Parsons Memorial

Parsons Memorial Lodge is a small 1040 square feet building at the northern edge of Tuolumne Meadows of Yosemite National Park. Elevation of the Lodge is 8640 feet above sea level. The area is closed by heavy snowfalls from October through June except skiers.

Parsons Lodge is a simple structure. The building is a rectangular shape. The stone masonry is laid in a reinforced concrete core. The pink feldspar and grey granite stones for the building were gathered onsite in the park. The Walls are approximately three feet thick on the bottom and two feet thick at the top because of the harsh elements of the location. The simple roman arch of the south-facing entrance frames a thick, arched wood door that has been covered with galvanized metal on the exterior. The interior of the arched door is of heavy planks tied with massive wrought-iron strap hinges. The voussoirs and keystone are dressed, as are lintel and jamb stones throughout the building. The low-pitched gable roof is finished with corrugated metal.

The Parsons Memorial Lodge is unique in architecture because of its use of purely natural material yet great ability to protect its inhabitants from the harsh elements.