Pratt was a petroleum geologist employed by the Humble Oil Company, scouting for oilfield leases in west Texas.

Pratt visited the Guadalupe Mountains in 1921, and taking a liking to the place, he bought a quarter share of the McCombs Ranch.

In 1929 Pratt bought out his partners, ending up owning a large portion of the canyon, which featured waterfalls flowing over travertine dams, a lush, quiet place in the high desert.

An earlier experience being trapped at the Stone Cabin during a flood caused Pratt to reconsider its use as a full-time residence, so a second home, the Ship On The Desert, was constructed outside of the canyon.

At some time during construction, probably in 1945, The Stone Cabin was used as a residence by the Ship On the Desert's New York architect, Newton Bevin, and his wife Elizabeth.