Winter sports programs in the park continued to be conducted in line with National Park Service policy, “special facilities and meets” not being provided or encouraged. During the winter of 1938-39, however, the Chiloquin Ski Club was permitted to operate on an experimental basis a portable electric ski lift on the lower slopes of the “ski bowl” near the lodge. As a result of the popularity of the lift and its apparent lack of impact on park resources, Leavitt urged that the lift be permitted to operate again the following winter.
By providing such winter visitor services and accommodations Leavitt felt that the park was building “good will throughout the state and local communities.” At the same time he observed that there was “no great amount of warmth or friendly feeling among local groups for the park operator.” This animosity existed despite various improvements in concession services and general rate reductions put into effect in 1939. [43]
The two years before American entry into World War II were banner travel seasons at Crater Lake National Park. Visitation reached all-time records to date with 252,482 visitors in 1940 and 273,564 in 1941. The summer recreational opportunities that attracted visitors in increasing numbers were, according to Superintendent Leavitt, hiking, auto touring, camping, boating, and fishing. The park trails in their order of popularity were the Crater Wall Trail, Watchman Lookout, Garfield Peak, Wizard Island, and Mount Scott. Winter visitation exceeded totals for previous years by nearly 50 percent, aided in part by the operation of a portable ski lift and two small gasoline-powered lifts on most weekends by the newly-organized Crater Lake Ski Club. [44] During these years the Crater Lake National Park Company installed new beds and mattresses in the lodge and made improvements to the housekeeping cabins, including placement of the beds and mattresses formerly in the lodge and installation of electric hot plates, oil heaters, and running cold water. Launch and rowboat facirities were improved. A permit was granted to the White Star and Hurry Cab Taxi Company in 1940 to provide transportation between Klamath Falls and Crater Lake during the winter months when the park concessioner was not operating its auto stages. [45]
On April 26, 1941, the National Park Service let a new 20-year contract (covering the period from January 1, 1941 to December 31, 1960) to the Crater Lake National Park Company. Under the terms of the agreement the company was authorized to:
a. establish, maintain, and operate a general hotel, cabins, and a camping business
b. install and operate such visitor facilities as a general merchandise business, laundries, barber shops, Turkish and other baths, and other amusements
c. maintain and operate docks, wharves, boathouses, power boats, rowboats, and boating equipment
d. sell meals, snacks, toiletries, souvenirs, and fishing, boating, and camping supplies
e. establish, maintain, and operate a general transportation service in and in connection with the park
f. establish, maintain, and operate trail transportation facilities and services
g. establish, maintain, and operate garages, gasoline stations, blacksmith and machine shops, stables, and corrals
h. establish and maintain hot-houses and gardens, when specifically authorized
The company was required to pay an annual fee of $500 plus 22-1/2 percent of excess over a 6 percent profit margin. [46]
The company made a number of improvements to its facilities in 1941. Private toilets were added to the 22 sleeping cabins at the rim, and other exterior and interior improvements were made. Two four-room deluxe cabin units were constructed for which maid service was furnished Each room was equipped with hot and cold running water, electric lights, private toilet and shower, automatic thermostat-controlled hot water and heat, one double bed, and two half beds. Steps were taken to correct the lodge sewage disposal problem, since water samples at the rim had shown evidence of contamination. Lodge rooms continued to be refurnished, such work being completed by early 1942. [47]
