Georgia state park views [Sept. 1963], Georgia state parks views State park views State parks views

VIEWS (ir \ s

Horace G. Caldwell Director

Mabel B. Wilkins Editor

The following report was submitted recently to the National Conference on State Parks being held in Washington, D. C. We believe you will find it interesting inasmuch as it states what has taken place in our parks during the past year, and our plans for the future.

Report from GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE PARKS:

During the past year, the State Parks of Georgia have experienced what can be termed only as an "attendance explosion". The reasons for it are, no doubt, many and varied. The more obvious ones are the great increases in population, personal income, and leisure time. Whatever the reasons are, the explosion continues and the Parks Department of Georgia has recognized the problems that come in its wake
and is trying to solve them.

At the opening oi' the 1963 season, only 8 State Parks out of

a total of 36 had cabin facilities. It was soon found that park facili-

ties could not be expanded sufficiently or cabins built rapidly enough

to even half-way meet the demand. Thus, the idea of using mobile homes

in our parks was born. Forty-five cf these 2-and 3-bedroom units have

been put on permanent bases in six parks where there is the greatest

demand for housekeeping facilitie

In some of these parks they are

supplementing the cabins, but they are also located in other parks

where there are no cabins. This innovation in park housing by a State

Parks Department may be questioned, perhaps, by some. However, it is

not intended that mobile homos will eventually replace cabins in our

parks. Their purpose is to help us meet the public demand for house-

-- keeping facilities until more cabins can be built. We are happy with
this partial solution to an almost overv/he lining problem and even more
-- important the public is happy.

A trend tovard mere luxurious c

vs been noticeable

during the past year. Small

-top trailers have increased in

.ber .

Another noticeable trend is the demand for electrical outlets. This stems mostly from owners of the large mobile home type of trailer. As the sites in our camping areas were not laid out with such large trailers in mind, it is now thought that a separate area will have to be established for then

Although the overall attendance in our parks increased
-- -- greatly in the past season over 20% it is in the tent and trailer
camping areas that the attendance has even doubled in some parks over the attendance during the same months last year. The expansion of these tent and trailer camping areas is receiving the majority of our efforts and budget.

The most important item planned for the near future, however, is a Master Plan for the development of all our parks. Until this plan is completed, no large scale developments can be undertaken and our efforts will be devoted mostly to expansion of present facilities.

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Mr. Charles A. Collier
We are sure a great sense of loss was felt by all State Parks employees upon learning of the death of our former Director, Mr. Charles A. Collier, last month.
He worked untiringly in behalf
-- of the Parks Department a truly -- dedicated public servant and each
State Park in Georgia stands silently, but eloquently, as a monument to his efforts.
*******

The following suggestion is a MUST for all Bulletin Boards:
Nearest source of ICE
****-** *
A Calendar of Events for the latter part of 1963 is enclosed with each Superintendent's copy of PARK VIEWS this month. We believe this would be an interesting Bulletin Board
item.
All events in the area of your park should be underlined.

SUGGESTIONS FOR BULLETIN BOARDS
Following are a few of the items Mr. Clay Morgan, Superintendent of Laura S. Walker State Park, has on his bulletin board:
A strip map of Highways 1, 17, and 41
A map showing the paths of all the hurricanes for the past 10 years. (Editor's Note: We sincerely hope it shows them going thataway instead of coming thisaway
!
A recipe for Greenhorn Camper ' Stew, more popularly known during World War I days as "Slum".

As soon as the 1964 Calendar is published, copies will be sent to you .
*******

BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO:

T. E. Darden (F. D. Roosevelt)

July 15

Lee Willcox (Little Ocmulgee)

Aug. 18

Harold Hunter (Hard Labor Creek)

Aug . 22

Earl Dawson
(Chehaw)

Aug . 24

A story about how it costs $105.00 per day to vacation in New York City.
A notice of lost and found articles
A page from the local paper which lists the churches, their locations, and times of service.
Listing of prices for cabins, overnight and weekly camping, day rentals of boats, and swimming fees.
Map of the city of Waycross.
*******

J. L. Christian (Black Rock Mtn
.

Sept . 4

Mrs. Lou Adams (General Office)

Sept. 12

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ATTENTION PLEASE!

Somewhere we have seen place mats which list our State Parks and their locations. Perhaps an eating establishment or restaurant close to your park uses them.

If so, please send a sample mat and the name and address of the printer.

ANY SUGGESTIONS FROM THE OTHER PARK Thank you for your cooperation. SUPERINTENDENTS?

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Dear Mr. Caldwell:

Last week a group of us from Columbus who are interested in the fine arts established the first Fine Arts Camp in the southeast

Dear Sir:
It was our pleasure and delight
-- to camp first by chance and then -- again by deliberate plan in your
Gordonia Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville, Georgia, this summer.
We (man, wife, three boys, and dog) camp every summer, usually through the Southeast, and find it to be a delightful vacation for a family
I particularly commend Mr. C. P. Flowers and the ladies who staff the pool facilities for their thoughtful kindness and their wholesome, friendly attitude as they made us welcome to a clean and orderly park and pool
I thought you should know.
Dillard Duff West Palm Beach, Fla.
*******
Dear Folks:
About the middle of April of this year, my wife and I spent three days at your Red Top Mountain Park.
I would like to express our appreciation for the very courteous manner displayed by the Park Manager. He was very accommodating and tried to make us feel welcomed.
Very clean rest rooms and park in general. Some different from others we visited (in other states). We are looking forward to a longer stay there.
James C. Foskick Drayton Plains, Mich.

We were fortunate to be able to use the large group camp at Roosevelt State Park, and even more fortunate in having Mr. William Davis, the Assistant Superintendent of that Park, cooperate with us so fully.
Never have I seen such devotion to duty and competence as exhibited by Mr. Davis in his work with us.
The camp was in excellent condition from the standpoint of repair and maintenance, and it was a real pleasure to be able to use it
We are grateful that you and the State of Georgia had the foresight to make such facilities available.
Mrs. W. Marion Page Chairman, Musemont Columbus, Ga.
*******
Dear Mr. Caldwell:
We should like to bring to your attention the very wonderful helpful attitude of your Amicalola Falls State Park Superintendent, Mr. Charlie Collins
On a recent week-end trip we were stranded on the mountain with automobile trouble. Mr. Collins was kind enough to come to our rescue. He was unusually friendly, considerate, and eager to be of service in any way possible.
We want to say thanks to your department for placing Amicalola Falls State Park in such capable hands.
J. Don Maulding Decatur, Ga.
*******

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MAIL (continued)

Gentlemen

We have just returned from a 7,000-mile trip with a trailer. I am writing you to commend you on the most hospitable park superintendent we met on our entire journey
Mr. Crawford of Cloudland Canyon State Park

Mr. Crawford (and his family) took a personal interest in each of their campers. We arrived there on a Sunday night after a week-end's rush and the place was as clean and neat as one would want his own home
to be. At any hour of the night Mr. Crawford (or one of his family) would personally direct a camper to his camping spot and would constantly see to his needs and comfort . I told him personally that he was the hardest working superintendent I had ever seen. He seemed to enjoy taking a personal interest in his park and his campers. I highly recommend him for reward in some fashion or other

If all your State Parks are like Cloudland Canyon, I recommend your State of Georgia most highly to all my friends.

David T. Sisto Austin, Texas

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Dear Sir:

May I take t his opportunity to express thanks on behalf of myself and other adults and Boy Scouts of Troop 7. On a re cent camping trip to your park at C rooked River, Mr. Anderson and his staff, of whom you can be proud, did everything possible to make our visit a memorable
one.

His foresight to have church services in the camp made an impression on us all, especially in regard to teaching the boys reverence to God.

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I hope you will express our thanks to him. We shall surely visit there again.

J . C . Rowand Jacksonville, Fla.

P.S.

We hope you get funds to stop the erosion along the river.
*******

Dear Sir
My family and I have just returned from your wonderful State of Georgia. We camped in your State Parks and I say with genuine sincerity, never have we been treated with such warm hospitality.
You have done a wonderful job with your Parks, and your Superintendents are capable and friendly.
We will have some wonderful memories, thanks to your efforts. Thank you again.
Mrs. R. A. Heptinstall Safety Harbor, Fla.
*******

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Be thankful for the troubles of your job. They provide about half your income. Because if it were not for the things that go wrong, the difficult people you have to deal with, and the problems and unpleasantnesses of your working day, someone could be found to handle your job for half of what you are being paid
If all of us would start to look for more troubles, and learn to handle them cheerfully and with good judgment , as opportunities rather than irritations, we would find ourselves getting ahead at a surprising rate. For it is a fact that there are plenty of big jobs waiting for men and women who aren't afraid of the troubles connected with them.
Robert R. Updegraff

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On September 15, 1963 Vogel State Park returned to operation by the State Parks Department.
Mr. Charles N. Weldon will serve as Acting Superintendent there until further notice.
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"Money may not be everything, but it's way ahead of what's second."
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It seems a little silly now, but this country was founded as a protest against taxation.
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DID YOU KNOW ?
There are 25,000 veterans of the Spanish-American War still living. Average age is about 84.
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The MARKET BULLETIN published by the State Department of Agriculture has included three articles recently about Georgia's State Parks. They can be found in the issues dated August 14 and 28, and September 18.
Many recent calls and letters of inquiry referred to these articles. Our sincere thanks to Mr. Phil Campbell, our Agriculture Commissioner, and to Mrs. Deborah Pullin, Editor of the Market Bulletin, for the fine public service they have rendered to the citizens of Georgia, and for the wonderful cooperation they are always ready to give to the State Parks Department.
*******

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PERSONNEL NOTES
Mr. David Thomason, our draftsman in the Engineering Division, will be leaving us soon to join the Planning Division of the City of Atlanta.
We all wish you the best of luck in your new job, David. We'll miss you
*******
The mailing address of our director, Mr. Horace Caldwell, will be the Emory University Hospital, Atlanta 22, Ga . , for at least the next two weeks.
Mr. Caldwell entered the hospital on Sunday, September 15, and will be undergoing tests the first few days.
We have it straight from one of the nurses that the staid old hospital lost some of its staid old dignity when Mr. Caldwell signed in.
*******
If you are seeking the Accounting Office these days, do not enter by way of Room 346 or you will find yourself in the middle of Mr. Wilkes' new private office.
The four girls in the Accounting Division haven't decided as yet whether to interpret all this as bona fide office sectioning or as a disguised barricade!
*******
It's a cinch these days to pick out the mothers in the department who have their offspring shipped off to college once more. Such peaceful expressions!
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ANYBODY INTERESTED?
The world's first tourist submarine ride will be offered to vis itors in Switzerland next spring. Tourists will be able to take a 25-minute dive to the depths of Lake Geneva for $3.00.

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Camp at Magnolia Springs just

delight . . .Ranger was efficient

and court sous ... .facilities excel-

lent and plenty of room for good

camping

(New Jersey)

ORCHIDS FROM OUR CAMPERS

Not only are they (parks) th cleanest and best in the country, the personnel who work there are very congenial and courteous ( i ndiana)

iie record of our recent trailer

trip indicates that accommodations,

natural beauty, and the personnel

connected with this park (Little

Ocmulgee) are, as yet, unsurpassed.

We trust that someday, in the not

too distant future, our own State

of Pennsylvania may follow Georgia

in its enthusiasm to provide such

lern facilities for the ever-

growing population of campers and

tourists

(Pa.

Know that we will find a clean,

ill-kept camping area and the

cleanest restrooms we have found

in all our travels ... .commend to

you the Superintendent of Indian

Springs State Park. Mr. McMich'icl's

attention to duty, his gracious

attitude, his courteous and pleas-

ing personality have greatly

impressed us

(Fla.)

At Cloudland Canyon we talked with several people from other states and all agreed it was the best place they had found to camp yet ... restrooms and entire park kept very clean .. .haven T t the 1 ast criticism to offer .... (Tenn
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Free fire wood for campers at

d Labor Creek one of the

: 'little things" that makes one feel

leome

(Fla.

Laura S. Walker State Park is a lovely park and so well kept
(Texas)

We had only planned to stay one

night at Black Rock Mountain State

Park before going on to campsites

in North Carolina. However, we

found things so nice we stayed

there for our entire vacation

(5 days)

(Ga.)

s cayed in several of your

Stat^ Parks and all of them were

just wonderful . The men who manage

them are very nice and accommodat-

ing

( Illinois)

We had a wonderful time in Georgia, thanks to your efficient park system. In fact, we had so good a trip, w e didn't bother to go on to Plo r id a . (Tcnn
.

Only praise to offer.... the

Super into

at Crooked River,

Mr. Anderson, had a way of putting

a personal touch on matters, han-

1 them with the true warmth of

a southern gentleman. .. J

.t

families fron New Ycrk , Michigan,

and even from Canada, and all re-

marked about how well the grounds

were kept, the facilities that were

available, and the little things

that Mr. Anderson did to make their

visit more enjoyable

(G a -)

Just retui

from camping trip

through all the southeastern states.

....Found yours the most delightful,

cleanest, and with most helpful

personnel of any

(Fla.)

We have rather nice State Parks in our own state but we still say that Georgia has the best State Parks! (Tenn.)

Needless to say, the Parks Department is very pleased with the suggestions and commendations from our park visitors. The foregoing excerpts are just a sampling.

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SUGGESTIONS FROM OUR CAMPERS

A small grocery store in the parks would be most v/elcome by campers
Campers should be allowed to swim at a reduced rate
Need more camp sites
Suggest separate campsite for travel trailers, with dumping station (sewers), water, and light connections
More toilet facilities and showers in camping areas
More cabins needed
Sump or drain for waste water and grease needed in each camping area..
Camping pads should be enlarged to accommodate large tents
Suggest ice house be put in each camp at concession stand
Special playgrounds for camping areas
It would be nice to have a State Park on Lake Lanier
Shelf needed over or near the lavatories in comfort station
Would like to have camping area closer to lake
Need signal of some sort (perhaps electrically controlled) at highway turn-off to park when all camp sites are filled
Suggest construction of large covered shelter in camping area where campers might gather in rainy weather
Would have enjoyed a screened porch on the cabin where we could have our meals.... and how about a clothesline?

Would be nice to have some type of planned recreation
Paving of roads as camp sites are added
What a wonderful thing it would be if non-denominational chapel could be built in each park
Why not label some of the trees and shrubs in the camping area?....
Although missing in most State and National Parks, a dumping station for trailer septic tanks would be a most useful and welcome item of convenience, and could probably be included in long-range planning for future modernization projects..
Suggest all campsites be numbered and registrations be by number as well as name
Short nature trails, not over a mile long, with various trees marked, would be quite interesting and educational to young and old alike
Insects and poison ivy should be controlled systematically around campgrounds where these problems exist
To keep the parks beautiful, it would be helpful to distribute to each camper, when signing in, a handbill written in such a way as to make him a partner in the drive to keep litter well in hand v/hile in the park
Perhaps road signs within the parks as well as those on highway that point direction to parks should be made clearer
Plenty of "elbow room" should be allowed each camp site in every park

from the PARKS

FORT YARGO STATE PARK

Winder

W. S. Fricks, Supt

Have had many family reunions, church

groups, and barbecues this season as

usual

Always like to see them

come in

Work is progressing nicely at Port Yargo. The dam is being built for our lake, the saw timber has been cut, and they are almost through clearing the undergrowth from the lake basin. The recreation areas are being cleared and the concession buildings are being erected now. Everyone seems to be happy with the development

One extreme seems to follow another after so much rain, very hot and dry weather followed, but the picnickers really enjoyed themselves. We have been very crowded on v:eek-ends. One Sunday, several cars of people came by the Superintendent's residence and asked for permission to use the tables on the lawn.... said they couldn't find a place to park over at the picnic area. Hope by another year we will be able to take care of all comers.
Because of our presently limited facilities, we have not had a great number of campers. Most of them want showers, but I try to send them to one of our other parks.
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VICTORIA BRYANT STATE PARK

Royston

F. H. Hill, Supt.

Tent and trailer camping is still on

the increase and it still holds true

that 90% of the campers here are

from out-of-state

The rainy

season at the season's opening cut

attendance down but have had a full

house in my park ever since the

first good weather.

The comfort stations are now com-

pleted

The Coca-Cola Company

has installed two new drink machines

in the park.

LITTLE OCMULGEE STATE PARK

McRae

Lee Willcox, Supt.

Our summer season ended Labor Day but, of course, we are open to the public the year 'round. We have some campers and fish frys all through the winter as well as parties at the clubhouse.
Considering the condition of our lake (due to water weed growth), all in all we had a good summer. Because of the water condition, however, swimming was down considerably in August, and boating, fishing and water skiing fell off.

We had campers from all over the United States, Canada, and several countries overseas. One lady camper who was traveling alone was from Sweden. She had come over with some friends but they had returned and she decided to travel all over the United States. We asked her if she didn't get frightened sometimes. She said "No", that she slept with a hatchet under her pillow. T; )
-- Most of the Scouts boys and -- girls who stopped here were on
their way to the Smokies. This was a stopping off point both going and coming. Many Scout groups stayed a week or ten days with us.

Family reunions continue to take place, especially on Sundays. We have had several large ones each Sunday from June through Sept. 1st.

Sunday School classes have also held retreats here several Sundays, and several National Guard units have spent the night at different times. Each unit included approximately 250 men and officers.
(cont'd next page)

LITTLE OCMULGEE STATE PARK (cont'd)
Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Caldwell's mother spent the night and day here when Mr. Caldwell spoke at the Rotary Club. We have heard many favorable comments about his talk. We really enjoyed their visit .
Mr. Caldwell, we are sure, will come through his operation with flying colors. Remember that old saying "You can't keep a good man down."
Know anyone who has lost his shirt recently? We have found at our park entrance a travel bag containing some very nice men's clothing, but no identification either inside or out. If anyone hears of someone who has lost a bag and that person can identify something in it, we wish they would let us know. We have been able to return a great many lost articles this year, everything from pajamas to a Bible.
If any of you should be coming through McRae while on your vacation, stop by to see us.

Just about everyone, we suppose, has a special interest or pet project and our campers seem to be ours. The friendliness between the campers and Park employees has led to many lasting friendships. Our camper friends have, without doubt, helped our park to grow as a surprising number of new campers are coming to us through the recommendations of former campers.
All of our visitors are of importance and interest to us, however, whether they are picnickers, tourists, Scouts, church groups, or members of a family reunion. We are glad to see and welcome them all.
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LAURA S. WALKER STATE PARK

Waycross

C. H. Morgan, Supt.

JUNE - For three long, beautiful weekends we waited to open our new
swimming pool and then on Saturday, the 1st of June, we opened with a bang. The bang came from pride, not swimming receipts. Wouldn't you just know it would be a miserable day?!! Despite the all-day drizzle and coolness, 111 brave swimmers
showed up

INDIAN SPRINGS STATE PARK

Wonder how many of you Park Superin-

Indian Springs B.F. McMichael , Supt tendents are on the mailing list of

Forest Service, U.S. Dept . of Agri-

As another season comes to a close, we await the arrival of winter with remembrances of a successful summer

culture? There is a fine story in the June issue of their publication on how to use traffic counters. In case you are interested, the address

We announce with deep regret, however, that Mrs. Willie Hamlin who

is Asheville, N. C. Always something new in it for parks.

operated the Mineral Bathhouse retired on September 1st after 23 years of loyal service to the Parks Department. We are sure she will

We had three young men from Indonesia this week and they were really sold on our Georgia State Parks.

be missed by her many friends and patients

Saw the most unique TENT camping outfit today. It had a couch, bed,

We are very happy about the opening of our new trailer units in the near future. Many inquiries concerning their rental have been received.

stove (cook), refrigerator, and sink
-- for washing dishes all this, now,
in a tent . The owner? Editor of the
Brunswick News

With the addition of the trailer units and the new camping area, our

(cont'd next page)

facilities will be nearly doubled.

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L S . WALKER STATE PARK (cont'd) m
To Mr . Normandy : Welcome back! In fact, I have never pulled your name from our files, so hurry up and wr it e something .

JULY - On the 4th we had 3,009

people, 798 cars, and 715 swimmers.

We know this is not much in compar-

ison with the larger parks, but we

have only 160 acres and our swimming

pool

is

82 '

long and 42'

wide,

so we

say this is fairly good.

We are very proud of our new tent and trailer camping area. It has a sloping horse shoe site with the comfort station in the apex. Have been on the receiving end of some very nice comments about it. Our
business in the camping area is
way over last year.

Two more campers from Finland this month and also two Aussies, all the way from Sydney. They liked Georgia fine

AUGUST - Our tent and trailer comfort station is almost finished. Why people want hot showers this tine of the year beats me. But
they are the ones paying, so it
must be O.K.

Mr. Caldwell, our Director, has just informed the General Office staff by telephone from his sick-bed(?) in the hospital that, in spite of all those beautiful X-ray pictures, examinations and tests, the doctors were dismissing him. Furthermore, all "vacations" were now over as he would be back in the office Monday morning.
SO all the time we have sympathetically thought of Mr. Caldwell as being like this:
^}
i
ffljy-
he, no doubt, was really like this:
j

Used our Sno Cone machine for the first time on the first Sunday in August. It was a very hot, clear day and we sold $45 worth.
SEPTEMBER - You Park Superintendents don't know what real trouble is until you've been through an incident like this. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, lightning struck our water pump and knocked it out. Has anyone ever tried, on the Sunday before Labor Day, to get a plumber who, in turn, must get a plumbing store to open in order to get the parts necessary to make repairs? Well, I couldn't either. What a mess! We finally got water coming in but had to order new parts
(We really live down here.)

BUT what hurts our feelings is that all the time^we really were

4 like this:

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Mr. Caldwell thinks we/were like
this
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