The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-22

some time around tne early phTt of May each year more than 46,000 dogwood trees burst into bloom and blanket the hillsides of the Nations most honored historic shrine, Val- ley Forge. This display attracts visitors from every section of our country.
 The white blossoms of the dog wood trees reminds many visitors of anther time when these hill- sides were white, not with dogwood blossoms, but snow. It was during the terrible winter of 177-7s, when Washingtor's half-starved and half- clothed army spent that winter here. History tells us that this was one of the darkest periods of the Revo- lution. This is easily appreciated when one Is informed that out of total of 10000 soldiers encamped here, more than one-third of them were sick and unfit for duty by mid winter.
 In addition to the display of dog- wood blossoms, which is said to be the largest in the world, and there- fore Q sight which Is both unique and beautiful, one may explore the historic grounds and sec such inter- esing things as traces of he line of encampment which fortified the camp; houses occupied as head- quarters by General Washington and his staff; ruins of the forge in Valley Creek burned by the British in TIT; 6 replica of one of the rough log huts built to house the soldiers, as well as other land marks.
 Other interesting things to see and do while at Valley Forge in- clude a visit to the Washington Memorial, one of the finest ever constructed. Tn Patriots Hall, among other historic treasures, is the campaign tent used by Wash ington on his marches and his headquarters flag.
 Washington Memorial Chapel con- tains many merorial rooms, frlenor- ial windows telling in color the story of this country's histary, and invaluable relics. The National Peace Chime has l3 bells, one for each colony.
 The route to Valley Forge sug- gested in this article Is an excellent one. It provides good roads, with ample accommodations and conven- fences and yet keeps the motorist out of such large traffic centers as New York City, Jersey City, Newark Trenton, etc. As Q matter of fact most New England tourists when driving to the South, prefer this route to any other because 1t is so convenient and easy to follow.
 From Waterbury motorists should drive southwestwardly on Rou' U. s. GA to the junction with Routo U. s. POP near Woodbury. Then on the latter route travel south- westwardly through e scenic section of Connecticut and New York State, to and over the Bear Mountain Bridge, spanning the historic Hud- son River at the "scenic Center of the East".
 Toll Rates Reduced
 September %, i940, the New York State Bridge Authority acquired the Bear Mountain Bridge. Coincidental with this change of ownership, they also materially reduced the toll rates, so that more people might be able to enjoy the conveniences this crossing makes possible.
 From the bridge travel to the traffic circle, located in the north eastern part of Bear Mountain (TIarriman) State Park, one of the finest public parks in the State Of New York and the most important unit of the Palisades Interstate Park system.
 The total area of the Interstate Park is about 47y000 acres. It con. sists mostly of beautiful forest-clad mountain land, with literally dozens of fine lakes, which, regardless Of the season, offer many pleasant op- portlnities for the enjoyment of outdoor sports.
 To be exact, there are now SS lakes in the park = three have been de- veloped into splendid public rcre- ational areas-Lakes Tiorati, Kama wauke and Sebago, with new swim ming beaches, bath houses, etc. Life guards are assigned to all beaches.
 These public recreational areas are situated in the interior of the park ten or fifteen miles west of the Bear Mountain Bridge, away from the boat landing and the railroad station, and are appreciated by those anxious te avoid the crowds.
 The Hartman section has been de- veloped and maintained for the mos' part, as a semi-wilderness area, 2 games preserve and hiker's paradise It is not at all unusual to see deer fox, etc., when walking through the woods. As a matter of fact, the birds and animals seem to know that they are protected and appear to enjoy meeting strangers in their natural haunts.
 Perkins Memorial Drive
 An outstanding point of interest in the park is the Perkins Memorial Drive, a scenic drive which permits the motorist in his car to view the Hudson River and the beautiful Hud- son Highlands, from 0 vantage poin, more than 1900 feet high. These ex- traordinary scenes were never re- vealed before the completion of this drive. The five mile drive to the summit of Bear MBountain via the