ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <!-- zenlike1.0 by nodethirtythree design http://www.nodethirtythree.com --> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> <title>Many Glacier Hotel " National Park Lodge Architecture Society</title> <meta name="keywords" content="Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier national park, many glacier lodge, western lodge, rustic lodge, craftsmen movement, lodge architecture, parkitecture" /> <meta name="description" content="National Park Lodge Architecture Society webpage detailing the significance of the Many Glacier Hotel" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="manyglacier.css" /> </head> <body> <p id="top"> <div id="upbg"></div> <div id="outer"> <div id="header"> <div id="headercontent"> <h1>Many Glacier Hotel</h1> <h2>Glacier National Park</h2> </div> </div> <div id="search"> <h2>National Park Lodge Architecture Society | nplas.org</h2> </div> </form> <div id="headerpic"></div> <div id="menu"> <!-- HINT: Set the class of any menu link below to "active" to make it appear active --> <ul> <li><a href="index.html">NPLAS Home</a></li> <li><a href="class.html">Classifications</a></li> <li><a href="lobby.html" title="Directory of Park Lodges">Lobby (Directory)</a></li> <li><a href="bellhop.html" title="news & information">Bellhop (News)</a></li> <li><a href="bookstore.html" title="books & other resources">Bookstore</a></li> <li><a href="concierge.html" title="contact info & helpful links">Concierge (Help & Contact)</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="menubottom"></div> <div id="content"> <!-- Normal content: Stuff that's not going to be put in the left or right column. --> <div id="normalcontent"> <h3><strong>Superior</strong> <span>Classification II</span></h3> <div class="contentarea"> <!-- Normal content area start --> <img src="images/manyglacier1.jpg" alt="current image of exterior at Glacier Park Lodge" /> <P><I>Exterior, 2008.</I></P> <img src="images/manyglacier2.jpg" alt="current image of lobby at Glacier Park Lodge" /> <P><I>Main lobby circa 2008. Above photos courtesy Mike Wasson.</I></P> <P>Many Glacier Hotel " Glacier NP " 1914<BR> <strong>Classification II<BR> Location:</strong> Swiftcurrent Lake, Montana<BR> <strong>Theme:</strong> Swiss Chalet; National Park Rustic "Parkitecture" with irregular floorplan.<BR> <strong>Structure:</strong> 141,103 sq. ft. four storey wood frame structure with horizontal wood siding, multi-gabled roof, wood shingles, Swiss style balconies. <BR> <strong>Original Architect:</strong> Thomas D. McMahon <BR> <strong>Construction:</strong> Glacier Park Hotel Company (later renamed Glacier Park Company), subsidiary of Great Northern Railway. Most aspects of design and construction were controlled by Louis Hill, president of GN Railway. Construction was contracted to E.G. Evensta Co. of Minnesota.<BR> <strong>Known Timeline:</strong><BR> Site selected, 1909<br> Construction begins, 1913<br> Some Main Lodge construction completed, 1914*<br> Male employee dormitory completed, 3000 sq ft, 1914<br> Female employee dormitory added, 3000 sq ft, 1915<br> Annex #1, dining room, kitchen & additional guest rooms completed 1915-1916*<br> Annex #2 - and south breezeway ("south bridge") constructed, 1917<br> Indoor pool added, 1917<br> Southeast stairway in lobby removed, 1926<br> Grill Room remodeled, 1933<br> Lucerne Room enlarged, 1934<br> Cocktail Lounge built, 1934<br> Pool rebuilt, 1937<br> Some balconies rebuilt & some doors permanently sealed, 1939<br> Lobby furnishings upgraded, 1939<br> Grill Room 2nd remodeling, 1940<br> Employee pub opened, 1941<br> Exterior repairs to balconies, roof, staircases, siding, 1943<br> Some sources indicate porte-cochere construction, 1950*<br> Main building and Annex 1 baths remodeled, 1952<br> Annex 2 baths added or remodeled, 1956<br> West elevation balconies repaired, 1956<br> Asbestos shingles replaced, 1956<br> Some sources indicate porte-cochere construction, 1957*<br> Some guest rooms added, 1957<br> Spiral staircase removed & gift shop added, 1957<br> Lounge remodeled and separated from bridge, 1957<br> Reservation desk and office added, 1957<br> Baths added to two guest rooms (115 & 315), 1957<br> Kitchen remodeled, 1959<br> Concession sold to Don Hummel, who formed Glacier Park Inc., 1960<br> Flood damage & repairs, 1964<br> Supports added to balconies, 1960s thru 1970s<br> Glacier Park Inc. sold to Dial Corporation, 1981<br> Guest rooms remodeled, 1982-1984<br> Public areas including dining room and lobby re-carpeted, 1982<br> Some balconies reconstructed, 1984<br> Some modifications to lobby, including southeast stairwell, 1984<br> Listed as a National Historic Landmark, 1987<br> Roof re-shingled, 1990<br> Minor cosmetic changes to Lucerne room & some corridors, 1990<br> Approximately 80 guest rooms re-carpeted, 1991<br> Lounge remodeled, 1991<br> Electrical system revamped, 1997<br> Emergency stabilization of failing balconies, 2000<br> Annex 1 balconies stabilized, 2001<br> Annex 2 balconies stabilized, 2002<br> Current room count: 214<BR> Concession operated by Glacier Park Inc., subsidiary of Viad Corp (successor to Dial Corp). The Many Glacier complex is owned by the National Park Service; furnishings owned by Glacier Park Inc.<br> * indicates conflicting sources<br> <!-- Normal content area end --> </div> </div> <div class="divider1"></div> <!-- Primary content: Stuff that goes in the primary content column (by default, the left column) --> <div id="primarycontainer"> <div id="primarycontent"> <!-- Primary content area start --> <div class="post"> <h4>Observations</h4> <div class="contentarea"> <p>Many Glacier Hotel was planned to be the crown jewel of Louis Hill's Great Northern Railway development in Glacier National Park. With the arguable exception of Crater Lake Lodge, the setting of Many Glacier is probably the most photogenic of the great National Park Lodges.</P> <P><img src="images/manyglacier10.jpg" alt="many glacier hotel circa 1920" /></P> <P><I>above, 1920s era colorized image of Many Glacier shows what the hotel looked like prior to construction of the porte-cochere. Compare this image to the large first image above, taken from virtually the same spot.</i></P> <P>Unfortunately the remoteness of the lakeside location in 1913 made construction a challenging proposition. The logistics of moving men and material into the alpine valley were sometimes out of sync. But the overwhelming problem was that winter arrived and lasted longer than expected, and some materials were substituted or replaced. As a result the construction of Many Glacier Hotel used a combination of costly timbers and cheap composite board.</P> <P>The result was a drafty, creaking monstrosity that was added to piecemeal over the next few years. When it was completed, proponents used the word "rambling" to describe it; detractors changed the word to "ramshackle." </P> <P><img src="images/manyglacier11.jpg" alt="the original lobby of the many glacier hotel" /></P> <P><I>In the original layout of the lobby, a striking spiral staircase was located opposite the open hearth fireplace. This staircase, which led to the basement, was removed during the 1950s reconstruction. Notice the Victrola and wicker chairs on the left side of the photo. More significant is the original decor: A mix of cattle skulls, Chinese lanterns, and animal pelts draped on most of the railings. This contrasts heavily with the current view below, which has none of the skulls and furs. The Oriental decor was removed during the 1930s. Photo below courtesy the National Park Service.</I></P> <P><img src="images/manyglacier12.jpg" alt="current view of the lobby in many glacier" /></P> <P>Because of the "Swiss" exterior that Hill conceived, the hotel fits the lakeshore and the setting nicely. By using this chalet style, its appearance draws on centuries of preconceptions of what a high alpine hotel <i>should</i> look like. Almost any other style building of this size would be horribly out of place. We're fortunate that Many Glacier was constructed when it was; without railway riches it is hard to imagine any other time that it could've been. Certainly today's environmental movement would render such a hotel little more than a pipe dream.</p> <P><img src="images/manyglacier14.jpg" alt="Swiss styling at many glacier hotel" /></P> <P><I>Notice how the multiple angles of the chalet's rooflines work in concert with the angles of the peaks beyond. Even the jigsaw Swiss styling replicates the runnels in the rock forms. Mike Wasson photo.</I></P> <P>While the location so close to the lake is alarming to some, it actually lessens the impact of the structure. The steep bank dropping to the lake allows the front portion of the buildings to be below ground, giving the impression that the buildings sprang from the earth and remain tied to it. It is only when viewed from the lake that Many Glacier reveals how truly immense it is. And from that vantage point, the backdrop of the mountains minimizes what would otherwise be a monstrous appearance.</P> <P><img src="images/manyglacier13.jpg" alt="view from the lake" /></P> <P><I>This vintage image reveals a much larger hotel when viewed from the lake.</I></P> </div> </div> <div class="divider2"></div> <div class="post"> <h4>The Experience</h4> <div class="contentarea"> <div class="details">Alpine hostelry. . .in the Switzerland of North America</div> <p>The key thing to note in this headline is the "hostel" part. Many Glacier Hotel was designed as a massive Swiss hostel, that is, dormitory style rooms with shared bath facilities. If you aren't familiar with this style of lodging, you basically would choose between a bed in a bunkhouse, a private room, or a suite. The "suite" as it was in 1913 was often smaller than a typical hotel room of today. Private rooms usually had a sink; suites may or may not have a tub. Some suites might have toilets. Everyone else used shared restrooms and showers. Showers were usually located in individual "closets" throughout the building. These had a locking door, a tiny changing area with a wood stool, and a small shower stall. You might've found three such showers on your floor, or you might've had to walk to another floor to find one. Only the wealthy in their costly suites had the luxury of a private bath in their room, which usually consisted of a claw-footed tub located behind a screen.</p> <P>This type of lodging arrangement was quite common and accepted when Many Glacier was built, but began to fall out of favor during the 1920s and 1930s. As Americans became more mobile, efficient roadside "motor hotels" with small but private showers and baths sprang up, and expectations began to rise. What was once common and accepted slowly became archaic. The hostel style fell from grace completely by the end of World War II, as Americans no longer living in tenements began to demand the separate privacies they enjoyed in their new suburban tract houses. Americans were also being warned more and more about the horrors of some unseen organisms called "germs," and the perception was that private baths would be much more sanitary. (Incidentally, if you are fortunate enough to procure the vastly discounted lodging at Bright Angel or Paradise Inn that requires use of a shared shower, and are perhaps concerned about those dreaded germs, a quick spray of common white vinegar will probably render things more germ-free than your home shower with weekly cleanings.)</P> <P>By 1950 change was overdue at Many Glacier, and the concessionaire began a series of modern upgrades and additions that included individual room baths. Like the upgrades at sister hotel The Glacier Park Lodge, this was accomplished with minimal decrease in the total room count. The resulting rooms were just fine for the 1950s. Unfortunately many travelers today are put off by the tight quarters and complete lack of luxury. As good as the impression is upon entering the lobby, visitors are sometimes mortified by the -- how can we put this delicately -- <i>spartan</i> guest rooms.</P> <P>A warren of corridors, stairways and balconies reinforce the impression that this is a quirky, rambling structure. Again, some guests are put off by that, but most accept it as part of the history and a refreshing change from the sterile big boxes that hoteliers construct these days.</P> <P>It is these and the rest of the public areas that give Many Glacier its unquestionable charm. Between the rustic lounges, informal dining room, lakeside verandas, balconies, and the incredible lobby, the Many Glacier Hotel is absolutely delightful...mind-boggling in its scope and artistic, rustic beauty; it staggers the imagination.</P> <P>And we haven't even begun to discuss the scenery.</P> </div> </div> <div class="divider2"></div> <div class="post"> <h4>Classification</h4> <div class="contentarea"> <div class="details">Superior Classification II</div> <p>An overnight stay at Many Glacier Hotel will be an unforgettable experience; the design and decor is an important example of National Park Lodge architecture. Time spent anywhere in this lodge and on the grounds affords you new sensory experiences, sights, and discoveries. Judged solely on public or common areas, external appearance and ambiance, the Hotel would easily earn "criterion" status. Because we must consider all aspects of the facility, Many Glacier Hotel is ranked "superior," the second highest classification by the National Park Lodge Architecture Society.</p> <div class="divider2"></div> <P><A HREF="http://www.nplas.org/manyglacier.html#top">Top of Page</A> " <a href="manyglacier-photos.html">Many Glacier Hotel Page 2 (additional photos)</a></P> <P>NPLAS " Dedicated to the Preservation and Appreciation of National Park Lodges</P> <P><a href="index.html">NPLAS Home Page</a> " <a href="class.html">Classifications</a> " <a href="lobby.html" title="Directory of Park Lodges">Lobby</a> " <a href="bellhop.html" title="news & information">Bellhop</a> " <a href="bookstore.html" title="books & other resources">Bookstore</a> " <a href="concierge.html" title="contact info & helpful links">Concierge</a> </div> </div> <!-- Primary content area end --> </div> </div> <!-- Secondary content: Stuff that goes in the secondary content column (by default, the narrower right column) --> <div id="secondarycontent"> <!-- Secondary content area start --> <!-- HINT: Set any div's class to "box" to encapsulate it in (you guessed it) a box --> <div class="box"> <div class="contentarea"> <img src="images/manyglacier200.jpg" alt="original lobby decor" /> <p><i>This 1916-era "colorized" photo depicts the Oriental styling that was considered "western" in the early 20th century. The furnishings used today in the Many Glacier Hotel create an atmosphere of vintage relaxation, but are not accurate to any previous styles used.</i></p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="contentarea"> <P><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-0751440218004690"; /* nplas 234x60, created 9/23/08 */ google_ad_slot = "8774018169"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </P><BR><BR> </div> </div> <div> <div class="contentarea"> <P><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-0751440218004690"; /* nplas 234x60, created 9/23/08 */ google_ad_slot = "8774018169"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </P><BR><BR> </div> </div> <h4>Glacier NP Lodges</h4> <ul class="linklist"> <li><a href="glacierpark.html">Glacier Park Lodge</a></li> <li><a href="goingtothesun.html">Going-to-the-Sun Chalets (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="granitepark.html">Granite Park Chalet</a></li> <li><a href="gunsight.html">Gunsight Chalets (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="twomedicine.html">Two Medicine (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="cutbank.html">Cut Bank Chalets (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="stmary.html">St. Mary Chalets (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="mcdonald.html">Lake McDonald Lodge</a></li> <li><a href="sperry.html">Sperry Chalet</a></li> <li><a href="swiftcurrent.html">Swiftcurrent Chalets (Historic)</a></li> <li><a href="swiftcurrentmotor.html">Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins</A><br> <i>Also Many Glacier Auto Camp</i></li> <li><a href="villageinn.html">Village Inn at Apgar</a></li> </ul> <h4>Glacier Park Lodge Resources</h4> <ul class="linklist"> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1566953189?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1566953189">Trails Illustrated Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Park Trail Map</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1566953189" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </li><BR><BR> <li><a href="glacierpark-photos.html">Additional Photos in the NPLAS Collection</a></li><BR><BR> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0792266374?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0792266374">National Geographic Road Guide to Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks (National Geographic Road Guides)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0792266374" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </li><BR><BR> <li><a href="http://www.glacierparkinc.com/">Glacier Park Inc., official Glacier Park Lodge website</a></li> </ul> <h4>Recommended Reading</h4> <ul class="linklist"> <li>Ray Djuff's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560371706?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1560371706">Glacier's Historic Hotels And Chalets: View With A Room</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1560371706" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> is the ultimate historical guide to Louis Hill's hotel and chalet system, including rare photos of the lost chalets. Best of all, this book provides excellent, entertaining reading.</li><br><br> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0929521897?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0929521897">Glacier's Grandest : A Pictorial History of the Hotels and Chalets of Glacier National Park</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0929521897" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </li><BR><BR> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560372761?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1560372761">All Aboard for Glacier: The Great Northern Railway and Glacier National Park</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1560372761" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </li><BR><BR> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076273891X?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=076273891X">The Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges, 5th edition</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=076273891X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </li><BR><BR> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076273633X?ie=UTF8&tag=slackpacker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=076273633X">Best Easy Day Hikes Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, 2nd (pocket size)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=slackpacker-20&l=as2&o=1&a=076273633X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></li><BR><BR> </ul> <!-- Secondary content area end --> </div> </div> <div id="footer"> <div class="left">&copy; 2010 National Park Lodge Architecture Society. 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