Viola Shannon, Olive Johnson, and Claude Fernandez

I am not sure when this picture was taken, but I scanned it 052301. (L-R) are Viola Shannon, Claude Fernandez, and Olive "Johnny" Johnson. Ms. Shannon worked here from 6/41 until 4/68 in a variety of more responsible positions as a laborer, elevator operator, guide, interp supv etc.  Claude worked here from 6/47 until 8/71 (from here he transferred to Fort Union National Monument as Superintendent) Like Ms. Shannon he was promoted several times: from Guide to Tour Leader to Supv Park Ranger to Chief Park Guide. When I was at Bandelier National Monument in May 1971, he called to offer me a permanent park guide job at the caverns. I met his niece Linda Christina on the day I arrived in June 1971 and married her 4 months later. Olive Johnson was my first supervisor when I was permanent in 1971 A delightful woman, once when I shared with her that I had overslept and missed part of my shift in the Big Room, she was impressed with my "volunteered honesty" and bought me an alarm clock. Later as the caverns Park Historian I did several oral history interviews with her. In one of these, I found out that on one tour as tour guide nurse, she slipped at the natural entrance and broke her arm. Telling no one, she finished the one mile+ walk down the Main Corridor before reporting it. I still stand in awe of her courage and determination. She worked here from 11/43 until 5/74 and also became a supervisor--a wonderful supervisor to me.  Bob Hoff