For over 100 years, visitors from all over the United States and foreign countries have enjoyed the remarkable Oregon Caves National Monument. Nestled high in the splendor of the botanically rich Siskiyou Mountains, generations of families have returned to enjoy cave tours, hiking and learning about the rare marble cave geology of the region. The Oregon Caves Chateau, a National Historic Landmark and the primary historic structure in the Monument, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been welcoming guests for almost 75 years.
The Oregon Caves and its unique Chateau are one of the most remarkable parts of our community. In addition to being a part of our common heritage, the Oregon Caves National Monument constitutes an important economic asset for the communities of the Illinois Valley, the Oregon Coast and Grants Pass. Tourism and recreation dollars contribute to many sectors of the region, including employment at the Caves and Chateau and increased traffic at local businesses.
Most visitors will remember the experience for a lifetime. While the Caves natural wonder endures, the Chateau needs our help.
Why take action now?
2009 is an important year for the Caves. Commemorations and celebrations will occur throughout the season celebrating the Monument’s 100th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the Chateau.
With the visibility provided by these upcoming commemorations, the Friends will be raising funds needed to restore the historic Chateau’s interior and furnishings. Donations by friends and supporters demonstrating local, statewide and national support is essential to gain the attention of the NPS budget process in order for the Chateau’s full structural restoration to be realized.
There is much to cherish. This Chateau, built during the Depression, still retains the local timbers and cedar bark harvested from logs on the Oregon Coast. The Chateau’s original lighting fixtures and many historic details bring joy to visitors. However, many of the Chateau’s original features urgently require attention. Lack of insulation in the guest rooms, creaky plumbing, badly aged electrical and heating systems and worn interiors all require upgrading to allow the Chateau to realize its historic contribution to both culture and the local economy.
Specific Goals of the Friends:
- Restore a model room — in honor of former General Manager Harry Christensen — prior to the opening of the 2009 season – $100,000
- Restore the 22 guest rooms and their Historic Monterey Furniture – $25,000 for each room
- Restore the lobby, restaurants and common public places – $200,000
- Market 2009 Commemoration and Special Events to help promote the Friends’ restoration goals – $45,000
The Friends depend on your tax-deductible donations to help support the Monument and to restore the grandeur of one the nation’s oldest Great Lodges, the Oregon Caves Chateau. Its unique collection of historic Monterey Furniture allows visitors to share the Chateau’s excitement and grandeur. While the Chateau is one of only three publicly-owned historic lodges in Oregon that provides overnight accommodations, both Timberline Lodge and Crater Lake Lodge have already been restored in this fashion. Now it’s time for the Oregon Caves Chateau!
The Friends will work to encourage gifts, grants and bequests to achieve our purpose. Contributions can be sent to:
Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau
P.O. Box 2195
Grants Pass, OR 97528
