Mather concluded his remarks on the new concession arrangements by discussing its wide support by Oregon business interests. He noted:
Considering the short season and other serious handicaps under which the new enterprise has been developed, the success that it has achieved has been most remarkable, and has been the subject of widespread favorable comment. The work accomplished has stimulated the pride of the State in the park as nothing else has done. The results of the season are bound to be far-reaching, and I feel very sure that when the properties are finally purchased by the new company, and more funds are needed for further development, additional capital will be freely offered in all sections of the State, thus bringing to the aid of the park the interest and energies of many more such able men as are now identified with this progressive work. Such a consummation would place Crater Lake Park in a position identical with Mount Rainier and Yosemite Parks, which are being improved with funds subscribed from all parts of Washington and California respectively, by business men who are intensely proud of the chief scenic areas of their States, and appreciate their value as playgrounds for the people.
That the support of every section of the State might be gained in this project was anticipated by the organizers of the new company, who conferred with business men of southern Oregon and interested several prominent citizens. Some of these men are now officers and directors of the company and very active in its affairs. Mr. Eric V. Hauser, of Portland, is president of the new corporation; Mr. R.W. Price, of Portland, is the first vice president; Mr. V.H. Vawter, of Medford, is the second vice president and treasurer, and Mr. C.Y. Tengwald, of Medford, is the secretary. [11]
In April 1921 the lodge and other concession operations in the park were placed under the day-to-day management of E.E. Larimore, an experienced hotel manager on the Pacific Coast. The change of management had an immediate impact on lodge operations. On August 29 the Medford Mail Tribune described these changes in atmosphere and efficiency:
In former years everyone was impressed by the natural beauties of Crater Lake, but after the first gasp, there was an awkward pause. It was like entering a beautiful residence, expecting to greet an old friend, but finding no one at home. There was no one at home at Crater Lake inside the lodge or out. After a few “Ohs” and “Ahs” and a leaving of cards, as it were, one was eager to get away.
This year there is a decidedry homelike atmosphere at the lake. One feels it immediately upon entering the lodge. You are not greeted as if you were merely an animated five dollar bill, welcome solely as a contributor to household expenses, but as a human being on a pilgrimage of devotion. Will Steel, the father of Crater Lake, puts this over. He is behind the counter to greet you, not as another customer, but as another candidate for initiation into the Mystic Order of Crater Lake enthusiasts.
Moreover the entire hotel staff is on its toes. They are all new and have the enthusiasm of fresh recruits. Not only is the table excellent, but the service combines beauty and efficiency to a remarkable degree.
At night the guests gather around the fire like a large and happy family. There is music furnished by members of the hotel staff, and there is dancing entered into even by those who climbed Garfield Peak in the afternoon.
Then Will Steel usually gives a little talk on Crater Lake, its history and formation, which is just what the visitors are eager to hear, and about ten o’clock everyone trots off to bed.
It may be merely the difference between good hotel management and no hotel management at all. But there seems to be something more–the creation of atmosphere in it. This appears to be the supreme achievement of the Crater Lake management of 1921. [12]
Park visitation increased by more than 40 percent for a total of 28,617 in 1921 despite the late opening of park roads due to late spring snows. The increase was attributed in part to the concessioner arrangements as well as improvements to the three public campgrounds in the park. Water facilities were installed at the Rim Campground, and toilets were constructed in each of the campgrounds. Some 14,000 persons, or 50 percent of park visitors, used the campgrounds. [13]
