ZEPHYR POINT

Presbyterian Conference Center

History of Zephyr Point
Crises and Resolution (1940 - 1995)

A Crisis or Two: Fire

Twice the grounds have been visited by the ravages of fire.  In 1947, eight cabins were destroyed when a Maria Bay neighbor allowed a brush clearing project to get out of hand.  Fortunately, there was no loss of life.

Then again in 1975, a renter regrettable placed what were thought to be cold ashes in a cardboard box on the dry deck of the cabin.  On returning to the point after several hours away, three cabins were discovered in flames.  Jim Upshaw, one the victims, in his usual upbeat fashion, saw some good from the incident.  It revealed the inadequacies of Zephyr Point fire protection and led to improvements.

A Crisis or Two: Sanitation

By far, the most threatening crisis to face the lakeshore paradise was the proper disposal of sewage.  From the first conference, pit toilets served the need, and gray water was thrown into the bushes.  As use of the grounds increased, odor and contamination increased as well.  Flush toilets and sumps came next, but the issue persisted.  The sumps required frequent pumping to operate properly.  Eventually, the cabins along the lake front were connected to a common line and pumped sewage to a central tank.  Installation of septic tanks came next, but increasing contamination was being detected throughout the Tahoe basin.  Public pressure to protect the clarity of Lake Tahoe was mounting.  Government agencies began to get tough.

In 1947, Douglas County ordered all public buildings at Zephyr Point put on a common sewage disposal unit before the property could be opened for the summer.  D. G. Stewart was President of the Commission at this time, and reported no funds available.  He felt obligated to appeal for assistance.  In a hasty poll of nearby northern California and Nevada Presbyteries, Stewart detected a disturbing inclination toward selling the property!  Stronger voices were raised to maintain the outpost on the shores of Tahoe, and eventually a small percentage of benevolence money trickled in over three years, and that permitted Zephyr to qualify to open for the season of 1947.  But the problem persisted for another twenty years, when it erupted again to threaten to end the Zephyr Point dream.

The Nevada Department of Health exerted continuing pressure to clean up the situation, culminating in 1967 with an order to cease holding conferences until the matter was corrected.  Cabin owners were permitted to continue using septic tanks, but with the constant threat of state action.

With no conferences on the grounds, Zephyr Point essentially was out of business.  A plan was laboriously formulated.  It involved friends and alumni of Zephyr Point, as well as the lease holders, who were themselves threatened by the closure of the grounds.  With God’s help, things went together and the funds were achieved to permit undertaking installation of lines and a pump station to comply with the more stringent regulations.  The project took some seven years, costing some $200,000 exclusive of connection fees.  Conferences did not resume until 1974.  The outlook still was austere.  Whispers of  "Sell! Sell!" still were being heard.

Sacramento Presbytery Steps In

A determination to save Zephyr Point was evident, but nowhere was it more manifest than in Sacramento Presbytery.   The presbytery named a task force, which met for lunch so often they came to call themselves, "The Brown Bag Group."  The Rev. Merril Pollansbee, Jim Jackson, Jimmi Mishler and George Sherman made up that group.  They entered into negotiations with the Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Conference Commission to allow Sacramento Presbytery to assume management, but not ownership, of the grounds.  Out of that agreement came the Zephyr Point Management Commission, appointed by Sacramento Presbytery.  From its more localized base, ZPMC was to conduct the business operations, with oversight from the existing LTPCC, which now represented two synods.

In order to increase conference activity as soon as possible, improvements were necessary in both Hubbard and Lakeview lodges.  In 1979, Sacramento Presbytery again stepped forward with a generous and timely $50,000 interest-free loan.  A most patient presbytery finally was repaid in 1999.

The desirability of Zephyr Point as a destination for Christian meditation, study and celebration continued to be evident.  Open dates were scarce even then.  The ZPMC put together a task force to take stock of the present and look to the future.  Among their conclusions came the realization that survival and future growth would require that more of the property must be devoted to conference facilities.  At that time, only about four acres were being used for conferences.  Further study and discussion underscored the need for more conference space, but building restrictions in the Tahoe basin had to be met.  It was then that both the ZPMC and the LTPCC concurred in a most difficult decision.  They voted that the leases entered into in 1986 would be non-renewable.  After negotiations involving lease holders and the commission, two non-renewable lease options were offered.  The final leases expired January 1, 2001.

With that painful determination behind them, the managers and administrators began the daunting era of analysis and planning for the new age at Zephyr Point.

A nation-wide search brought in experienced professional leadership for administration of all phases of Zephyr Point.  A couple with backgrounds of many years in Christian conference management was selected.  Dorman Leader became Executive Director, and his wife, Janet, became Associate.  With trained and experience on-site managers in place, the two commissions concluded the duplication of elected overseers was no longer prudent.

A reorganization was approved in 1997 by the Synods now involved, Sacramento Presbytery,  the Zephyr Point Management Commission and the Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Conference Commission that the ZPMC be dissolved with thanks, and that the LTPCC assume full authority, doing business as the Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Commission.

Even before the reorganization, a courageous blueprint for the future had emerged under the theme of "A New Beginning."  Presbyterians from San Diego to Weed, and from the Bay to the harsh lands of eastern Nevada became inspired and involved.  A five and a half million dollar complex of buildings rose on the footprint of the venerable Dining Hall and Boys' Dorm.

On December 26, 1995, the Tahoe Conference Center facility was opened.  It consisted of three lodges offering hotel accommodations, meeting rooms, dining and other support facilities, along with a new and improved roadway.

The Center has operated at capacity ever since the opening.  A new course had been set, dictated by the changing times and devotion to the Christian Conference.

Next:   A New Beginning Continues to Dawn (1995 - 2000)


Previous Sections
The Lake in the Sky
The Pioneers (1924 - 1925)
Leap of Faith
Linn and Clawson Set to Work
Distribution of Leases
Building of the Dream (1925 - 1939)
Roads
Buildings Appear
Dormitories
Pergola
Water and Electricity
The Beach
The Store
Dobbins Hall
Robin’s Flight
The Crews

Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center

P.O. Box 289

Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Phone: 775-588-6759

Fax: 775-588-1095

Email: Zephyr@zephyrpoint.org