Collection of Mesa Verde Cabinet Cards [Stafford, Mr. & Mrs.] Western Photography

30 cabinet cards. Albumen photographs [27 cm x 15 cm] / [10.5" x 6"] each with neat manuscript titles on the backs. Strong contrasts and in nice condition. Nice collection of images of Mesa Verde by a 'Mr. & Mrs. Stafford' that includes views of Balcony House, Spruce Tree House, Sun Temple, Oak Tree House, Fire House, Far View House, Square Tower House, Cedar Tree House, and a portrait of Jesse Fewkes. Sometime around 1917 Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, gave the photographers of this collection ['Mr. & Mrs. Stafford], a letter of introduction to Dr. Jesse W. Fewkes. It must a warm letter, because the Stafford's appear to have unfettered access to Mesa Verde, and the various digs happening at the time. Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado, and is famous for the world over, for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it protects the cultural heritage of 27 Pueblos and Tribes who are descendants of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited the area.