READINGS ON HERITAGE TOURISM

Rothman’s article on Tourism

The author took under the scrutiny several land-marking Western places, such as the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, Aspen, Las Vegas and the like. What penetrates through the good portion of the article is the notion that ”heritage tourism”, which started as a way how elites lavished their moneys since early 1900s being admitted either to “a western accommodations” or/and “splendid dining rooms” (p. 527), is still continued in nowadays. However, the tourism in the certain areas, such as Grand Canyon, progressed mainly due to the successful management by preserving this type of the American past in contrary to the Old continent’s medieval heritage. Because of the lack of the appropriate legislature the major beneficiary were not “the people of the region”, but rather private proprietorships (p. 529). By 1920s it continued to serve mainly to the upper classes, but, nonetheless, it become symbol of an American might and conquer. Santa Fe adorned it with attempt to build a western cultural center, mainly through the growing market possibilities and development of the system of transportation; using the old auto or wagon, they transported people to the past.
Discussing the recreational tourism, the author gives several examples of the ski resorts. New to this development was hiring the public relation specialists, who managed to present a new brand of a future American generation – strong, handsome and liked. Thus, for example, Aspen got a good reputation, especially after the WWII, when “tourist industry dramatically increased” (p. 544). There, too, was a close work with the public but through another means – use of a military training unit, which, among other things, promoted tourism with the association of not far off achieved victory. Thanks to the investments, Aspen soon was turned into the most desired resort (for those who can afford it), providing service all year round.
However, the author specifically mentions development of the various places through the means of popularity among the elite, rather than the ordinary people. The system of luxurious hotels, esp. in Las Vegas is designed to overwhelm and admire for its expenses, screaming brilliance and lavishness. It changes, however, for entrepreneurs see the cash flow coming from all levels (and generations) of society and they are trying to respond accordingly. We can agree that development of the tourist industry today goes in conjunction with the development of the technology and infrastructure, which assumes accessibility on every level of our modern society.

Sellars’ “National Parks”

The author, who works as a historian with the Park Service for over two decades brings up a thrilling story of creating, developing and recent maintaining of the American natural park system and treatment of its resources through the period of more than a century. Sellars begins the narrative with the story of establishment of the Yellowstone first “national park” in 1872 and traces the history of National parks through the two world wars up to today’s’ environmental movement and park services’ leadership culture.
“What in a park should be preserved?” – This is the main question the author is trying to discourse (p. 4), employing numerous primary sources’ documentation.
Since the establishment of the Yellowstone in 1872, the initial park concept was its preservation for enjoyment and benefit of the people, which gained certain gains and underwent certain witnesses, as well. Conferences of 1910s brought the ideas of systematic planning, which called for a protection of “natural areas to be enjoyed by tourists” (p. 23). As the time progressed, the parks accepted its first professionals – “landscape engineers”, “wildfire rangers”, which all were placed under umbrella of Park Service with its growing concern for a balance in flora and fauna. This marriage brought conflicts between biologists and park management, especially for ecological issues.
Further, the author analyzes the system of Park’s management, which underwent various changes, as the time progressed. It went from the “protection and maintenance” during the WWII (p. 151), to the “watching [of] natural process unfold” in the 1950s (p. 167) including protection by development issue. The initial concern was as previously – the public use and enjoyment. However, argues the author, this met certain resistance of wildfire biologists, advocating for preservation of “ecological integrity” (p. 204).
The era of 1960s and 1970s brought to parks a partial compromise, but form the other hand, added law-enforcement issues. At the same time, the role of management and research studies increased, thus bringing up ideas that Park service “must include scientific knowledge and concern” (p. 232). Today, concludes the author, with the main emphasis on recreational tourism, ecological problems in parks are not being addressed to its full capacity as they are kept within discretion of caring individuals, rather than designated authorities. One of the solutions to this the author sees in more enforced legislation and promotion of scientific mandate, which should both work together under the less bureaucratically oriented leadership.

Visit to the Goodwood Museum and Gardens (Part I)

Nicely preserved and managed, mainly thanks to the Margaret E. Wilson Foundation, the Goodwood house represents today a mode of life, which was well admired in decadence Europe of 1910s and 1920s desperately trying to catch vanishing Victorian era.
There is beautiful and expensive silverware, expensive beds, decorative furniture and lavishly embroidered curtains; you could almost feel a thick cigar smoke released by sedate gentlemen as they discuss politics or recent prices on cotton… However, there is no study or a library; presence of many personnel is almost nonexistent and the house is a clear distinction between the elite and “everybody else.” Excellent portrait of Fanny Tiers is looking down upon you as if she is austerely asking on guest’s recommendations.
Obviously, it does not feel completely that the “history of Goodwood is a history of the State of Florida” (as the inviting brochure advertise) but rather a stiffen monument to its prominent owners. Leaving the main hall, one could notice the first Marconi’s telephonic devise with the number “478” for Tallahassee.
What if I would dial that number?