Curbing is a masonry detail used to define the edge of paved areas throughout the district and separate vehicles from pedestrian circulation. Stones measuring between 32 and 84 inches in length were placed to create curbs from 1932 to 1935. Although all measured about 24 inches in height, only the last 8 or 9 inches showed above pavement, with the same measurement across the top when set against a walkway or ground. Each stone curb is connected with roughly an inch of mortar so that in forming curves or lines it represents another unifying, but not overly repetitive, element in the district. Although the masons made fewer decisions when siting the curbs than in placement of large stone in structures, they had to pay careful attention to precise lines and grade so as to make the edges conform to the desired curvilinear shapes on the master plan drawings for Rim Village.
The 12 features that were determined to possess integrity were those considered in the historic design, while also retaining original qualities of appearance and function. Circulation features, plantings, structures, and small-scale components of the district are in their original location. The spatial organization and pattern of land use in Rim Village still reflect the original design intent, as shown on NPS master plans from 1927 to 1941. Only minor changes to the setting have taken place since 1942; these include construction of a concession employee dormitory outside the district in 1973, ending overnight use of the campground two years later in favor of utilization as a picnic area, burning 19 rental cabins behind the Cafeteria in 1985, and the 1991 removal of three comfort stations in the campground. Historic materials are still evident in contributing structures, circulation systems, plantings (though some are in remnant condition), and small- scale features. The workmanship associated with the designed landscape is an excellent example of how naturalistic design was executed, in that many of the district’s individual features served as models for other NPS and state park areas. [4] The district also possesses a distinct presence within the greater landscape, evoking a feeling through its circulation system, plantings, contributing structures, and small-scale features for the era in which it was designed and created. Rim Village also continues to reflect its associations with the Civilian Conservation Corps and other Depression-era Federal work relief programs which allowed the NPS to implement an ambitious planned development from 1931 to 1941.
Endnotes
1. Cathy A. Gilbert and Gretchen A. Luxenberg, The Rustic Landscape of Rim Village, 1927-1941. Seattle: USDI-NPS, Pacific Northwest Region, 1990.
2. Merel Sager, as quoted in Gilbert and Luxenberg, p. 118.
3. “Promenade Wall Evaluation” drawing no. 106/41,068, by R. Conrad, November 1993, one sheet, accompanies a summary and photographs by Denver Service Center personnel who gave their document the same name, History Files, CraterLake National Park.
4. Gilbert and Luxenberg, p. 109, in reference to Albert Good, Park and Recreation Structures (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1938), 3 vols.
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