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AHWAHNEE HOTEL GEARS UP FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR |
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11/08/2001
The Ahwahnee’s original cornerstone was laid 75 years ago, inaugurating a new level of luxurious hospitality in Yosemite Contact: Karen Hales (209) 372-1492;
pr@yosemitepark.com YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA. – November 8, 2001 - The year was 1926, Calvin Coolidge was president; Queen Elizabeth II was born; the Charleston was all the rage; prohibition was in full force; modern young ladies calling themselves “flappers” promoted a radical new vision of womanhood; and the swing of jazz reigned supreme. In August of 1926, new winds of change were also afoot in the National Park Service, as Yosemite Park and Curry Company broke ground and laid the foundation for what would eventually become the diamond in the crown jewel of the park system, The Ahwahnee. Prior to the construction of The Ahwahnee, the two largest concessionaires in the Park were the Curry Camping Company and the Yosemite National Park Company. The National Park Service ordered the two companies to merge in 1925, forming Yosemite Park and Curry Company. According to a dubious (yet entertaining) park legend, Lady Astor, American-born and England's first female Member of Parliament, visited Yosemite Valley in the early 1920s. She registered at its venerable Sentinel Hotel but was horrified when she saw her unheated room and primitive amenities. She promptly checked out and returned to town. In response, Stephen T. Mather, director of the National Park Service, ordered the Yosemite Park & Curry Co., Yosemite's concessionaire, to replace the Sentinel with a first-class hotel. Constructed amid numerous design changes, construction delays, and contract disputes, the hotel finally opened July 14, 1927, seven months late and substantially over budget. The Ahwahnee’s original cornerstone was laid on August 1, 1926. Considered grand, elegant and majestic, the prestigious Ahwahnee is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America. It's well known for its granite façade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American appointments, and finely appointed rooms. Named for the original Native word for Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee offers a perfect balance of refinement, grandness and hospitality. “We are very proud to have reached this milestone achievement in continuous customer service. We want the festivities during this anniversary year to celebrate the hotel’s marvelous history and our long-term commitment to providing a superior guest experience, ” said Larry Ross, General Manager of The Ahwahnee, “While so much has changed in our world over the last 75 years, our staff is still whole-heartedly dedicated to our original mission of providing Yosemite visitors with a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.” To assist in the planning and creation of a year-long series of programs, events and promotions highlighting The Ahwahnee’s diamond anniversary, the public is invited to share with the concessioner their contributions, recollections, stories, memorabilia and photographs of The Ahwahnee over its 75-year span. Items donated or loaned will be exhibited in a variety of displays commemorating the hotel’s extraordinary past. The Ahwahnee is particularly interested in hearing from any guest who stayed at the hotel during its 1927 inaugural year. “We would be thrilled to hold a reunion of these special individuals. The hotel, with its rich and colorful heritage, means so many different things to a diverse array of people,” Ross said. “We want to create unique and meaningful celebratory events that touch the many visitors who have passed through this exceptional place.” In addition, as part of an overall effort to upgrade food and beverage, retail and lodging facilities in all properties operated by Yosemite Concession Services Corporation (YCS) the hotel has undergone an extensive renovation of its guestroom lobby and corridor areas. The newly redecorated hallways, encompassing all five floors of the hotel, now reflect the sophisticated yet historic ambiance embodied throughout the rest of the hotel. This is the latest phase of a comprehensive remodeling effort that has included the hotel’s public rooms, registration lobby, the Great Lounge, The Ahwahnee Gift Shop and The Ahwahnee Bar. Internationally recognized, The Ahwahnee is a full-service, Four-Diamond establishment offering all the amenities of a fine hotel. The six-story building houses 99 guestrooms, with 24 cottages tucked alongside the Merced River among the black oaks and ponderosa pine on the grounds of the hotel. For more information regarding The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call (559) 252-4848, or visit our website at www.YosemitePark.com. YCS, an authorized National Park Service concessioner, operates hotels and lodging, food and beverage services, gift and grocery stores, recreational activities, interpretive services and transportation to the more than 3.5 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park. To contact YCS with contributions for the Ahwahnee’s 75th anniversary celebration, call the Public Relations office at (209) 372-1445. |
