The outstanding achievement of the year in Crater Lake National Park was the improvement of hotel accommodations, transportation facilities, and miscellaneous service along progressive lines, thus solving the most serious and aggravating problem that has confronted me in this park since entering upon my present duties. This important accomplishment was brought about by the Crater Lake National Park Co., a new corporation formed and financed by several public-spirited citizens of Portland and other Oregon cities, headed by Mr. Eric V. Hauser. This new corporation leased the Crater Lake properties from the old Crater Lake Co., which originally built the lodge on the rim of the crater, and pioneered in the furnishing of other service, the lease to be effective until March 1, 1922, on or before which date the lessee company may exercise an option to purchase the properties as provided in the agreement of lease. It is confidently expected that the option will be exercised, and that under the new ownership and management the present policies of improvement and development will be continued.
In the agreement of lease covering the change in management of the public utilities, it was provided that the sum of $20,000 was to be expended in the improvement of the properties, this fund to be regarded as a loan to the Crater Lake Co., secured by a first mortgage on its equipment and other personal property, and payable in three equal annual installments if the option to purchase is not exercised, but to be canceled if the option is exercised. The fund, of course, was to be expended by the new company. With this money the new management has completed the Crater Lake Lodge, improved the water and lighting systems, installed necessary sanitary fixtures, erected 30 tent houses or bungalow tents at the lodge and 10 at Anna Spring Camp near headquarters, procured and placed on the lake a launch with a capacity of 40 passengers; and in many other directions provided the means of rendering excellent service and meeting the public demand for proper accommodations in this park.
Mather concluded his remarks on the new concession arrangements by discussing its wide support by Oregon business interests. He noted:
Considering the short season and other serious handicaps under which the new enterprise has been developed, the success that it has achieved has been most remarkable, and has been the subject of widespread favorable comment. The work accomplished has stimulated the pride of the State in the park as nothing else has done. The results of the season are bound to be far-reaching, and I feel very sure that when the properties are finally purchased by the new company, and more funds are needed for further development, additional capital will be freely offered in all sections of the State, thus bringing to the aid of the park the interest and energies of many more such able men as are now identified with this progressive work. Such a consummation would place Crater Lake Park in a position identical with Mount Rainier and Yosemite Parks, which are being improved with funds subscribed from all parts of Washington and California respectively, by business men who are intensely proud of the chief scenic areas of their States, and appreciate their value as playgrounds for the people.
That the support of every section of the State might be gained in this project was anticipated by the organizers of the new company, who conferred with business men of southern Oregon and interested several prominent citizens. Some of these men are now officers and directors of the company and very active in its affairs. Mr. Eric V. Hauser, of Portland, is president of the new corporation; Mr. R.W. Price, of Portland, is the first vice president; Mr. V.H. Vawter, of Medford, is the second vice president and treasurer, and Mr. C.Y. Tengwald, of Medford, is the secretary. [11]
In April 1921 the lodge and other concession operations in the park were placed under the day-to-day management of E.E. Larimore, an experienced hotel manager on the Pacific Coast. The change of management had an immediate impact on lodge operations. On August 29 the Medford Mail Tribune described these changes in atmosphere and efficiency:
