State parks views [Feb.1962], Georgia state park views Georgia state parks views State park views

VIE

OUT1

Gentlemen:

])Uring our recent trip throu~h the
southern States, l:e took advantagE: of your many State Parks.

There was one in particular v.rhich we felt deserved a special note of
?l"'aise. It was the Laura S. \valleer State Park at Waycross, Ga.

u~ wer~ ver:I impressed with the cleanlineGs of th~ ~est rooms and
of the camp groundn.

Rcnger C. S. Steed:ey made our short stny most pleasant with his
~ricndliness ~nd courte~y. He was a true exam,le of 11 Sot~thern
Hospitality."

0:1 our next trip to this section of
th:) country, ~ve are making it a !)Oint to stop at L::ura S. \'lalker
?:.rk again.

Sincerely,

"What

Mr. ~Mrs. David Brest a!'lci childr-2n
Lar2.ii.1: Oh~.o

A SH1PLE SOLUTI C:J
Much of the unempl:>:,~~nt today is a result of the selfish feeling ~t "What can I get,~ instead of having th~ feeling of "What can I give (or do) that others want." Reduced to the most understandable form, the only commodity any one person has ~o sell, exchang'2 or give away is iicr.viG:e; -arid the simplest wt:y for a.'ly Qne to better his lot is to do
a:lot -.better-
---Th~ Right Hand
Janu~ry 1962 issue

Long are the years 8ir.ce he fell asleep
Where the Poto:-.1['..::: flo ~.rs gentl~~ by, There where Mot~;,y:; Vernon 1 ::; green
stretch.::s s~Ie~) Under the blue V~.r~in:'. a sky. Warrior and st::..te:-mx:1 c:nd patriot
true;; Well had h~ ''~::.elr:~e:d both suord and
pen, Truly, they said e3 t~ey laid him
to r3st, "First in the ~~~rts of his
coJntry.ncn. 11 Lo:1g arc the y~arP - and the land
he lo:2C:. Str'..:1C:s a11o:1f2; :1:-.'cio:"l"l, grown strong
and g:-ce -_.,_t ; Tr~e to his vi~i:>n of long ~gn, Proud of ti1o h:md that E!C shaJed
her fate, Ti:--;1e but ajds r..)lC:.1dor to fam::: so
fair; Ye~rs b~t test g~eatn3SS - anl now
as then Sl3eps he in p~~c ; on Mo~nt
v~rnon 1 s hill, "First in the hsarts of his
countrymen. a
---B. Y. lUJ liams
-:(- .;( -:~- -l: :~ ,,_ ::- : :-

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FLORIDA ACQUIRE3 36th 3TATE rARK

Koreshan State Park, an area of approximately 300 acres of gardens and grounds has been deeded to the
Florida Board of Parks and Historic r1emorials by the Koreshan Unity, a small religious group. It is located near Estero.

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HISTORIC SITE LEASED BY SO. CAROLINA

An area of 30 acres to be known as Old Dorchester Historical Park has been leased recently by the South Carolina Commission of Forestry, Division of State Parks. It is the site of the colonial tmm of Dorchester, settled in 1695.

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It is said that, "all men are born

equal," but the man of genius who NORTH CAROLINA

is willing to develop his talents

in the proper direction, does not An increase of nearly one million

remain long on equality with men

visitors from out-of-state to North

of slothful habits.

Carolina in 1961 was estimated by

Dr. Lewis C. Copeland, who conducts

---Abraham Lincoln annual surveys for the Travel Coun-

cil of North Carolina.

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Preliminary figures indicate that

ACA CAMP CONSULTATION CONFERENCE

25,300,000 persons visited North

Carolina last year, with the follow-

A Camp Consultation Conference was ing six states providing the largest

called by the Regional Chairman of number of tourists, in order:

the ACA. This was held on

Virginia, Tennessee, GEORGIA, South

January 5th - the first of its

Carolina, Ohio and Florida.

kind ever held. There were

representatives from State,

Dr. Copeland said 94 per cent vi-

Federal and private agencies in

sited by auto, Nith 2.29 tourists

attendance from seven southeast-

per car. The average length of

ern states.

stay was bvo days and average expen-

diture $5 per visitor per day.

There was a wonderful exchange of

ideas and plans for the future in The council said both length of stay

the field of camping.

and expenditure averages are low

because so many out-of-state visitors

The Georgia Department of State

cross North Carolina en route to

Parks wishes to thank Herman Popkin, other destinations and do not stay

Regional Chairman, for his out-

overnight.

standing work in making this

possible.

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I
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HARD LABOR CREEK {continued)
I wish to take this opportunity to express appreciation for myself, Mr. Lunnie E. Astin and Mr. Robert H. Riggen to Mr. Collier for the Faithful Service Award Certificates recently preser..;ed to each of us.
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GEORGIA VETERANS MEMO. STATE PARK Submitted by George Greene, Supt.
The recent cold spell has put our camping and picnic areas back in moth balls for awhile. Our low so far has been about 15 degrees. That doesn't sound very cold to you mountaineers, but it sure is low enough for us.
Our thanks to Miss Rankin for the fact that our Museum is progressing at a steady gait. Harold Hunter and Joe Mealer have installed the glass doors of the displa~ cases and presently are working on a panorama of flags from the 27 nations which were allied with us in lvorld Har I and II. They also have erected a charcoal drawing (approximately 25' long) which depicts the fierce battle at Spottsylvania, Virginia in flay 1864 an epic fight of approximately twenty hours \'lhich resulted in the Northern Army's receiving over seventeen and a half thousand casualties, and a similar number to the Confederates.
The railing on the balcony has been rebuilt, and new tile installed on the balcony and museum floors.
Painting in the museum is now complete, and the walls have been covered \'lith cemesto board. Spud Sinclair is presently insulating the restaurant walls, and both of these rooms are to be air conditioned in the very near future.
He are making a much needed addition to the sanitary facilities at

the Tackle Box concession.
We have just received a portion of the materials for our new comfort station - and look forward to its completion by May 1st.
This season should be the heaviest yet - and we are glad to be getting in shape to accommodate a record number of visitors.
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BOBBY BROHN STATE PARK Submitted by M. B. Andrews, Supt.
Beginning the New Year 1962, we have in our Park, 3 picnic shelters with 5 \'moden tables under each; also 20 new concrete tables, 2 cook grills and 1 new 21" la\'m mower.
A~ present we have 10 tent mounds, a picnic shelter and 15 tables on our camping area; also 1 deep well with hand pump.
He feel that much progress has been made in the past year and shall be looking forward to this being the most successful year since the beginning of the park.
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FORT YARGO STATE PARK
Submitted by iv. s. Fricks, Supt.
Everything here at Fort Yargo is at a standstill. vJith so much bad weather and bad roads, we aren't having any visitors. Everything is covered in snow at present.
We have been hearing quite a bit of enthusiastic talk over the prospect of work starting soon on our dam and the park in general. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the entire park personnel a belated Happy New Year.
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LITTLE OCMULGEE STATE PARK Submitted by Lee Willcox, Supt.

UNICOI STATE PARK Submitted by Lat Vandiver, Supt.

we were very much impressed with the pt1blication "Georgia1 s State parks and their Progress." Congratulations to Barbara on a fine job. Since all of our progress has been listed in it, we will not mention them again. However, we do want to say that \'le are proud of the things that have been finished and are pleased with the progress \'le are making on the other projects.
Highway 441 on which our park is
located has been closed since before Christmas so most of our visitors have been local people. We had a number of Christmas parties in the clubhouse. We hope the road \'lill be open by f.larch when the tourists start back north. They lTill have a fine road to travel on.
It will be 4 feet wider and re-
surfaced. So come to see us and try out our new road when it is complGted.
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ELIJAH CLARK STATE PARK Submitted by J. F. Fortson, Supt.

Because of bad weather, not much has been going on at Unicoi since Thanksgiving. In December we had 12 inches of rainfall and the day after Christmas we had our first snowfall. The first of January we had another 4 inches of snow, some of which stayed on the ground until
yesterday. lie had another 4 inches
on top of that one. Today it is impossible to travel without chains.
We have set wild shrubbery in the lawn at the Superintendent's house, also 200 white pines in fills around concession building and
cabins, and have assembled 9 tables
and varnished them.
We have also opened all 14 septic
tanks on the park and pumped out one at Group Camp.
In spite of 32 degree weather and terrific winds, we had two skin divers exploring the bottom of the lake at Unicoi. After spending about one hour, they only complained of "cold hands."
* * * * * * *

Things have been rather quiet aro~nd Elijah Clark due to the extr3mely cold and rainy weather. However, we have managed to plant more shrubbery and rye grass. The concession building is being enlarged in order to add more restroom space.
Many of our last summer campers have been back to see how we are getting along. They all have expressed a c~sira to camp with us the coming season.
The park is growing each year. As one doctor stated, 11 Elijah Clark Park is th~ biggest attraction in northeast Geor~ia during the su er months.'

CHEHAW STATE PARK Earl Dawson, Supt.
The visitors at Chehaw have a great deal to look forward to in the 1962 season. Many improvements have been made at the Park, such as concession stand remodeled, display shelves and cabinets added, new tent camping area under construction with comfort station, many new concrete picnic tables, and 2 new picnic shelters.
All of these new conveniences make Chehaw Park one of the many parks in the Georgia Park System \'lhich are becoming more attractive to Georgia residents as well as to out-ofState visitors.

mm

r,P.UR! S. WALKER STATE PARK s-..:~::1.ttted by Clay Morga~1, Supt.
/~ftar the big freeze - and I do ~~:::-.;:1 :i3IG - ilC checked all the water item: and found only a few very
IJrl.nor d~::1c..ge3, less than $10. This
,.;;;:,:::: by far th~ worst i'le have had in this p~rt of Georgia in a lo~g time. 0ld tirr.ers confirm this. The ice l:aL hanging from the building in
come places 1411 long and stayed
ldth us for three days. The ground was frozen too. During the free::;e uc he.d one J~j_...~_iler camper but he stay.:~~ oaly on':) nig~1t and aet off for Buffalo.
~e recently received two grass cuttersJ one a 2r' cutter for gett~_ng nnder the buildings, and the other c-. bigeer 36" with a su l!:y. we needed these badly and appreciate them 30 much.
Mr. l>'lcGarit:r visited with us for al'Thile last ~ree!: tC' help lay out th~ e.rea for tlTo more picnic sheds a..1d to ci.1-;(!l~ th0 Rl":)a around the se~rage di~:_1osg_l plant.
0:1 ot~r ; drty off" lc-.st \'.eek, we visite<i Croo!~cd River State Park and en,1oyed t2.l!cing c-.nd eating with the DeLO"'..~hes. Iv'l::-. "Dt: \'laS full of vinegar aE: usual. The park was n~at and clean a~d several people were enjoying the playground equipulEmt. I think it helps to visit other parks - always find something new. Our new dock is completed and the lake fill~d up again after the flood. We have had many complim~nts from the public in general. The so-called flood really ruined t~1e area around the se-vrage disposal plant bJt i'li th a tractor and some hard tror!c w-~ have it back in good cond:i.. tio:1 agaJ.n and will start planting 3eed ne:ct week.
Our boy finished his first six :r.onths of Weather Forecasting School and ha~S been transferred to Dobbins Air Force Base, Marietta. We are glad.

We made a short fast trip down South Florida way and, believe me,
that $1.50 per nite for camping has
hurt that business. But the officials say the cheap squatters do not spend any money and I believe it is the truth. However, one of the reasons I like my job is the fact that we have so many people from so many different places. It is remarkable how many people I have met at this park that I had seen before at various places and in the service too. I met a couple the other week or so from Halifax,
Nova Scotia. In September 1917
hundreds of large boats in the harbor, loaded with high explosives, blew up at Halifax. I sailed in the next morning and saw wreckage for ten miles around and thousands of killed and wounded in the streets. One of these persons was a little girl about 3 years old. She was the wife of the camper. We talked for over an hour. Quite a reminiscence!
I told a man in DeLand, Florida "It was 18 in Waycross, Georgia this morning," and he said, "It
was 17 here this morning." I did
not mention the weather any more in Florida.
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A. H. STEPHENS STATE PARK Submitted by T. E. Darden, Supt.
We have installed 5 new grills at
tent camping and picnic areas. We also have sent out application
blanks for the 1962 camping season.
It looks as if we will have another good year.
The beautiful blue velveteen has been received at the Museum for drapes and cases. This will add much to the beauty of the Museum. We are looking forward to better weather and more visitors.

CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK SUbmitted by N. K. DeLoach, Supt.
It is apparent that this park can look forward to a good season this spring and summer as numerous visitors from Florida and as far as canada have made inquiries by personal contact as well as by mail as to the facilities of our cabins and camping area.
Recently five concrete tables were delivered here for our picnic and camping area which will be erected soon. Our two new picnic shelters are scheduled to be erected the
weekends of January 27 and Feb. 3.
we now have in our warehouse four rolls of 1~ plastic tubing which will be laid underground for water mains to our new trailer park area. This is scheduled to be done before our season opening. New water mains and faucets will be run throughout the camping area for the convenience of the campers. Also, electric lines and outlets for lights will be run to new shelters. Our new filter system has been completed and, upon acceptance by State, will be put into operation this season. It is hoped by the superintendent that our swimming pool will receive a new coat of paint before the season starts.
We experienced very little damage to the park by the ice wave in January. Only the electric lines to the picnic shelter and picnic area were knocked down. Other than that, many limbs were broken from the trees and littered the park badly. However, this has been cleaned up by our maintenance man. We were without electricity and phone for three days and nights but this has been corrected by the utility company.
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MANY THANKS for the cooperation from the State Park Superintendents 1n sending in news this month. Keep up the good work~

PROGRESS REPORT
The Progress Report for 1961 has
brought many favorable comments from members of private agencies, heads of State Departments and the Federal Government. Following are just a few of the comments which we received concerning this Report:
Dear Mr. Collier:
Thank you for sending us a copy of your annual report on the state park's operations in Georgia. This is a very colorful and attractive report and \'le are glad to have it in our files.
May we also take the opportunity in congratulating you on the progress being made in Georgia's State Parks.
C. West Jacocks State Park Director S. C. State Commission of Forestry
Dear Charley:
Thank you for sending me the copy of your annual progress report of your Department for the fiscal year end-
ing June 30, 1961.
This report makes very interesting reading. I have visited practically everyone of these areas, but I had not recognized that there were so many of them in the total number. You have a very important assignment and I hope you are enjoying your work.
With cordial good wishes for 1962,
I am Sincerely,
Dick R. (Richard Russell) United States Senate Washington, D. C.

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Dear l>1r. Collier:
Thank you very much for the copy of your Annual Progress Report which we have enjoyed reading. The report is extremely l'lell done and illustrates the fine work being done for our state's tourist promotion efforts by the Department of State Parks.
David f.-1, Kippenbrock Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Dear f>1r. Charlie:
Thank you very much for your nice letter under date of December 28, 1961, and the enclosed annual Progress Report of the Georgia State Parks Department. To me, this Report shows outstanding progress in Georgia and I want to congratulate you on the fine work that you have done.
Ben (Ben W. Fortson, Jr.) Secretary of State Georgia State Capitol
Dear l>1r.. Collier:
This will acknowledge our appreciation of your sending us your recent Progress Report of the Georgia State Parks Department.
I have today read this report and Wish to congratulate you not only on its attractive presentation but also because of the information which presents your accomplishments with the valuable service you are rendering the citizens of Georgia and your out-of-State visitors.
W. A. Coldl'lell, Director Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials

Dear Charles:
Thank you for your letter of December 28 and for your thoughtfulness in sending me a copy of the impressive Progress Report of the Georgia State Parks Department. I have looked over it with great interest and commend you and your associates upon your outstanding accomplishments of the year,
It is always a pleasure to hear from you and I hope you will call on me whenever I can serve you in any way.
Herman Talmadge United States Senate Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Collier:
Thank you very much for sending us a copy of your annual progress report of the Georgia State Parks Department. We are planning a similar report in the fall of 1962, and find that the publication which you have issued has some very splendid ideas which we hope to incorporate into our report.
I agree with you that material of this nature certainly illustrates the point that the taxpayers can find no better place to invest their tax dollars than to the improvement and expansion of its park system.
I have recently returned from a brief visit in your state, at which time we had an opportunity to visit some of your recreation facilities, and were quite impressed \dth the work you are doing there.
E. D. Chappell, Director Tennessee State Department of Conservation and Commerce

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J)ear Mr. Collier: We wish to commend you and the Department of State Parks on the excellent Annual Report which you enclosed to me January 4. Georgia's parks are certainly becoming more and more important to ueorgia citizens and out-of-State visitors.
Ray Shirley, Director Georgia State Forestry Commission
Doar Mr. Collier: I commend you and other personnel of the Georgia Department of State Parks for the excellent job you have done in the past year and am looking forward to even greater strides in the future. Please let me know if there is ever any way I can be of assistance to the Parks Department.
Garland T. Byrd Lieutenant Governor State of Georgia
T~UE GENIUS The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors but always most in the common people.
---Walt l:lhi tman "Leaves of Grass"
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I find the world a wondrous place. A cold wind blowing in my face Has brought the wild ducks in from
sea; God grant the day shall never be When youth upon a wintery shore Shall see the mallards come no more!
Fancy an age that sees no more The mallards winging into shore; Fancy a youth with all his dreams That finds no fish within the
streams. Our world with life is wondrous
fair, God grant we do not strip it bare4
---Edgar A. Guest
* * * * * * * *
Lord, help me live from day to day In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray My prayers will be for Others.
Help me in all the work I do To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I do for You Must needs be done ror Others.
And when my work on earth is done And my ne\'1 work in heaven begun
May I forget the crown I've won \~ile thinking still of Others. Amen.
---Charles D. Meigs
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FREEDOM FROl\1 RESPONSIBILITY
When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to the State, but the State to give to them, when the freedom they wished most for was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.
---Edith Hamilton