Bandelier Historic Structure Report: CCC Buildings

THE BUILDINGS (continued)

B-26, Checking Station

This building (figures 128 and 129) was constructed in 1940. Boss Pinkley and his staff had seen an urgent need for a checking or entrance station outside the canyon. They agreed that it should be located in the middle of the entrance road. They figured that an interior floor space measuring 8 feet by 10 feet would be adequate. They wanted a door on each side facing the road, a window on the other two sides, and a small stove for either wood or coal. [160] They finally chose a location — on what was then Forest Service land — but at the junction of the monument entrance road and the Jemez road. It was a convenient location. Visitors would know then that they were entering the monument and could turn back quickly if they chose not to pay the entrance fee. [161] Other possible locations along the entrance road were discounted because the grade was too steep. [162] The monument received a special use permit from the Forest Service and began building. [163] The CCC crew built the structure with the usual stonework, but finished the outside with an adobe-colored cement stucco. [164] A small pit toilet for use by the building's temporary residents was approved for construction in 1940, based on the same plans that were used at the fire lookout. [165]

Work done to the building has generally consisted of maintenance over the years, with a few exceptions. In 1957, the building was vandalized and a number of panes of glass had to be replaced. In 1965, a portion of the patio wall was covered so that cars could come in closer to the building. A metal and glass bulletin board was installed in 1976, and at the end of that year stoplights were put in. A hot plate, an electric heater, and a small refrigerator were added to the building by 1978. [166] After the building was struck by lightning in 1977, the park staff added lightning rods. A telephone, window bars, and a floor safe have also been installed.

Lyle Bennett designed the building on a site plan by Charles Richey.

Figure 128. Plans for the checking station (B-26), 1939 (drawing 315/2133, sheet 1).

Figure 129. In 1982 the checking station, B-26, retained its original design intent. Additional signs, lights, and an antenna altered the clarity of its appearance. (Photo: Harrison for NPS)