I'M LIKING TRUCKS

I'M LIKING TRUCKS

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A LOST MOMENT IN TRUCKING HISTORY -- NAVAJO Freight Lines role in the "NAVAJO BROTHERHOOD CARAVAN"



I was recently doing some research for one of the forums I belong to and came across a series of pictures from the LIFE MAGAZINE photo archive that were labeled "NAVAJO BROTHERHOOD CARAVAN" and showed trucks from the NAVAJO truck lines delivering food and goods to the Navajo Indians of New Mexico.


The pictures were taken in 1947 and sparked my interest since I had spent part of a summer back in 66 in Ganado, Arizona in a Navajo Mission.


An internet inquiry into this event, which was also called "The Mile of Trucks" produced only two "hits".  The first was actually a mention of this incident coming from a UFO magazine ---

Food for Navajos

The event was in December of 
1947 and was called the “Navajo Brotherhood Caravan”
(or the “mile of trucks”) and 
ran supplies from Albuquerque to Gallup, 
NM. (roughly 90 miles south of Shiprock) 
where the Indians took possession of 
the supplies.  The Navajos were having a 
tough time of it and people throughout 
the state were helping out. 


The second "hit" came from an article that appeared in TIME MAGAZINE ----


INDIANS: Reprieve
Monday, Dec. 22, 1947

"Shocked at the discovery that the Navajo Indians face starvation and even death this winter (TIME, Nov. 3), the nation suddenly began sending them relief. The American Red Cross appropriated $100,000 for "immediate stopgap aid," rushed disaster relief workers to the barren Navajo country. A Navajo Trail Relief Caravan Association gathered up food and clothing in California, started seven truckloads on the way to the reservation. Utah citizens helped too. Congress, conscience-stricken after neglectful years, voted a $2,000,000 relief fund for the Navajo and Hopi tribes."





I think this is an important piece, and unfortunately a forgotten piece of trucking history. It must have produced  a great deal of pride for the NAVAJO truck line as it gave back to its' namesake, the NAVAJO nation.


What I can't believe, is the lack of further information about this event -- so that is where you, the reader, come in. If you have any stories about this or know more of the story, PLEASE share it by comment or email me!!!


In the meantime -- enjoy the pictures, courtesy of the LIFE archive --


NAVAJO RELIEF CARAVAN LEAVING PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA






THE MILE OF TRUCKS



COMING INTO TOWN







UNLOADING THE GOODS








11 comments:

  1. Hi...Great pics...somehow I got here looking for information on a large sign I acquired. It says "THE CHIEF LINES" just copy no logo. Can't tell if this was a trucking or bus line operator...the type or graphics are very early...30's 40's.
    Appreciate any info if possible, thanks, Don. dsayrizi@prodigy.net

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    1. Don --- Looks like I now have a new subject that bears looking into. Look for a future post regarding "THE CHIEF LINES FRIEGHT COMPANY".

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  2. My dad used to drive for Navajo when it was in Albuquerque, NY and I'm looking for any information on Navajo Freight Lines. If anyone can provide me with some I would appreciate it.
    nstuart1953@gmail.com

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    1. My father drove for Navajo; Albuquerque to Chicago, 1950 to 1975. I recognize 2 pics on this site as Albuquerque.
      Alanflowers2@gmail.com

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    2. The foto "coming into town" is downtown Albuquerque, Central Avenue at 7th Street; Cooks sporting goods on left, Maisel's Indian Curious Store on right side.

      Alan Flowers
      Central Virginia

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  3. My mother recently found some stock certificates for Navajo freight lines, inc. from 1972. she asked me to check them out and when i typed it into the search bar i got very few results.i was wondering if i could get some help and information. if anyone knows anything about these cirtifacates please contact me at Wolfsvain15@aol.com

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  4. Amazing stuff! Just a note on one of the captions, the one that reads "NAVAJO RELIEF CARAVAN LEAVING PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA". The domed building in the background is unmistakably the Pasadena City Hall -- a bit of a longer haul.

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  5. my dad drove for navajo frieght lines out of L.A. in the 60's. I have a watch he recieved for a four year safety award with the blue eyed indian on the face.

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  6. just sent you a comment about my dad driving for navajo in 60's. It was out of santa fe springs in L.A. area. my e-mail is talboat54@yahoo.com.

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  7. I'm Pamala Digby, I appreciate your research, my father will too!

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