Dedication Ceremony at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Dates
June 24, 1967
Context
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center was unveiled to the public on June 24, 1967. The building was a part of the Mission 66 initiative to make the National Parks more accessible to the public. The construction of Beaver Meadows was the embodiment of Mission 66 goals coupled with the unique design of renowned Frank Lloyd Wright architectural firm, Taliesin. The exterior was designed by Taliesin architect, Thomas Casey and the interior furniture and colors were chosen by Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, who carried on Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural legacy after his death (National Historic Landmark Nomination, 2001). Both contributors to Beaver Meadows can be seen at the Taliesin West headquarters in the attached photo. Casey is second from left and Wright is second from right.
Sadly, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright was not able to attend the opening ceremony (ROMO Archives, 1967). Her telegram informing Novak of this can be seen in the below photo.
Congressman Wayne Aspinall gave the Dedication Speech in which he recommended the entire building be named after Enos Mills, the “Grandfather of Rocky Mountain National Park.” His speech can be seen in the attached link. This recommendation caused a stir amongst Rocky Mountain Park officials who instead elected to name the auditorium within the visitor center in Mills’ memory (ROMO Archives, 1967).
Both the invitation and the brochure from the Dedication Ceremony can be seen in the links attached.
Wayne Aspinall's Speech at the Dedication Ceremony (Collection 1192 Series 002.1 folder 406) || Dedication Program (ROMO 21599 HQ Dedication)
Related Objects to Explore
Drape; Krueger Stackable Folding Metal Chair; Oak Bench; Oak Arm Chair;
