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Show A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS on the wing Is represented by this converted TOY amphibian, flown to Grand Junction in January by Vernon Pick. The $250,000 aircraft was included In the deal which transferred Pick's fabulous Hidden Splendor uranium mine to the Atlas Corporation, a Floyd B. Odium venture. Pick will use the aircraft as a pleasure craft and for world-vide h(. lspheric exploration for uranium. Vernon Pick, Fabulous Miner Of Plateau, Looks to Future To Vernon Pick, who last August 24th sold bis Hidden Splendor uranium holdings to Financier Floyd B. Odium for $9 million, life has taken on the aspect of a movie script dreamed up by a Hollywood press agent In his own words, "It's fantastic." That the fantasy does not extend into his business life is readily realized when you consider the projects Mr. Pick has scheduled for the future. Among them are: I i 1 Construction and operation of a nuclear energy laboratory in Grand Junction, with two physicists already at work on "basic research on nuclear energy for civilian and industrial uses.." 2 Establishment within the industrial framework of the Pick Uranium Co. of a department of solar energy, "a long time interest of mine," to probe the secrets of putting the sun to work for industry. Asked if this meant research on the use and operation of solar reflectors, Mr. Pick said he planned to attack the problem from a different angle, since solar reflectors have been proved "not too practical." What the nngle is, he did not disclose. Goes to Argentina J Exploration fcr uranium deposits in Canada and the Argentine. Atlas Corporation, a holding company owned by Odium, has secured full rlghs to Argentine exploration and development, and Mr. Pick has been asked to look over the field while he takes what be described as a "vacation," beginning this month. He has also been requested to explore possible fields in both Ceylon and the Philippine Islands, the invitations being extended through the governments of each of these countries. 4 Fantasia entered bis life when negotiations were opened with Mr. Odium and his wife. Jackie Cochran, famed aviatrix-financier. Flights to New York City, here he was a guest of the Odiums' swank apartment overlooking the East River, and to the 900-acre Indio, California ranch owned by the financier, became commonplace. Mr. Pick described the latter property as combining the most lavish attributes of a billion-dollar Hollywood production and the splendor of the Arabian nights. Among the ranch features are a swimming pool, from which Mr. Odium conducts a great deal of his business, a golf course, riding stables, and guest "cottages." which Mr. Pick disclosed as the size of bis own Grand Junction home. Gets Plane Just to add to the amazement, an aircraft was thrown into the deal betweeen Hidden Splendor and Atlas. Uabb Company, a South, em California subsidiary of Atlas, is currently remodeling a Navy PBY, which, when completed, will be a luxurious executive amphibian which will take Mr. Pick anyplace in the world. Mr. Pick, who holds single and two-engine pilot's licenses, will help fly the plant., although he plans to hire a pilot to command the aircraft. Before landing the plane on water however, the Grand Junction millionaire must be checked out. Faith In Area "I have great faith in this area." Mr. Pick said. "That is why I am locating a research laboratory here, and I shall continue to make Grand Junction my headquarters." Out of his research laboratory has come a special instrument for airborne explorations, which will shortly go Into full-scale production for the uranium market. The morning of the Interview, the president of the Hidden Splendor Mining Co. had received a package from a Utah artist, Carl E. Olsen of Price. It contained a painting of Mr. Pick, showing him I with about a three-day stubble of beard, hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, posed against a backdrop which includes the mine and the surrounding mountains. The artist and his subject met at the Hidden Splendor and the painting was done from pictures taken at that time. Mr. Pick's life during the last three years Is best expressed by a story he tells of Hanksvllle. which was a town of, at most. 50 people when Mr. Pick was prospecting in the area where he made his strike. Today, Hanksville ss a booming mining town. How did he know there were only 50 people thereT He and an old sourdough prospector sat down one evening and counted them. |