LeConte Memorial Lodge facts for kids
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LeConte Memorial Lodge
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Exterior of the LeConte Memorial Lodge
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Curry Village, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | John White |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000148 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 8, 1977 |
| Designated NHL | May 28, 1987 |
The LeConte Memorial Lodge, now called the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, is a special building in Yosemite National Park in California, United States. The Sierra Club built it in 1903. It's a great example of Tudor Revival architecture, which is a unique style for buildings in national parks. This lodge also shows the early goals of the Sierra Club. In 1987, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
A Look Back: The Lodge's Story
The Sierra Club built the LeConte Memorial Lodge in 1903. They built it to honor Joseph LeConte, who was one of the club's first members. He passed away in 1901.
Many people helped pay for the lodge. Students, teachers, and alumni from the University of California and Stanford University gave money. Businesses in San Francisco and LeConte's friends and family also contributed. The Sierra Club even asked each of its members to pay $1.00 to help raise the funds. The total cost was about US$4,500.
The lodge was first built near Glacier Point in Curry Village. It was officially opened on July 3, 1904. Later, in 1919, the lodge was moved to its current spot in Yosemite Valley. It is now across from Housekeeping Camp. From 1920 to 1924, the famous photographer Ansel Adams worked there as the summer caretaker.
In 2016, the Sierra Club asked to change the lodge's name. It became the "Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center." This change happened after people looked at some of Joseph LeConte's older writings.
How the Lodge Was Designed
Architect John White designed the lodge. His brother-in-law, Bernard Maybeck, also influenced the design. White wanted the building to fit in with the tall cliffs and natural colors of Yosemite Valley.
The lodge has a very steep roof, rough granite stone walls, and visible wooden beams. This design was made before the National Park Service started focusing on more rustic, natural-looking buildings. The lodge shows a shift from formal European styles to designs that fit better with local places and materials.
The LeConte Memorial Lodge was the very first visitor center in Yosemite National Park. Today, a larger facility near Yosemite Village serves as the main visitor center. The National Park Service owns the lodge now. The Sierra Club runs it as a library about nature and conservation. It also has a museum about Joseph LeConte and the Sierra Club's history. Sometimes, it is used as a lecture hall.
What the Lodge Looks Like
The lodge is built in the Tudor Revival style. It uses rough-cut granite stones laid in a pattern. This is different from many other park buildings, which often use more uneven stones. The building is shaped like the letter "Y." You enter through a small porch in the middle of the "Y."
The roof is very steep and has pointed ends. The smaller parts of the "Y" shape have lower roofs. Inside, the roof is held up by special wooden beams called hammer beams and scissors trusses. The lodge has three rooms. The main meeting room is in the base of the "Y." Two smaller rooms are in the angled arms. The main room has two levels, with a cozy lower area near the fireplace.
Even though it's called a "lodge," the LeConte Memorial Lodge does not offer places to stay overnight. It used to be Yosemite Valley's first visitor center. Now, it teaches people about Joseph LeConte, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club manages the programs offered there.
- Learn more about the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center from the Sierra Club: [1]
