Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1921-01-06

1t finds much state park material and much that
Is mere properly local. scenic survey of all the
states, made by the General Federation of Wom-
ems Clubs shows areas suitable for national state
and local parks.
The conference will wreste with this embarrass-
ment of riches. 1t is hoped-and expected-that
out of its deliberations will come classification
aud Standardization of park areas and draft of
a standard state park law, which can be amended
by the several states to suit local conditions.
When Senator Harding declared "All America is
motoring and leaving q golden trail behind" he
said something, as the tongue of the day has it.
The official national parks attendance figures for
1920 give hint of this motor travel In 1916 there
were 356,O97 visitors to the national parks and
probably large majority of them went by rail-
road. In 1920 there were 9195O4 visitors and
more than 60 per cent of them were travelling in
their own cars. In 1917 private cars were record
ed to the number of 54,692; last season, 12SO74
These cars bore the license plates of every state
in the Union
All conference roads lead to Des Moines because
it is the capital of a state that has the real park
spirit and is doing things the right way. The
Thrty-seventh general assembly created state
board of conservation. The Thirty eight assembly
endowed this board with 100000 a year and other
wise empowered 1t. The members of this board
who serve without pay are DR.. l.. H. Pammel
Ames chairman; Joseph Kelso, Bellevue; John
F. Ford, Fort Dodge, and Edgar r. Harlan Des
Moines, secretary.
The Iowa state park law is working instru-
ment. The state board of conservation, with the
written consent of the executive council has the
power to establish public parks in all suitable
places and to improve them and make them &C.
cessible from the public highways. The board has
power to purchase or condemn lands for both mark
and highway purposes.
Secretary Harlan, who Is curator of the state
historical department, delivered an eloquent ad-
dress July "a, 1915 before the Des Moines Ro-
tarians. The state has published it with the title
Iowa Law, Policy and Proceedings Upon a Sys
TEN of Public State Parks and Reservations"
"In Iowa. says Mr. Harlan at is but short
spin from prairie lands to fairy lands" He goes
on to enumerate some of the beauty spots and
places Of historic and scientific interest in coun
try Of farming land worth up to $500 an acre.
But" he says, "you cannot go swimming boat
ing, fishing, camping nor play ball. unless in cities
without trespassing.' After sketchng the situa-
ton from the viewpoints of both recreationist and
owner, he says in part:
Recognizing these conflicting truths respecting
these inharmOnious interests, the state set out to
open, acquire and preserve some of these areas
Due compensation shall be made to private own
ers. Appropriate provision will be made that the
heathful may resort to the open air with safety
without contempt of fellow citizens and with full
self-respect. Areas unique for scenery will be ac
quired. Those embracing objects and materials
useful or interesting in scientific study will be
served. Grounds will be bought wherein occurred
important scenes in early and recent social life
where prehistoric works exist where lie the ashes
of our great where shafts that speak of all these
facts should stand. Shore lines of lakes and riv-
ers reservoirs; sleeps and slopes deforested in
early days will be secured. Some will be replant
ed in time, with useful and attractive trees, Small
roadside areas streams, in shade, will be provid
ed where families touring may camp overnight and
rise in the morning without passing cars having
filled with dust their bed and breakfast. All this
in time to come, is the states objective"
Chairman Pammel, who is member Of the fac
uty of Iowa State college, reports that in the two
years of the boards existence 1t has secured IA