f ,300 6 1 IS Col STATE PARK VIEWS FEBRUARY 1961 PREPARED AND EDITED BY BARBARA J. RANKIN -- RECREATION DIRECTOR , -^ws/Vv^ ,-wo- HEAH fQR. THE M&OH - VvA. c o Self-development or self-Improvement should be based on questions such as these which we should regularly put to ourselves: Am I doing my Job as well as I Iknow how? o I take a personal responsibility for keeping ideas and developments which can broaden me as n and improve me on ay job? 3. Am I willing to take risks in my decisions on the job, or do I always play it safe? 4. Do I have a "research point of view" which makes me receptive to new ideas despite preconceptions and past "experience"? 5. Am I a good listener? Am I willing to listen? Just as we should not underestimate the value of training, we also should not regard it as a panacea. That is to say, training by itself can't overcome problems caused by: Faulty selection of personnel. Poor equipment. Bad procedures and methods. \V\\ \\ \ \ Poor organization ^^ X^/vAn atmosphere or climate not co learning, PARK NEWS HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK Submitted by T. D. Carter, Supt. All necessary carpenter repairs have been made to our CCC Camp Bldgs., and all bldgs. have been stained. Six new sanitary toilets are being added. 275-acre Lake Rut ledge has been drawn down to approximately 50 -acres, and a rough fish control job is in progress. Exposed area has been seeded to Rye grass. The lake will be raised to normal in March. V/e hope fishing will be improved. Concrete pipe is on hand to correct a corrosion and water problem at Camp Rut ledge dining hall area. Inter-communication telephones have been installed at Supt.'s office, woodworking shop and group camp. A residence is underway for the wood shop foreman. He is now living in a house trailer within the park. A new pedestal grinder has been added to our woodworking shop. We also have a new dirt moving blade for our John Deere tractor. A new GMC truck has been received for concrete picnic table hauling. We have a new picnic shelter on hand, but it has not been erected. We have the right of way cleared for a road leading into our proposed tent camp area. Believe it or not* We had three families of picnickers on New Years day (Monday) . There were eight Pioneer Camping Groups this winter. One today with the temperature going down to 12 tonight (1-21-61). The three group camps are already reserved on a tentative basis for the spring weekends and three summer months with some few fall weekends filled. application forms and Minimum Standards have been completed and returned. During the fall and so far this winter, we have turned out and delivered, 95 new wood picnic tables to the various parks. Also, two wall museum cases were completed and delivered to Jefferson Davis, and two of the same to A.H. Stephens. Material is on hand for quite a few museum cases for Georgia Vets., and material has been requisitioned for 125 more wood picnic tables to replace old tables under existing shelters in the various parks. A total of 29 of our new type entrance signs - 28 medium size and 303 small signs were made and delivered to the various parks in I960. I know that we Superintendent's all owe Miss Barbara Rankin a big hand of applause for the fine job of preparing and getting out the Park Views with so little help from us. I have personally enjoyed reading each of them. BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN PARK Submitted by J. L. Christian, Supt. We have completed a road to our new tent camping area, and are now clearing the area of brush, dead timber, etc. V/e are also installing two new aluminum outdoor comfort stations We received the plastic pipe today for running water from our Black Rock reservoir to this project. And too, we received last month, five additional concrete picnic tables. We have hauled field rock for building some walls at our Germany road picnic area. CLOUDLAND CANYON PARK Submitted by J. M. Crawford, Supt. VJork is progressing nicely in a general clean-up, getting the park in shape for Spring. Cloudland Canyon (Continued) Other work - painting garbage cans with aluminum paint - grading out an area of two acres In park area erecting 40-foot flag pole set in concrete base. Attendance - QUIET PORT YARGO PARK Submitted by W. S. Pricks, Supt. Por some time we have been working on our picnic area at the old fort. Clearing away undergrowth and shaping up the grounds for tables and picnic shelters. Also, a parking area is being built. The old fort is looking better with a new road and a lawn surrounding it. Considerable work has been done on a spring near the old fort. We are now ready to begin setting up the concrete tables and the picnic shelter (at picnic area) The roof of the barn at the Supt's. residence has been repaired. The Boy Scouts have moved their equipment from the camp, where we hope to begin work soon on a group camp. LITTLE OCMULGEE PARK Submitted by Mrs. Blanche Willcox The following poem was written by someone who visited Little Ocmulgee and sent Mrs. Willcox a copy. We thought that it was a very nice tribute, and are very pleased to publish it in Park Views. Little Ocmulgee Singing breezes, swaying moss Murmuring branches late leaves toss Brown earth gathers them to her br'ps s t Whispering softly, "Leaflets rest". Little Ocmulgee 1 s glittering lake Possesses my heart as a lover would take. Sparkling waters my soul delight Startled ducklings wing their flight. Lovely sands by waves are kissed, Deer mid distant trees keep tryst, Greetings charming woods and lake Spring will come, new life awake. VICTORIA BRYANT PARK Submitted by F. H. Hill, Supt. The year of i960 was the best year that we have had since the beginning of Victoria Bryant Park. We had the best attendance and excellent conduct. A lot of improvements have been made. Two sets of steps have been built at the playground; new signs have been erected; we also have a new picnic area and picnic shelter. Quite a lot of clearing out has been done so that the flowering shrubs may be seen. There is Laurel, Sweet shrub, Dogwood, Azalea and various others. At the present time there is quite a bit of ice, the ponds are frozen over, and the sleet storm coated the ground with tbout two inches of sleet. INDIAN SPRINGS PARK Submitted by W. R. Anderson, Supt. Mr. Berrian A. Hobby, Scout Master of Troop No. 15 of Atlanta, with 23 Scouts spent the weekend with us at Indian Springs. A l though the temperature was 8, they stated they enjoyed their visit here, and we certainly did enjoy having them. They expressed their desire to hold their overnight activities here at our park, and we xtended our welcome to them to visit us at any time. V/e have had several groups from the Colleges and high schools in Macon for hay rides and weiner roasts, Kndian Springs (Continued) using our indoor facilities. They seem to enjoy the huge open fireplace, and expresed their appreciation for being able to use these facilities during the closed season here. SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY According to an old tradition, February 14 was the day on which Valentine, a Roman priest of the third century, was beaten and put to death for his religious beliefs. Later he was made a saint by the Catholic Church, and the anniversary of his death has long been celebrated as a lovers' festival, because according to one legend, Saint Valentine's feast day occurs just before spring, the lovers' season. Another legend relates that the saint used to leave food at the doors of the needy without making himself known. The custom of sending anonymous Valentine greetings seems to stem from this loving deed. ****** IMPORTANCE OF PLAY STRESSED IN BOOKLET The importance of play in helping young children develop their physi- cal and mental powers in the booklet, "Home is empahsized Play and Play Equipment for Young Children, issued by the Children's Bureau. The publication up-dates one with the same title which has been available for a number of years and which has proved helpful to parents in meeting the playtime needs of their children. The revision was Children's Bureau written for the by Adele Franklin, Director of the All-Day Neighbor- hood Schools states that as important in New York City. It play and recreation are "in the development of families as in the lives of individuals." It tells how a child's play contributes to his learning and development and what a child obtains both in playing alone and with other children. Play vs. Television The publication suggests toys and simple materials for play both in and out of doors . An appendix provides detailed description for building some simple and safe play equipment for the outdoors. However, the publication says, parents may find it just as economical to purchase much play equipment now available as to use the "do it yourself" method. Parents are told that while children get much pleasure out of television, it may be wise to limit the amount of time a child spends at the television set since "the passivity of watching TV instead of doing something active is one of its drawbacks." The publication suggests play activities for children from infancy up to school age which will fit in with their growing developmental needs and stimulate their imagination. It stresses the wisdom of having some activities in which all members of the family may share, and some which each child can enjoy by himself. The publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington 25, D.C. for 15 cents. From the "Public Health News" November, I960 ****** Warden: "Boys, I've had charge of this prison for ten years and we ought to celebrate the occasion. What kind 01 party would you suggest? Prisoners (in unison): "Open house. COMMENTS ON WILDERNESS By Howard R. Stagner Why this sudden interest in wilderness? We are told that part of our interest has its basis in racial antiquity, going back to primitive man and his intimacy with the land and the forest. "Out of the forest we came. We feel it in our blood and nerves. Our strength oozes away v/hen we are held away from the earth, and increases tenfold v/hen we come in vital contact with the soil." There is a very great deal in this concept. Again, the word has romantic over- tones. Our nation is but a few generations away from the wilder- ness. The prairie schooner, the beaver trap, the axe and the long -- rifle weapons of wilderness con- -- quest -- are somehow symbols a part of American tradition. In this connection, our relation to wilderness as a nation is almost a unique thing. Here was a North America -- untouched, unexploited, a continentwide primitive wilderness. This new land was discovered and settled just at the right time to bring covered and settled just at the right time to bring to bear upon it rapid technical and scientific advance -- an exception- ally rich wealth in natural resources, coupled with the knowledge for its conversion to abundant use. The result: We have made the most lavish and sometimes wastful use of the natural resources, and in so doing have achieved a pinnacle of strength and well-being never before achieved by any nation in history. Now, our continuously increasing demands upon these resources, our growing population, our increasing leisure time and wealth have brought us back to a position where we again -- look toward the wild lands and wilderness lands but now from a stance much different from a position of comfort and convenience -- -- wilderness is today cultural re- source a source of refreshment and recreation. I heard one man explain this change in attitude, and our present national interest in wilderness, as coming out of a guilt complex. Once regarded wilderness as an enemy, a challenge -- something to be fought and conquered, to make yield to our will -- the forests leveled, the brush burned, the rivers dammed up, the landscape altered and changed by bulldozers. Suddenly, having proved our superiority our antagonism has been sublimated into a kind of protective affection, and we now love the thing we earlier so thor oughly abused. Today, perhaps, our regard for wilderness comes ostly out of our own personal experience -- we have fished and enjoyed it, we have camped and hiked, and looked upon scenes of natural beauty and have liked those pleasures -- we want to do it again, and in bigger ways. ****** THE FLOWER OF THE MONTH February's flower, tte delicate primrose, blooms in many colors, all shades of white, yellow, red, pink, rose, purple, orange, and lilac The little flower, with its squaretipped petals arranged like a star, is one of the earliest flowers to blossom in spring. Several kinds grow wild in Europe, a few in North America, but the greatest number are to be found in China. ****** "Did Mr. Borer sing a popular song at the concert?" "Well, it had been popular before he sang it." VOGEL STATE PARK Vogel State Park offers an unusual form of 1 rely living-- located off of U. S. 19, 129, on Georgia Rt IflO Vo p el Par]f jo 10 miles South of Blairsville. The spreading mountains rroundmg the mg breezes, the area, the refreshdistant mountain vistas, the wood- land paths border- ed with rare wild flowers all combine to provide a haven for restful relax- ation. Only 100 miles from Atlanta, Georgia's capital and largest city. An auto ride up Georgia's highest mountain, nearby Brass town Bald, 4,7o'!- feet, is a unique experience, Prom on top the view is magnificent in every direction six states spread out at your feet, plus two of Georgia's most beautiful lakes, Lake Nottely and Lake Chatuge, and within approximate- ly 50 miles, there are numerous crystal clear mountain lakes. This section of Georgia is well known for its natural beauty and its unspoiled scenery. ; At Vogel Park you will find beautiful Lake Trahlyta at the foot of Blood and Slaughter Mountains. The lake is 2,200 feet above sea level covering about 18 acres and offers swimming, boating and fishing. Beat dock, offi- cial diving boards and a bath house are close by. Concession building is near the bath house where all sorts of food supplies and sundry items are for sale. Lifeguards are on duty during peak periods. A small section of the swimming beach-area is reserved for the safety of children. Slides and Dther beach facilities are here, too. The children will enjoy the nearby playground. 40& Park (Continued) you will find 26 cabins. Cabins will accommodate from two to six persons each; additional accommodations can be provided in each cabin with rollaway beds, obtainable at the office. Cabins are of the board and batten and log type. Rates range from $40 to $85 per week. A deposit of $10 is required for weekly reservations and $5 for weekend reservations. Cabins can be reserved for any period desired prior to April 1st and after Labor Day. There is no limit on number of weeks a cabin can be reserved. All weeks begin and end on Saturday. V/hen writing for reservations, please state number of adults and children, giving exact dates desired and enclose deposit. A refund of deposit will be made by the manager if given at least one week's notice that you cannot fill your reservations. A number of conveniently located picnic grills spot the area. Horses are available for those who like to take a short ride through the area, and desiring to explore the countryside. Horses may be rented for a ride to the summit of Blood Mountain or to Lake Winfield Scott. The Appalachian Trail crosses the mountain two miles away. ****** HOW FEBRUARY GOT ITS NAME Unlike most of our months, February was not named in honor of a Roman god or goddess. The name for this month comes from a Latin work, "februare," menaing "to purify." At first February was not included among the months at all, and when it was added, it was placed at the end of the year. Not until 452 B.C. did February assume the place in the calendar which it has today. ****** TODAY IN HISTORY OwdanesntFeibonfrauuagturheryat2S,eodut1h8ase61r,nprJoCveoifnsffieeordnseaorlnacyDParveissi- Sn ^ bperrepaa1r-3e60,LforhaC dwHalrnr.o' uSseEDdlaveictsthei1 onSeolueitcnhtiNootvnoem- took place on February 9 and he was inaugurated on February 18 in Montgomery, Alabama. ****** GROUNDHOG DAY February 2 has a very special importance. On this day, it is said the groundhog, who is curled up snugly in his burrow all winter, emerges for a look at the weather. If the sun is shining, he will see his shadow and retire for six weeks more of winter sleep. But if the day is cloudy he is supposed to remain outside in hopes of an early spring. This may not be the most accurate weather forecast in the world, but it's like the Scotch proverb: "If Candlemas is fair and clear, there'll be two winters in the year. ****** DATES TO REMEMBER Saint Valentine ' s Day February 14, 1961 American Camping Association District Meeting April 12-14, 1961 Family Camping Workshop April 22-23, 1961 ****** THE STONE OF THE MONTH The birth-stone of people born in February is the amethyst, a lovely semi-precious stone which signifies purity. The purple-violet color of amethysts is often found on the shields of noblemen. 8 LINCOLN SAYINGS We shall meanly lose or nobly save the last hope of earth. Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow. I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong. The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. Our reliance is in the love of liberty as the inheritance of all men, in all3ands, everywhere. It is aaid that, "all men are born equal." but the man of genius who is willing to develop his talents is equal, " but the man of genius who is willing to develop his talents in the proper direction does not remain long on equality with men of slothful habits. When you can't remove an obs table, plow around it. ****** SORRY YOU 1 RE ILL The general office, of the Department of State Parks, wishes to extend to Mr. Clay Morgan, Mr. M. K. DeLoach, and Mr. W. R. Anderson sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. We hope that you will soon be well, and able to return to your duties as park superintendent, continuing to do the fine job that you have done in the past. ****** TODAY'S QUOTATION The world is a looking glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it and it in turn will look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly, kind companion. William Makepeace Thackeray ****** DESERVING This is the height of our deserts: A little pity for life's hurts; A little rain, a little sun, A little sleep when work is done. A little righteous punishment, Less for our deeds than their intent A little pardon now and then, Because we are but struggling men. A little faith, in days of change, When life is stark and bare and strange A solace when our eyes are wet With tears of longing and regret. True it is that we cannot claim Unmeasured recompense or blame, Because our way of life is small; A little is the sum of all. ****** 3 ElOfl M5SM lb7E