Oil shale artifacts include a cylindrical core sample of gray shale with petroleum traces. The cast aluminum retort is for weight testing shale oil. The desk set has a slab of oil rich �mahogany ledge�, and fossil leaves. This is from the desk of Grand Junction attorney Owen Aspinall,
who was governor of American Samoa 1961-69.

The 1970s
 

During the 1970s, citizens were able to afford hot air balloons, sail planes and fine horses. More prosperity was expected as regional corporations invested in huge shale oil projects. In 1970, the beginning of that decade saw a population of 20,170, a 7.9 percent increase in ten years.
 
  PEOPLE

Jane Quimby was a busy citizen with a large family, who still made time for community involvement. She served on the City Council from 1973-1981 and was mayor 1979-1980, the first woman in that post. Jane Quimby also was a founder of the Grand Junction/Mesa County Riverfront Commission, and of the Western Colorado Community Foundation.
(The Daily Sentinel)

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  COMMUNITY

Banks, and savings and loans needed to expand to new and larger quarters. Valley Federal Savings and Loan chose to erect a tall building with offices for lease on the upper floors. Opening day was November 25, 1974. The building at 5th and Rood is now the Alpine Bank. Mesa Federal Savings & Loan, and Modern Savings and Loan also had handsome new buildings.
(Jerry Van Wyngarden Photo)

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  BUSINESS

To meet new business circumstances, the Downtown Development Authority was initiated by Grand Junction business owners in 1977. West of town, a mall began in the late 1970s and it has grown into a regional shopping center. Typically, malls deplete old downtown areas. The DDA has kept the Main Street Shopping District viable and thriving. Benge�s Shoe Store has been on Main Street since 1911,  and is a DDA member.
(Benge's Shoe Store Photo)

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 EDUCATION

Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops teach young people many skills which have lifelong value. Personal character, knowledge, the lore of nature, crafts and recreation are aspects of the multi faceted program. Scouting is a valuable addition to formal education. Summer and winter camps on Grand Mesa are settings for learning and recreation.
(Lynn Hoffman photo)

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  AGRICULTURE

Horses for farming and transportation mainly were replaced by cars and trucks in the early 1900s. In the Grand Valley, horses began to be used more widely for recreation. Well bred, highly trained steeds began to be raised on the acres of profitable horse farms. Hunting, trail rides, dressage, and the Sheriff's Posse were enjoyed by riders and their mounts.
(The Daily Sentinel)

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 TRANSPORTATION

Hot air balloons carried a few animals and people aloft in the late 1700s. They evolved into massive, passenger carrying Zeppelins which crossed oceans in the 1900s, but faster airplanes prevailed over them. Colorful hot air balloons have made a comeback, with balloon and passengers propelled by breezes. The first balloon rally here was November 25, 1978.
(David Canaday Photo, all rights reserved)

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 CULTURE

The Grand Junction Musical Arts Association was formed to promote orchestras, opera and dance. The Mesa College Orchestra came under its wing and was reorganized as the Grand Junction Symphony. The first season was 1978-1979. A full season of classic concerts is offered, as well as pops and children�s concerts. The Nutcracker Ballet is a December symphony tradition.
(Photo courtesy Grand Junction Musical Arts Association)

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  RECREATION

Gliders, also called sail planes, have no engines and rely on air currents to power them. They soar as quietly and gracefully as birds, their use becoming popular here in the 1970s and 1980s. Desert hills of the Grand Valley generate strong updraft thermals for soaring. Bill Hill set an international record by flying a 300 km triangular course at an average 120 k.p.h.
(Joe Kendrick Photo)

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