White Pine news. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1920-1923, 1922-08-13

with the proclamation of the presi-
dent of the United States, issued Jan
uary "a last, took place last Sunday,
August 6.
The event was one of far more inn
portance than the average citizen APP
preeiates.
More tnan 800 people went through
the caves last Sunday, which exceeds
the number that have visited the
wonderland In any one year since its
discovery
People gathered from all sections
of the surrounding country and at
the time set for the opening OF the
program the entrance to the caves
was surrounded by automobiles In
such great numbers as to resemble an
exhibit by the manufacturers of mo-
tor vehicles.
The discovery of the great caves is
credited to Hayes Cook an old pros
peetor, and its limited development
is chiefly due to the tireless efforts
of "Ab" Lehman, one OF the grand
old pioneers who settled in Nevada
during the eos and for o time resid-
on what Is now the Rowland ranch
Lehman spent the greater part Of
about ten years of his life opening
up passageway and constructing
ladders to enable visitors 10 enjoy
the wonders of the cave. He died
several years ago but the home which
he occupied under squatters right
at the mouth of the cave. surround
ed by green grass and trees will
some day be referred to by nature
lovers in all quarters OF the globe.
Since the death OF Lehman no act
i've steps were taken To orirg the
wonderland TO the attention OF the
world until c. c. Boak of Tonopah
became interested in the matter and
10 his efforts large share OF the
credit for the establishment OF the
national monument Is due.
At IL o'clock a. N. last Sunday
the ceremonies were opened by Al
exander Mcqueen. supervisor OF the
forest service. who, sfter giving an
interesting account OF the discovery
Of the cave and the steps leading up
10 It's establishment rs national
monument. introduced the speakers
of the day.
Colonel J. G. scrughsm. the per-
sonal representative OF Governor
Emmett ID. Boyle. delivered the dedi-
eatory address In an able and elo-
.1uent manner.
Forest Ranger Graham Tate en-
tertained the large gathering with
an interesting account OF The history
of the caves.
Telegrams from Senators Key
pittman and Tasker l.. Oddie. a.
well as letters from Governor Boyle,
w. f. Scott. secretary OF ths Roose-
welt Midland Trail Association. and
l.. ]. Bcrgere, secretary of Motor
West. a magazine devoted largely to
the promotion of tourist travel. were
read by c. w. Creel, director OF ag-
ricultural extension work. The tele-
grams and letters all expressed re-
gret on the part of the senders as
to their inability to be present IN
person and spoke in encouraging
terms OF the great achievement In
having the caves set aside rs ma
iional monument.
The reading OF the proclamation
issued by the president and des-
eription of the caves by c. {. Boak
of Tonopah were interest ing feat
nres in the program.
Mrs. Anthony Jurich. who enjoys
A reputation through the western
section OF the country IA one OF the
most accomplished artists In the
world of music, sang The Star-Span-
gled Banner" In an exquisite man
ner, which raised patriotism in her
audience 20 fever heat.
A firing squad composed OF mem
bers OF the American Legion. head
ed by Commander n. T. Deckelman
and consisting OF Messrs. Coleman,
Robinson. Groeschner. Royle. Froom,
Mahoney. ireland and Maghie. fred
the salute to the flag as 1t was raised
on n slight elevation looking out over
the great productive valleys or
White Pine county.
An invitation was then extended
to all to visit the cave and enjoy its
beauties. This created rush for
the entrance but the throng was
handled In an orderly manner and
as all were supplied with candles
they were taken In charge by COM
petent guides. The caves as thus
far explored require abont three
hours to pass through for pepole
walking at an ordinary rate OF speed.
The work of developing the caves
and bringing them to the attention
of tho world Is matter which now
devolves upon every public-spirited
tftlLtH WOih haof "
Nevada than can be realized until
mature consideration Is given to the
great subject. II means bringing
right to this section people from all
parts OF the civilized world. This
means the bringing Of Neayda. and
particularly White Pine county, to
the attention OF all the world and
the development OF the surrounding
country must fellow In the natural
course OF events. Such attraction OF
people means an influx OF business
the value OF which Is incalculable.
Colonel J. G. Scrugham, who Is one
of the most active men In the state
and who has for several years played
an important part In It's develop
ment, was enthusiastic regarding the
possibilities Of the caves as an asset
to Nevada and the world at large. He
expressed himself as not only willing
but anxious to do all In his power to
bring the great wonderland to the
front. While the national monument
Is now under federal control. and as
such Is entitled to federal aid. this
will never be obtained until an In