Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-12-15
CAMEL'S HI Mp.

In a recent issue we directed atten- |
Colonel Joseph Battell Of Middlebury |
to donate Camel's Hump and certain
surrounding territory to Vermont upon
condition that the mountain be named
after Ethan Allen and that certain re-
strictions be made as to the use of
automobiles on roads leading thereto,
suggesting that in view Of the strides
made by science and invention regula-
tons based upon present definitions Of
motor cars might serve in the future
to prevent desirable means of reaching
the m ountain top. In response to our
suggestions we have received the fol-
lowing interesting and timely letter
from Colonel Battell with reference
to this whole matter:
Middlebury. December 8. 1910.
Editor burlington Free Press.
Dear Sir
notice your editorial Of yesterday
| which refers to Cancels Hump and my
| offer OF same to the State for State
| park. For the complimentary tone Of
| your remarks, please accept thanks; but
| there would appear to be some misunder
standing to the nature Of the conditions
connected with the gift
In the first place the exact wording Of
the letter upon this subject. addressed to
His Excelency the Governor l have
nowhere seen published, and l enclose the
same for publication with such eXplana-
! ton as is necessary.
TO HIS ENCELLENCY THE GOVERN
| OR.
propose to give TO the State of Vermont
for a State park. Camel's Hump so call
| ed, consisting Of over one thousand acres,
including on its western slope a beautiful
specimen Of the original spruce forest
from which Vermont received her name.
If my offer is accepted. ! will deed the
property to the State under proper con-
ditons as to the preservation Of the
forest and provision for suitable paths;
and. as this park Is intended for the safe
use Of the whole population Of Vermont
automobiles are to be excluded from the
same.
We would also suggest that the name
be changed to Mount Ethan Allen" II
memory Of him, to whose great courage
and remarkable ability Vermont Is large.
~ indebted for her independent existence
ar a State This change OF name was
hrst suggested to us by President Buck
lam of the University of Vermont, and
we feel sure Will be most acceptable /,
all Vermonters.
, This mountain stands very much by t.
self and is, too, one Of the most unique
and one Of the highest OF the range.
has long been noted for It's Individuality
= and the wonderful views In all direction
q from It's summit.
II my Offer is accepted upon the condi
lions herein expressed. by Joint resolu
9 ton Of tho General Assembly. I will a
1 your convenience execute tho necessar,
deed therefor
JOSEPH BATTEIIA
You will perceive that the condition
are few and simple. As to the sugges
ton of change of name II was. as stated
n not my thought, but suggested to me sew
eral years since by the late Presider
Buckham of the University Of Vernon
who was at the time attending the annus
= Forefathers' celebration at Middlebur,
|
OF 1t myself. but its appropriateness
coming from such authority, impresse
me-
II We all recognize the most importar
g services Of Ethan Allen In the establish
ing of our State. But for his great coul
- age and ability Vermont might never hay
n become a sovereign State.
" 1t Is quite common to occasionally nam
i. mountain after some noted man. q
illustrated In the Presidential range
New Hampshire. the highest Of which
Is Mount Washington. or In the Adirondac
le range of New York, MS Mount Marcy
r. Dix Peak
This seemed good opportunity
name one of Vermonts most prominel
ie mountains. Ethan Allen. For althoug
D. there is strong similarity In the shaI
, OF the mountain to a camels hump. the
Is nothing especially important or attra
: tive In the name Indeed 1t Is hardly ar
al more so than Hog-back. which Is occ
ny sionally given to mountain. To cham
RS names of mountains or localities Is qui
he common, and II the change Is an improv
en- ment 1t generally soon becomes establis
e. ed. In this case. had the original mar
90 given to this mountain by the French-Le
Couchant (Couchant Lionl-remaint
Sc there would be far more reason to !
SIS tain 1t than that of Cancels Hump. B
It seems to me that President Buokhan
al suggestion Of Mount Ethan Allen Is
ell most proper change and will he ac01u
able to our people.
L. You critioise one other suggestion ma