When AIDI President Jay Shah was on vacation in Oregon in early May of 2025, he visited the historic Timberline Lodge for a dinner in the mountains. Having no knowledge of the lodge’s history before visiting, Jay was delighted by the metalwork on display throughout the lobby. From the outside, he couldn’t have imagined the artistry he would find inside. 

The Lodge 
The Timberline Lodge in Oregon was constructed in 1937 on the south side of Mount Hood. The 55,000 sq. foot structure sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet and is one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions, hosting nearly 2 million visitors a year. 

People don’t flock to the hotel just because of its brief cameo as the Overlook Hotel in the horror classic “The Shining”. Visitors to the lodge can enjoy pristine ski slopes, exciting mountain biking trails, indoor and outdoor swimming, and upscale dining. But if guests look more closely, they can also find historical and storied artwork throughout the lodge — including some amazing ironwork. 

Creating Art While Creating Jobs 
The founders of the Timberline Lodge were not looking to create a generic or even a luxurious structure. The lodge was built during the Great Depression, so the founders decided to hire displaced builders, painters, and artists to create something that felt homey and hand-crafted. 

During the Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created to provide jobs and relief for millions of unemployed Americans through public works projects. Within the WPA was the Federal Art Project of 1936, which dealt specifically with art-related projects. Under this initiative, artists used wood, stone, textiles, and iron to build Timberline Lodge, one of America’s first ski lodges. 

Spearheading this team was O.B. Dawson. In 1936, he was tasked by the architects of the hotel with supervising the building’s ironwork. Fifty blacksmiths came together to support Dawson and create the ironwork that still stands in the lodge, showcasing the talents of all types of Oregonians of the early 20th century. 

The Lobby: The Heart of the Lodge 
Hidden within the historical landmark lodge, in plain sight, are various art pieces, all with unique stories. In the center of the main lobby is a large hexagonal stone chimney, marking the Rachael Griffin Historic Exhibition Center. 

After lodge construction, snow chains from the trucks were turned into fireplace screens

Dawson's wrought ironwork is considered his masterwork and greatest achievement

As you move around the room, you find more original pieces of iron work, some recycled elements and some still-functional old-fashioned tools. For instance, the spiral andirons on each fireplace are recycled railroad rails. They also used those rails to create boot scrapers for those coming in from the snow. 

Also on site, there is a display of wrought iron hardware such as door latches and furniture frames, all designed by Dawson and made by the WPA blacksmiths.

Andirons made of railroad rails

Photo to the left:  The WPA blacksmiths worked in shops around Portland

Bootscraper made from railroad rails

Timberline wrought iron display

Grounded in Nature 
One theme consistent throughout the room is a respect for the various plants and animals found in the surrounding Oregon environment. Many works feature coyotes and wolves, and some have floral elements. 

Even more importantly, there are often geometric patterns that are meant to honor the region’s Native American heritage. These can be seen on a gate against the back wall of the lobby. 

Forged in History 
Thanks to its historical, pop cultural, and artistic significance, the Timberline Lodge is a landmark worthy of exploration. Built in a time of political and social turmoil and change, it remains a reminder of human resourcefulness and ingenuity — and a time capsule for ironwork enthusiasts. 

The metal gate leading to the “Coyote Den” features rows of coyote head designs, a motif featured throughout the lodge

While the Great Depression left many skilled workers unemployed, the Lodge and project leader O.B. Dawson brought together passionate tradesmen to create something long-lasting. You can visit the Timberline Lodge year-round to check out its historical collection of ironwork. If you want to learn more about the experience, reach out to Jay at jay@archirondesign.com. 

See how interior ironwork design has evolved for the 21st century and get inspiration for your own upcoming projects.