Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-01
BY GEORGE H. DACY.

4 \ Park. a 521, 0OO-acre tract of
scenic triumphs and natural
wonders, rich in rugged mountains,
charming valleys, timber-clad peaks,
rushing cascades and quiet shaded
pools--au empire OF srlyland which
will eventually serve the recreational
needs of some 10000, 900 people.
Virginia, by its epochal buy-an-
acre" campaign, and by virtue of large
private Subscriptions has raised
$1,200,00O with which to purchase land
which ultimately will be incorporated
into our first large national park east
of the Mississippi. There will shortly
be inaugurated a national drive to
raise additional funds to make
the proposed public playground a
reality. A total of more than $1,000
600 will be expended in the purchase
of land and in the early development
of this park which will be created
above the verdant valley of Virginia
country.
Gov. Byrd &C Virginia has appointed
q commission of seven prominent clti-
ZenS to take options and to purchase
land within the proposed park borders.
When all the land desired is secured,
when the tract has been released from
private control, it will be presented to
the United States Government and
added as the twentieth reserve to our
extensive chain of national parks,
which extends from the highlands of
California to the pine-garbed hills OF
Maine, from the terminus of the his
toric Oregon Trail to the sandhills OF
New Mexico.
Washington then will be but So
miles from a primeyal wilderness, a
nature lovers Eden. The connecting
link between our Capital City and the
finest scenery and the best opportu-
nifty for outdoor diversion in Southern
Appalachia will be a fine highway,
serviceable in all kinds of weather.
paved pathway which will wind
through d famous pastoral region and
which will lead to the Old Dominion's
cloud-high Fairgrounds. Washingto-
mans who delight in camping, fishing,
hiking, mountain climbing, motoring
and horseback riding will have the OPP
portunity to enjoy any or all of these
amusements In the Shenandoah Ma
tional Park and in the Shenandoah
National Forest. another large pre-
serve of Uncle Sans which also is in
the Valley of Virginia domain.
The Lee highway in time will pro-
vide access TO the Shenandoah Ma
tional Park from the National Capital
by way of Sperryville, Thorntons Gap
and Luray. At present there is a por-
ton of this road across the mountain
Unpaved, though the dirt road has
been improved. During dry weather
it is passable, but in time of rain the
going is treacherous One of the
finest views and scenic effects in the
Southern Appalachian chain of high
lands is visible from the summit at
Thorntons Gap. The route by way of
Frederick, Md, Harpers Ferry and
Winchester is paved all the way, but
is so miles longer
x #x*
WHAT can Washingtonians do who
make the trip to the Shenandoah
National Park or the neighboring ma
tional forest of similar name? They
can do anything and everything which
they would do if they were vacation
ing in the matchelss Yellowstone. the
Incompatible Yosemite or peerless
Pixies Peak. The Shenandoah Park,
when officially opened as a member
of our national park family. will be
operated under the same rules and
regulations which obtain in the other
Federal centers of outdoor fun and
natural marvels. The park will be
handled under the active direction of
a superintendent, who will live in the
national preserve near the most i'm
portant gateway. His subordinates
will be stationed at the other gate
ways. Travellers and tourists who en-.
ter the park register at such Offices.
If they desire to fish or camp, hike or
motor. they secure the requisite per-
mission
The Shenandoah National Park will
be developed as a spacious bird and
wild-life refuge. 1t will be stocked
with small and large game native to
that region, but now almost extinct.
Foundation animals from other Sec
tions of the country which will pros
per in the Old Dominion mountain
climate will also be introduced and
allowed to multiply. All the suitable
streams of the territory-there are
many satisfactory brooks and pools in
the great Shenandoah--will be stocked
with game and food fish. Angling will
be allowed where official permission is
obtained.
The joys of tenting close to the song
81. of the whispering pine, with mountain
streams adding their unending chorus
to the forestry anthem, will attract
tired Washingtonians, who will find
rest and recreation in both the Fed
eral park and forest. You can grease
your car, pack your camping kit. step
on the starter, speed over good roads
and four hours later be raising your
canvas-canopieds shelter in a modern
wilderness, where the hustle of bust.
ness and the chaos and confusion of
civilization are unknown. You can
battle in the neighboring stream, catch
string of bass for dinner, thrill to
the pleasures of campfire cookery, eat
a hearty meal and then enjoy real rest,
relaxed on your bedding roll or camp
cot or outstretched on a bed of pine
needles.
The mountains and timberland offer
refuge where the tired and sick can
rest and recupe cate. Mountain climb
ing, walking tours of unblazed trails
and riding as our pioneer forefathers
used to ride-these are a few of the
sports which will test the energy and
endurance of the robust and adven-
turesome. Your visit to either the
y Federal park or forest will be exactly
what you make IT, 1t will be vaca-
ton where you will be author of your
own contentment. The test of the
man is his ability to entertain him
self and his mates. The wilderness
country is no place for the city citizen
stepped in artificial amusements. But
1t is the homing heath of him who
can commune with nature in its period
of greatest glory.
One outstanding thing Is demanded
of tourist tenters who camp in either
the Shenandoah National Park or
Forest. 1t is ever-vigilant care in
building and extinguishing camp fires.
A forest fire is the most serious
menace which can threaten our tim
bered country. The general public is
gradually becoming educated to the
perils. of this danger. Caution in the
use Of camp fires, care in extinguish-
S1g matches, cigarettes cigars or pipe
ashes before cheys are discarded are
practices which every Washingtonian
end Vfrgtnian should cultivate during
the visits and vacations in the Shenan-