Kirby Lambert, a writer who worked at MTHS for decades and the author of 101 Places’ Lewis & Clark Caverns chapter, chatted with The Monitor Editor.
Monitor: You’ve visited the caverns – what did you think?
Lambert: There is no doubt that they are amazing! Unfortunately, I’m not the best person to ask because I’m fairly claustrophobic. I prefer Montana’s countless geologic wonders above ground. What I like best about Lewis & Clark Caverns are the Civilian Conservation Corps-built stone structures that serve as reminders of how, during a time of desperate unemployment, the government rose to the occasion by implementing programs like the CCC. And how, in turn, the workers rose to the occasion – laboring to craft remarkable buildings.
M: What’s your view on Dan Morrison making money from the caverns for decades after ownership had been given to the federal government? Criminal or entrepreneur?
L: I guess he was both. I can’t really blame Morrison for continuing to operate his tours when no one else was in a position, or willing, to do so. He had invested a lot of time and energy even if he didn’t have the right to do so. Things were different back then — Montana was far more remote and the National Park Service hadn’t been established. We can’t impose contemporary morals on historic episodes without trying to understand the motivations and circumstances of those involved. At the same time, I am a strong believer in public lands, so I’m very glad the caverns now belong to all people of Montana in the form of a state park. I think that was the best possible outcome.
M: Your chapter only goes up to 1937. In your research, did you find any interesting historical tidbits from the years since then?
L: I am intrigued by a “tramway” that was used for a time to transport visitors up to the cave entrance (you have to walk the steep incline today). It was built about 1950 and operated into the 1970s. Passengers sat “backwards” — facing the valley below with their backs to the cavern entrance. Apparently, the driver was a real character who liked to make the ride scarier by stopping the tram half-way up and claiming it was stuck. I’m sure lots of people have memories of taking the tram because it must have been a memorable ride!
