Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Grand Lodge
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
1. The Grand Lodge Marker
Photo captions: National Park Service Superintendent W.B. Lewis, Curry Company Director A.B.C. Dohrmann, a National Park Service Architect, Curry Company President, Don Tresidder, and architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood hold a rendering of the hotel; Background: Ahwahnee plans by G.S. Underwood, 1926.
The first director of the National Park Service, Stephen T. Mather, was as at home in the High Sierra as he was in high society. To ensure Yosemites protection for future generations, he knew that influential people would have to care about the park in its natural state. To attract this clientele, Mather hired architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood to create a world-class hotel that reflected the Valleys stately domes and cliffs. On July 14, 1927 – at a cost of $1.5 million - The Ahwahnee opened its doors in a gala event.
Call of Duty
Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, movie stars and celebrities have all graced The Ahwahnees guest list. But during World War II, the artwork and fine furnishings moved into storage and the hotel was transformed into a Navy convalescent hospital. The Great Lounge became a dormitory for 350 sailors. At times, as many as 850 staff and patients occupied the grand hotel. Servicemen soon grew weary, as Yosemite was far away from loved ones and “civilization.”
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1850.
Location.
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Ahwahnee Porte Cochere (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); LeConte Memorial Lodge (approx. half a mile away); A Home for Rangers (approx. 0.7 miles away); Yosemite Valley (approx. Ύ mile away); Yosemite National Park (approx. Ύ mile away); Big Tree (approx. 0.8 miles away); Reawakening the Meadow (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Old Yosemite Village (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yosemite National Park.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Story of Half Dome (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
2. The Grand Lodge Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 20, 2013
3. The Ahwahnee
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
4. The Ahwahnee
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
5. The Ahwahnee
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
6. Entrance to the Ahwahnee lobby from the Porte Ochere
National Historic Landmark plaque to the right of the entrance.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 20, 2013
7. Plaque in the Ahwahnee's lobby
The Ahwahnee Hotel first opened its doors to park visitors on July 14, 1927. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, it took two years to build at a cost of $1,250,000. The hotel was conceived by Stephen T. Mather, first Director of the National Park Service, and on February 15, 1977 was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of is architectural significance.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
8. The Indian Room in the Ahwahnee.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 15, 2013
9. A fireplace in the Ahwahnee
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 20, 2013
10. Dining room at the Ahwahnee
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on May 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
