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John George Verkamp opened the first Grand Canyon curio shop, consisting of a tent from which he sold Native American crafts and souvenirs, in 1898. With few tourists, his first enterprise lasted only a few weeks, but following the construction of the El Tovar hotel on the South Rim, he returned, building Verkamp's Curios, which was completed in 1906. The Verkamp family closed the store in 2008, after just over 100 years of being in business. The building is now a National Park Service visitor contact station and museum.
- Verkamp's Curio Tent, ca. 1897
Subject: John George Verkamp standing by his tent/curio store near Old Bright Angel Camp. He offered Native hand crafts and souvenirs to visitors. Date: ca. 1897 Collection: Grand Canyon National Park (No. 5254). - Verkamp's Store, ca. 1908
Subject: Verkamp's store with rugs outside. The signs read: Canyon Souvenirs, Navajo Blankets. Date: ca. 1908 Collection: Grand Canyon National Park (No. 11365). - Field Binoculars
Description: Binoculars rented out to visitors by the Verkamp family. Eye markings read "Lemaire fabt Paris." Built circa 1890-1915 in France; leather wrapped brass. Dimensions: Unknown. Collection: Grand Canyon National Park (Catalog No. GRCA 76184). - Field Binoculars, Alternate View
Description: Binoculars rented out to visitors by the Verkamp family. Eye markings read "Lemaire fabt Paris." Built circa 1890-1915 in France; leather wrapped brass. Dimensions: Unknown. Collection: Grand Canyon National Park (Catalog No. GRCA 76184).