Park needs history progra

Dear Chas Cartwright and Kassandra Hardy of Glacier National Park,

Since 1964, I’ve owned and operated the SanSuzEd RV Park and campground just several miles from the western entrance to Glacier National Park. Over the years, I have heard from people who have spouses working in Glacier and some who came here to retire. They did not realize at the time that nothing stays as it was 30 years ago. Time does not stand still. Not everyone that comes to Glacier hikes and hikes. Many people like the scenery, many hike and a goodly number like to know the history of Glacier and its nearby locales.

With all the private and Park advertising about 2010 being a Centennial year, we enticed more people to visit Glacier. After they arrived, many visitors said they were disappointed because there was nothing in the daytime for them to see regarding Park history. Surely, there were special parties and events (many of these far from West Glacier) but there was next to nothing for tax-paying tourists who want information about Park history and who would appreciate a daytime program. Not every one wants to stay up late at night to see the evening programs. With all the people working in the park, I would think that someone could prepare and present a program (whether video or PowerPoint).

Why did Glacier Park Inc. buy a hotel complex in Whitefish? People want more than what Glacier Park has to offer. Given the number of visitors to Glacier, merely to offer “go take a hike” or “drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road” are no longer enough. In 2010, many people were disappointed to learn that if they wanted to see a Park history program they had to travel to Helena, Missoula or Kalispell. Ironically, the Park’s birthday celebration was held in May when so few visitors were here to visit Glacier.

Under the leadership of Glacier’s Superintendent Chas Cartwright and Kassandra Hardy, the Park staff could prepare several history-related programs and have them presented several times per week — in the daytime — during June, July and August. Would be nice when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is still closed in the early part of the season. Give the tourists something to remember.

Catherine M. Richter

West Glacier