Dartmouth owns just under 4,600 acres of Mt. Moosilauke. The summit was donated to the College in 1920. The area that includes the Ravine Lodge was purchased in 1933. Three additional tracts of land were acquired with help of Pennington Haile '24 in 1965 and 1979, bringing the College’s ownership to just about one quarter of the mountain. Dartmouth’s presence on Moosilauke has included everything from biology courses to skiing and, of some infamy, first year trips.
Mt. Moosilauke Acquisition Map, 1973. John Brown Papers, MS-1011, Box 92, Folder 1.
This map shows the parts of Mt. Moosilauke Dartmouth had acquired by 1973. The College acquired a further 2,375 acres in 1979.
Trailhead, 1982. Photographic Files – "Cabin and Trail 1".
This trail sign, pictured here in 1982, boldly proclaims that the trails are “Property of Dartmouth College.” The trails running through Dartmouth’s land have always been open to the public.
Plaque honoring Pennington Haile, alumnus of the Class of 1924. Photographic Files – "Mount Moosilauke 1".
Ravine Lodge Sample Menus, ca 1970s. DO-1, Box 6181, Folder 71.
Visitors to the Ravine Lodge could expect affordable, gourmet meals for breakfast and dinner. Draft menus from the ‘70s include such epicurean delights as beef bourguignon, steak, barbequed pig, along with accompanying sides, drinks, and desserts. Modern visitors to the Ravine Lodge from May to November know such hospitality will await them at the Lodge (whether they have summited or simply driven in for dinner!).
Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Account Book, 1961 Season. DO-1, Box 6181, Folder 71.
The collection contains a number of Ravine Lodge and Tip-Top House account books. The Lodge staff recorded the number of guests, alumni status, weather, and anything notable about the guests’ stay (eg, success of Doc Benton ghost story recountings or guest temperament). Honeymooners abound! [open to page 58-59]
Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Brochures [undated, 1940s]. MS-1061, Box 2, Folder 51.
Promotional material for the Ravine Lodge promises "You’ll Remember Moosilauke," and always stresses the reasonable Ravine Lodge rates (all meals inclusive, at the time anywhere from $3.50-$5.50). Dartmouth lore posits that competitive downhill skiing was introduced to the US on Moosilauke and the original Ravine Lodge was opened in the late 1930s to provide a destination for competitive skiing. The modern Lodge, built in 2017, now serves hikers, naturalists, students, and locals alike (still with very reasonable rates). [open one to inner contents]
Cabin and Trail Program, ca. 1952. MS-1061, Box 2, Folder 14.
The DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) Cabin and Trail program for undergraduates, founded in 1920, was intended to maintain DOC’s facilities. In this overview of the program, Professor Donald Bartlett writes, "[w]hen Cabin and Trail is healthy, the DOC is healthy, and when the DOC is in good health there isn’t too much wrong with the College that can’t be repaired, burnt, or buried."
"Dartmouth Out of Doors," [undated]. MS-1061, Box 2, Folder 60.
Outdoor activities have long been a part of the Dartmouth experience. This map shows many of the places frequented by the Dartmouth community, from Lake Mascoma in the south to Franconia Notch in the north.
"Dartmouth at Moosilauke," [undated]. MS-1061, Box 2, Folder 60.
This undated map shows trails and structures on Moosilauke, some of which are long gone. Today, with fewer structures and trails, Moosilauke has a somewhat wilder feel.