GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. — Timberline Lodge receives around 2 million visitors each year and holds many memories for Oregonians and people across the world. So, it's no wonder that Thursday's night fire sparked many to reflect on the site's unique history.
"Timberline Lodge is completely unique," said Sarah Munro, the author of "Timberline Lodge: The History, Art, and Craft of an American Icon."
"There isn't a structure anywhere in the country that is like Timberline," she continued.
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Munro's interest in Timberline Lodge sparked 50 years ago as a volunteer for the Junior League of Portland where she collected art and history.
"The size of the building, its architecture, the outstanding art and the furnishing are unparalleled anywhere," said Munro.
The hotel was built between 1936 to 1937 as a Works Project Administration (WPA) project, one of the New Deal initiatives from President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression that provided jobs for unemployed workers.
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The Oregon Historical Society said this boost to the local economy allowed Oregonians to master new trades, including carpentry.
"These were just average, ordinary Oregonians and Americans who suddenly became carpenters, builders, masons and designers," said Kerry Tymchuck, the executive director at the Oregon Historical Society. "It's an amazing story of how it was built."
Timberline Lodge became a national landmark in December 1977, a place of memories for many.
"People go there for family vacations, for skiing and to see beautiful Mt. Hood," said Tymchuck, "not just people from Portland but people from around the country and around the world."
The Oregon Historical Society said about 2 million people visit the ski resort each year, many who are fans of the famous movie "The Shining," which features the exterior of Timberline Lodge.
Tymchuck said he's glad the damage from the fire wasn't worse.
"So relieved that just minimal damage was done," said Tymchuck. "This is a national treasure, and it will be restored to its beauty."