REPORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BLACK AND ORANGE CABINS FORT BRIDGER STATE HISTORIC SITE

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1 REPORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BLACK AND ORANGE CABINS FORT BRIDGER STATE HISTORIC SITE (Photo #1) Black and Orange Cabins, Fort Bridger, circa 1930 Prepared by the Black and Orange Cabins Steering Committee November

INTRODUCTION The Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trail (SPHST) manages the Black and Orange Cabins (cabins) at the Fort Bridger State

2 INTRODUCTION The Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trail (SPHST) manages the Black and Orange Cabins (cabins) at the Fort Bridger State Historic Site (fort). The cabins are located in the community of Fort Bridger in the southwestern part of Wyoming. In the spring of 2007 SPHST was awarded a Transportation Enhancement Act Local grant to restore the cabins. As a result of this SPHST decided to create a steering committee to prepare a report of recommendations for the future of the cabins. The Black and Orange Cabins Steering Committee (Committee) consisted of Stan Cooper, state senator, Jim Davis, Lincoln Hwy Association, Dr. Dudley Gardner, Kristi Hamilton, State Historic Preservation Office, Kelly Hughes, Bridger Valley Heritage Museum, Martin Lammers, Fort Bridger Historical Association, Jane Law, Evanston Renewal Agency, Mieke Madrid, Evanston Renewal Agency, Owen Petersen, state representative, Martha Powers, Fort Bridger Historical Association, Rollin Southwell, Lincoln Highway Historian, Audrey York, State Historic Preservation Office, Linda Newman-Byers, site superintendent, and Todd Thibodeau, SPHST planning & grants manager. The mission of the Committee is to provide guidance and recommendations to the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails on the restoration, maintenance, management, interpretation, promotion, and public accommodation at the Black and Orange Cabins. The goals of the Committee are to prepare a report with recommendations on the following items: 1. Restoration of the cabins (to include the exterior, interior, and surrounding landscape) 2. Maintenance and management of the cabins 3. Interpretation and educational opportunities at the cabins 4. Promoting and advertising the cabins 5. Providing tourist accommodations at the cabins (i.e. pathways, picnic area, etc.) 2

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BLACK AND ORANGE CABINS Located on the SE ¼, SW ¼, Section 33, Township 16 North, Range 115 West, the Black and Orange Cabins are on the east boundary of the Fort Bridger State

The following is an excerpt from the Historic Structures Report for the Krusmark Property, prepared by Linda Newman- Beyers.

3 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BLACK AND ORANGE CABINS Located on the SE ¼, SW ¼, Section 33, Township 16 North, Range 115 West, the Black and Orange Cabins are on the east boundary of the Fort Bridger State Historic Site. The cabins serviced travelers along the Lincoln Highway from circa 1926 to The military abandoned Fort Bridger in The following is an excerpt from the Historic Structures Report for the Krusmark Property, prepared by Linda Newman- Beyers. After the Army left Fort Bridger, Josiah and Maggie South may have been homesteading the property because there is an 1895 Bill of Sale from them to Mary Carter for ($1). The transaction transferred ownership of a one frame dwelling with out houses and one stable. Since land ownership was not transferred, it is possible that the Souths were homesteading, but had not completed the requirements to receive a patent. Two years later, in 1897, Mary E. Carter received a patent for 160 acres of land from the United States indicating her ownership of the property was the first civilian possession following the abandonment of the Fort by the military. (Photo #2, Lulie Groshon at Fort Bridger, c. 1905) Following the death of Mrs. Carter and as a result of Mary E. Carter s probate case; there was a Decree of Partial Distribution filed transferring ownership of 169 acres with all houses, buildings, fences and fixtures to Lulie Groshon. (Photo #3, Margaret J. Rochford at Fort Bridger, c. 1911) In 1909 a rectangular portion of the property measuring 347 feet by 123 feet was sold by William A. Carter s son, William and his wife Katherine to Margaret J. Rochford. This time the land and the buildings were sold. During the time that Mrs. Rochford owned the property, the building that had been the Commanding Officer s Quarters for the military fort that had been moved on to the property, was used as the family residence and a hotel. A little over a decade after Mrs. Rochford purchased the property; the Lincoln Highway came almost to her 3

country State via the Lincoln Highway. (Photo #4, Rochford Family on the back porch of the Rochford Hotel COQ, c. 1915) (Photo #5, Rochford Hotel, c. 1915) Around 1948 Mrs.

4 doorstep and then made a 90 turn north. The Orange and Black Cabins and related out buildings were built sometime between 1926 and 1927 to provide services for the public traveling by motor vehicles across the country State via the Lincoln Highway. (Photo #4, Rochford Family on the back porch of the Rochford Hotel COQ, c. 1915) (Photo #5, Rochford Hotel, c. 1915) Around 1948 Mrs. Rochford sold the property to Karl Krusmark. The Krusmarks eventually disassembled and stored the Commanding Officer s Quarters/Rochford Hotel building and later sold it to the State of Wyoming along with their services to reconstruct the building on its original site on the Fort Bridger Historic Site grounds.. 4

The State of Wyoming leased the property from the Krusmarks from July 1, 1994 until October 31, 1996.

The state has retained ownership of this property since this time. The Black and Orange Cabins have suffered considerable deterioration through the years but are remarkably intact.

Otherwise, all of the original components of the cabin complex are present.

5 The State of Wyoming leased the property from the Krusmarks from July 1, 1994 until October 31, On November 1, 1996 the property was purchased by the Fort Bridger Historical Association from the Krusmarks for $40,000 (plus closing costs) and donated to the State of Wyoming. The state has retained ownership of this property since this time. The Black and Orange Cabins have suffered considerable deterioration through the years but are remarkably intact. The entrance arch was removed long ago and the office building was destroyed by fire in the late 1970s. The WPA replaced the outhouse in Otherwise, all of the original components of the cabin complex are present. One other modification that has happened through the years is the vegetation surrounding the cabin complex has expanded and matured (please reference photos #6 and #7). (Photo #6, Black & Orange Cabins, c. 1930) (Photo #7, Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) It does appear two modifications took place to the cabins during their period of operation. First, it appears the cabins started with oil lamps and converted to electric lights sometime between 1926 and Archaeological excavations around the cabins uncovered fragments of oil lamp glass, indicating the cabins originally were lighted with oil lamps. The Rural Electric Administration incorporated in the Bridger Valley in 1938 and a unified electrical system was completed in 1942 (this information was provided by Frank Bower an electrician with the Bridger Valley REA). Prior to this electricity was provided by small independent systems that serviced a very small area. The cabins have a DC electrical plant that provided electricity to the cabin complex, hotel and part of the fort. Nellie Byrne indicated the generator was referred to as the light plant. Second, a house was built in the parking area in front of the cabins around Photo #8 shows the new house with the Rochford Hotel in the background. The child on the right in the photo is Nellie Byrne who was born in 1930 indicating the house was there by the early 1930s. (Photo #8, house at Black & Orange Cabins, c. 1930) 5

STRUCTURAL HISTORY Please reference attached Historic Structures Report RECOMMENDATIONS The committee makes the following recommendations for the Black and Orange Cabin complex.

The cabins appear to have been built circa 1926 and were in use until circa 1936.

6 STRUCTURAL HISTORY Please reference attached Historic Structures Report RECOMMENDATIONS The committee makes the following recommendations for the Black and Orange Cabin complex. Restoration The Black and Orange Cabin complex should be restored and interpreted to the late 20s through early 30s time period. The cabins appear to have been built circa 1926 and were in use until circa The house in the center of the complex appears to have been built circa 1930 and was in use as a private residence during the operation of the cabins. (Photo # 9, Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Cabins Exterior restore exterior to circa 1930 appearance. Interior restore a minimum of two interior rooms (mirror image) to a circa 1930 appearance. SPHST should investigate ways to maintain the integrity of the interior of the cabins while addressing the structural issues of the buildings. Use reproductions instead of actual artifacts due to security concerns. Install a plexiglass panel in the entrance to allow public to view. SPHST needs to address security and fire protection. The one modification to the cabins that appears to have taken place between 1926 and 1936 is the installation of electric lights. The original wiring is still in the cabins and SPHST should try to leave this in place and interpret for the public. House Exterior restore the exterior to a circa 1930 appearance (Photo #10, House Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Interior rehabilitate/modernize the interior to serve as an exhibit space and storage area. This should include providing electricity for exhibits/security system and a furnace for climate control. The house should not have water or restroom facilities, as these are provided in the adjacent picnic area. One room may be restored to a 1930s appearance for interpretative purposes. 6

(Photo #11, WPA Outhouse Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Office Building the original office building burned in the late 1970s, this building should be reconstructed.

7 Outhouse Exterior restore exterior to a circa 1936 appearance. Interior restore interior to a circa 1936 appearance. A transparent barrier should be placed in the doorway to prevent the public from using the restroom. (Photo #11, WPA Outhouse Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Office Building the original office building burned in the late 1970s, this building should be reconstructed. The office building appears to have been in at least two locations (please reference photos #12 and #13). We propose locating the office building in the east location so the entrance arch can be recreated and it does not interfere with the house. (Photo # 12, Office Building West location, c. 1930) (Photo # 13, Office building East location, c. 1930) 7

(Photo #14, Light Plant Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Light Plant (generator building) Exterior restore exterior to a circa 1930 appearance. Interior restore interior to a circa 1930 appearance.

8 (Photo #14, Light Plant Black & Orange Cabins, 2007) Light Plant (generator building) Exterior restore exterior to a circa 1930 appearance. Interior restore interior to a circa 1930 appearance. The interior still has the original generator and battery system for the electrical system. This should be restored and interpreted. The internal DC electrical system should be interpreted. Landscape SPHST should have the public enter the cabin complex from the rear of the site, between the parking lot and picnic area. SPHST will need to provide pathways that are ADA compliant throughout the complex. SPHST will need to re-fence the exterior of the site property. On the north side of the site the fencing should be reminiscent of the wood post with field wire as shown in Photo #5. Taller more secure fencing should be used on the other sides of the site. The cabin complex currently has more vegetation and more mature vegetation than it did during its period of operation. The trees within the main cabin complex, and especially within the historic parking area, should be thinned. This will be in keeping with the historic landscape, allow the parking area to be re-graveled, the entrance arch to be reconstructed, and enable historic cars to enter the site (please reference photos #6 and #7). Archaeological excavations around the cabins uncovered a layer of gravel in front of the cabins, indicating the parking area had been graveled. Not all trees should be removed from the interior of the property and the trees screening the border of the property should be left in place. SPHST should remove any trees and vegetation that are damaging the Rochford Hotel foundation and interpret the footprint of the hotel with carsonite markers and interpretive signage Implementation Funding has been secured for this project through the SPHST Enterprise Account, SPHST Major Maintenance funding, and Transportation Enhancement Act-Local Grant. This funding should be sufficient to complete the project. SPHST will act as the project manager for the project. SPHST has contracted with Plan 1 Architects to provide architectural services and project oversight. It is anticipated the plans and bid specifications will be completed by early spring. The project will be let to bid at that time and under contract by late spring. The contractor will have until early September to complete construction. 8

9 The Committee recommends a dedication ceremony be held when the project is completed. The Committee would also like to look into creating some sort of annual event at the Black and Orange Cabins. This could include an antique car show or commemorating the Lincoln Highway. 2. Maintenance and Management Partnerships SPHST will be responsible for managing and maintaining the cabin complex. After the recommendation report is completed the Committee recommends investigating different groups or organizations that might be willing to help promote, interpret and maintain the cabin complex. This could include the Fort Bridger Historical Association, the Bridger Valley Heritage Museum, the Unita County Certified Local Government, the Lincoln Highway Association, the Wyoming State Historical Society, and the Alliance for Historic Wyoming. Misc. SPHST should look into a way of recording visitation at the cabin complex. SPHST should maintain a guest register at the cabin complex. SPHST should look into exterior lighting and security systems (i.e. motion sensor alarm, camera, lights, and law enforcement) to reduce vandalism. 3. Interpretation and Education Interpretation The committee recommends interpreting the following themes at the Black and Orange Cabins. 1. -History of cabin complex and Rochford family. Interpretation should be able to answer questions, such as; -Why the cabins were built? (i.e. on Lincoln highway, start of the motor age, Fort Bridger as a tourist attraction, tourism increasing, 1920s period of prosperity, etc.) --Relationship of cabins to Fort Bridger. -Why the cabins were abandoned? (i.e. depression, decrease in tourism, etc.) -The history of the Rochford family. -When the Rochford family stopped living at the cabin complex and when hotel closed, etc. -Explain how a tourist cabin complex works. 2. -History of early motor tourism -The 1920s was a new era of mobility and tourism as a result of the automobile and national prosperity. -The public is now traveling for recreation instead of simply to move to a new location. - The evolution of tourist accommodations (i.e. camping, hotel, motor cabins, motor court, motel, etc.) 9

10 3. -History of the Lincoln Highway -Provide a general history of the Lincoln Highway Document someone s travel across the country on the Lincoln Highway through the use of a diary. 4. -Evolution of Fort Bridger (i.e. military post, homestead, tourist attraction, historic site) Interpretation can be accomplished through traditional signage, brochures, technology aided interpretation devices (such as audio cones, downloadable audio tours, and projectors), living history demonstrations, and events/festivals. 4. Promotion and Advertising The Committee recommends SPHST work to promote the station through updated brochures, the SPHST website, signage, working with state/local historical organizations, working with the Unita County Travel and Tourism Board, advertising on the highway radio network, utilizing print media inserts, working with the local TV stations, and working to develop a heritage corridor along Interstate 80. The Committee will work with area organizations to promote the cabin complex, such as, the Fort Bridger Historical Association, the Bridger Valley Heritage Museum, Unita County Commissioners, the Unita County Historical Society, the Lincoln Highway Association, etc. 5. Tourist Accommodation Tourist accommodations, such as parking, restrooms, water, etc., are already provided at the Fort Bridger State Historic Site. Any modification to tourist accommodations should be addressed through the master plan for Fort Bridger. REFERENCES Byrne, Nellie (Granddaughter of Margaret and Tim Rochford) 2007 Memories of Nellie Byrne. Martha Powers interview with Nellie Byrne March, Transcription of interview on file at Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails. Fort Bridger Black & Orange Cabins Steering Committee 2007 Meeting Minutes of the Fort Bridger Black & Orange Cabins Steering Committee. On file at Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails. Franzwa, Gregory M The Lincoln Highway Wyoming, Volume No. 3. Tucson, Arizona: The Patrice Press. Hokanson, Drake 1988 The Lincoln Highway, Main Street Across America. Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa Press. 10

11 Lincoln Highway Association 1995 The Lincoln Highway, The Story of a Crusade that made Transportation History. Sacramento, California: Pleiades Press. Newman-Beyers, Linda 2007 Historic Structures Report, Buildings on State of Wyoming Property Formerly as the Krusmark Property, revised On file at Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails. 11

APPLICATION FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN LETTER OF INTENT Amended

APPLICATION FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN LETTER OF INTENT Amended Est. 1982 Est. 1982 Urban Planning Community Design Landscape Architecture 731 North Weber Street, Suite 10, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, 719 633-9700 http://www.gumanltd.com/ Members American society of