In this interview, conducted by Linda S. Dodds on June 18, 1980, Silas W. Scoggins, Jr. (born 1929) discusses his experiences as a caretaker at Spirit Lake Lodge near Mount St. Helens from 1963 to 1971. He talks about working for Harry Gustafson, describes the area around the lodge, and discusses the lodge’s visitors and accommodations. He describes spending winters at the lodge alone with his dog. He speaks extensively about the Mount St. Helens Lodge, which was owned by Harry Truman. He also shares his thoughts about the legend of the “Hairy Apes,” cryptids rumored to have lived around Spirit Lake.