Old Faithful Inn History 2

Old Faithful Inn History

page 2

For the face of the great stone chimney, Reamer designed a large clock, to be built on site by the blacksmith. He also placed a treehouse-type enclosure near the top of the tall lobby--a whimsical touch that complemented his forest theme. Steps in the staircases were fashioned from half logs with flat sides up. Reamer also selected an assortment of curved, arched, and twisted thick branches to be used throughout the lobby and in many other parts of the Inn for ornamentation in rails, supports, and along stairways. The odd shapes of these deformed branches were the result of infections and infestations of bacteria as well as other natural forces.

The lobby of the Old Faithful Inn as it appeared to its earliest visitors. (1905 Detroit Publishing)

A total of 140 guest rooms were originally built, able to hold 316 guests. Steam radiators were installed to keep overnight guests warm, and the Old Faithful Inn was one of the first hotels in America to use electric lighting (supplied by a steam generator). Reamer fashioned white candlestick light fixtures to be placed throughout the building--fixtures which are still in use today. Stairs rose to an observation deck on the roof of the Inn, where an electric searchlight was added to light Old Faithful during evening eruptions and occasionally point out nearby wildlife. (In the mid 20th century this searchlight and a later one were removed--and out of concern for visitor safety, the observation deck was placed off limits to the public.)

(Click on images throughout to enlarge.)

Although much of the material used for the Inn was obtained locally, some things were imported, including the steam heating system mentioned above, shingles, door locks, window glass, wiring, plumbing, and furnishings. Architect Reamer worked closely with Mrs. Childs in selecting the furnishings, and they maintained a good working relationship throughout the project. An Arts and Crafts motif was used, with an assortment of Mission Style furniture and Native American woven rugs. The final effect was to be fashionably rustic, yet comfortable enough for upscale early tourists.

The view new arrivals would have as they approached the Old Faithful Inn. The original roof was painted red, as shown in this postcard. (1905 Detroit Publishing)

EARLY VISITS TO THE INN
From the beginning, the Old Faithful Inn was a popular favorite. Reamer faced the Inn deliberately away from Old Faithful so that the first view guests would see as their coach pulled up to the front of the Inn and under the porte cochere, or carriage entrance, was a direct view of the famous geyser. They entered through thick red doors (red being a universal sign of welcome), complete with caged peep hole and heavy iron latch and hinges--all made on site by the blacksmith, George W. Colpitts of Livingston.
A 1904 traveler described his arrival as follows: "Entering the quaint old doorway, each person was greeted by the manager, Larry Matthews [sic], with an Irish welcome in the best Tipperary, 'I am glad to see you! Walk right in! Make yourself at home!' " This charming Irishman--the first manager of the Old Faithful Inn--was a seasoned and popular host, having had experience as manager of the old Shack Hotel, as well as lunch stations at Trout Creek and Norris. Larry Mathews was regarded by historian Aubrey L. Haines as "the incomparable peer" of all Yellowstone manager/hosts. (He retired from his manager position and all Yellowstone service after the opening season at the Inn, apparently in a dispute over pay.)

Shown above is the Old Faithful Inn's original front entrance, located just to the right of the hanging lamp, and situated under the sheltered porte cochere (carriage entrance). This postcard was published by Detroit Publishing and copyright 1909.

"This is a lovely Inn. I am having a fine trip. Must hurry to breakfast. Yours sincerely Miss W."
Dated Aug. 22, 1909

At mealtime, guests in those early years ate together (appropriately dressed) in the rustic log-walled Old Faithful Inn dining room. A dinner bell atop the Inn alerted those venturing among the geysers and hot springs when it was time to return and make themselves presentable for dinner.

The dining hall was brightened with large windows, an open fireplace, and Reamer's electric candle light fixtures. Guests sat on rustic chairs at tables set with brightly polished silverware and china of a blue willow pattern.

As guests ate, a group of musicians played for them on a small balcony extending from the lobby and overlooking the dining room. After dinner, these musicians climbed to areas such as the "crow's nest" near the top of the high-pitched ceiling of the lobby. There they played as guests danced on the main floor far below. During the "Army" years when Yellowstone was protected by the military, soldiers unselfishly volunteered to dance with any willing unescorted ladies.

(left) Early view of the original Old Faithful Inn dining room before later renovations replaced the wall on both sides of the fireplace with doorways leading into an added extension. (Haynes postcard)

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