Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-12-11
Quaint u. S.
Areas Await
Discovery
Distinct Touches
Are Impaired by
Human Element
Nv NELSON A, LOOMS.

BY NELSON A. LOOMS.
Editors note: Mr.. Ioomis is chief Of
the United States Travel Bureau. Wash
In the last analysis, the greatest
study of mankind is man. Perhaps
the most potent force that draws
thousands to the tourist attractions
throughout America is the human
interest that lies beneath their sur
face.
True, the travel information offices
now established In most States play
an important part in making these
attractions known. The need for
such agencies is more apparent than
ever. now that Americans have come
to realize that travel expenditures
form an essential part of our eco
nomic structure. Indeed, as is the
case with many European countries,
recreation-m minded travellers actually
swing the pendulum between bust
ness dizziness and prosperity for
many States and regions.
There are, of course, many over
publicized so-called tourist attrac-
tons, the things society dictates we
must do and see. But let us aban-
don these for a time and consider
that intangible thing-human inter-
est-that lures so many along the
byways of America.
While on a trip through North
Carolina not so long ago, the writer
came upon blacksmith working at
his forge. The and-wrought scroll
work he was fashioning was so ex-
quisite the writer was not surprised
to learn that the smithy was carrying
on a traditional occupation that had
been in his family for three or four
generations. Here is a region re-
plete with historic background, a
master craftsman plies his trade to
bring beauty to the living rooms of
many of our people. Somehow, the
little drama seemed complete when
learned the blacksmith's name
he is none other than Daniel Boone,
a direct descendant of the famous
pioneer.
Out in California 1t was my privi-
lege to accompany a little picnick-
ing group into one of the canyons
about so miles from Los Angeles. We
were fortunate that it rained that
day, for rain in California means
prosperity to many people. In our
particular instance, it meant that
because OF some water trickling
through an arroyo we were able to
pan out little gold-an interesting
sidelight on any picnic. It seems
there is gold sprinkled all over Cali
1ornla. but in many cases it is so far
from the water needed to wash 1t out
OF the sand and gravel that it would
not pay the cost Of piping.
Tucked away in the Austerlitz
Range Mountains of southeastern
New York State is a little artist
colony which is quite unlike the
surrounding farm communities.
True, the people operate farms in
many instances. but they operate
them with unusual intelligence and
devote their efforts to raising
blooded stock. Some keep bees and
others experiment in fur farming,
all Of which became quite remun-
erative with little experience.
The social life of these colonists
IS model of civic perfection. In
the town hall they have lectures
and music: they write and produce
theatricals: they hold bridge parties
and community dances. There are
fox hunts, husking bees and
variety Of other outdoor sports en-
joyed the year round. The little
colony seems world of its own
and the people in it are happy and
content among themselves.
Human interest abounds through
out the American countryside. There
Is the little hamlet of Cayce in
southeastern Kentucky, where
short time ago the inhabitants paid
tribute to a former townsman who
did his job we'll and passed on. The
man they remembered was one John
Luther Jones, railroad engineer
who rode to death with his hand
gripping the throttle, nearly 40
years ago. His courage inspired the
song that spread throughout the
land to tell the story of Casey"
Jones and the Cannon Ball Express.
A few weeks ago that little town
erected a monument to Casey, and
the simple stone marker was I'M
yelled by his widow and two grand
daughters. An old colored man, Sim
Webb, stood in tears before the
assemblage at the dedication. Sim,
Casey's fireman on the fatal run,
was saved from death by the engi-
neer's stored warning Jump, Sim,
Jump: there's two locomotives agoin'
to bump"
Sim still tells how the Cannon
Ball plowed through three freight
cars and jolted to stop in car
load of lumber. But Sim is loyal;
ut wasn't Casey's fault" he ex-
plains.
Another typically American fig
ure was the late Will Rogers, whose
simple wisdom and droll humor en-
deared him to Main street and
Broadway alike. Indeed, the "Sage
of Claremore" established himself
more firmly in American hearts
than any wit since the beloved
Mark Twain. His native town of
Claremore, Okla, has built a mu-
scum in which are displayed many
Indian relics the humorist collected
as hobby. Situated on a hilltop, a
site which Rogers Is said to have
selected for his home when old age
came, 1t is unique tribute to this