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Downtown Moab in the 1950s
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Charlie Steen & Gov. George Dewey Clyde
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This program was funded in part by:

George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
EnergySolutions
C. Comstock Clayton Foundation

It was one of the most exciting times in the history of Utah - and one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The 1950s in Moab brought great wealth to a few, disappointment to many, and historic growth to the once sleepy little village. When an all but down-and-out prospector named Charlie Steen discovered the largest uranium deposit in U.S. history, in 1952, Moab's population was 1,200. By the end of the decade, that number had quadrupled. After his find, Steen threw big parties for everyone in town, built a big mansion on the hill and gave money for many causes.

But our story is not just about Charlie Steen, it is about cowboys and kids. It's about the big western movies filmed in the '50s in and around Moab with such stars as John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Ben Johnson, Rock Hudson and many others. It's about breathtaking national parks, dirt roads and red rocks. Most of all, it's about fondly held memories of life in what seemed an easier time.

"Moab in the '50s was exciting, fun and a wonderful place to live," said Ted Capener, narrator of the documentary produced by KUED's Elizabeth Searles.

The show airs Tuesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m., on KUED-Channel 7.

Utah in the '50s: Moab is made possible in part by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, Energy Solutions, the C. Comstock Clayton Foundation and the contributing members of KUED.

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