The L T Gotchy Historical Photo Archive

Death Valley The L T Gotchy Historical Photo Archive

The images captured within this album are the result of hundreds of photographs taken by L. T. Gotchy from 1963 through 1965 while patrolling the roads through Death Valley as an employee of the Automobile Club of Southern California. Although the photographs are over 50 years old, they are still of great interest to enthusiasts of the region. Many depict locations that have changed greatly in the past half century, have disappeared altogether, or are no longer accessible. This book also includes a brief history of the little-known and mostly forgotten Sidewinder Telephone Company which operated in Death Valley from 1958 through 1963. It was the brainchild of Matt Ryan, National Park Service Ranger, Death Valley, and L. T. Gotchy. For years both men lamented the fact that there was virtually no phone service in Death Valley-a situation that still exists today in most of the area. Together, Ryan and Gotchy cobbled together a rough but workable system with the help of itinerant hikers, backpackers, desert rats, and assorted local characters. Much of the information and many of the photos can only be found within the pages of this one-of-a-kind book, so settle back with a good cup of coffee and enjoy a walk through years long past. You'll enjoy the trip!