The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1923-05-23

park with prineval forests and numer-
GUS lakes and rivers. to the one-acrs
sand bar In the Connecticut river
which is Dart Island State park Of
Connecticut
Historic Sites and Scenery.
State pride in characteristic natural
features and historic sites frequently
determines the selection of the state
park sites as in the cases Of the Royal
Palm State park Of Florida, with its
luxuriant everglades; the Redwood
State park, of California, In which are
some Of that states big trees; the
Old Salem State park, Of Illinois,
which takes In the former home of
Abraham Lincoln Practically all the
state parks Of Pennsylvania appear to
be associated with military memories.
Scenic wonders are as various az the
panorama from the river bluffs Of the
Nelson-Dewey State park Of Wiscon-
sin, the curiously modelled gorges Of
the MashsmoQuet Brook State park Of
Connecticut, the canyons and gulches
Of the Starved Rock State park Of
dunes Of the proposed lake front park
In Indiana. and the curious geology
and mystery water body Of Devils
Lake State park in Wisconsin
Comparatively few state parks were
known outside the borders of their
own states a few years ago but the
automobile tourist and the back-to-
realnature vacationist are blazing
their way to these parks In rapidly
increasing numbers from ever greater
distanceA
1t is wholly probable that thousands
whose married life has begun to the
honeymoon music of thunderous Mag
ara do not know that the American
portion of the falls lies within a state
park, and this particular state park
has an interest even beyond that Of
protecting a majestic natural wander
from exploitation Its acquisition set
the legal precedent for appropriating
public money for saving scenic objects
for public use. The 112 acres of land
surrounding the falls and the 800 more
acres under water marked the first
place In the United States where con-
demation proceedings were employed
for the sole object Of preserving nat
ural scenery.
An Iowan may pick out a site In
Keosauqua, build a summer cottage
there, and 60 back year after year,
without paying rent In many parks
camping sites are available for tents
are provided. wood Is dis
be termed park de luxe" Is the
beautiful Starved Rock State park in |
which has electric lights. sew
erage, artesian water and fire protec-
i've apparatus
Life In tho Primitive.
A wilder and more primitive life Ii
to be found In other parks. such as
the Itasca State park In Minnesota.
where 22,010 acres comprise a forest
and a lake, with fish Of many species,
and beaver and elk have been intro
duced.
Valley Forge PARK and Washington
Crossing park. In Pennsylvania, give
hint of the military associations OF the
Keystone States parks. In addition
there are, In Pennsylvania, reserva-
ions under the state forest commits
sion which serve like purpose and
afford csmpers and mixers many
square NILES Of primitive country.
Though the state park systems In
'ome states are clear cut and well
ieflned, In others Il Is difficult to de-
ermine from their designations when
/ park is an historic site. place for
camping. or picnic ground
Ill are equally to be commended. but
idea Of a state park.
UGH as Selden Neck. part OF beau
Iful island on the lower Connecticut.
where families may take picnic
Is very different from that
( Wisconsin where you may rent an
Stand In an upstate lake and remain
here all summer.
Kentucky bids fair to follow In the
teps Of Illinois In selecting historic
ties for parks. Two prospective parks
( the Blue Grass state are the place
ear Bardstown where Stephen Foster
-rote my Old Kentucky Home" and
he place of Lincoln's birth near
A third is Mammoth cave.
State parks are being welded into
omething like q system. Conferences
state park officials are held an
ually in one of the parks, for the dis
ssion Of common problems