Story Of Grand Yosemite Hotel Detailed in New Photo Book

The Ahwahnee Famed for its Luxury, Art, and Celebrity Guests

Considered by many to be the finest lodge in our country's national park system, The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park has been a home-away-from-home for thousands of visitors since its opening in 1927. Built to attract visitors of wealth and means and to gain their support for the national parks, the luxurious hotel in Yosemite Valley has played host to the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, John F. Kennedy, and Brad Pitt.

A recently-published book entitled The Ahwahnee - Yosemite's Grand Hotel tells the story of the conception, construction, and occupation of the facility in a meticulously researched narrative. Enhancing the history are some 50 historic photographs and over 70 new color images by author/photographer Keith S. Walklet.

Walklet describes the remarkable design scheme for the interior of the hotel that combines Native American motifs with Middle Eastern kelim rug patterns. Geometric shapes are the foundation of the design, linking primitive cultures through the aesthetics of baskets, textiles, pottery, paintings, and beadwork. Conceived by Phyllis Ackerman and Arthur Upham Pope, the décor is highlighted by stenciled designs adorning walls, beams, and door frames.

In contrast to the intimate and colorful interior is the hotel's monumental scale. Built from stone, timber, concrete, and steel, The Ahwahnee manages to fit well into its natural context. Nestled close to the cliffs on the north side of Yosemite Valley, the building relates well to the granite walls, becoming part of the scene rather than a foreign object within it.

Photographs of the majestic public spaces within the hotel (such as the world-famous Ahwahnee dining room and the great lounge) are impressive. From walk-in fireplaces to intimate nooks and breathtaking stained glass windows, the varied design elements create an atmosphere of "a quiet, luxurious country home."

The Ahwahnee is also known for its winter traditions, including the popular Bracebridge Dinner (the brainchild of Ansel Adams, among others). That Christmas pageant, a seven-course feast with music and costumed revelers, is illustrated with multiple photographs. Two other winter events, the Chefs' Holidays and Vintners' Holidays, also are described.

The highlight of the book for many will be its discussion of The Ahwahnee's various celebrity guests. A chapter is included on the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1983, and there's coverage of the time spent in the hotel by politicians (Haile Sellasie, Herbert Hoover, Laura Bush), movie stars (Red Skelton, Judy Garland, Mel Gibson), and others over the years.

The hard cover photographic book priced at $19.95 was published cooperatively by the non-profit Yosemite Association and DNC Park & Resorts at Yosemite. The book is only available in stores in Yosemite, but can be purchased online at www.yosemitestore.com or by calling (209) 379-2648. Proceeds from sales benefit education programs in Yosemite National Park.