I was reading some of the annual reports that were done during the time that you were superintendent. One had to do with the onset of computerization. How did that go?
As far as the first steps the Park Service was taking with computers, I think they had some hotshot’s computer salesman that sold them a bill of goods. One idea was that they would be able to have the same kind of computers in the regional office as in the various park offices, and thereby have a link to the monthly balance of funds. Computers were envisioned mainly for budgets at that initial stage. I was all for anything that could streamline them, but this entailed Mount Rainier, Olympic, and us getting a special kind of computer that matched what the regional office had. At that point we had to dedicate on room for the computer, and assure that it was smoke free and had outside ventilation. We had some administrative staff who smoked, and at that time smoking wasn’t regarded as taboo. We had the non-smokers quite adamant about the smokers bothering their health, so I had a little tizzy going. The smokers were the one that would be using computers at that point in time, so the room had to have this special ventilation. The computer system didn’t realize the potential we had expected in getting results that first year, but within a few short years it began to be more productive (42). With the establishment of our resource management program, things began to come of age. We were then able to get better computer systems and modems.
Was the power line project related to computers?
Not necessarily. We had a generator. Before the power line was placed underground there were many times when we didn’t have electricity, so we had to kick up that generator (43). Many of the park residents had electrical appliance problems that resulted from the power surges. Having a reliable source of power was something we needed to survive in this modern world. I’m sure they’ve got that pretty well solved by now. We were constantly working with the power company. Does the park still have a full time electrician?
Yes, or at least we try to cover those duties on a full time basis. Where did you live in Steel Circle when you were superintendent?
There are three little garages (44).
So that has been pretty constant.
I think it has.
