. His maps cover 22,295 square miles of the Colorado Plateau in
northern Arizona and 4,000 square miles in southeastern Utah.
Billingsley is the author of several geological articles about the Colorado Plateau and
Grand Canyon, as well as a co-author of Quest for the Pillar of
Gold: The Mines and Miners of the Grand Canyon (1997) along with Earle E.
Spamer and Dove Menkes. Billingsley met Spamer and Menkes when he was starting to work
on a geologic book at USGS. George says that Spamer and Menkes were interested in
writing a similar book, and so they all worked together to create Quest for the Pillar of Gold: The Mines and Miners of the Grand Canyon
(1997).
In the 1970s, Billingsley discovered an unknown formation in the Grand Canyon that he
got to name the Surprise Canyon formation. His efforts helped fill in many gaps in the
Grand Canyon's natural history.
In 1971, Billingsley helped train the Apollo 16 crew. The crew carried out their mission
in 1972. He then helped train the STS-59 and STS-68 space crews in 1993. They carried
out their missions in 1994. In both instances, Billingsley helped the crews understand
the geology of the Gold Springs area (about 50 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona) and
how it related to the geology of the moon.
George Billingsley married Susan Varin in 1973. The two met on a Hance Rapid hike when
they were both part of the NAU hiking club. They hiked together frequently after that.
In 1969, they went on a Colorado River trip together. At that time, Billingsley was
learning to run the river, and he brought Varin up with him. According to Billingsley,
she was every bit as good a river runner as he was, and that was back in the days when
female river runners were few and far between.
Susan Varin grew up in Custer, South Dakota. She and her family moved to Tempe, Arizona
when she was thirteen years old. After graduating from Tempe Union High School, she
attended Northern Arizona University, where she was the first woman in NAU's history to
graduate with a degree in Forestry. Many of her photos are included in George
Billingsley's papers.
George and Susan Billingsley still live in Flagstaff, Arizona (as of 2019). They have
two children, Ryan Billingsley (born in 1977) and Marikja Cunningham (born in 1979).
Information in this biographical note was derived from
Billingsley's papers as well as information provided to Marley Oakes by George
Billingsley.
Scope and Content
The George H. Billingsley Papers include manuscript materials such as research
materials, maps, news clippings, correspondence, awards, and writing drafts pertaining
to Quest for the Pillar of Gold: The Mines and Miners of the Grand
Canyon (1997), which Billinglsey co-wrote with Dove Menkes and Earle E.
Spamer. It also contains hiking and river trip logs Billingsley kept while exploring the
Grand Canyon and the Colorado River in the 1960s-1980s, often with his wife, Susan
Billingsley (then Varin). The Billingsleys took many photographs and home videos during
these trips, which are also included in the collection. Finally, the collection contains
information pertaining to Billingsley's education at Northern Arizona University and his
career with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), including his discovery of the
Surprise Canyon Formation in the Grand Canyon in in the 1970s.
Arrangement
SCA staff organized the materials in the Billingsley papers into 3 record groups based
on material format:
SCA staff have respected the original or found order of George Billingsley's materials
at the file and item level. Original file and item titles have been retained where
possible, including spelling errors where they exist.
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner
of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her
transferees, heirs,legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for Northern Arizona University, its
officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person
asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.
George Billingsley's original 1964-1997 hiking and river trip logs were originally
acquired by the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) in 1975 and 1997. George Billingsley
donated updated digital versions of many of these logs to Special Collections and
Archives (SCA) in 2015. In 2017, his original logs were formally transferred from MNA
to SCA.
Digital Material Available
Photographs, films, and maps from this collection have been digitized by SCA
staff.
Approximately 2,900 digitized photographs, 3 digitized maps, 44 digitized films, and
300 born-digital versions of Billingsley's hiking and river trip logs are available
through the Colorado Plateau Digital Collections.
Select "Colorado Plateau Archives." Use the advanced search menu to search for
"George Billingsley" in the "Creator" field or in the "Collection name" field.
Click here to view all the
digitized and born-digital material in the George H. Billingsley
Papers.
Preferred Citation
Please note that this body of materials was previously titled
the "George Billingsley Collection." The title was changed by Samantha Meier in
2019 to better reflect the nature of the materials, according to Describing
Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
[Title or brief description of item]. George H. Billingsley Papers [manuscripts],
NAU.MS.330, Series [ ], Box [ ], Folder [ ]. Cline Library, Special Collections and
Archives, Flagstaff, Arizona.
[Title or brief description of item], [item number beginning with NAU.PH.2000.54].
George H. Billingsley Papers [photographs], NAU.PH.2000.54, Box [ ]. Cline Library,
Special Collections and Archives, Flagstaff, Arizona.
[Title or brief description of item], [item number beginning with NAU.MI.2015.10].
George H. Billingsley Papers [films], NAU.MI.2015.10, Box [ ]. Cline Library, Special
Collections and Archives, Flagstaff, Arizona.
[Title or brief description of item], [item number beginning with NAU.MAP.1408/1409].
George H. Billingsley Papers [maps], NAU.MAP.1408, NAU.MAP.1409, Box [ ], Folder [ ].
Cline Library, Special Collections and Archives Department, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Processing Information
Additional accruals to the collection, including Accessions 2000.54, 2012.07,
2015.10, 2017.01, 2019.44, 2019.51, 2019.52, and 2019.53 were processed by Will
McMullan and Marley Oakes in 2019.
Processing Information
During 2019 processing of various accruals to the George Billingsley papers, Marley
Oakes and Samantha (Sam) Meier intellectually included the photographic materials
connected to Billingsley's work on Quest for the Pillar of
Gold in the Manuscripts record group in an attempt to respect the found order
of these materials at the time of donation. These photographic materials are located in
Manuscripts Series 10, but are physically stored with the other photographic materials
and retain photographic call numbers (NAU.PH.2000.54.27) for preservation reasons and
ease of retrieval.
The Manuscripts record group (NAU.MS.330) contains George Billingsley's working
papers and research materials pertaining to his work with Earl Spamer and Dove
Menkes in the creation of the book Quest for the Pillar of
Gold, including correspondence with editors, publishers, libraries, and
archives, research materials and collected articles concerning the long history of
mining, particularly salt and uranium mining, in Grand Canyon National Park, as
well as photographic materials connected to the images reproduced in the book.
These materials are intellectually included in this record group, but stored with
the other photographic materials for preservation reasons.
The record group also contains analog and digital versions of detailed hiking and
river trip logs George Billingsley and his wife Susan Varin Billingsley created
during Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and San Juan River trips between 1964 and
2013.
There is also a small body of material related to Billingsley's work training
astronauts for the Apollo 16 mission, as well as STS-59 and STS-68 space
crews.
Arrangement
Manuscript materials have been organized into 14 series:
NAU.MS.330.1 - Series 1: Correspondence related to editing and publishing
Quest for the Pillar of Gold, 1989-1997
NAU.MS.330.2 - Series 2: Correspondence related to photographs,
1989-1997
NAU.MS.330.3 - Series 3: General correspondence related to Quest for the Pillar of Gold, 1980-2000
NAU.MS.330.4 - Series 4: Research materials
NAU.MS.330.5 - Series 5: Mine reports and research, 1877-1998
NAU.MS.330.6 - Series 6: Newspaper articles, 1878-1991
NAU.MS.330.7 - Series 7: Draft manuscript for Quest
for Pillar of Gold
NAU.MS.330.8 - Series 8: Publications and abstracts, 1955-2011
NAU.MS.330.9 - Series 9: Maps, 1927-1999
NAU.MS.330.10 - Series 10: Images and figures for Quest for the Pillar of Gold, 1989-1997
NAU.MS.330.11 - Series 11: Hiking and river trip logs, 1964-2013
NAU.MS.330.12 - Series 12: Surprise Canyon Formation materials,
1980-2004
NAU.MS.330.13 - Series 13: Personal information and career achievements,
1969-1998
This series contains correspondence related to the images and figures selected
for Quest for the Pillar of Gold. See Series 10
(materials with call number NAU.PH.2000.54.27) for more information on these
images.
Arrangement
Materials in this series have been organized chronologically.
Box
Folder
1
7
Correspondence related to photographs, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989
1
8
Correspondence related to photographs, 1990
1
9
Correspondence related to photographs, 1991
1
10
Correspondence related to photographs, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998
This series includes copies of mine records, geological books, and journals
gathered by George Billingsley during his research for Quest for the Pillar of Gold. Topics covered in these materials
include the Grand Canyon, southern Utah, economic geology, mineral resources,
and the Kolb Brothers.
Arrangement
Materials in this series have been organized alphabetically by author last
name.
Box
Folder
1
13
Grand Canyon and Southern Utah articles by Edwin C. Alberts, Thomas
G. Alexander, Margaret Armstrong, 1912, 1930-1942, 1972-1973
1
4
Research material related to Arizona lands by Nellie T. Cox, 1973, 1982
1
15
Copies of American Mining and Economic Geology articles by Charles
H. Dunning, Henry F. Dobyns, and S.F. Emmons, 1904, 1959, 1976
1
16
Minerals and mining publications by Helen Fairley, L.L. Farnham, and
Arthur Flagg, 1903, 1958, 1987
1
17
Mineral resource information in Arizona by Eugene E. Ford, 1978
1
18
Research materials, Hafford, WM in Arizona Highways; Harris Grant;
Howell, Harry, 1980, 1991
1
19
"Frontier Fiddler" by Kenner C. Kartchner, 1990
1
20
Article related to the Grand Canyon featured in National Geographic
Magazine by Emery and Ellsworth Kolb 1914
1
21
Mining articles by Michael Lane, A.K. Larson, Roman Malach, Richard
Miller, 1954, 1981-1982
Box
Folder
2
22
Grand Canyon mining articles by Thomas Penfield, Lora E. Pratt, John
R. Poss, Patrick John Putt, 1928, 1973,1982, 1991
2
23
Land prospecting and mining articles by R.W. Rider, F.L. Ransome, 1890, 1913, 1985
2
24
Salt and uranium mining articles by Richard Shuttler, S.W. Taylor,
Thomas P. Terry, 1970, 1985
2
25
Mining and mining district research articles by John W. Welty, Karen
J. Wentich, Benjamin A. Wetherill, 1971, 1977-1978, 1989
2
26
Research materials by unknown authors, 1908, 1937, 1951-1955, 1979, 1988, 1995
2
27
Geological maps and diagrams, 1949-1959
2
28
Court transcript of Prescott trial: United States vs. Henry E.
Couington, 1960
This series contains the completed manuscript for Quest
for the Pillar of Gold, including text and figures. Important here
are the descriptions of the illustrations to the book, as not all of the
proposed illustrations were included in the ultimate publication. Please see
Series 2 and Series 11 for more information.
Arrangement
This series is arranged in order of the manuscript pages.
Box
Folder
3
39
Manuscript draft pages 1-18
3
40
Manuscript draft pages 19-60, Grand Canyon district
This series includes publications, unpublished works, and abstracts that George
Billingsley wrote.
Arrangement
This series has been arranged into 3 subseries:
Subseries 1: Publications, 1973-2011
Subseries 2: Unpublished works, 1955-1985
Subseries 2: Abstracts, 1982-2005
NAU.MS.330.8.1
Subseries 1: Publications 1973-2011
Scope & Content
This subseries contains full, published works authored by George
Billingsley.
Box
Folder
4
1
"The Origin of the Barbed Tributaries in Marble Canyon, Arizona,"
, 1973
4
2
"A Preliminary Survey of the Ground Water of the Havasupai Indian
Reservation, Coconino County, Arizona,"
, 1975
4
3
"Prospector's Proving Ground: Mining in the Grand Canyon,"
, 1976
4
4
"Mississippian Nautiloids of the Grand Canyon"
, 1976
4
5
"A Geologic Map of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona,"
, 1976
4
6
"Preliminary Report of Buried Valleys in
Mississippian-Pennsylvanian Boundary in Western Grand Canyon,"
, 1979
4
7
"Petrified Forest, the Origins of the Landscape,"
, 1979
4
8
"Preliminary Geologic Map of the North Half of Capitol Reef
National Park and Vicinity, Utah," , 1981
4
9
"Preliminary Geologic Map of the South Half of Capitol Reef
National Park and Vicinity, Utah," , 1981
4
10
"Bibliography of the Grand Canyon and Lower Colorado River,
1540-1980," , 1981
4
11
"Field Modeling of the response of various Desert Surfaces to the
long - and short-term effects of the wind ~ mars applications,"
, 1981
4
12
"National Uranium Resource Evaluation of the Flagstaff
Quadrangle, Arizona," , 1980.
4
13
"Pre-Supai Buried Valleys, in McKee, Edwin D., The Supai Group of
Grand Canyon," , 1982
4
14
"Geologic Map of the Lower Granite Gorge and Vicinity, Western
Grand Canyon, Arizona," 1982
4
15
"Geologic Map of the Vulcan's Throne and Vicinity, Western Grand
Canyon, Arizona," , 1983
4
16
"Preliminary Geologic Map of the Coconino Point and Grandview
Point Quadrangles, Coconino County, Arizona,"
, 1983
4
17
"Mineral Resource Potential Map of the Kanab Creek Roadless Area,
Coconino and Mohave Counties, Arizona,"
, 1983
4
18
"Mead-Phoenix ± 500 KV DC Transmission Line Project, Maricopa,
LaPaz, Yavapai, and Mohave Counties, Arizona, Clark County, Nevada,"
, 1983
4
19
"Preliminary Geologic Map of the Coconino Point and Grandview
Point Quadrangles, Coconino County, Arizona,"
, 1983
4
20
"Kanab Creek Roadless Area, Arizona,"
, 1984
4
21
"Wilderness Mineral Potential Assessment of Mineral-resource
Potential in U.S. Forest Service Lands studied 1964-1984,"
, 1984
4
22
"Mineral Resource Potential and Geology of the Rattlesnake
Roadless Area, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona,"
, 1984
4
23
"Wilderness Mineral Potential Assessment of Mineral-resource
Potential in U.S. Forest Service Lands studied 1964-1984,"
, 1985
4
24
"General Stratigraphy of the Petrified Forest National Park,
Arizona," , 1985
4
25
"Geologic Map of the Coconino Point and Grandview Point
Quadrangles, Coconino County, Arizona,
1985
4
26
"The Surprise Canyon Formation - An Upper Mississippian and Lower
Pennsylvanian Rock Unit in the Grand Canyon, Arizona,"
, 1985
4
27
"Field trip log - Breccia Pipes in Northern Arizona, in Geology
of Central and Northern Arizona," , 1986
4
28
"Geologic Map of the Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona,"
, 1986
4
29
"Breccia Pipe and Geologic Map of the northeastern Hualapai
Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1986
4
30
"Breccia Pipe and Geologic Map of the Southeastern Hualapai
Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1986
4
31
"Breccia Pipe and Geologic Map of the Northwestern Hualapai
Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1986
4
32
"Mineral Resource Potential Map of the Pigeon Canyon, Nevershine
Mesa, and Snap Point Wilderness Study Areas, Mohave County, Arizona,"
, 1986
4
33
"Field Guide to the Lower Grand Canyon from Peach Springs to
Pierce Ferry, Arizona, in Geologic Diversity of Arizona and its Margins,"
, 1987
4
34
"Geologic Map of the Southwestern Moenkopi Plateau and Southern
Ward Terrace, Coconino County, Arizona,"
, 1987
4
35
"Geologic Map of the Prescott 30' X 60' Quadrangle, Arizona,"
, 1988
4
36
"The Development of Geological Studies in the Grand Canyon,"
, 1989
4
37
"Geologic Map of the Jumpup Canyon and Big Springs Quadrangles,
Mohave and Coconino Counties, Arizona,"
, 1990
4
38
"Geologic Map of the Purgatory Canyon Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1990
4
39
"Geologic Map of the Wolf Hole Mountain West Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1990
4
40
"Geologic Map of the Lizard Point Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1990
4
41
"Geologic Map of the Wolf Hole Mountain East Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1990
4
42
"Breccia pipe and Geologic Map of the Southwestern Hualapai
Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1990
4
43
"Bibliography of the Grand Canyon and the Lower Colorado River
from 1540, Part 3, Geology of the Grand Canyon including References on
the Geographic Range of Grand Canyon Stratigraphic Units, Regional
Structure and Tectonics, and the Cenozoic History of the Grand Canyon
Region," , 1990
4
44
"Members of the Toroweap and Kaibab Formation, Lower Permian,
Northern Arizona and Southwestern Utah,"
, 1990
4
45
"Geologic Map of the Sullivan Draw North Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1991
4
46
"Geologic map of the Sullivan Draw South Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1991
4
47
"Geologic Map of the Mustang Knoll Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1991
4
48
"Geologic Map of the St. George Canyon Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1991
4
49
"Geologic Map of the Jumpup Canyon and Big Springs Quadrangles,
Mohave and Coconino Counties, Arizona,"
, 1992
4
50
"Geologic Map of the Gyp Pocket Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1992
4
51
"Geologic Map of the Hole-N-Wall Canyon Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1992
4
52
"Geologic Map of the Yellowhorse Flat Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1992
4
53
"Geologic Map of the Rock Canyon Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1992
4
54
"Geologic Map of the Wolf Hole Mountain and Vicinity, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 1993
4
55
"Geologic Map of the Lost Spring Mountain East Quadrangle,
Northern Mohave County, Arizona," , 1993
4
56
"Geologic Map of the Lost Spring Mountain West Quadrangle,
Northern Mohave County, Arizona," , 1993
4
57
"Geologic Map of the Dutchman Draw Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1993
4
58
"Geologic Map of The Grandstand Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1993
4
59
"Geologic Map of the Little Tanks Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1993
4
60
"Geologic Map of the Russell Spring Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1993
4
61
"Geologic Map of the Formaster Well Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1994
4
62
"Geologic Map of the White Pockets Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1994
4
63
"Geologic Map of the Antelope Knoll Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1994
4
64
"Geologic Map of the Little Clayhole Valley Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1994
4
65
"Geologic Map of the Hat Knoll Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1994
4
66
"Geologic Map of the Moriah Knoll Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1994
4
67
"Geologic Map of Sullivan Draw and Vicinity, Mohave County,
Northwestern Arizona," , 1994
Box
Folder
6
68
"Spatial Migration and Compositional Changes of
Miocene-Quaternary Magmatism in the Western Grand Canyon,"
, 1995
6
69
"Geologic Map of the Littlefield Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1995.
6
70
"Geologic Map of the Elbow Canyon Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1995
Box
Folder
5
1
"Geologic Map of the Mount Logan Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1997
5
2
"Geologic Map of the Mount Trumbull NW Quadrangle, Northern
Mohave County, Arizona," , 1997
5
3
"Geologic Map of the Poverty Spring Quadrangle, Northern Mohave
County, Arizona," , 1997
5
4
"Breccia-Pipe and Geologic Map of the Northwestern Part of the
Hualapai Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1997
5
5
"Quest for the Pillar of Gold,"
, 1997
5
6
"The Permian Clastic Sedimentary Rocks of Northwestern Arizona,"
, 1997
5
7
"Geologic Highway Map of Arizona,"
, 1998
5
8
"Map showing Cenozoic tilt domains and associated structural
features, Western North America," , 1998
5
9
"Breccia-Pipe and Geologic Map of the Southwestern Part of the
Hualapai Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1999
5
10
"Physiographic Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona; A digital
database," , 1999
5
11
"Geologic Map of the Littlefield 30' X 60' Quadrangle, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2000
5
12
"Geologic Map of the Grand Canyon 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Coconino
and Mohave Counties, Northwestern Arizona,"
, 2000
5
13
"Breccia-Pipe and Geologic Map of the Southeastern Part of the
Hualapai Indian Reservation and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 2000
5
14
"Geologic Map of the Upper Parashant Canyon and Vicinity,
Northern Mohave County, Northwestern Arizona,"
, 2000
5
15
"Geologic Map of the House Rock Quadrangle, Coconino County,
Northern Arizona," , 2000
5
16
"Geologic Map of the Cane Quadrangle, Coconino County, Northern
Arizona," , 2001
5
17
"Geologic Map of the House Rock Spring Quadrangle, Coconino
County, Northern Arizona," , 2001
5
18
"Geologic Map of Part of the Uinkaret Volcanic Field, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2001
5
19
"Volcanic Rocks of the Grand Canyon Area,"
, 2001
5
20
"Geologic Map of the Hidden Hills and Vicinity, Mohave County,
Northwestern Arizona," , 2002
5
21
"Geologic Map of Clayhole Wash and Vicinity, Mohave County,
Northwestern Arizona," , 2002
5
22
"Superficial Geologic Map of The Loop and Druid Arch Quadrangles,
Canyonlands National Park, Utah," , 2002
5
23
"Geologic Map of the Upper Hurricane Wash and Vicinity, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2003
5
24
"Geologic Map of the Upper Clayhole Valley and Vicinity, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2003
5
25
"Geologic Map of the Lower Hurricane Wash and Vicinity, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2003
5
26
"Geologic Map of the Mount Trumbull 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Mohave
and Coconino Counties, Northwestern Arizona,"
, 2003
5
27
"Geologic Map of the Lower Grand Wash Cliffs and Vicinity, Mohave
County, Northwestern Arizona," , 2004
5
28
"Geologic Map of Pipe Spring National Monument and the Western
Paiute-Kaibab Indian Reservation, Mohave County, Arizona,"
, 2004
5
29
"Geologic Map of the Peach Springs 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Mohave
and Coconino Counties, Northwestern Arizona,"
, 2006
5
30
" Geologic Map of the Valle 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Coconino
County, Northern Arizona," , 2006
5
31
"Geologic Map of Wupatki National Monument and Vicinity, Coconino
County, Northern Arizona," , 2007
5
32
"Geologic Map of the Cameron 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Coconino
County, Northern Arizona," , 2007
5
33
"Geologic Map of the Fredonia 30' x 60' Quadrangles, Mohave and
Coconino Counties, Northern Arizona," 2008
5
34
"Geologic Map of the House Rock Valley Area, Coconino County,
Northern Arizona," , 2010
This subseries contains unpublished works that George Billingsley created,
ranging from maps to article drafts.
Box
Folder
5
36
"Geologic Map of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona,"
, 1955
5
37
"Preliminary Map of the Grand Canyon and Vicinity, Arizona,"
, 1967
5
38
"Field Paleontological Resources at Aggregate Pit Number 683, I
40 - 4(85) of the Arizona Department of Transportation,"
, 1977
5
39
"Field Paleontological Resources Along the Area Affected by the
Proposed Taos-Ojo Transmission Power Line, Taos Substation, Taos County
to the Ojo Substation, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico,"
, 1977
5
40
"The Paleontologic Resources of the Petrified Forest,"
, 1977
5
41
"Preliminary Report of Field Paleontologic Resources on B.L.M.
and Other Lands Leased by Union Oil Co. in the Vicinity of Anderson Mine.
Yavapai County, Arizona," , 1977
5
42
"Burnham-Bisti Bones Bared (in the Pipeliner),"
, 1977
5
43
"Stratigraphy of Post-Redwall, Pre-Supai Erosion Channels, and
Pollen Dating of Cenozoic Travertine and Fine-Grained Clastic Deposits,
Grand Canyon, Arizona," , 1978
5
44
"Field Paleontological Resources at Aggregate Pit Number 8567 and
Haul Road to Highway 666," , 1978
5
45
"Grand Canyon Geology: Geologic Section at Stone Creek, Mile 132,
Grand Canyon, Arizona," , 1985
NAU.MS.330.8.3
Subseries 3: Abstracts, 1982-2005
Scope & Content
This subseries contains abstracts that George Billingsley prepared.
This series includes large maps that were created by or annotated by George
Billingsley. The original maps were created betweem 1927 and 1999 and likely
aggregated and annotated by Billingsley between 1975 and 1999.
Arrangement
This series has been arranged into 2 subseries based on George Billingsley's
contributions to the maps:
NAU.MAP.1408 - Subseries 1: Maps created by George Billingsley,
1975-1999
NAU.MAP.1409 - Subseries 2: Maps annotated by George Billingsley,
1927-1962
NAU.MAP.1408
Subseries 1: Maps created by George Billingsley, 1975-1999
NAU.MAP.1408.1
Geological map of Canyonlands National Park and Vicinity,
Utah. 1982
NAU.MAP.1408.2
Geological map of Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Emery,
Garfield, Millard and Wayne Counties, Utah, 1987
NAU.MAP.1408.3
Geologic map of the Coconino Point and Grandview Point
Quadrangles, Coconino County, Arizona, 1985
NAU.MAP.1408.4
Geological cross section along Interstate 40 - Flagstaff to N.M.
- Ariz. State Line, 1980
NAU.MAP.1408.5
Geologic map of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Museum
of Northern Arizona, 1976
NAU.MAP.1408.6
Geologic map of the Eastern Part of the Grand Canyon National
Park, Arizona, 1986
NAU.MAP.1408.7
Physiographic rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, 1999
NAU.MAP.1408.8
Geologic Map of the Eastern Part of the Grand Canyon National
Park, Arizona, 1980
NAU.MAP.1408.9
Geologic map of the Hurricane Fault Zone and Vicinity, Western
Grand Canyon, Arizona, 1981
NAU.MAP.1408.10
Geologic map of the Lower Granite Gorge and Vicinity, Western
Grand Canyon, Arizona, 1982
NAU.MAP.1408.11
Geologic map of Vulcans Throne and Vicinity, Western Grand
Canyon, Arizona, 1983
NAU.MAP.1408.12
Geologic map of the Southwestern Moenkopi Plateau and Southern
Ward Terrace, Coconino County, Arizona, 1987
NAU.MAP.1408.13
Topographical map of Zion National Park (Zion Canyon Section),
Utah, 1975
NAU.MAP.1408.14
Geological cross-section from Cedar Breaks National Monument
Through Bryce Canyon National Park to Escalante, Capitol Reef National
Park and Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 1985
NAU.MAP.1409
Subseries 2: Maps annotated by George Billingsley, 1927-1962 (original dates for maps)
NAU.MAP.1409.1
Topographic map of the Grand Canyon National Monument, Arizona,
annotated by George Billingsley 1961
NAU.MAP.1409.2
Topographic map of the Grand Canyon National Monument, Arizona,
annotated by George Billingsley 1961
NAU.MAP.1409.3
Grand Canyon National Park and vicinity, annotated by George
Billingsley 1962
NAU.MAP.1409.4
Topographic map of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (East
Half), annotated by George Billingsley 1927
NAU.MAP.1409.5
Topographic Map of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (East
Half), annotated by George Billingsley 1948
NAU.MAP.1409.6
Topographic Map of the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (West
Half), annotated by George Billingsley 1927
NAU.MAP.1409.7
Topographic map of the Grand Canyon National Park (West
Half) 1927
NAU.MAP.1409.8
Topographic map of the Grand Canyon National Park (West
Half) 1948
This series contains Billingsley's proposed images and figures for the book
Quest for the Pillar of Gold. Many of the
images and figures in this series were taken by George Billingsley, but while
collecting materials for Quest for the Pillar of
Gold Billingsley included several images and figures taken by other
notable persons. These people include Buzz Belknap, Earle Spamer, Harvey
Buchart, Dr. Taylor Vernon, George Marshall, and others. The respective
photographers are credited on the back of the images or in the folder that
contains the negative.
In total there were 397 proposed images and figures collected for Quest for the Pillar of Gold (with some images being
duplicated). Only 42 figures were used in the final book.
The series also includes documentation created by Special Collections and
Archives staff in an attempt to connect the photographs found in this series to
photographs found elsewhere in the collection.
Arrangement
Because these materials are photographic in nature, they have been stored with
materials from the Photographs record group (NAU.PH.2000.54) and assigned the
call number NAU.PH.2000.54.27.
In Box 27, the files are organized by mining districts, such as Little Colorado
mining District and Bentley District. In Box 28, the files are organized by
mining districts, such as Music Mountain Mining District, and also by images of
miners and other miscellaneous documents, such as mining claims.
Box
Folder
27
1
NAU.PH.2000.54.27.1 Little Colorado Mining District,
1967-1991
(12 black-and-white prints)
27
2
NAU.PH.2000.54.27.2 Mount Trumbull Mining District,
1969-1985
(12 negatives, 12 prints)
This series includes Billingsley's original hiking and river trip logs which he
created between 1964 and 1978, as well as revised digital versions (PDF format)
of these logs available through Cline Library's Digital Collections. See the link
below.
These logs document 294 unique hikes and/or river trips Billingsley took
through Grand Canyon and the Colorado River between 1964 and 2013. Also
included are logs from river trips along the San Juan River.
All of Billingsley's original logs, which were previously held by the Museum of
Northern Arizona, have a corresponding digital copy. The digital versions often
include corrections or changes made to the original logs, including additional
photographs from George and Susan Billingsley that are not included in the
original copies.
A copy of the Museum of Northern Arizona's finding guide for Billingsley's
hiking and river trip is also included in this series.
Arrangement
Billingsley's original logs from 1964 to 1978 are arranged chronologically.
Their original titles, including spelling errors, have been retained.
Box
Folder
6
1
Original MNA Finding Guide, 2010
6
2
Billingsley Hiking and Camping Record Grand Canyon,
1964-1996
6
3
Grand Canyon Journel 1964, 1965, 1966 Billingsley,
1964-1966
6
4
Grand Canyon Journel 1967, 1967
6
5
Grand Canyon Journel 1968 Vol 1 Billingsley,
January-September 1968
6
6
Grand Canyon Journel 1968 Vol 2 Billingsley,
September-November 1968
6
7
Grand Canyon Journel Part 1 1969 Billingsley,
1969
6
8
Grand Canyon Journel 1969 Part 2 Billingsley,
1969
6
9
Butchart Letters, 1976-1988
6
10
Marston Letters, 1972-1975
6
11
Mounted Prints: General Geology of Tuckup Canyon and Negatives,
1970
Box
Folder
7
1
Grand Canyon Journel 1970 Billingsley,
1970
7
2
Grand Canyon Journel 1971 Billingsley,
1971
7
3
Grand Canyon Journel 1972 Billingsley,
1972
7
4
Grand Canyon Journel 1973 Billingsley,
1973
7
5
Grnad Canyon Journel 1974 Billingsley,
1974
7
6
Grand Canyon Journel 1975 Billingsley,
1975
Box
Folder
8
7
Grand Canyon Journel 1976 Billingsley,
1976
Box
Folder
7
8
Grand Canyon Journel 1977 Billingsley, January-September
1977
7
9
Grand canyon Journel 1977, 1978, 1979 Billingsley, January
1977-June 1979
7
10
Grand Canyon Journel 1980, 1981, 1982 Billingsley, March
1980-May 1982
7
11
Grand Canyon Journel 1983, 1984 Billingsley, March
1983-October 1984
7
12
Grand Canyon Journel 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Billingsley,
March 1985-October 1988
7
13
Grand canyon Journel, George Billingsley 1978,
February-June 1978
7
14
James White Story-Marston, February
1976
Digital versions of hiking and river trip logs,
1962-2013
To access the digital hiking and river trip logs, use the advanced search
feature of Cline Library's Digital Collections to search for for "George Billingsley" in the "Creator"
field and "text" in the "Type" field.
This series includes 41 Arizona-based newspaper and magazine clippings
collected by George Billingsley that reported on the discovery of the Surprise
Canyon Formation between 1980 to 2003. Billingsley is mentioned in all of the
articles, as are Harvey Butchart and others.
Arrangement
SCA staff arranged these materials into files according to subject matter.
This series includes miscellaneous items pertaining to George Billingsley's
personal life and career, including various awards Billingsley received for
Quest for the Pillar of Gold, correspondence
between George Billingsley and Edwin McKee, documents related to his studies at
Northern Arizona University, an autographed copy of the January 2020 issue of
Arizona Highways featuring an article
profiling Billingsley's work on the Grand Canyon, and newspaper clippings about
Susan Billingsley (then Varin). It also includes letters regarding the Geonauts
films produced by Maggie Cason found in NAU.MI.2015.10.2.
Arrangement
SCA staff arranged these materials into files according to subject matter.
Box
Folder
8
2
Correspondence, 1967-2005
8
3
Awards for Quest for the Pillar of
Gold, 1998-2000
8
4
Susan (Varin) Billingsley clippings, 1969-1971
8
5
Northern Arizona University materials, 1968-1985
8
6
Certificates from Northern Arizona University and the Armed Forces
of the United States of America, 1968-1971
8
7
Autographed copy of Arizona Highways
magazine (January 2020 issue) featuring an article about George Billingsley, 2020
The photographs record group (NAU.PH.2000.54) contains images George and Susan
Billingsley took during various hiking trips all over the Colorado Plateau
including the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Canyonlands National
Park, Petrified Forest, and many other locations. The images include unique and
technically challenging shots of the geography and geology of the places
Billingsley and his friends visited, as they were experienced and avid hikers.
Arrangement
Photographic materials have been arranged into 28 series, listed below by their
corresponding call numbers.
NAU.PH.2000.54.1: Lees Ferry Area
NAU.PH.2000.54.2: Colorado River Miles 0-95
NAU.PH.2000.54.3: Colorado River Miles 95-211
NAU.PH.2000.54.4: Colorado River Miles 211-278
NAU.PH.2000.54.5: Eastern Grand Canyon
NAU.PH.2000.54.6: Central Grand Canyon - South Side
NAU.PH.2000.54.7: Central Grand Canyon - North Side
NAU.PH.2000.54.8: Western Grand Canyon - North Side
NAU.PH.2000.54.9: Western Grand Canyon - South Side
NAU.PH.2000.54.10: Little Colorado River
NAU.PH.2000.54.11: San Juan, Other Rivers
NAU.PH.2000.54.12: Susan Slides
NAU.PH.2000.54.13: Arizona Trips
NAU.PH.2000.54.14: Flagstaff Area
NAU.PH.2000.54.15: Lake Powell, Canyonlands
NAU.PH.2000.54.16: Petrified Forest, Northern Arizona, Valle Map Area,
Cameron Map Area, Little Colorado, Winslow Map
NAU.PH.2000.54.17: Eastern Grand Canyon, LCR, Marble Canyon
NAU.PH.2000.54.18: Surprise Canyon Formation, Central/Eastern Grand
Canyon, Marble Canyon
NAU.PH.2000.54.19: Central Grand Canyon
NAU.PH.2000.54.20: West-Central Grand Canyon, 217 - Lava Falls
NAU.PH.2000.54.21: Western Grand Canyon, Lake Mead to Diamond
Creek
NAU.PH.2000.54.22: Arizona Strip, Kaibab Indian Res.
NAU.PH.2000.54.23: Zion, Cedar Breaks, Bridges, Arches, Capitol
Reef
NAU.PH.2000.54.24: Surprise Canyon, Formation, Grand Canyon
NAU.PH.2000.54.25: Figure slides
NAU.PH.2000.54.26: Prints/negatives
NAU.PH.2000.54.27: Images for Quest for the Pillar of Gold (see:
Manuscript Series 10)
Photos taken by George Billingsley of the Colorado River Miles 95-2111. Photos
range from 1968-1996 while George was hiking and rafting the Grand Canyon.
Box
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.1 Colorado River Miles 131-132
, Sep. 1968 - May
1973
(32 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.2 Colorado River Miles 134-136
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1977
(34 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.3 Colorado River Mile 136.8
, Sep. 1968 - Aug. 1977
(29 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.4 Colorado River Miles 179-180
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1977
(27 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.5 Colorado River Miles 116-117
, Sep. 1968 - June
1984
(35 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.6 Colorado River Miles 128-131
, Sep. 1968 - June
1984
(26 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.7 Colorado River Mile 134
, Sep. 1968 - June 1984
(37 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.8 Colorado River Miles 205-211
, Sep. 1968 - June
1984
(27 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.9 Colorado River Miles 109-116
, (33 slides)
Sep. 1968 - July 1991
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.10 Colorado River Miles 117-120
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(27 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.11 Colorado River Miles 136.8-138
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(26 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.12 Colorado River Miles 138-140
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(31 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.13 Colorado River Miles 157-159
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(25 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.14 Colorado River Miles 159-171
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(32 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.15 Colorado River Miles 171-179
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(33 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.16 Colorado River Mile 179
, Sep. 1968 - July 1991
(32 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.17 Colorado River Miles 181-185
, Sep. 1968 - July
1991
(33 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.18 Colorado River Miles 140-146
, Sep. 1968 - May
1994
(31 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.19 Colorado River Miles 188-198
, Sep. 1968 - June
1994
(33 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.20 Colorado River Miles 95-100
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1996
(28 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.21 Colorado River Miles 100-109
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1996
(31 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.22 Colorado River Miles 146-149
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1996
(27 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.23 Colorado River Miles 185-188
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1996
(30 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.24 Colorado River Miles 198-206
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1996
(32 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.25 Colorado River Miles 155-157
, Sep. 1969 - July
1976
(36 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.26 Colorado River Miles 149-155
, (37 slides)
Sep. 1969 - June 1984
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.27 Colorado River Miles 123-128
, Sep. 1969 - July
1991
(33 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.28 Colorado River Miles 132-134
, Sep. 1969 - Aug.
1996
(33 slides)
3
NAU.PH.2000.54.3.29 Colorado River Miles 120-123
, April 1971 - Aug.
1996
(29 slides)
Photos taken by George Billingsley of the Colorado River Miles 211-278. Photos
range from 1967-1996 while George was hiking and rafting the Grand Canyon.
Box
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.1 Colorado River Miles 211-212
, Sep. 1968 - Sep.
1975
(23 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.2 Colorado River Miles 213-222
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1976
(33 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.3 Colorado River Miles 230-234
, Sep. 1968 - Sep.
1977
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.4 Colorado River Miles 235-236
, Sep. 1968 - Sep.
1977
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.5 Colorado River Miles 225-230
, Sep. 1968 - Aug.
1986
(32 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.6 Colorado River Miles 246-259
, Sep. 1968 - Oct.
1996
(34 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.7 Colorado River Miles 237-246
, Sep. 1969 - June
1984
(30 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.8 Colorado River Miles 259-264
, Nov. 1969 - Oct.
1996
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.9 Colorado River Miles 273-278
, Sep. 1969 - Oct.
1996
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.10 Colorado River Miles 287-Boulder Dam
, Sep. 1969 - Oct.
1996
(39 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.11 Colorado River Mile 179 (Extra Lava Falls)
, April 1971 -
Sep. 1973
(40 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.12 Colorado River Miles 212-213
, April 1971 - Aug.
1996
(32 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.13 Colorado River Miles 264-273
, April 1971 - Oct.
1996
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.14 Colorado River Miles 281-287
, April 1971 - Oct.
1996
(29 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.15 Colorado River Miles 278-280
, June 1971 - Oct.
1996
(30 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.16 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #1
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.17 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #2
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.18 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #3
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.19 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #4
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.20 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #5
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.21 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #6
, March 17-23,
1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.22 Geologic Trip, Diamond to Pierce #7
, March 17-23,
1973
(42 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.23 Western Grand Cynon, Geology River Trip #1 (Susan's
Photos)
, March 17-25, 1973
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.24 Western Grand Cynon, Geology River Trip #2 (Susan's
Photos)
, March 17-25, 1973
(27 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.25 Boulder Dam
, Jan. 18, 1974
(6 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.26 Colorado River Mile 179 (Extra Lava Falls)
, June 1974- Sep.
1975
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.27 Whitmoab to Diamond Creek #1
, November 1975
(32 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.28 Whitmoab to Diamond Creek #2
, November 1975
(30 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.29 Whitmoab to Diamond Creek #3
, November 1975
(30 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.30 Whitmoab to Diamond Creek #4
, November 1975
(35 slides)
4
NAU.PH.2000.54.4.31 Colorado River Mile 179 (Extra Lava Falls)
, April 1976-
June 1984
(42 slides)
Photos taken by George Billingsley of the South Side of the Grand Canyon.
Photos range from 1967-1986 while George was hiking and rafting the Grand
Canyon.
Box
6
NAU.PH.2000.54.6.1 Supai Extra
, Sep. 1967 - July 1984
(27 slides)
Photos taken by George Billingsley of the North Side of the Grand Canyon.
Photos range from 1967-1989 while Billingsley was hiking and rafting the Grand
Canyon.
Box
7
NAU.PH.2000.54.7.1 Thunder River
, March 1967
(30 slides)
7
NAU.PH.2000.54.7.2 Tuckup Canyon #1, Fossils in Kaibab
, May 1969
(33 slides)
Photos taken by George Billingsley of the North Side of the Western Grand
Canyon. Photos range from 1968-2000 while he was hiking and rafting the Grand
Canyon.
Box
8
NAU.PH.2000.54.8.1 Parashant Canyon #1, Easter
, April 1968
(31 slides)
8
NAU.PH.2000.54.8.2 Parashant Canyon #2, Easter
, April 1968
(31 slides)
NAU.PH.2000.54.12.2: Susan's Odds and Ends - Flagstaff, Verde Valley, Peaks, Oak Creek,
Grand Falls, Grand Canyon, Ft. Valley, the Gap ,
Summer 1967 -
March 1976
(50 slides)
This series includes 33 slides taken by George Billingsley during his time
training the crews for STS-59 and STS-68. It also has two prints given to
Billingsley by the crews of STS-59 and STS-68, signed by each member. There is
one large poster of the STS-59 crew and ship within this series, along with a
patch attached to it.
The Films record group (NAU.MI.2015.10) contains films detailing George
Billingsley's adventures as a commercial Colorado River guide during the 1970s, as
well as "Geonauts" instructional videos about geology created by Maggie Cason, and
helicopter footage of the Grand Canyon taken by Dana Morris, a friend of
Billingsley's. The record group also includes news footage of Billingsley which
originally aired on various television networks.
Arrangement
Films have been arranged in 2 series based on their content and when they were
acquired:
NAU.MI.2015.10.1: Grand Canyon and Colorado River films, 1972-1975
NAU.MI.2015.10.2: Geonauts video lessons, Grand Canyon flights, and TV
appearances by George Billingsley, 1984-1997
Conditions Governing Access
Please note that certain films within this record group cannot be viewed online
through the Colorado Plateau Digital Collections due to copyright restrictions. Please contact Special
Collections and Archives to gain access to these materials.
Digital Material Available
Films from the George H. Billingsley papers have been digitized by SCA staff and made
available through the Colorado Plateau Digital
Collections. Use the advanced search menu to search for "George Billingsley"
in the "Creator" or "Collection name" fields, or search for "NAU.MI.2015.10."
Click here to
see all digitized films from the George H. Billingsley Papers in the Colorado Plateau
Digital Collections.
Films depict George Billingsley's river running expeditions, road trips, hiking
trips, and family vacations. Many films include shots of scenic landscapes.
This series includes Geonauts videos which featured George Billingsley speaking about
geology in Northern Arizona. Geonauts was produced by Northern Arizona University as
an educational tool to teach young children about geology and the National Park
Service. This series also includes a video titled "Grand Canyon Gold Project" filmed
by Billingsley's friend, the pilot Dana Morris, in March of 1988 and 1989. Finally,
this series includes a super cut of televised news footage featuring Billingsley's
work. Manuscript materials related to the Geonauts videos and television appearances
are located in MS.330.14.
Conditions Governing Access
Due to copyright concerns, Dana Morris's film and the supercut
of news footage may only be viewed on-site at Cline Library. Please contact Special
Collections and Archives to request access to these materials.
NAU.MI.2015.10.2.1
Grand Canyon Flights/Western Grand Canyon Gold Project by Dana
Morris March 1988, March 1989
NAU.MI.2015.10.2.2:
Geonauts 1996-97 Lesson 16 and Lesson 17 by Maggie Cason 1996-1997
#960 April 16, 1984 10:27pm Channel 10 CBS News KTSP New Grand Canyon
Fossils #1090 Nov 29, 1987 9:30pm Channel 2, NBC "Unsolved Mysterys -Bessie Hyde
April 29, 1993 6:00pm Channel 10 CBS News Arizona Earthquake 5.5, --1984 April 16, 1987 November 29, 1993 April
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