When the MGM Lion landed in Rim Country

Charles Lindbergh's historic flight from New York to Paris in May 1927 set off a flurry of flying firsts. In September 1927 MGM Studios prepped a plane and hired a well-known pilot to fly its new mascot Leo the Lion nonstop from San Diego to New York City.

Communications with the pilot were lost after the plane flew over Yuma, Arizona. The plane did not land in New York City at the expected time of arrival. Headlines across the country asked: "Where's the MGM Lion?"

Seven days later, a posse of Rim Country cowboys rescued Leo from Hell's Canyon located in the Hell’s Gate Wilderness Area about 17 miles northeast of Payson.

A free open to the public presentation featuring historic photographs of this event will be narrated by local writer and educator Gail Hearne on Monday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. in the Payson Library Community Room. Light refreshments will be served.