The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1922-07-26
Girl Scout Cabin
Nears Completion
SYLVAN LODGE ON SCOUT IS
LAND A REAL ADDITION TO
RAMSEY PARK.

The Girl Scouts are enthusiastic
over the prospective completion with
in ten days of their Lodge on Scout
Island in Ramsey Park. And well
have they earned the right of enthu-
siasm; for this SYLVAN lodge is a
thing of which not only they, but ev-
cry citizen can be proud. Practically
all Of the materials used have, by per-
mission of State Auditor Chase, been
taken from the park istelf. The
posts, beams and rafters are of hewn
logs of such size as to make the build
ing substantial. The sidewalks are
constructed of pieces of timber of a
little more than an axe-length, and
about three inches in diameter, placed
In vertical position. The openings
between these pieces is filled with a
sticky clay found near at hand. On
the West two-thirds of the cabin,
pieces of but one length have been
used, leaving the upper portion open
to the beauties without. However,
the unenclosed upper portion of the
wall is so made that screens or other
protection can readily be attached, if
third of the shelter are entirely of
lengths of timber from the ground up,
with the exception of a space at the
end where a large, CHEEKY fireplace
Of rough granite stona from the
park will be built. On each wall at
right angles with the fireplace have
been built colonial seats directly op-
posite to each other. The cabin is
being furnished with rustic chairs,
davenport, and large heavy table,
which adds much to the atmosphere
For even to the furniture, the materi-
ais used come almost entirely from
the park. Practically the only lumber
purchased is for the roof, on which
will be laid a further protection of
red, composition shingles. The floor
will be of concrete The door opens
out upon well-designed rustic porch,
around which the vines to be planted
will soon entwine themselves. At
both ends of the porch are built-in
seats roughly constructed of tree
boughs so as to harmonic with the
surroundings.
This enchanting little lodge is locat-
ed on a no less enchanting island in
the Redwood River, which location
was selected with the aid of Mr.. H.
NJ. Hitchcock, one of those men who
thru their love for Ramsey Park have
become so intimately acquainted with
it. Over this island from end to end
there is a splendid growth of native
trees, chiefly of ash, elm and some
red cedar. Many are the bowers
created by the over-hanging grape
vines in their unmolested wanderings
from one tree to another. Unfrequ-
ented in the past, the place bears ev-
cry mark of untouched nature Only
by such touches as smoothening off
the rougher ground and by planting
ferns around the lodge, do they intend
to disturb it's wild state, which gives |
it the charm.
Either side of the lodge located on
the crest of the island furnishes a !
close, clear view of the Redwood River
six feet below. When the stream is
higher than at present, the noisy
waters as they pursue their course
will accentuate the wild grandeur of
this secluded spot.
Secluded it really is, for after cross
ing the well-built, attractive, rustic
bridge which connects the island with
the mainland, and then proceeding but
a few steps to the road, view of the
island is almost removed by the in
tervening trees and bushes. From
this point foot trail will be construct
ed by the Girl Scouts, leading in either
way along the right bank of the river,
in one direction to the tourist camp
ground and in the other to the bridge
connecting the New Addition with the
Main Park at McPhail's cabin.
Scout Island so named from the fact
that the scouts took possession of it
as the site for their shelter, has been
placed in care of the various Troops
of the city. They have preferred
claim to it's use at whatever time they
may wish. At other times it is open
to the free use of the public, but
to the boys of the communi-
ty who may wish to use it occasionally
for their own meetings. It is planned
to appoint several manly boys as
guardians of the property in order to
influence young vandals against harm
ing the property.
The enterprise of the Girl Scouts in
building the Lodge is truly indicative
of the love cherished by the parents
for the park; for it is from the par
ents in the last analysis that support
for such an undertaking largely comes.
Thus having built home for the Or
ga aization, the Scouts will without
doubt flourish as they never have be
fore. As the younger girls become
eligible for membership, the home will
be passed on to them to share as an
heritage. .... l.
The project was first conceived by
the scouts of Troop under the cap
taincy of Miss Zelma Thune. But as
they realized that the undertaking
was too big for one Troop, the other
Troops under Miss Theo. Jensen, Mrs.
Perry Nelson, Miss Marie Tolzman
and Mrs. j. B. Philbrick were invited