Redick Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Redick - Chambers Lodge
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Pinedale, Wyoming |
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| Built | 1918 |
| Architect | Otis Miller |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003364 |
| Added to NRHP | March 18, 1983 |
The Redick Lodge, also known as the Chambers Lodge, is a special old log cabin located by Upper Fremont Lake in Wyoming. It sits high up in the Wind River Range mountains, about 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level. An architect named Otis Miller designed this cozy retreat. It was built for George M. Redick, who used to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. The Redick family enjoyed their summers here from 1918 to 1931. Later, in 1938, Dr. Oliver Chambers bought the lodge, and it has stayed in his family ever since.
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A Look Back: The Lodge's History
This historic lodge has a cool story about how it came to be. It started with George Redick, who first visited Fremont Lake in 1916. He was checking if it would be a good spot for the Union Pacific Railroad to build a big hotel.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Even though the hotel idea was too expensive, George Redick loved the area. The next summer, he brought his family and camped by the lake for two months! They picked a spot on the northwest shore. They got permission from the U.S. Forest Service to lease the land. Then, they hired Otis Miller, the architect from Miles City, Montana, to design their dream lodge.
Building the Lodge
Construction began in 1918. Architect Miller himself stayed at the site to oversee the work for two summers. They even set up a sawmill nearby to cut the wood. All the timber they used came from dead trees found right there, which was a smart way to build. First, they built a workshop to hold their tools and machines. The main lodge was built between 1920 and 1924. Other smaller buildings were also put up during this time.
Summers at the Lodge
Once the lodge was finished, the Redick family spent every summer there. They often had friends and family visit from their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Even famous people, like King Gustav V of Sweden, came to stay! Sadly, the Redick family faced tough times during the Great Depression. They spent their last summer at the lodge in 1931, and George Redick passed away in 1936.
The Chambers Family Takes Over
In 1938, Dr. Oliver Chambers bought the lodge. He already had another lease on Fremont Lake and wanted to protect the Redick lodge. In 1940, Dr. Chambers' own lodge accidentally burned down. So, his family decided to move into the Redick Lodge, and it has been their special place ever since.
What the Lodge Looks Like
The Redick Lodge and its other buildings are great examples of a style called rustic architecture. You might also hear it called Western Craftsman style. This means they look natural and fit in with the outdoor setting.
Inside the Main Lodge
Most of the furniture inside the lodge was built right there, matching the style of the house. The biggest room in the main part of the lodge is the living room. It has four small sleeping rooms connected to it. A hallway leads to the kitchen and then to the dining room, which is in a back section.
The living room is very special. It has exposed log beams supporting the roof. There's also a huge fireplace made of rough stones. This fireplace was designed by another architect from Omaha, Nebraska, named George B. Prinze. It's so big that it faces both the living room and the porch outside!
Other Buildings on the Property
The lodge property also has several other buildings. These include a machine shop and storage shed, a pumphouse, and a root cellar for keeping food cool. There are also three guest cabins, a barn, and two outdoor toilets (privies). All these buildings were made from materials found on the site. When the lodge was first listed as historic, it didn't have electricity. But it did have hot and cold running water! It has stayed mostly the same since the 1920s.
The Redick Lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
- Photographs of the Redick Lodge at the National Park Service's NRHP database
