Originally designed to study the planet Mars, the stone hut on top of the Mt. Whitney Summit, turned into a place of shelter for many of those who made the trek to the top. Thursday, the Forest Service and others arranged for a centennial celebration. Forest Supervisor Jim Upchurch performed as the Master of Ceremonies.

Upchurch and other speakers talked about the stone hut, its history, celebrity and usefulness. Some 50 people sat in the audience, many from Lone Pine, to enjoy the day at the Whitney Portal trailhead. The VFW Post 8036 presented a color guard.