12/14/2017
SENIOR THESIS SPOTLIGHT: Annika Ulrich, 18. "My thesis will examine the evolution of the Old Faithful built environment in Yellowstone National Park from the end of World War II to 1972. I became interested in Old Faithful because it represents a site that is both natural and constructed. For more than a century, visitors have marveled at the sublime natural spectacle that is the Old Faithful geyser. However, the development surrounding Old Faithful reflects the ongoing tensions between park visitors, the National Park Service, and private concessioners. All three parties influenced the park's ethos throughout this period, but they often clashed on whether the park should be preserved as a natural space or utilized as a resort-like vacation destination. Over the next few months, I look forward to exploring how these tensions influenced the area surrounding Old Faithful. Furthermore, I'll be considering how Cold War culture, consumerism, the rise of the middle class, and the onset of American environmentalism are reflected in the space."
This is a picture of Annika at the Gardiner, Montana entrance to Yellowstone. This was taken during her October visit to the park, which was sponsored by the F. Page Newton Fund. Behind her is the Roosevelt Arch, which bears the inscription "For the benefit and enjoyment of the people." This arch was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt, a strong advocate of the National Parks.