Evening star., 1942-01-11
BY JACQUES FUTRELLE, Jr,

Travel Editor.
Colonial Williamsburg, the 18th
Century oasis in world engaged
in q titanic, machine-age war, has
vetoed the idea Of 'blacking out
the enjoyment of visitors to this
impressive shrine of American in
dependence and has decided to pur-
sue the sound theory that it is not
unpatriotic-indeed, 1t is q contri-
button to the war effort-to re-
create and build up the physical
and mental resources and morale OF
a people who have been told they
may expect long, driving struggle
to maintain their freedom.
In New Year statement to men,
bers of the Restoration organiza-
ton, Kenneth Chorley, president of
Colonial Williamsburg, voiced the
belief that during the war the pub
lie will turn increasingly to Will
liamsburg and other historic shrines
with which the Commonwealth of
Virginia is so richly endowed; where
they can rest and be quiet; where
they can be refreshed and re-
energized by visiting these historic
places where the principles of lib
erty, freedom and justice were first
enunciated as the foundation of our
Nation-the very principles we are
now fighting to preserve"
Accordingly, the green light has
been flashed for 1912 on sleepy
little town of quaint GRANDEUR
"go" signal that means the spirit
of the Old Dominion's former capt.
tai will be preserved and paraded,
with horses and buggics in the
streets, coachmen in colors that
rival race track jockeys, lighted
candles in the windows, q demure
night life, billowing dresses that
gently forced such personages as
founders of the Republic of the
narrow brick walks, and bewigged
cobblers, cabinet makers and bar
bers. The 1912 budget sets aside
the biggest operating fund the Res
toration has ever made.
It seems almost incongruous to
speak in business terms of q town
that in appearance and tempo Is two
centuries old, but Williamsburg en-
joyed last month its best Decem-
Der season in the history of the
Restoration even after declara-
tions by Congress had plunged the
. United States suddenly into three
wars. Large groups of visitors have
been booked for 1912, Mr.. Chorley
states. Under the forward looking
plans, they will find accommoda-
tions for travellers increased by the
time spring brightens the land
scaped gardens, for within a couple
of months new addition to Will
liamsburg Lodge will be opened,
adding 48 rooms and baths. Ar
rangementS have been completed
for the spring concerts of 18th Gen.
tury music in the Governors Pal
ace. and a commemorative session
Of the Virginia legislature is sched-
uled for the one-time capital on
Saturday. January 81.
The decision to present Williams
burg, in all its quiet, leasurely
charm. to the 1912 American public
was not made in a moment of
busineSs-as-usual snap judgement.
A number of factors were weighed
Experiences in the last World War,
when. as Mr.. Chorley said, "the
country as whole recognized the
necessity Of travel and recreation
As vital element in our war plans:
the undenied fact that recreational
travel eliminates the mental and
physical fag which can cripple war
efforts; the policy Of warning
nations, after going through the
fire OF mortal combat for more than
two years, that fosters vacations as
= means of rekindling enthusiasm
and flexing nerves drawn taut by a
grim fight to survive.
Plagued by an epidemic of detours
for the last four years. U. S. High
way No. l is now free of these
motoring annoyances for the entire
1.l66 miles from Washington to
Miami. Fla. according to survey
just compiled and released by G.
Vincent Butler of the U. S. High
way Council, Inc. The last detour
sign was removed in December, Mr..
Butler explained, adding that Vir-
einia is the only state on the route
with current construction but that
the work on two bridges and two
widenings present no troubles.
Between the Virginia line and