Did it only cover the maintenance employees?
Yes, nobody else got in on that.
Did the visit by Director Whalen result in any operational changes?
He came out to welcome me. That’s the only time he was there. I had not taken my place at Crater Lake yet, but I met Whalen and we stayed overnight in Crater Lake Lodge. Whalen spoke to the press at the Sinnott Memorial. After that I was introduced to the crowd. We toured the Rim Drive. The next day we went to Klamath Falls and flew to John Day.
For their park dedication?
Probably.
That was August 1978.
Okay, it all ties in. I had been pretty involved with John Day at that point, so I went along (51). I came back to Seattle, then moved to Crater Lake. Whalen’s appearance was simply public relations, introducing me to the public.
One of the changes you noted in your first annual report was that the YCC program had improved.
They were using the building you have as offices for a dormitory and took their meals in the Messhall.
Their numbers were far greater in those days… today it is only five or six kids.
Yes, it was a popular thing that had some presidential endorsement. YCC coordinators worked with the park staff, usually the maintenance chief and the chief ranger. Resource management people worked to develop projects for the YCC folks. They were not supposed to be doing things that would mean eliminating position that was funded under maintenance or rangers. They focused on projects that you otherwise couldn’t get done. It wasn’t difficult to come up with projects. They worked with our maintenance staff and in resource management doing revegetation. They also did trail work. It was a good program.
Were there other employees that ate in the Messhall in addition to them?
Just the YCC!
