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| The opening of Rainbow Lodge in 1914 marked the beginning of a new life for Myrtle Philip. For the first few years Alex remained in the city to continue earning money for the initial provisions of the new business while Myrtle stayed to run the new lodge at Alta Lake with the help of her family. Her wonderful cooking and warm enthusiasm allowed her to quickly gain a reputation as the Hostess of Rainbow Fishing Lodge. In 1914 the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) finally pushed through the Cheakamus Canyon and up to Alta Lake, linking the lodge with Vancouver. The trip that had previously taken the Philips three days now only took nine hours. That spring Alex was contacted by the PGE about a fishing excursion for twenty-five men. The first week of April the fishermen arrived, paying $2.00 each for an all-inclusive holiday. The good times at Rainbow lodge had begun. | |||
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| Each year the lodge saw more and more visitors who were not only interested in the great fishing, but also in the hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and the fresh mountain air that Alta Lake had to offer. The winters were slow at first but as skiing became more popular, the lodge became busy through the cold, snowy seasons as well. Rainbow Lodge was also a regular stop for the train crews en route to Lillooet or Vancouver. A loud whistle from the train as it rounded the corner would send Myrtle running to the kitchen to prepare a tasty meal for the men aboard. In the winter of 1915 a large avalanche buried a train a few miles from Alta Lake. The crew managed to dig themselves out and walk back to the lodge where they were warmly welcomed by Myrtle. A few days later after the storm had passed, Myrtle accompanied the crew back to their train, carrying a packed lunch of boiled eggs on her back. Myrtle's warm hospitality was extended to everyone she met in the valley whether you were a guest at her lodge or trapper just passing through the area. | |||
| Myrtle was a significant member of the community at Alta Lake. In 1915 the residents of Alta Lake decided that they needed a post office. Myrtle was chosen as the representative to petition the postmaster general for a post office. An agreement was made and Myrtle became the first postmistress of Alta Lake, a position that she held for 30 years. Myrtle was also the founding member of the Alta Lake Community Club, formed in 1923. Local residents and regular summer visitors gathered for a picnic on the point at Rainbow Lodge for the first Club meeting. Until 1994 the Club continued to organize parties, picnics, dances, card nights and other fundraising events for members of the community at Alta Lake. | |||
| Myrtle was chosen to represent the community again in 1930. Some of the families in the area decided that their children needed a school and Myrtle, a natural leader, was chosen to approach the government for funding. Although the government did not believe that a school was needed in Alta Lake, Myrtle was determined. That first year she leased a small storage shed from the PGE, gathered supplies and hired the first teacher. She also rode her horse throughout the valley pleading with parents to allow their children to attend classes. The remainder of the year, Myrtle petitioned local residents for more donations, organized work crews and saw the construction of Alta Lake's first schoolhouse. Myrtle was whole-heartedly committed to education in the valley. When the Board of Trustees was formed Myrtle was elected chair and later served on the School Board of the Howe Sound School District – a duty she cherished for over forty years. | |||
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| Many people from Vancouver still have fond memories of Myrtle and their fun-filled days at Rainbow Lodge. They remember Myrtle's delicious cooking and her imaginative recipes using berries, fresh trout, wild ducks or vegetables from her garden. Myrtle loved her work at Rainbow Lodge and was committed to making everyone's holiday a memorable one. | |||
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Myrtle vividly recalled the arrival of her first guests:
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| Although Myrtle and Alex never had any children of their own it was said that, "She mothered the whole countryside - eight generations of kids." | |||
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