White River Mess Hall and Dormitory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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White River Mess Hall and Dormitory
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Mt. Rainier National Park, White River Entrance, Washington |
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| Area | 2,185 square feet (203.0 m2) |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architectural style | Rustic style |
| MPS | Mt. Rainier National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000328 |
| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1991 |
The White River Mess Hall and Dormitory is a special old building. It is the last building left from a program called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Mount Rainier National Park. The CCC was a group that helped young men find work during the Great Depression. They built many important things across the country.
This building was made in 1933. It is built from wood. It used to be a place where people lived and ate. It had a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, two bathrooms, a bedroom, and a bunkroom. There was also a service porch. Today, the building is not used for living anymore. It is now used to store things. You can find it at the White River entrance to the park. It is part of a group of buildings that help the park run.
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What is the White River Mess Hall and Dormitory?
The White River Mess Hall and Dormitory is a historic building. It shows how buildings were made in the 1930s. It also reminds us of the important work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group helped build parks and other public places.
A Look Inside the Historic Building
When it was first built, this building was a busy place. It was designed to be a home and a dining area for workers. Imagine a big kitchen where meals were cooked. Then, a dining room where everyone ate together. There was also a living room for relaxing. Workers slept in a bedroom and a bunkroom. This setup helped the CCC workers live and work comfortably.
Why is This Building Important?
The White River Mess Hall is important for a few reasons. First, it is the only CCC camp building left in Mount Rainier National Park. This makes it a rare example of their work. Second, it is built in a style called "Rustic architecture." This style uses natural materials. It makes buildings blend in with their surroundings. Many buildings in national parks use this style.
Part of a Historic Park
This building is part of a bigger historic area. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places that are important to American history. The building is also part of the White River Entrance Historic District. This district includes other old buildings near the park entrance. The entire Mount Rainier National Park is also a National Historic Landmark District. This means the whole park is recognized for its special history and design.
