KOLB BROTHERS

Emery C. Kolb and Ellsworth L. Kolb played an important role in the early development of visitor services to the Grand Canyon.  They brought their photographic equipment from Williams, Arizona, to the Canyon in 1902.  Their business started out by photographing parties going down the Bright Angel Trail.  Because water supplies were limited on the rim, they would photograph the mule passengers, then run the 4 1/2 miles to Indian Garden where they had set up a photographic lab.  Water was available there for processing the film.  They then returned to the rim with the processed pictures ready for the mule passengers on their return.  The Kolb Studio was constructed from 1904 to 1926.  The Grand Canyon Association is in the process of renovating the building and currently operates a book store in the front room.  All proceeds from sales made here go directly to restoration costs for the studio.  In the basement auditorium, you will normally find some sort of exhibit relating to the cultural and/or geological history of the Grand Canyon.  Kolb Studio is listed as a National Historic Landmark.  Pictures courtesy of the Grand Canyon National Park Museum Collection.

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