Hatcher Pass Lodge reopens after months of uncertainty following owner’s death Published February 17
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Print article The last time the former owner and founder of Hatcher Pass Lodge walked out the door, his right-hand man, Jeff Polk, made him a promise. “On his way out the door for the very last time, I said that ‘I’m going to take care of your place don’t worry about a thing,’ ” Polk said. “ ‘And I’ll be here when you get back.’ ” But Karl Albert “Hap” Wurlitzer never did return to the lodge from the hospital. And after his death in October, the iconic lodge nestled in a mountain bowl just below Independence Mine State Historical Park temporarily closed.