The Surveyor LbNA #54103 (ARCHIVED)

You seek a monument that was erected in 1998 in honor of a man recognized for his contributions as a surveyor. Having explored, surveyed, built and maintained the first road designated for public transportation through a canyon that was once called ‘The Big Kanyon’ (yes, it was spelled with a ‘K’); the canyon and road were named for him. On one hand, this person was influential in his day and was chosen by Joseph Smith to be one of the original members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in the LDS church. And yet, on a more mysterious side, this person was shot and stabbed to death by his twelfth wife’s estranged husband, who felt this person was the reason his marriage ended.

Although there’s no doubt about this person’s role in Utah history, he’s not the reason I chose this location for a Letterbox. My primary interest was the statue’s depiction of a surveyor. A profession my father had for over 35 years. I have many fond memories of my Dad heading out at dawn, with his slide ruler, caulk and other tools of his trade. This was long before the current days of computer programs and high-tech calculators. With a mathematician’s sense of humor, he’d always make jokes that usually ended by saying that “…you can’t get there from here…” My Dad would then look at his non-laughing daughter and ask if I didn’t get the joke?? I did, it just never occurred to me that my Dad couldn’t just design a road that would resolve the situation? (I was usually the serious one in the group, even at a young age.)

Happy Father’s Day, Dad and thanks for the many roads you explored, surveyed and built that may not bear your name; none the less, truly represent your many contributions to Utah’s highways. My particular favorite is the road between Salt Lake City and Wendover, Nevada. ;)

Clue: Once you discover the name and place of this monument, you will find the statue in the center of a small plaza that is surrounded by boulders. These boulders are engraved with the names of this surveyor’s wives, children and various pioneers. The letterbox pouch is tucked inside a hole located beneath the names of Alfred Gardiner and Annie Poole Gardiner. This is a well traveled area, so please be discreet when stamping and replacing the letterbox pouch. There is a grassy area with some Pine trees just off to the side of monument area.

Please let me know what you think of my very first letterbox plant and if it requires any repairs.
Happy Letterboxing!