Photograph: Copyright © 1994 Roy D. Tea

Made 1994, Donner Spring, Utah.

Donner Spring, its sweet waters providing literal salvation to people and animals coming off the desert 150 years ago is seen here after Utah Crossroads members built a protective fence around it. A kiosk was added with interpretive panels to explain to modern visitors the history of this critical water source. A graded dirt road runs nearby and carries the occasional traveler on what is now a scenic but still remote back-country byway.

The enclosure and kiosk were dedicated in conjunction with the OCTA national convention in Salt Lake City, held in August, 1994. More than 300 people attended the emotional ceremony including Marta Lienhard Vincent, an accomplished musician and descendant of 1846 Hastings' Cutoff pioneer Heinrich Lienhard. It had been nearly 150 years since so many people gathered here. At this place of refuge from the salt desert's ravages for her ancestor and so many others, Marta's Highland bagpipes sang Amazing Grace.