Hayden’s historic celebration
The Hayden Cabin/Mammoth Museum is celebrating the historic century of tourism in the Lakes Basin during its three big summer events.
Summer visitors started recreating here early in the 20th century, following wagon-era roads dating from the mining boom of 1877-1881. These roads were gradually improved for automobile use, and resorts and family cabins began springing up.
Tamarack Lodge, Wildyrie, Crystal Crag Lodge and Twin Lakes Store, Woods Lodge, Lake Mary Store and Pokonobe, were built from the 1920s-1950s. Each lodge has a continuous history and has hosted generations of family visitors.
Beyond the resort lodges, private family cabins sprouted in the Lakes Basin. Of these, some 120 remain standing today. Built on Forest Service land, most of them date to the Roaring Twenties and extend up to the late 1950s when the practice ceased.
A new exhibition depicting the history of the Lakes Basin is now on display at the Hayden Cabin/Mammoth Museum. Curator Mark Davis contrasts two large maps that show the area before (1924) and after (1939) the construction of State Highway 203 in 1937.
For the third summer, free Jazz at the Hayden Cabin brought together musicians from Mammoth Jazz Jubilee on July 11 and 12.
An enduring highlight of summer is the Country Western Dance and BBQ held at the Cabin. Derik Olson’s Cross Country Band will set feet tapping until people jump onto the dance floor for a rollicking good time. It’s a family affair with irresistible BBQ and side dishes. (July 28)
The annual Old Timer’s BBQ is always a memorable time, when old timers come and share their stories of the old days in Mammoth—this year, look for tales about the beginnings of packing and ranching here. (Aug. 25)
The Hayden Cabin Historical Museum is tucked into a bend in Mammoth Creek, off Old Mammoth Road. For more information call 760.934.6918. -Diane Eagle
Hi,
I appreciated your article about the history of Mammoth Lakes as a vacation destination and wondered if you had any leads/info. I might pursue to learn more about the history of Crystal Crag Lodge at Lake Mary. My grandparents began visiting the area in the 1920’s-’30’s and would stay at the Twin Lakes Lodge. Later, my own family began vacationing at Lake Mary and in the 1950’s & ’60’s we’d always stay in a cabin named “Minaret”, which had to date at least to the 1920’s. Only one year can I remember it wasn’t available and so we stayed in a really cool cabin called “Tamarack”. They were part of the Crystal Crag Lodge complex but have since all become private cabins again. The newer cabins that are part of the current Lodge have nowhere near the character of these old timers.
I have vivid memories of leaving the San Fernando valley in the wee hours of the morning, late in July, getting high on the smell of sage as we traversed the Owens Valley toward Bishop, always eat at Jack’s Pancake House in Bishop (I remember when they expanded into the building next door to the original), always gased up at a Union 76 station (it was called by the owners name which now escapes me), and eventually we’d park in front of Crystal Crag Lodge about 9 in the morning. The excitment would just about overwhelm all of we kids. I can still see clearly the stone/log steps which led up to the lodge and smell the dust and pine rise from our feet. The family who owned/operated the lodge in that period were older than my folks and had young adult children as I recall. There was a wonderful old pool table in the main room my brother and I would be allowed to use on rare ocassions. The view from the picture window was magnificent. Our last vacation there as a family was in 1966, but when vacationing in 1964, (I was just 13), I remember listening with astonishment as the proprietor told my parents “it won’t be long until there are street lights on the old Mammoth Road”. It made me sick to think there’d be that much traffic and use, but his predictions have more than come to pass.
Some years ago, I learned that the old lodge collapsed under a heavy winter snow and with it, a tangible link to these and hundreds of other memories. I would love to know more about the original lodge building and the owners who were it’s caretakers over the years. I can only remember that the owners during our use, lived in San Gabriel or somewhere like that, if I’m not mistaken. Can you suggest where I might begin my search or find old photos? We have some old photos of our own if there is any interest by a historical society, though I’m sure you’ve more than plenty.
Thanks for your help and allowing me to ramble.
Sincerely,
Tony Edmondson
Weiser, Idaho