Well, I’d like to tell of the reason why the present administration headquarters, known as Government Camp, was chosen as a building site for the administration building. At the time when consideration was being given as to a permanent site for a government building group some thought had been given to using the rim area that was soon abandoned because of the severe winters and the difficulty of getting there in the winter time. And that idea was abandoned because it offered more negative sides, and the more favorable side was in the present location of Government Camp. Now, in locating of the Government Camp, which is the present site of the administration area, the benefits of having Garfield Peak as a windshield in a valley area was considered a very essential consideration in locating for a year round construction of the administration area. This applies specifically to the administration building and the ranger’s dormitory and other building in the general area which were shield weather wise from the severe weather conditions that occurred at the rim area. This selection at government headquarters was also more appropriate down to a prominent, protective stone base boulder. And when the building was designed this strong, solid base stone permitted a building to be constructed and tied into it by proper design and by proper construction techniques.
Although it was a hazardous structure to undertake it was a challenge for all the workmen to do this heavy work involved in bringing concrete building materials, machinery, and other construction items to the site. The ultimate end of this lovely building is that as you walk into the main entry room you get a panoramic view of the lake embracing some 180 degrees. It was unusual for this spectacular view that one gets from such a point that previously had been nothing but a massive boulder projecting out of the hillside. This building has a roof structure of timber which was placed on heavy timber members across the top. But the massive stone walls give one the assurance of durability and everlasting beauty as a site for a museum of this nature. I think it is one of the most unusual locations for a building of its kind in the National Park Service. And I am not making reference to any beautiful viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. I think another impressive thing about Sinnott Memorial is, as one walks along the rim area, they come to a series of circular steps that lead gradually down into this open museum. It’s easily accessible to all people, not hazardous to walk up or down and a delight to be in and see the marvelous scenery and exhibits that one has placed before them. In speaking of the Watchman, we made the drawing on that in 1931 at Sequoia Park. Then I came up to Crater Lake with Sager at the time. This building was started on Watchman. It was an ideal location for a lookout point because it had a very prominent viewpoint of the entire lake area which also attributed much to most forestry protection for forest fire observations and protection of the natural beauty of the country.
