The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-01-31
OWNER FIGHTS
NATIONAL PARK
WORK IN STATE
SUIT Centers Attention on
Project Under Way in
Ripley County.
BY TRIsTRAM COFFIN


Vision Of national park, spread
over 10000 acres of Ripley County
submarginal land, to be used
by underprivileged factory workers
from three Midwestern industrial
cities, lies between the lines Of a
brief on file in Federal Court.
Raphael E. Dieckmann, Osgood,
came into Federal Court yesterday.
declaring through his attorneys that
the government has no power to
condemn private property for use
as a park.
The Dieckmann farm, which the
National Park Service says has
been abandoned for 10 years, is in
the center Of the park development
area. The government has offered
to pay $4,000 for the property
The Ripley County project was
the first land retirement-recreation
project in which the government
purchased land and paid for 1t.
Erosion Takes Toll
In pursuing its program, the
Rural Resettlement Administration
discovered that farmers in Ripley
County were almost destitute from
attempting TO till submarginal soil
during the depression. Soil erosion
had almost eaten up the land,
Resettlement officials decided that
the land should be retired from
competition with good farm land
and used for some public purpose.
The National Park Service sug-
gested the establishment of a park
where industrial workers chiefly
from indianapolis. Louisville and
Cincinnati, could have recreational
facilities.
The enthusiasm and publc-sp spirit
ed attitude of Joseph Hossmer, re-
tired business man and native of
Ripley County has made develop
ment Of the park into an actuality.
So convinced was Mr.. Hossmer of
the benefits of such a project that
he donated a 100000 trust fund for
maintenance of the park.
Roads, Cabins Built
Civilian Conservation Corps en-
rollees, housed in cabins on the old
Dieckmann farm, and more than
100 Ripley County relief workers
have planted more than 100000
trees, built roads and trails and
constructed cabins.
Eventually, a model All club farm
is to be established in the park
Cabins are to be built for Boy
Scouts, social organizations and
factory groups.
More than .1,750,000 persons live
within 100 miles of the park. Gin
cinnati is so miles away, Louisville
IS miles and indianapolis Is miles.
Laughrey Greek runs through the
land, providing water supply for the
camp
Paul v. Brown. National Park
Service regional director, said that
CCC barracks have been so con-
structed that when the corps moves
out, the quarters will be suitable for
recreational groups.
Attorney A. w. Hops, Batesville,
told Federal Judge Robert c. Bait
zell yesterday that the government
had no right to take the Dieckmann
farm, because the Public Works Act,
under which the land was con-
demned, was a delegation of power
by Congress prohibited by the Con-
stitution.
Denies Government Right
He further said that the govern
ment has no power to do anything
for the benefit of public morals
health or welfare.
The government has the right to
condemn private property under the
right of eminent domain, Howard
Caughran. assistant district attor-
ney, answered.
Mr.. Brown says that Mr.. DECK
mann at one time accepted an OPP
ton and then refused a government
check, demanding cash. The citi-
zens of the small community then
raised $4,000 in cash among them
selves. Mr.. Dieckmann again re-
fused.
The controversy is not devoid of
political angles. Mr.. Dieckmann
served two terms as Ripley County
treasurer and is active in Repoh-
lican politics.
His attorney. Mr.. Hops, some time
ago instituted proceedings to have