Evening Star Newspaper, August 1, 1926, Page 79

ILLUSTRATED FEATURES Part 5—8 Pages Shenan BY GEORGE H. DACY. EASY four-hour raotor run from Washington lies the pro posed rk, a 521,000-acre tract of enic triumphs and matural wonders, rich in rugged mountains, charming valleys, timber-clad peaks, rushing cascades and quiet, shaded pools—an empire of skyland which will_eventually serve the recreational needs of some 44,000,000 people. Virginia, by its epochal “buy-an- acre” campaign, and by virque of large private Subscriptions, his raised $1,200,000 with which to purchase land which ultimately will be incorporated into our first large national park east of the Mississippl. There will shortly be inaugurated a national drive to rpise _edditional funds to make the ,‘proposed public playground a reality. A total of more than $3,000,- 000 will be expended in the purchase ©of land and in the early development of this park. which will be created above the verdant Valley of Virgiria country. Gov. Byrd of Virgifiia has appointed a commission of seven prominer.t citi- zens to take options and to purchase land within the proposed park borders. When all the land desired is secured, when the tract has been released from private control, it will be presented to the United States Government and added as the twentieth reserve to our extensive chain of national parks, which extends from the highlands of California to the pine-garbed hills of Maine, from the terminus of the his- toric Oregon Trail to the sandhills of fexico. ington then will be but 85 miles from a primeval wilderness, a nature lover's Eden. The connecting link between our Capital City and the finest scenery and the best opportu- nity for outdoor diversion in Southern Appalachia will be a fine highway, serviceable in all kinds of weather— paved pathway which will wind through a famous pastoral region and which will lead to the Old Dominion's cloud-high playgrounds. Washingto- nlans who delight in camping, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, motoring and horseback riding will have the op- portunity to enjoy any or all of th amusements in the Shenandoah Na- tional Park and in the Shenandoah National Forest, another large pre- serve of Uncle Sam's which also is in the Valley of Virginia domain. The Lee highway in time will pro- vide access to the Shenandoah Na- tional Park from the National Capital ¥ way erryville, Thorntons Gap and Luray. At present there is a por- tion of this road across the mountain unpaved, though the dirt road has been improved. During dry weather it is passable, but in time of rain the going is treacherous. One of the finest views and scenic effects in the Southern Appalachian chain of high- lands is visible from the summit at Thorntons Gap. The route by way of Frederick, Md., Harpers Ferry and ‘Winchester is paved all the way, but is 50 miles longer. * x x % \‘/HAT can Washingtonians do who make the trip to the Shenandoah National Park or the peighboring na- tional forest of similar name? They can do anything ‘and everything which they would do if they were vacation- ing in the matchelss Yellowstone, the incomparable Yosemite or peerless Pikes Peak. The Shenandoah Park, when officially opened as a member of our national park family, will be operated under the same rules and regulations which obtain in the other Federal centers of outdoor fun and natural marvels. The park will be handled under the active direction of a superintendent, who will live in the national preserve near the most im- portant gateway. His subordinates will be stationed at the other gate- ways. Travelers and tourists who en- ter the park register at such offices. If they desire to fish or camp, hike or they secure the requisite per- mission The Shenandoah National Park will be developed as a spaclous bird and wild-life refuge. It will be stocked with small and large game native to that region, but now almost extinct. Foundation animals from other sec- tions of the country which will pros- per in the Old Dominion mountain climate will also be introduced apd allowed to multiply. All the suitable streams of the territory—there are many satisfactory brooks and pools in the great Shenandoah-—will be stocked with game and food fi: Angling will be allowed where officlal permission is obtained. The joys of tenting close to the song of the whispering pine, with mountain streams 'adding their unending chorus to the forestry anthem, wiil attract tired Washingtonians, who will find rest and recreation in both the Fed- eral park and forest. You can grease your car, pack your camping kit, step on the starter, speed over good roads and four hours later be raising your canvas-canopied’ shelter in a modern ‘wilderness, where the bustle of busi- mess and the chaos and confusion of civilization are unknown. You can bathe in the neighboring stream, catch & string of bass for dinner, thrill to the pleasures of campfire cookery, eat & hearty meal and then enjoy real rest, relaxed on your bedding roil or camp cot or outstretched on a bed of pine needles. ‘The mountains and timberland offer refuge where the tired and sick can rest and recupegate. Mountain climb- ing, walking tours of unblazed trails and riding as our pioneer forefathers used to ride—these are a few of the sports which will test the energy and endurance of the robust and adven- turesome. Your visit to either the y Federal park or forest will be exactly - what you make it. It will be a vaca- tion where you will be author of your own contentment. The test of the man is his ability to entertain him- self and his mates. The wilderness country is no place for the city citizen steeped in artificial amusements. But it is the homing heath of him who can commune with nature in its period of greatest glory. One outstanding thing is demanded of tourist tenters who camp in either the Shenandoah National sPark or Forest. It is ever-vigilant care in building and extinguishing camp fires. A forest fire is the most serious menace which can threaten our tim- bered country. The general public is gradually becoming educated to the perils of this danger. Caution in the wmse of camp fires, care in extinguish- =g matches, aigarettes, cigars or pipe mshes before chey. are discarded are practices which every Washingtonian eand Virginian should cultivate during the visits and vacations {n the Shenan- doah. Sanitary practices in the man- agement of your camp are also re- quired. Trash, garbage and rubbish must be burned or buried. Remem- ber that your friend or neighbor may 2 few days later select the same spot Shenandoah National | MAGAZINE SECTION The Sundwy Sta WASHINGTON, SUNDAY DLIC:, MORNING, AUGUST 1, 1926. Park and Forest Reserve of Great Value to the National Capital—First Large National lpar‘k East of the Mississippi-Will Be Four Hours' Motor Ride From City——A Scenic Wonderland, Rich in Rugged Mountains, Charming Valleys, Cascades and Quiet Pools, Where Eastern Folks Can Enjoy Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding and Other Outdoor Sports—This Natural Paradise Will Serve 40,000.000 People, Who Can Reach It in One Day’s Travel. A Natuwra) ocokc ut. a5 ~Hikers in the Sherandoah NationalTorest. It has been proposed by the commis- sion of experts which selected the site of the Shenandoah National Park. It will be a masterpiece of road building when completed, a boulevard replete with such scenery as the most of us did not believe existed so close to the ‘White House. This sky-high drive along the mountain tops will look down westerly on the Shenandoah Valley from an elevation of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. The easterly exposure will command the great Piedmont Plain, which you used for your tent site.!stretching to Washington. Few scenic The “golden rule” among motor tourists and campers. Strive to leave your camp in better | cascades condition than you found it. spirit is popular | drives in the world will surpass it. Canyons and gorges with Beautiful will be viewed. The area teams with historical interest. The Eventually, a scenic highway of [mountain empire overlooks valleys twist and bend where many of the important battles skyland along the orown of the Shenandoah’ peaks, 'of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought and where some of the Presidents of the United States were born., ¥ Two highways, the Lee and Spotts- wood Trall, directly, tap the park area, while the Jefferson High- way runs through Waynesboro. The proposed park will be about 75 miles long and will vary from 7 to 15 miles in width. Its widest portion will be 20 miles across. The site selected covers approximately 700 square miles lying in and adjacent to the Blue Ridge between Front Royal and Staunton, ‘Va. It contains tracts in the counties of Rappahannock, Page, Warren, Madison, Greene, Alber- marle, Rockingham and Augusta. For many years the Eastern States have negelected a wonderful opportu- nity for the development of national parks close to home. All but one of our nationall parks as of, 1925 were west of the Mississippl. The single exception was a small Federal play- ground in Maine. The two-thirds of our population which resides in the eastern part of the country has had access to only a few State parks and one National park. Some of these people could afford annual trips to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and California, where they could enjoy the delights of Uncle Sam’s protected do- main, but the great majority were debarred from such journeys. The expansive Shenandoah National Park, however, will be only one day’s ride from 40,000,000 Americans, It should develop into one of the most pgpular gks owned by the United States ernment, Here is a sextet of reasons why you will enjoy a trip to the Shenandoah country. These were, in fact, the fac- tors and features which led to the selection of the Shenandoah National Park: (1) Mountain scenery with inspiring perspectives and delightful details. (2) An area sufficiently extensive and adaptable so that millions of visitors may annually enjoy the bene- fits of outdoor life’ and communion with nature without the confusion of overcrowding. (3) A substantial part to contain forests, shrubs, flowers and mountain streams, with picturesque cascades and waterfalls overhung with foliage, all untouched by the hand of man. . Cascading §},§°§2" t:.:«;‘Shena;nd.galv (5) Opportunities for protecting and developing the wild life of the area— the whole to be a natural museum, preserving the main features of the Southern Appalachians as they ap- peared in pioneer days. (:d)Acculelllly by both rail and road. As is true in the other Natlonal parks, concessions will be leaged in the Shenandoah National Park to private 'indlviduals who desire to establish public hotels, camps, lodges and places of tourist entertainment. A popular resort which has 40 rustic cabins and a central dining room with all possible amusement features is now in operation on Stony Mountain. As the (4) Abundant springs and streams | other available for camps and fishing. to camp. Facilities, such ‘as stone fireplaces, rustic tables and benches, and sanitary conveniences, will- be provided at appropriate spots through- out the park. For example, a tourtst camp will probably be established at the foot of Stony Man Mountain, the highest peak within the park area. In early days fierce and hostile tribesmen of the noted Algonquin Na- tion, including Senando, Shawnee, Delaware, Catawba and Dacota In- dians called the Shenandoah, “Daugh- ter of the Stars,” and “The Great Valley,” It was as early as 1608 that members of the John Smith “expedi- tion established trading posts at p} now called Edinburg, Mount Jackson, ‘Woodstock and Winchester, Virginia. bertered More than a century later Gov. Alexander Spottswood, seeking a shart cut to the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes, led his Knights of the Golden Horse Shoe to the summit of Swift Run Gap, where the explorers first sighted the Valley of the Shenandoah and named it the “Valley of Euphra- tes,”" taking possession for King George I of England. Scotch-Irish and German settlers from ‘Pennsyl- vania ultimately drifted to the north- ern part of the valley, where families from Ulster, led by a certain John Lewls, staked out homesteads in the southerly section. Lord Fairfax, who owned large tracts in the Virginia Valley, finally engaged George Wash- ington to survey his holdings. Historical records disclose that the plans of Gen. Washington during the Revolutionary Wur were to fetreat to Fort Vall in_the Shenandoah Val- case the Yorktown conflict end- t. A man named Willlam as a friend of Washington during the days when the latter sur- veyed'the Fairfax lands. Powell blazed many tralls through the Virginia mountains, searching for valuable | minerals. “He found certain precious | metals and made counterfeit cotn | which contained more pure silver than |the money of the English King. | Powell's early efforts led to the de- velopment of the iron ore and man- ganese assets of the Shenandoah. The steep, rock-strewn mountains of the Shenandoah are valuable- chiefly for watershed protection and timber production. - The iron furnaces op- erated during early days are now abandoned. Time was when boats loaded with iron and lumber were floated down the Shenandoah River, their final port being Baltimore. The | boats were chopped into firewood at | the journey's end., as there was no way of getting them back to the forested country. In the early days the mountaineers also picked and sold wild berries, which were abundant. They burned over the woods in their efforts to destroy snakes and clear up underbrush. Fires raged from one end of the valley to the other. | What was once a magnificment. hunt. ing ground became a land barren of wild .life except a few rabbits and Shenandoah National Forest |came into being in 1917, with head- | quarters at Harrisonburg. In the | future, when the forestry program |is completed, a total of three-fourths |of a millfon acres will be handled | under national supervision. The land |in this Federal forest was purchased by Uncle Sam at an average price of |$ an acre. There is suficient | timber in the forest to reimburse the | Government for fts original outlay, | when ft is made fully accessible. The | primary reason for establihing this particular forest was watershed pro- | tection. The Federal estimate.is that | the Shenandoah National Forest con- {tains 819,000,000 feet of saw timber and products, composed of chestnut | oak. white oak, red oak, black oak, | scarlet oak, yellow pine, chestnut, ! hemlock, yellow poplar and similar | species. The bark from the chestnut | oak and hemlock timber is used ex- tensively (n tanning leather, while | Tumber and rallroad ties are the other cash crops. * % | ALL the recreational advantages of |4 the Federal forest in Virginia are | free to Washingtonians who will abide by the campfire-control rules. Thers are black bears. in this forest, while grouse and wild turkey are also sionally bagged. The State game of Virginia govern the gunning on in ithe forest. Washington folks who enjoy hunting. will enjoy the advantages offered in this Old Do- minion preserve. Public fishing in the streams and pools within the for- st's boundaries is also permitted. As rapidly as possible the Forest Service is improving the roads that now exist in this forest. New high- ways are also being constructed. This road program governs the future | recreational use of this forest and will provide an outlet for ‘timber which now is inaccessible. There are some marvelous scenic effects in the forest Trails have been built to most of these and can be reached by hikers or horsemen. £ There is & tower bullt on Massanut- ten Mountain, accessible by automo- bile road from Woodstock, Va., which commands a most entrancing view of the valley, including nine sinuous bends in the North Fork of the Shen- andoah River. At the western ex- tremity of the forest there {s an ob- servation and fire-lookout tower, at an elevation of 4500 feet, on the crowning crag of North Mountain. From that summit a wonderful panorama of forest, mountain and stream s visible. A public camp ground has been established near the top of North Mountain, where drink- ing water, shelter and fireplaces have been provided. There are two other public camps, fitted with benches, tables, fireplaces and conveniences for tourists. One is at Elizabeth Furnace, Va., on the Massanutten, accessible by automobile from Water Lick Station, near Fort Valley. The other is at North River Gap, near Stokesville, which can_be reached by good motor road from Har- risonburg. The only regulations at thege free camps are caution with fire, compliance with State game and sanitation laws and a due regard for the preservation of woodland beauty. A portion of the Massanutten divi- sion of the Shenandoah National Forest has been set aside for develop- ment and use as a Summer home area. Washingtonians who wish to build cablns, cottages and bungalows for use as Summer homes can rent sites on long-term leases at small cost from the Forest Service. In the Californta Federal forests thousands of homes have been built and colonies of Sum- mer residents annually migrate to the kingdom of the timberline when late Spring days {ssue their magnetic mes- sages and call the campers. The Appalachian trail, a boulevard for hikers which will span a 2,000 mile course from Mount Washington, the king of New England peaks, to Mount Mitchell, at the top of the Great Smokles of Southland, will pass along the highest plateaus of the Shenandoah -National Park. Alread great Mtretches of this trail, whic will be internationally popular, have been constructed by State and Fed- eral governments. Much of the trail has also been bullt by the Appalachian Mountain Club, & branch of this organization having recently been established at Asheville, N. C. The eventual chain of walking_tralls, which will lead from New England to Gomm. will place within reach of one-half the population of the United States op- portunities for recreation of body and spirit such as are seldom enjoyed by any people. The United States Forest Service is building trails through its Southern Appalachian forests with the potential idea. of dovetailing them together as a part of this “footpower way."” Thousands of enthusiastic hikers now use the hia) each with the red | sends them