The Crater Lake Natural History Association began its first activities in the park during the summer of 1946. The efforts of the association included the sale of government and private publications, printing of “Nature Notes” (vol. XII), and sponsorship of two lectures at the Rangers Dormitory for park and association personnel and two lectures at Community House for the general public. [35]
Although the draft of a park museum prospectus had been prepared in 1942 the document received little attention until June 1947 when Ruhle reviewed and updated it. The revised prospectus contained a section regarding the buildings which were used to house the disparate elements of the interpretive program. The document read:
In 1930-31 Sinnott Memorial was erected by authority of Congress in honor of Nicholas J. Sinnott (1870-1929), a member of Congress from Oregon. . . . In it [the general exhibit room] at present are displayed six colored, illuminated transparencies, a collection of framed photographs, and four splendid original paintings of the lake by Chris Jorgensen, Gunnar Widfors, Eugene Kingman, and Eugen Neuhaus, respectively. The parapet, facing the lake, has a guard wall in which are sunk nine wells. Each well has an appropriate exhibit that explains features visible through accompanying mounted binoculars and view finders. The parapet platform bears a relief map of the park and a stand for folding chairs to accommodate audiences. Neither laboratory, office, nor living quarters are in the structure. . . . The station commands an especially significant view, so that the park visitor can orient himself and learn about the geology of the region. . . .
An Information Building on the Rim above Sinnott Memorial formerly housed the Kiser Photographic Studio. . . . It is used for dispensing information, for sale of literature, and for housing three small wall cases, an open display table for geological specimens, and a cabinet for display of cut flowers. The public crowd it for a warming room during the frequent inclement weather. . . .
The Community Building on the Rim was built of frame construction. . . . The building is in a very poor condition, so that it needs external props to keep it from collapse. In summer it is used for lectures and recreational purposes. In winter a crowd of wet, uncomfortable skiers seek its scant shelter from the elements, so that they can eat their lunches, or huddle around the fireplace in its dark maw. The building formerly contained temporary displays of various natures. . . .
In 1931 the two-storied Watchman Lookout was constructed of stone and glass on the summit of the Watchman. . . . There is room [on the first floor] for six wall cases 6 to 7 feet wide and 1 foot deep, and two narrow cases 2 feet wide. As planned in 1936, these cases were to hold exhibits pertaining respectively to the following:
1. Forests of Crater Lake National Park, Nature and Composition.
2. Forest Protection: Scope and General Management.
3. Insects Harmful to Forests.
4. Fungi and Other Plants Harmful to Forests.
5. Causes and Prevention of Forest Fires.
6. Detection of Forest Fires.
7. Fire Suppression.
8. Results of Forest Fires.Since its erection, the Administration Building at Park Headquarters has furnished space adequate for administrative and operative needs of the Naturalist Division. Here are the office of the park naturalist, two rooms for laboratory work and study collections, a dark room, and two closets. A small park library is housed in the naturalist’s office.
In 1942 a site at the junction of the approach roads from Medford and Klamath Falls had been chosen for the central park museum. The revised prospectus proposed construction of a museum building at an estimated cost of $320,000. The building would contain exhibit, community and lecture, dark, library, and office rooms as well as a warming station and ski hut room for winter use. The museum would include the park relief map, murals, paintings, and exhibits on geology, biology, prehistory, history, meteorology, flora, fauna, skiing and winter use, fire prevention and suppression, and aesthetics. In addition, Ruhle recommended two trailside markers and exhibits-in-place” just north of Llao Rock and at the road cut through the Llao dacite flow, preparation of a pamphlet for motorists on Rim Drive, and improvements to the Sinnott Memorial. [36]
