Looking up at the "tree house" (center of photo) near the peak of the Inn's lobby. This bit of whimsey, complete with its own frame roof, door, and "windows," was added by young architect Reamer in harmony with the Inn's forest-like atmosphere.
(right) A spot of late-afternoon light shines down from windows above as through a canopy of pines. Some believe Reamer deliberately planned this forest-like setting.
The original 1904 candle-style lighting fixtures are still in use today. The Inn, though intentionally designed to look rustic, was among the first to use electric lighting.
The lodgepole pine beams and railings such as the one in the foreground (left) were originally covered with bark. The bark began to deteriorate, however, and was removed during the 1940s.
A view of the second floor balcony. The mission-style chairs and sofas are period pieces, though some of the lobby and dining room furniture was brought from another Robert Reamer hotel, Yellowstone's Canyon Hotel, after it was closed and ultimately torn down.
Period desks such as this one are located along the second and third floor balconies. Some are original to the inn, while others were among furnishings moved here from the historic Canyon Hotel.
At right is a view of the lobby, showing the two public balconies and steps that continue on up to the crow's nest and former observation deck. The chimney was designed with 8 fireplaces, but the August 1959 earthquake closed all but two. The large front fireplace (on the clock side, seen below) has been used as the main fireplace since the earthquake. Extensive current restoration will return the largest fireplaces on all four sides back to operating condition.
(See p. 9 for Old Faithful Inn LINKS on the Web)
