Crater Lake National Park Administrative History

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Research in support of park educational activities became a significant component of the Crater Lake program during the mid-1930s. Botanical research for the classification of plants and flowers was conducted by Dr. Elmer I. Applegate, a nationally recognized authority and acting curator of the Dudley Herbarium at Stanford University who was hired on a temporary basis for several summers. He developed a checklist of 550 species of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees and conducted a study of the trends of vegetation succession in the park. Ornithological studies were carried out by Drs. L.H. and A.H. Miller of the University of California, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, respectively. Fresh water life research projects were conducted in relation to the species of plants and organisms in the lake. Geological research was performed by Dr. Howel Williams, professor of geology at the University of California, under the sponsorship of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The Carnegie Institution also supported research by Dr. Edison Pettit and the Mt. Wilson Observatory as to the scientific explanation for the blueness of the lake's water. Other research topics conducted by the ranger-naturalist staff included Mt. Mazama, caves and waterfalls, physiography, lake ecology, rodents, aesthetics, and place names. [21]

The various studies resulted in a number of publications. Examples of articles that appeared in scientific journals were Warren D. Smith and Carl R. Swartzlow, "Mount Mazama: Explosion versus Collapse," Bulletin of Geological Society of America, XLVII (December, 1936), and F. Lyle Wynd, "The Floral Wealth of Crater Lake," Natural History (June, 1937). In 1941 Howel Williams published Crater Lake: The Story of Its Origin, a book that has since gone through several revised editions.

In 1936 John E. Doerr, Jr., was transferred from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Crater Lake as permanent full-time park naturalist, and under his direction the educational activities of the park took on new life. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with undergraduate and graduate degrees in geology, he had been associate park naturalist at Hawaii since May 1931. During 1936-37 progress was made on the interior museum room of the Sinnott Memorial as well as on new forest protection exhibits at the Watchman Lookout. An exhibit layout plan for the interior museum room in the Sinnott Memorial was prepared by Ansel F. Hall on April 6, 1937. The theme for the displays was "Interpretation of the Beauty of Crater Lake and its Surroundings," thus putting into effect the general principles expressed earlier by Dr. John C. Merriam. [22]

Under Doerr's leadership planning was initiated in 1936 for a "complete museum development." Plans were tentatively formulated for a new central museum building, trailside and roadside exhibits, nature trails, and view finders. The Community House remained in unstable condition, and Superintendent Canfield observed that "anticipation" for a new central museum building was growing, "nourishing a hope that it will come into existence before the Community House falls down from old age and burden of heavy snow in winter." [23]

The interpretive program at Crater Lake continued to expand in 1938 under the leadership of Doerr. The two objectives of the program were "to render a superior quality of interpretive service to the public, and to carry on careful scientific research which would add to the knowledge of the natural features of the park." The public contact activities of Doerr and his staff of seven temporary ranger-naturalists included from 4 to 10 lectures daily at the Sinnott Memorial, Community House, and lodge as well as occasional lectures at CCC camps and area service clubs. Other daily activities included three to five guided trips, the launch trip around the lake, and information service at three points in the rim area. One new auto caravan trip along the west rim and the fire lookout station on the summit of the Watchman were commenced, emphasizing scenic and scientific values and forest protection. Another new guided trip initiated during the summer was a camera tour conducted by Ranger-Naturalist Elmer C. Aldrich. In July the interior room and exhibits at the Sinnott Memorial were finally opened to the public.

All told the naturalist staff contacted 136,320 persons in 1938, which was approximately two-thirds of the total park visitation. These contacts constituted an increase of more than 20,000 over the number for the previous year.

The expanded park research program in 1938 included botanical, zoological, limnological, geological, historical, museum, and photographic studies. Applegate continued his botanical studies and increased the park's check list of species to 570. Dr. R.R. Huestis, ranger-naturalist, conducted systematic studies of Peromysous and mammals on Wizard Island and made additions and corrections to the park's check list of birds. Limnological research was conducted by Dr. Arthur D. Hasler with the objective of establishing "a sound fish planting policy" which would " assure good fishing in the lake.'' Geological research continued under the direction of Dr. Howel Williams. Historical research on the park was conducted by Doerr, preparing notes on the history of the lake from its discovery in 1853 to its establishment as a national park for use on an "America's Hours of Destiny" radio program on the history of the park. In addition Doerr took a two-month trip, visiting museums in large eastern and midwestern cities and discussing with artists and scientists methods of interpreting scenic beauty. Photographic studies were begun with the purpose of examining the interpretation of scenic beauty. In commenting on recent research in the park Doerr observed:

Recent research accomplished and in progress has been and is being done by the naturalist staff, consisting of a permanent naturalist and seven temporary naturalists employed during the summer months; a wildlife ranger; various technicians of the National Park Service; and Dr. Howel Williams of the University of California. The research activities have been almost entirely of a field nature, there being no facilities for laboratory work other than mere office equipment, and some laboratory apparatus borrowed from various institutions. A number of the men carrying on summer field work have had during winter months the use of laboratories and other facilities at various universities and institutions, thus they have been and are continuing to carry on laboratory work in connection with problems at Crater Lake. [24]

When Lava Beds and Oregon Caves were placed under the administration of Crater Lake in 1939 the duties of the park naturalist and his staff of seven summer ranger-naturalists were greatly expanded. The park's annual report for that year indicated that public contact activities at Crater Lake by the naturalist staff included two to ten lectures daily; guided trips, and information service from June 1 to October 15. During the winter months the park naturalist's office was in Medford "from where he made numerous public contacts with school groups, service clubs, carried on field studies and planning of developments in the three areas, handled publicity, carried on research, and assisted the superintendent in the preparation of numerous reports." The "outstanding aspect" of the interpretive activities, according to Superintendent Leavitt, was "the expansion of the program emphasizing Crater Lake as a blend of scenic and scientific values." A new art exhibit at the Sinnott Memorial had contributed to this emphasis. [25]

The park interpretive program continued to be active prior to World War II. In August 1940 Doerr was transferred to Rocky Mountain National Park as assistant superintendent. He was replaced by George C. Ruhle who would direct the interpretive program at Crater Lake until 1953. Thus, the park naturalist staff for 1940 and 1941 consisted of one permanent and eight part-time positions. During those years research sponsored by Dr. John C. Merriam with cooperation from the staff of the University of Oregon was conducted in the park, involving studies in archeology, geology, biology, climatology, and nature appreciation. The research was designed to "eventually become a part of the naturalist program." [26]

Statistical breakdowns of the interpretive program for 1940 and 1941 indicate that more than half of the park visitors were contacted by the naturalist staff. In 1940 there were 133,315 total contacts out of a total visitation of 236,999. The following year the comparative figures were 129,610 and 254,754, respectively. The statistics for interpretive services were:

	Number		Attendance
	1940	1941	1940	1941
Guided trips	188	182	3,324	3,007
Lectures	588	519	30,483	36,596
Attended stations	3	3	97,939	86,062
Unattended stations	3	3	1,569	3,945	[27]

In June 1941 an Advisory Committee on Educational Problems of Parks in Oregon was organized at the University of Oregon under the joint sponsorship of Dr. John C. Merriam and the State Board of Higher Education. The committee consisted of a number of distinguished men from the academic community:

Honorary Chairman: Dr. John C. Merriam
Chairman: Dr. R.W. Leighton, Dean, School of Physical Education, University of Oregon
Dr. Ira S. Allison, Oregon State College
Dr. John P. Buwalda, California Institute of Technology
Dr. L.S. Cressman, Chairman, Anthropology Department, University of Oregon
Dr. E.L. Packard, Chairman, Geology Department, Oregon State College, and Director, Research for the System
Dr. George C. Ruhle, Naturalist, Crater Lake National Park
Dr. Warren D. Smith, Chairman, Geography and Geology Departments, University of Oregon
Dr. Howel Williams, University of California

The purpose of the committee was to promote continuing scientific study of Crater Lake, emphasizing geological, climatological, archeological, and paleontological contributions. The results of the research would be used for park interpretive programs and be published for the information of the public. [28]

Before wartime cutbacks virtually brought the park interpretive program to a standstill, the first ranger-naturalist school was held in July 1942. The three-day program included training in the purposes, activities, and methods of the park naturalist/interpretive program, care and use of government property, research, museum plans, forest and building fire protection, law enforcement, and civilian defense. In the postwar years annual naturalist training would be combined with the regular ranger school. [29]

Another event occurred at Crater Lake in 1942 that would influence the park interpretive program in the postwar years. Culminating nearly twenty years of discussion the Crater Lake Natural History Association was formally organized on June 20 by 59 individuals to promote the interpretive program and interests of the park. As early as 1923 Superintendent Thomson discussed the possibility of organizing an advisory council of seven to nine persons to promote the interests of the park. He had in mind a committee composed of outstanding persons from surrounding communities, Portland, the Mazamas, and the Women's State Federation. Such a committee would help formulate plans, keep abreast of present and future needs, and study legislation relating to the park. Thomson received little encouragement from the Washington Office, however, and the advisory council was never established. [30]

Despite the setback to Thomson's plans the idea of an outside advisory group for the park continued to be discussed. During the late 1930s Superintendent Leavitt and Park Naturalist Ruhle initiated an effort to form a group that would promote the park interpretive program. Their efforts resulted in establishment of the association on June 20, 1942, and approval of the group's constitution by the Department of the Interior on July 25. The constitution of the nonprofit scientific and historical society listed nine objectives:

1. In cooperation with the National Park Service, to further interest in the scientific investigation and interpretation of the natural features of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, and Lava Beds National Monument, in the fields of geology, history, biology, anthropology, forestry, botany, and the natural sciences.

2. To further development of museums and exhibits, to establish and help support libraries of historical, scientific, and popular interest, to provide adequate library service, and to assist in the accumulation, care, and fitting use of a collection of aids to visual education and study for the three areas named above.

3. To promote the general educational and interpretive programs of all three areas.

4. To sell non-Government publications to visitors.

5. To assist in the production, publication, and distribution of Nature Notes and other publications.

6. To study living conditions past and present of the Indians of the region, to encourage their arts and crafts, and to perpetuate their structures, customs, traditions, legends, etc.

7. To further scientific investigations along lines of greatest public interest and to publish bulletins of a non-technical nature from time to time.

8. To assist in the administration, protection, maintenance, operation, and improvement of the three areas by such means as may be practicable.

9. To limit strictly the operations, business, property, and assets of the Association to the purposes named above, so that the Association itself shall not be operated for profit, and so that no part of the net income of the Association shall inure to the financial benefit of any person connected therewith.

Despite the enthusiasm of the group, however, World War II prevented the organization from initiating activities until 1946. [31]