The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1919-09-05
RECOMMENDED FOR
STATE PARK

The remaining tract of the James
estate in Phelps and Crawford coun-
ties, consisting of more than 5000
acres, and having the famous Mera-
mec Springs, one of the largest in the
Middle West, has been recommended
to Gov. Gardner and Attorney Gene
raj McAllister as a suitable site for
the new State park. The Meramec
Park Company is the present owner
of the 3,044 acres and is asking $780,
600 for the tract, which is considered
the most valuable in the Ozark coun.
try.
Five per cent of all hunters and
fishermen's licenses have been set
aside in a special fund during the last
two years for the purchase of park,
and there is now approximately $685.
900 accumulated in the fund.
About 1000 acres of the tract is in
the rich bottom lands of the Mera-
nee River, which has its source in the
adjoining county of Dent. More than
400 acres of the land is in cultivation
and yielded fine crops during the past
few months.
The remainder of the land is wild
and has some of the best timber in
that section. The woods abound with
wild turkey, squirrel and smaller
game.
Five-mile River Front
The tract has five miles of river
front. The Meramec River there is
well supplied with bass, crappic, perch
and other game fish.
The spring on the tract forms a
large stream. A half mile below the
spring the branch empties into the
river. The spring branch is noted for
rainbow trout, which can be easily
seen in the clear water.
The spring, which rises from the
earth between two mountains, has an
estimated flow of 155,000,000 gallons
of water every "a hours. At one time
it was proposed to harness the spring
and convey the water to st. Louis for
the use of that city.
An old iron mill formerly stood
just below the spring. 1t was operat-
ed by the water power of the branch.
The iron mill, it is said, was operated
from 1928 to 1873, and was abandoned
only after mills were opened near the
railroad. There is still valuable min
eral on the tract according to persons
who are familiar with it.
From the top of the mountain over
looking the spring a panoramic view
of the entire tract can be had. 1t has
been declared one of the most mag
nificent views in the Ozark Mountains.
A large frame clubhouse On the
tract has not been in operation for
several years. There are a number Of
smaller buildings on the land.
Birmingham's Plan
State Game and Fish Commissioner
Hrgingham, who has recommended
the purchase of the park as State
site, wants to make the place a play
ground for the rich and poor alike of
Missouri.
Birmingham says the large number
of visitors there during the summer
months is sufficient proof Of its pop
ularity. Families for miles around
drive to the famous springs in automo-
biles and wagons and have a "basket
dinner"
The Game and Fish Commissioner
says many features can be added to
the place for the accommodation Of
the public. The site is six miles
south of st. James, which is 100 miles
from St. Louis, on the Frisco railroad.
Birmingham says he believes that
when the park is opened as a public
institution thousands of persons will
visit the place in the summer months
and camp in tents and enjoy a vaca-
ton tout in the OPEN"
The law provides that the Fish and
Game Commissioner shall select a