The historic lodge is about to turn 75.

On Sept. 28, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated Timberline Lodge for “the enjoyment of new opportunities for play in all seasons of the year.”

It was the Great Depression, and Timberline was part of the WPA projects of
the president’s New Deal.

Seventy-five years later, it’s a Big Deal.

RLK and Company, longtime operators of Timberline, have dug deep into
history to feature the rich heritage of the lodge in its anniversary year.
Website upgrades include an interactive multi-media page depicting a
“Timberline Timeline.”

“It was important for us to not only bring Timberline’s history forward into our
brand, but to make it come alive in a way that gives people an opportunity to
rediscover it on their own,” said Brian Reed, Timberline’s marketing director.
“That’s what we think the new heritage page provides.
(heritage.timberlinelodge.com)

RLK has also published a Diamond Jubilee edition of the book “Timberline
Lodge; A Love Story.” The book is available at book stores throughout the
Northwest and is a collection of personal narratives and stunning photographs
showcasing the love affair that Oregonians have with their masterpiece of
mountain lodges.

An avalanche of activities is slated for the anniversary year.

During Heritage Week, scheduled for April 8-15, the ski area will host a
number of events including a special gathering of the International Skiing
Heritage Association and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.

On Labor Day, Sept. 3, the lodge is hosting a free concert and heritage fair
called Tribute to Tradition. It will be held in the historic outdoor amphitheater
and will feature some of America’s best roots oriented singer-songwriters.

A special tribute performance of “Walkin’ Woody’s Road” – recognizing the
Woody Guthrie Centennial which is promoting events throughout the country
to commemorate Guthrie’s 100th birthday will be included in the Labor Day
package. The concert will feature Eliza Gilkyson, Slaid Cleaves, Jimmy LaFave,
Bryan Bowers, Moe Dixon, Johnny Irion and Woody’s granddaughter, Sarah
Lee Guthrie.

“There are so many reasons for Timberline to feature this tribute to Woody
Guthrie,” said Timberline’s public affairs director and event coordinator Jon
Tullis. “Woody’s populist message would of course fit with any Labor Day
celebration, but it is really perfect for an anniversary celebration of Timberline

Lodge. Celebrating the music and spirit of Woody Guthrie is a direct tie to the
democratic roots of Timberline ... a place built by the people, for the people.”

Timberline’s anniversary is not just about history, it is about how a living
history can provide meaning and momentum today, and into the future.

This will be a celebration of the American spirit. And the Big Deal will live on.