The Voice of Vogel, 2008

Volume XIV
CBlebra
5rean
at CCC m"
The Civilian Conservation Corps has.not been active for over 65 years,
but beginning in 1933, there were ten years of dramatic accomplishments that made a difference for the United States. The Civilian Conservation Corps, better known as the CCC was a Depression era New Deal project of President Franklin Roosevelt designed to provide jobs for unemployed youth and to rehabilitate the depleted natural resources. The CCC developed state and national parks, planted forests, controlled erosion, and fought wildfires.
The architecture of the Civilian Conservation Corps is referred to as "park rustic design". It is recognized by the use of massive logs and handhewn beams; construction of large rock walls, fireplaces and chimneys; and hand forged door and window hardware. This construction was accomplished at a time in history when all people had was, time. There were no jobs therefore there was no money. The. CCC was a lifeline thrown to families to help them survive the greatest economic depression the world has ever seen.
Other area sites developed by the CCC are Lake Winfield Scott on Highway 180, just seven miles from Vogel ; A.H. Stephens State Historic Site in Crawfordville; Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge; Laura Walker State Park in Waycross ; Kolomoki Mounds Historic Site in Blakely; F .D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain; Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla; Magnolia Springs in Millen; Fort Mountain in Chatsworth; and Little Ocmulgee State Park \n McRae. Each one of these sites has preserved this unique piece ofhistory .
Visit a CCC site this year to gain a gr~ ter appreciation of the work accomplished by this army of young forest engineers. Vogel State Park has the only museum in Georgia dedicated to the CCC. Some other states that have museums are Florida, Michigan, New York and California. As you travel this summer be on the lookout for the telltale signature of the work of the CCC .

Vogel State Park, Georgia

2008 Issue

Park rustic to be re-created

By David Foot Whether you called it the beach house, bathhouse, or boathouse, the names all referred to the beautiful log structure that presided over Vogel 's Lake Trahlyta for thirty years. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935 , the beach house seemed to offer a welcome to visitors with its park rustic design that was so common with the CCC architecture. The Vogel beach house was a landmark in North Georgia for three decades. It was a massive structure that took on a life of its own. The beach house accommodated restrooms, showers, boats, concession, and bunkrooms for lifeguards. It was the symbol of Vogel State Park and the Georgia State Park system in general. Unfortunately , time, moisture, and the elements all took their toll on this beauty. The costs to repair the structure were too exorbitant to warrant such a major outlay of precious state funds .

It was decided to demolish the building and build a more modem weather resistant building.
The result is what you see today with the concave roof and its dramatic sweep. Today's pavilion originally housed restrooms , an office, and concession much like the old log building did . These facilities were removed in the 1980's to accommodate seating for interpretive and cultural programs, leaving the roof as

cover. One interesting design feature
of the newer pavilion is the fact it was built on the old CCC constructed stone piers. This is atestimony to the stout nature of the construction techniques of those CCC boys.
After forty years of living with the pavilion, time, once again has proven it is a too powerful force to compete with. Several roof repairs have had to be made

over the past few years that are showing the roof is aging. We want to make one more change that we hope will last for generations to come.
We want to bring back the park rustic feel of the original log beach house. Using the existing foundation and floor , the plan is to re-create the original roof design. The programming area would not be enclosed serving the same purpose as it is today.
The Vogel Volunteers have appropriated funds to begin design and engineering. The next step is to find the funds to complete the project. The Vogel Volunteers are promoting this project in hopes that state and private funding can be raised to complete this project. The Vogel Volunteers are accepting donations for this project. The Vogel Volunteers are non-profit (501 (c) 3) organization. For further information on this project, please feel free to contact David Foot, Park Manager.

Recycling - 30s style-

By David Foot

Recycling is a popu-

lar movement in today's

"green" era. However

recycling is not new but

goes back many years.

Today recycling is done

to minimize the impact

on landfills. During the

Depression years of the

1930's recycling was done

out of necessity . You re-

cycled or reused metal , glass , pa- advertising the company 's prod-

per, wood , and food because there uct. When the sacks were empty

was no money to buy new . Clothing they were reused to make under-

was recycled as well. If pants , wear, dresses, pants and shirts.

dresses and shirts could not be passed The woman of the house would

down in the family or given to some- make sure her husband purchased

one else , more than likely they were the same brand of feed next time

worn out. When items became tat- so she would have enough fabric-

tered they were then recycled into to make clothes that matched for

other usable items like quilts. Patch:. all the children. Children would

work quilts would be made of all go to town with dad on Saturday

different colors and patterns. This morning to purchase the feed for

made for beautiful bed coverings that the week just to pick out the right

would be handed down through gen- sacks that fancied them . They

erations . Dolly Parton' s song, "A would choose a pattern of daisies

Coat of Many Colors" , was an ex-. or ducks that would make a per-

ample of a mom reusing old cloth to . fect dress or shirt.

make a coat for her daughter.

Each Volunteer Day in April

. Another source for cloth to make there is an evening banquet to rec-

clothing came from animal feed or ognize the work of the many

flm~r sacks. During the 1930' s the people who contribute their time

cotton sacks had colorful patterns

See 30s, page 6

Get outdoors

Georgia State Parks are encouraging people across the state to just Go! Get Outdoors (GO) Georgia, a statewide initiative, is working to improve the health of Georgia's residents . The state is focusing on outdoor recreation and improved health, with an emphasis on children's early involvement in nature to establishing life-long physical, mental and community benefits .
GO Georgia is an urgent initiative due to the nation ' s and Georgia's obesity crisis- more than (i() %ofus are overweight or obese,

according to the Centers for Dis-
ease Control. See Outdoors, page 2

A real privilege
When I received the dreaded radio call that a guest wanted to meet with me in the visitor center, all sorts of horrible scenarios went through my mind. The guest must have some sort of complaint. I never anticipated what I was about to experience. This particular day was also Father's Day making it even more poignant.
I had the privilege of meeting with Carol Loeschman and granddaughter Maria . Mrs. Loeschman
See Privilege, page 3

Pagel

Histor

Voice of Vogel

What's the Big Deal about the New Deal

By David Foot Whenyouareoutofwork and there is no hope of finding a job; when you go to the bank to withdraw your last 25 dollars to feed your family of five and discover the bank is closed and you have lost that money; when your children are attending a dilapidated school; when you never had electricity to light your home; when you are sleeping on beds infested with bugs; when your farm is blowing away from dust erosion; you may think life is pretty bleak. You would probably start hoping
for something or someone to come along to help you out of these depressing times.
There was a time in
American history when this scenario was all too common. It was called the Great Depression of the 1930's. This depression was not a local problem but affected everyone. This depression was not just an American problem it was a worldwide issue. These were desperate times that called for desperate measures.
There was one_man who was up for the job. Franklin Roosevelt was elected President in 1932 with the promise that he had a New Deal for the country. With the help of every American he would help them get out of this great economic depression and get on the road to recovery.
The New Deal was an initiative of FDR's that was aimed at recovery. It was successful in making life

more bearable during some very bleak days. Within 100 days following FDR's inauguration in March of 1933 the New Deal was taking shape. The family in the beginning of this article saw some immediate relief: Dad got a job with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helping build a new hospital. The money he was making allowed him to deposit a few dollars in the bank that he was able to trust following the bank holiday. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) now in-
sured the family money in the bank. The chil~en were going to attend a new school made of native rock con-
structed by the Public Works Administration (PWA). For the first time the family home was getting electricity provided by the Rural ElectrificationAdministration(REA). The public health agency provided a service where mom could go and make new mattresses for everyone in the family so they would nothave to share a night's sleep with bed bugs. And an army of young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was planting grass and trees to control the erosion protecting the family farm. The New Deal was a big deal for this family and for every other American. The New Deal provided hope and made a difference that is still felt today. Join us in 2008 as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the New Deal.

Outdoors
From page 1
The average American child spends about 40 hours per week in front of televisions, computers and other electronic devices. This lack of outdoor play is considered a contributing factor in obesity, attention deficit disorder and depression. How serious is this? Health experts have warned that this lack of activity will make this generation the first in American history to live less healthy and to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.
Vogel State Park is supporting this GO initiative. As you read this paper find an activity that will get you out, get dirty and get fit. The park offers numerous programs throughout the year to encourage our guests to enjoy the outdoors. Take a hike to see a babbling brook; enjoy a paddleboat ride on the lake; participate in July Fourth field games; go swimming; ride a bicycle; or just take a walk like D/lvid (dad) and Matthew (son) Cobb are doing. This father/son duo from Alpharetta, GA were enjoying a quiet moment talking and walking on a rainy day.

VOICE OF VOGEL

Volume XIV

Vogel State Park, Georgia

2008 Issue

Published by Vogel State Park

Operated by the

7485 Vogel State Park Road

-Georgia Department

Blairsville, GA 30512

Of Natural Resources

Park Manager: David Foot Assistant Manager: Randy Gambrell

Layout & Design: Norman Cooper

Printed by: West Printing Company Funded by: Vogel Volunteers

What the CCC did at Vogel

The Vogel name

Did you ever wonder of chestnut, oak and hemlock

where the Vogel name came tanbark. In as much as the

from? The story begins back company was only interested

in 1848 when the Vogel fam- in the bark for tanning pur-

ily emigrated from Germany poses, the remainder of the

to the United States, settling tree was allowed to just rot.

in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the peak of produc-

The Vogels and Pfisters, also tion, the company bought

of Germany, formed a part- 65,000 acres. After the land

nership for building a leather had been acquired, a synthetic

tannery operation, which method to tan leather was

eventually became the larg- developed and the forests

est in the world. During the were no longer needed.

Pfister & Vogel Leather

In 191 7, Fred and

Company's prosperous times Augustus Vogel donated land

between the Civil War and to the State of Georgia for .a

World War I, it had set up state park, hence the origin

three tanneries in Milwaukee, of the Vogel name for the

specializing in calf skin tan- park. Thousands of other

ning.

. acres were donated to the

In order to supply the Federal Government for in-

market for boots, shoes and clus ion into the

gloves in the late 1800's, the Chattahoochee National For-

Have you ever really thought about how Vogel State Park actually became what it is today? Consider the fact that in 1927, when the Vogel Land Company gave

was being contoured for future swimming use. Landscaping was being put in place. A water system was being installed fed by springs from the hillside. A sewer system

company needed to expand its raw material sources. This expansion extended as far south as the mountains of North Georgia, where the forest held tremendous stores

est. It is appropriate that
Vogel, when translated from German means bird.
Now you know the rest of the story.

the property to the state there was installed. Rock walls was no development. There were built from native stone.

Investigate some history

were no roads, buildings, or The highlight of the develop-

One of the New Deal pro- . do a little investigation to

lake. The property sat idle for ment was the construction of grams during the 1930's was discover a hidden WPA

seven years until the Civil- six log cabins that would be the WPA. The Works jewel, follow these direc-

ian Conservation Corps used as rentals to tourists. All Progress Administration con- tions. Go to the park entrance (CCC) came in and began this and they still weren't structed roads, public build- and take a right. Go 2 1/2

building a state park. In 1934, development began on the dam to impound a 22-acre lake. A massive log bath and

done. The rock trail shelter was built on Blood Mountain along with the rock inn at Neel Gap called Walasi-Yi.

ings such as post offices, courthouses, jails, community centers, schools and hospitals. Locally, the WPA con-

miles to Byron Reece parking area on the right side of the road. Park.
Walk toward the bulletin

boathouse was under construc- The CCC left quite a legacy structed the Woody Gap board. You will see a stream

tion adjacent to the beach that called Vogel State Park.

School in Suches and the city running under the road. Walk

hall in Blairsville, which was below the roadway and exam-

Origins of miniature golf

originally a jail. The WPA ine the culvert. This hidden also employed artists and au- wonder looks like a cathedral

By David Foot

The peak of mini-golf was thors to produce works of art and is cool on the hottest day.

What do the Great De- seen following World War LI and to write a series of travel Watch your step, as the rocks

pression and the recreation up through the 1950's. Out- guides called the American are slippery. The main high-

past-time of miniature golf door carpet was developed to Guide Series.

way once made its way across

have in common? The De- replace the cottonseed. Min-

The WPA accomplished this culvert. The road was re-

pression began with the crash iature golf has been a popu- many project that are still in aligne<i as traffic got heavier

of the Stock Market in Octo- lar past-time at Vogel State use to this day. If you want to in passing years.

ber 1929. The miniature golf Park for many years. This

game was patented one month form of recreation goes by earlier. Original miniature other names such as goony

Blood Mountain ski area

golf courses were located on golf, goofy golf, carpet golf

By David Foot

would ever occur. The plan

estates and on the roofs of and Putt-Putt. Whatever you

Believe it or not there for this ski area was

New York skyscrapers. The mini-golf industry was the brainchild of Gamet Carter of Lookout Mountain, Ten-
nessee where he built his first Tom Thumb golfcourse at his resort. His wife designed the fairyland characters that

call it, it is tradition to play a round of golf at least once during a Vogel stay. One family has an annual golf tournament each Thanksgiving. It doesn't matter who wins as it is all in the fun ofjust playing the game.

were -plans at one time to build a ski resort on the south side of Blood Mountain. Private investors were planning a large lodge with restaurant and overnight accommodations. The ski

doomed from the very beginning. One problem with the plan was placing the ski area on a south-facing slope. Even on the coldest winter day fill3/ snow that was on the ground would

decorated the course.

Miniature golf courses trails would traverse the melt rapidly from the sun's

Seeing he had a good idea, take on all sorts of themes south side of the mountain. full exposure. It also takes

he brought his idea to Miami, and have elaborate decora-

Plans had the lodge lo- thousands of gallQlls of

Florida to open a year-round facility. The idea spread like wildfire. Within a year there were miniature golf courses popping up on roadsides all across the nation. The putting greens were covered in oiled cottonseed that was painted

tions. Golf balls have to be shot
around dinosaurs and wild animals, through windmills and pipes. The Vogel golf course has its specific challenges as well. Get outdoors this year and have fun by play-

ca,ted in the hairpin turn just south of Neel Gap and the Appalachian Trail.
Fortunately this ill-conceived idea never came to fruition. Eventually Blood Mountain was incorporated

water to manufacture snow. Water that would be required to make snow is very scarce at the 3,000 foot elevation. As wonderful as the idea sounds on paper, the reality is, a ski area on

green and spread over packed ing a game that has a history into the Wilderness Area Blood Mountain is not a

sand.

going back 80 years.

Act so no development realistic possibility.

Voice of Vogel

Histor.y

Page3

Looking for old park photos

The park is soliciting old photos from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Did you take a camping trip in an old Army pup tent or stay in one of the cabins before the roads were paved? Do you have a photo of the park when there were overhead power lines? How about a photo of the visitors center before all the expansions and there was just a stone building? Were you camping in the

ball field before it was a ball field? Do you have a picture of the log beach house by the lake? Or how about a photo of the Vogel Express train? Pull out the old shoebox and show us your Kodak moments from years past. Many of our guests old photos have been included in the park's museum. Contact David Foot, Park Manager for further details.

The Amerlaaa Cllestaut

Great lofty giants once graced the hills, The mighty chestnut trees:
Some grew to rise up eighty feet, With saw-toothed, spear-shaped leaves.

The chestnut was a source of food, For squirrels, bears, and deer;
And they in tum became the meat For the hungry mountaineer.
An Asian fungus brought a blight Which spread across the land;
The blight began in New York State, And quicky would expand.
Like ghostly bones on mountain ridge, The gray trunks lifeless stood;
Throughout the south the trees appeared As tombstones made of wood.
No longer treats for kids to roast, Nor cooked in cornbread dressing But scientists learn from sprouting shoots,
With new hope still assessing.

The dead trees helped to win a war, For they were rich in tannin;
The 11acid wood" was harvested To aid in medical planning.
Perhaps the great trees will return, To grace the hills once more, Genetics may provide the key To open the chestnut door.
Charles W. Cook 2005

Privilege
From page 1
told me her husband Harry had passed away in February from cancer. He had a military funeral because of his service in the Army from 1957 - 1959. The family received the flag from the casket, but didn't want to place it in a closet and let it be forgotten. They asked me if there was any way we could display the flag on the pole at the visitor center. I immediately said yes as goose bumps traveled up and down my spine.

We are proud to display this flag honoring one of our long time guests and a veteran of our armed services. It is only appropriate that we do this. If it were not for the men and women of our military we would not be able to experience the freedom to experience state parks such as Vogel.
Thank you to the Loeschman family for sharing the memory of their loved one with everyone who visits Vogel State Park.

Cabbagetown

It is March 15, 2008, the monly referred to as shotgun

day after an F-2 tornado has houses or mill towns. They

hit Atlanta doing millions of were built for the workers of

dollars in damage to down- the cotton mill when it was

town office buildings and sur- operating in its heyday.

rounding neighborhoods. The

Why is this story even

office buildings will be re- being mentioned in this pa-

paired, but the neighborhoods per? There is a connection

comprised of little clapboard between Cabbagetown lo-

homes will be lost to history. cated in Atlanta and the north

One such neighborhood, Georgia Appalachian Moun-

called Cabbagetown was tains. Matter of fact there is

made up of neat little single a connection with many in-

story homes, many of which dustrial cities of the north and

probably didn't exceed 1200 the Georgia Mountains.

square feet. These houses sur-

During the 1930s, times

rounded a large multi-story were tough in the mountains.

brick building that was at one The residents eked a living

time the Fulton Bag and Cot- out of the rocky soil to just

ton Mill. The mill that be- get by. It was a difficult life

gan operations in 1881 had but they really didn't know

been turned into loft apart- any difference. When World

ments in the 1990's were se- War II came onto the scene

verely damaged in the same in 1942 many ofthe men were

storm. These little houses called up for service. These

were company housing com- boys saw the world, experi-

encing things we could never eventually call home.

imagine. When they came Cabbagetown got its name

home after the war, they - from the migrants who had

found there were no jobs to left the cabbage fields of the

be had in the isolated coves mountains. They apparently

of the mountains. They had brought their love of cabbage

no choice but to go to work with them as the smell of

where the jobs could be found. cooking cabbage permeated

That meant going to the auto the neighborhood. Cabbage is

manufacturing assembly lines still a large cash crop around

of Detroit, Michigan, the Blairsville. You will see

steel mills of Pennsylvania trucks traveling over the

and the cotton mills of At- mountain loaded down with

lanta. Whole families; aunts, cabbage heads on the way to

uncles, brothers and sisters the Atlanta market during the

would pack up and move to summer months.

the big city to work in the

Whole neighborhoods

factories for thirty or forty were made up offamilies who

years until they could retire. came from the Appalachian

After retirement, many of Mountains. This was even the

these folks moved back to case in Detroit. So when you

their roots to settle down think of the big city being so

where they were born.

remote from the isolated

Cabbagetown was one mountains, think again. There

such community where the is a kinship with the big city

mountain folks settled to brethren.

RAl'IGER ~rALES IV

Is that

The saga continues, as our guest never fails to amaze us. Here

are a few more ditties that were created by the park visitor.

The temperature was below freezing overnight. A camper comes

in and asks when we are going to tum the water on in the campground?

A man picks up the regional magazine 400 in the visitors center

lobby. He yells out, "hey look, it's free! I don't know what itis, but do you

want it?"

A camper was walking out from his campsite with a plastic grocery bag

in his hand. When the volunteer informed him his bag was on fire, he said, "No way. 11 Very

shortly he discovered the ashes he had collected from his campfire had rekindled and he had

a flaming, melted bag of hot embers. He thought they had cooled enough from the night before

to discard.

A summer employee who was a transplant from Florida has this phone conversation:

> Employee: Thank you for calling Disney World, how may I help you?

> Caller: Where?



> Employee: Thank you for calling Disney World. .

> Caller: There is a squeal on the phone with caller getting all excited.

> Employee: Apology is given and correction made that this is Vogel State Park.

> Caller: Disney World is my dream vacation, I thought I had won a trip.

As a man is asking for directions to Brasstown Bald, a woman is standing next to him in

line. The man is told that it is closed because it had snowed. The woman with panic in her

voice asks, "which mall is closed?"

"Is that stream natural?" Question from 50 year old man.

Mountain Riches

By David Foot Do you have any idea what the difference is betweenan economic recession and a depression? The definitions according to a renowned economist who shall remain nameless are: Recession - When you are out of money _pepression - When I am out of money. In other words a depression is a whole lot more serious than a recession. This reminds me of what the mountain folks must have experienced during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Life in the mountains back in the first thirty years of the twentieth century was pretty hard. Union County was a relatively isolated area. Many people who were born

here, died here, without ever traveling more than 50 miles from home. They were poor, but they didn't necessarily know it. They didn't have 401K's. Instead they had 401 sticks of firewood in the barn that they were going to use to keep the house warm during the winter. They had stocks and bonds but not the kind you may be familiar with. Their stock was what they had put up from the summer's garden or fall orchard. A pantry full of homemade canned goods was a kind ofwealth all by itself. Canned squash, beets, pickles, apples, peaches and pears provided the vitamins necessary to get through the winter. The bonds were the close relationships

the mountain folk maintained with each other. Your closest neighbors might be miles away, but you knew you could depend upon them if you had a crisis. If a barn burned down the neighbors would have a barn raising. That is a mighty fine dividend on the bonds you developed. Mountain folk were rich. Maybe not in the way we think of rich today, but a rich that included a satisfying life, healthy relationships with God, family and friends, having plenty to eat and having a beautiful place to live.
We all could take a few lessons in economic solvency from the mountain folk of the past. They were richer than we could ever imagine.

Voice of Vogel is 14 years old
This issue of The Voice Of Vogel marks the 14th issue.
David Foot, Park Manager said, "It is hard to believe that this time has passed by so quickly. A newspaper for Vogel State Park has always been a dream. It started out as a multi page photocopy newsletter years ago. This just didn't come across as an effective means to get information across about the park's history, programs and general park news. It is always satisfying to see the final outcome after a year's work of writing and preparation."
Of course this paper would not be a reality were it not for the layout and design of Norman Cooper, Editor of Union CountJ's
North Georgia News and the
printing by the West Printing Company. Norman has contributed scores of hours to this paper over the years. He is a true friend ofVogel State Park. Park guests are encouraged to be part of this annual paper by submitting articles and photos of park activities from "yesteryear". Articles could be about anything related to the park. We are also taking suggestions for stories and how the paper can be improved. Consider being a part of The Voice Of Vogel.

Page4

Stories

Voice of Vogel

Building melllories

By Jim McGuffey The year 1967 marked a new beginning for my wife, Nancy, and me. We had been married almost nine years when our fourth, and youngest, son was born in August the year before. Up until then, we had not given any thought to taking a summer vacation. We were much too busy spending our time and financial resources in caring for our family. Finally we were confident that we could now afford to take a few days during the summer away from the daily grind. So, we started planning our trip. First, we had to deterrninewhere we would go. We felt Panama City might be nice. We reasoned that everybody went to Panama City, and besides, the boys would enjoy the beach. On the other hand, we kind of liked the idea of going to the mountains. After thinking about it we decided that we would alternate yearly summer vacations between Florida and North Georgia. It seemed like a good plan to us. So, in making the decision to go to Florida first, I made reservations at a beachfront motel in Panama City, and in eager anticipation we all looked forward to summertime and our first vacation together. At last, the time had come. We loa4ed the boys and about three months worth of essentials in the old station wagon and headed south. We were going to spend a whole week of fun and frolicking in the sunshine state, and we were excited! We got there okay and, after it was over, we made it home okay. That's about the only pleasant memory I have of that trip. The other memories I'd just as soon forget. First, I remember the very long drive. I didn't think we would ever get there, or back home, for that matter. I remember the tiny little motel room. One has never lived until he has experienced spending a week with four little boys in a space the size of a postage stamp with sand on the floor, sand in the bed, and sand in the food. I also wound up with a healthy case of sunburn, since there wasn't a shade tree within sixty miles of Panama City beach. The next year Nancy and I were both somewhat relieved that we would be going to the mountains. We were not sure what we would find for the boys to do, but at least we knew that we would find plenty of shade trees. Besides, the trip would be much shorter from our home in Newnan. We had followed the recommendation ofa good friend and made reservations at Vogel State Park. We had reserved the only cabin available, number 14, but we were a little apprehensive since we had never been there. We had no idea as to what to expect. All we could do was place trust in our friend. The day for our departure

finally came around in late June,

and on a beautiful sunshiny Friday

morning, we loaded the old station

wagon and once again set out on our

summer vacation, this time head-

ing north. It only took us about three

hours to get there, and it was a fun

trip. The very instant that we pulled

into the park, any apprehensions we

may have had disappeared. I cannot

describe the feelings that came over

us, but we knew almost immediately

that this was a very special place.

Every day we spent together that

week became an adventure. Before

we knew it, though, the week was

about over and we found ourselves

sadly packing to leave for home. Our

vacation had been perfect. Well,

almost perfect. Everything was just

fine until the watermelon caper. We

had brought a big watermelon with

us from home and had looked for-

ward to cutting it for an afternoon

treat. On our first day, I placed it

firmly among some big rocks in the

cool waters of Wolf Creek which

flowed behind the cabin. That's the

way we did it out in the country back home. The next day Nancy went to

''YOU \<NOW, ROUG"\NG IT ISN'T SO

retrieve the melon while the older boys and I were on one of our many park excursions. Unfortunately, she found that something had eaten off

BAO WHEN YOU HAVE A MICROW"'VE!'1

most of the rind. When we returned

to the cabin, she broke the news. argued that we didn't stay in cabin me to let the windows down. How

"Raise 'em! I need to let em

"We won't be eating water- 14 the year before. I was confident he could have been cold was beyond down! You can't raise OR let down

melon today."

that it was cabin 18. I was so confi- me, since all four of them were something that ain't even there."

"Why?" I asked. "What hap- dent, in fact, I took it upon myself tucked in one bed. Nevertheless, I

"Okay, I'll be down there in a

pened to it?"

to go ahead and make the reserva- opened the curtains at the nearest few minutes and we'll check it out."

"Our four year old says the fish tions. Before we knew it, it was late window. There was the screen, but

Feeling rather triumphant, I hot-

ate it."

June and we were once again headed no window. I checked behind all the footed it back to the cabin. Soon

"The fish ate it?" "Yeah, the for Vogel State Park. This time, other curtains. No windows. Our thereafter, the Ranger drove up. As

fish ate it." "Fish don't eat water- however, a late start barely got us little cabin had no windows! How he walked in the door, he said good

melon." "The fish ate it."

there in time to check in before the could that be? Cabin 14 had win- morning to the wife and kids and

"It must have been some kind park closed for the night. It was then dows. I was sure all the other cab- moved to the first window. I was

ofani... "

when I discovered that I had messed ins had windows. Even the trading standing there with a "see I told you

"THE FISH ATE IT!"

up, big time. Not only did we not post had windows. How could I pos- so" smirk on my face as he pulled

"Okay, the fish ate it."

get our favorite little cabin, but sibly have chosen the only cabin in back the curtain. He then proceeded

Even though we mourned its cabin 18 was a four person cabin the park with no windows?

to fold back the window sill. The

loss, no mention was made of the which was one room short of cabin

Now, anyone who has vaca- thing was on hinges! He then reached

watermelon the fish ate for the rest 14. Realizing that we had the same tioned at Vogel knows that it is well down, grabbed a couple of little

of the week. We just went on about four little boys with whom we had known for its cool summer nights, handles, and pulled the window right

the business of having fun at Vogel. spent seven days and six nights in a especially during the month ofJune. out of the wall. Raising the window

On that last day, we loaded up postage stamp two years before, I As a matter of fact, some nights can high enough to fold the sill back in

the wagon, said our goodbyes to little knew that arguing with Nancy had be downright cold. This was one of place, he let it down snugly against

cabin 14, and headed home with a been a big mistake. When we pulled those nights. We nearly froze to the sill and, presto, the hole was

degree of sadness. As we turned up to the cabin and began unload- death. I was up very early the next full of window. I was stunned! The south on U.S.129, Nancy and I both ing, my lovely wife, obviously anx- morning. One finds it hard to sleep window was hidden in the wa!l all

promised the boys, and ourselves, ious for her pound of flesh, stood at late with icicles hanging off his eye- along! As the Ranger turned to

that we would skip Florida the next the cabin door with hands on hips lids. I dressed and headed for the leave, he looked at me with a grin,

year and come back to Vogel. This and in her sweet little voice, said, trading post prepared to give the then walked out, got in his truck,

was, of course, in spite of the fact "Wow! What a cute little cabin! park ranger a piece of my mind. The and left. With Nancy and the boys

that Wolf Creek was infested with Kinda reminds me of that lovely !'anger, being a professional, pr-ob- just standing there staring at me,

dangerous Watermelon eating fish. suite you got for us in Florida." ably recognized my irritation when the cabin was eerily quiet. All I When 1969 rolled around, we Digging a little deeper, she contin- I marched in the front door. In a could hear was the faint laughter
were already making plans for our ued, "Where's the sand?" All I could calm voice, he asked ifhe could help emanating from the Ranger as he

next visit to Vogel. We had already do was mumble and unload the car. me.

drove back toward the trading post.

made our reservations. Actually, we

Just when I thought things

"Yeah," I retorted. " I want an- If I could have found a rat hole, I

had argued about it a little bit. We couldn't get worse, they did. By the other cabin. Ours don't have win- would have crawled in it.

really wanted to stay in the same time we got unloaded and settled dows."

Just like the watermelon, noth-

cabin. It was just right for us. Besides, it had a creek in the back yard. We had hoped that we might get a glimpse of those strange little fish that lived there. Nancy had told me to make reservations for cabin 14. I

down in our new one room home away from home, it had gotten rather late, so we tucked our boys snugly in bed, and prepared for bed ourselves. One of the boys complained about being cold and asked

"No windows?" "That's right. Cabin 18 has no windows. I bet it's the only one in the park with no windows." "Why don't you just raise them?."

ing else was ever said about the disappearing windows. We just went out and had fun for the rest of the week. Of course, I did avoid the Ranger as much as I could. Every
See Memories, page 10

Voice of Vogel

Natural

Page5

When is Vogel the most colorful
The forest floor and hillsides in and around Vogel are always in a constant change of flowering colors. From early spring to late fall, the flower, plants, and trees are sharing their delicate gifts of beauty. The following is a listing of when blooms can be expected around Vogel. The dates will vary some from year to year. Some years, there may still be colored foliage through late November.

SPRING-SUMMER

Serviceberry (white blooms)

April 1

Dogwood blossoms

Month ofApril

Bluebells (small wildflower)

April 15

Wild Magnolia tree (large white blooms) April 15

Pink Lady Slipper (Dry pine woods)

Last of April

Iris and Trilliums

First of May

Flame Azalea (Orange Blossom)

May 5 -25

Mountain Laurel

May 15 - June 1

Native Rhododendron

June 15- July 15

Sourwood (white blooms)

First of July

FALLCOWRS

Sourwood (red leaves)

Mid September

Poplars (yellow leaves)

Late September

Maples (red & orange leaves)

October20

Hickory (yellow leaves)

October al

Oaks (red & yellow leaves)

October25

Freshwater jellyfish in Lake Trahlyta

By David Foot

Did you know that there are jel-

lyfish in Vogel's Lake Trahlyta?

Perhaps not like the type you would

see in the ocean off of Florida, but

a very close relative. Craspedacusta

Sowerbii has some structural dif-

ferences from the saltwater version

but its appearance is similar.

The freshwater jellyfish can be

found throughout the lower 48

United States except the Dakotas,

Montana and Wyoming. They pre-

fer calm freshwater lakes. They like

standing water over currents. They

are seen in late summer with Au-

gust and September being the peak

months. The jellyfish swims just

below the surface. They will occa-

sionally surface in large numbers

called blooms.

Like the marine jellyfish they

have stinging cells. However there

is no evidence that they have ever

stung a human. The organism can-

not penetrate human skin. This sting-

ing mechanism is used for feeding.

The jellyfish feeds on microscopic

animals called zooplankton. It is

possible for the jellyfish to harm

small minnows. Natural predators

of the freshwater jellyfish include

crayfish, turtles, larger fish and

possibly geese.



The freshwater jellyfish will

survive in the lake year round in one form or another, During the winter, polyps, a stalked form of the jellyfish contract becoming smaller, forming a resting body that can survive the cold. In this form they can be transported to other lakes via aquatic animals or on the feet of birds. The lifespan of the freshwater jellyfish is not known.
It is very difficult to maintain the freshwater jellyfish in a home aquarium. They will not tolerate the aerated bubbles from the pump (as would be found in a moving stream) and they will get caught in the filter media. It would also be difficult to replicate their food source.
The next time you see a transparent creature swimming just under the water's surface while you are paddle boating, you can show how smart you are, by correctly stating, "that is a jellyfish".

Ground Treatment
Scott Griffin from the Georgia Forestry Commission is performing ground chemical treatment ofa hemlock in the Vogel campground. Hundreds of trees have been treated in an attempt to curb the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) infestation in the park. Those trees that have been treated are showing no signs of the HWA. However, time, manpower and chemical expense does not allow us to treat the thousands of other hemlocks that can be found in the Vogel forest.

Trail improvements

Leave the cutting

By David Foot One of the more heavily trav-

to the beavers

eled trails in the Georgia State

By David Foot

Park system is possibly the

When guests are asked what most

Trahlyta Lake Trail at Vogel.

appeals to them about Vogel, answers

Because this trail sees so much

range from: The beauty of the forest;

foot traffic the path has taken a

proximity to National Forest; shady

beating exposing roots, causing a

campsites; beautiful cool streams; wild-

narrowed pathway, clogged drain

life; fall foliage; and green mountains

pipes, and erosion. During the

for those who come from the western

spring of 2008, the trail was reha-

United States. The common denomi-

bilitated by the state parks Trails

nator of these comments is trees.

Crew. Despite blowing winds and

The appeal of Vogel and north Georgia

biting cold this intrepid crew made

is the abundance of trees and lush for-

some dramatic improvements that

ests. With comments like these it still

will be readily seen as you enjoy .

perplexes us as to wby guests will take

an evening walk around the lake.

it upon themselves to cut, deface and

The most obvious improvement is

damage the trees of the park. The ma-

the boardwalk on the section of

jority of citations issued by park rang-

trail that runs parallel with the

ers are for damaging or cutting the trees

entrance road. This walkway has

of the park.

done away with steps and a slip- The Trails Crew comprised of Paul

Why would anyone want to do harm

pery ramp.

.

McGhee (LI. Brett Wigley, and Dale Will- to a living thing? We hear on the news

The Coosa Backcountry Trail iams (Not shown) reconstructed the about hor.ible crimes taking place. A

has received some much-needed Trahlyta Lake Trail. They did an outstand- human harming another human or ani-

work over the past several years. ing job of developing the boardwalk and mal is a terrible thing. It may not be

This past spring saw a trails con- bridges as well as improving the trail tread. as horrible to take the life of a tree but

tractor from Idaho come in to re-

it is none-the-less a life. It is beyond

route approximately two miles of trail. One reroute was in the vicinity of Wildcat Knob just north ofWolfPen Gap on Highway 180. This cut off a very undesirable section of trail that made for rough walking. The other reroute was on the south end of the Coosa Trail on the approach to Slaughter Gap. This heavily traveled section of trail, used to access Blood Moun-

tain, was severely eroded and steep. This portion of trail had been laid out incorrectly when the trail was designed thirty years ago. The improvement takes the hiker through a beautiful area that traverses abandoned logging roads. Those who were familiar with the old worn sections will enjoy the improvements.

comprehension why someone would chop on a tree just for tpe fun of it. It is even more perplexing why someone would attempt to burn a live tree in a campfire. All they end up doing is charring a chunk of wood that won't burn and ends up trashing the campsite.
The next time you see someone cutting a tree ask them to stop, then report it to a ranger. When we issue a citation, the fine goes to Union County.

Blood Mountain Watershed

The county can always use extra money in it's budget. Please be considerate of

A watershed is an area of land
where water from rain and snows drains downhill into creeks,
streams, rivers and lakes. The
watershed or drainage basin acts
like a funnel directing and collect-
ing the water. Drainage basins are separated by mountains and ridges
creating a water divide. Vogel
State Park and Lake Trahlyta are
located in the Blood Mountain Watershed. The water that trickles down the north side of Blood Mountain, that is the side you see from the parking lot, all ends up in the watershed. This also means that all the water that comes off the hills adjacent to Highways 180 & 129 is part of the Blood Mountain Watershed.
The water that enters this particular watershed travels into the Tennessee River drainage system,
ending up in Illinois. The little raindrop that falls on Vogel eventually gets into the Mississippi River, then the Gulf of Mexico.

Whereas, the raindrop that strikes the south side of Blood Mountain enters the Chattahoochee River Basin, travels past Atlanta, eventually ending up in the Gulf of Mexico, albeit a whole lot faster.
Watershed protection is extremely important to insure the purity of the water. If trees are cut on the hillsides, then the raindrops will dislodge soil particles. Ifenough soil is exposed, erosion results. This will pollute the streams and if it is serious enough the lake will fill up. Results of .soil erosion are seen with the sediment buildup at the south end of Lake Trahlyta.
The next time it rains, consider the voyage the raindrop that has just hit your nose is about to take. You could be swimming with this drop of water in Lake Trahlyta and
many months later you could swim with the same drop of water when you visit the Gulf Coast in Alabama.

the natural resources. We want to keep our forests as pristine as possible for the generations that will be following us. Let's share Vogel with our children's children.
Trout Habitat Structures
Have you noticed the small waterfalls in Wolf Creek created by the placement of large logs across the stream? These stream features are called trout habitat structures designed to create a more suitable living environment for the fish. The purpose is to create plenty of splash, which in turn supplies additional oxygen, a much needed requirement for the trout. Notice the deeper holes below the log. This too improves the trout's habitat requirements by providmg deep colder water.
Roger Phillips, Senior Ranger has been instrumental in establishing these structures. With the help of his staff and volunteers, Vogel has been able to improve the fishing opportunities in

park streams.

Page6

Guests

Voice of Vogel

Helping a fell ow guest

The visitor center receives a report of a bicycle accident at the ball field. David responds and finds a 62 year old male on the ground surrounded by guardian angels kneeling to offer support. The patient had fallen to the ground hitting his head. He was addled to the point he did not know what happened or where he was . EMS was called. The gentleman's wife was present but was too distraught to dr:ive her vehicle to the hospital. She rode to the hospital in the ambulance. How was she going to get back to the park? An angel spoke up and said he and his wife would drive her vehicle to the hospital so it would be available for her when she was ready to return to the park. This is just one more example of how wonderful the Vogel guest is. They look out for each other.
Afamily trip
By David Foot James Brown, Jr. came in the visitor center one November day and asked if someone could show him the CCC Museum. I was free so I told him it would be a pleasure to give him a tour. James was with his wife, daughter Brande and grandson. Brande said the trip to Vogel to see the CCC Museum was her Christmas gift to her dad. She knew her dad had an interest in the three C's because James' dad, Brande's grandfather, was a CCC boy at Vogel State Park. James enjoyed his visit paying close attention, hoping to see bis dad in one of the photos of the Vogel camp. James remembers the pride his dad had in the work he performed when he was in the CCC camp. James recalled trips to Vogel for picnics when his dad showed his family the projects he worked on. He helped build the dam to impound the lake, the roads and the building at Neel Gap. Back in the 1940's these picnics were an adventure. James recalls his mother getting up at 2 a.m. to fry chicken and pack the picnic lunch . They had to leave early as it was a five hour drive from Douglas County. Remember, the roads were a lot more primitive back then so travel was a lot slower. When they got to Vogel the family would spend three hours swimming, eating and riding the paddleboats. They always regretted having to go home but dad had to face a five hour drive on the return trip. Many years have passed since these trips, but the tradition lives on for this family. Travel times may have shrunk and gas prices may have risen 700%, but the thrill of visiting Vogel is the same. Make a visit to Vogel part of your family tradition.

STREAM, FIRE & NAP Jeff Johnson of Dawsonville, Georgia found this winning combination to be a fine way to de-stress from his day job of being a police officer. A warm campfire with the babbling sounds of Wolf Creek can only create one thing. Relaxation and eventual sleep.
More than he bargained for

By David Foot Arnold Green grew up in Strongsville, Ohio during the Depression. Like most families during this time, the Green family had. a tough go of it. At the age of 17 Arnold made the decision to join the CCC so he could help his family by moving out so one less mouth had to be fed and to provide money for his parents. Arnold went to a camp in Idaho where he worked hard and had a good time. This all took place near the end of the .CCC program around 1941. One day some men came to the camp looking to hire some boys for contract work. They were promised good pay , opportunities for travel and adventure. This sounded pretty good. The men who worked for a military contractor knew a CCC boy was in good physical shape and was not afraid of hard work. The contractor was responsible for building airfields. They didn't tell these boys the airfields to be built were halfway around the world at a little known place called Wake Island.

The airfields were being constructed to provide a series of island hopping locations for military aircraft for South Pacific defense. During construction, Wake Island was overrun by the Japanese taking the civilian contractors as prisoners of war. This was extremely frightening as the enemy did not differentiate between American civilians or American soldiers.
Arnold got more than he bargained for when he agreed to work for this company.
He was now a prisoner of war, on a far distant island, half a world away from his family.
He would be in this predicament for four years until the island was liberated and he was freed. Could Arnold have survived this horrible experience had he not been a CCC Boy?
We would like to think his CCC experience made bis POW experience more bearable.
Arnold may not have been a soldier, but he was a hero none the less.

The comforts of home came along with this camper with power, water
and the ever reliable rabbit ears
for the television. Due to new
technology, after this year, this scene
will be a shot from the past.

Alan and Brenda Couch of Gainesville, GA have found a way to beat the gas crunch. They were seen hauling their boat to Lake Trahlyta via motor scooter. Consider joining others who have found pleasure in canoeing and kayaking on Vogel 's beautiful lake.
(Non-motorized boats are allowed during daylight hours only .)

By Andrew Huff January 2008

Anxious feet slip into well-worn boots Eyes turn towards the task ahead. Today I won't move mountains I'll move among them .
The rising path stands ready to accept me. Limbs reach higher
Longing for the brilliant blue of the sky. My heart beats with joy.
For this is my place This is where I'm found .
Road gives way to soil. Treading across fallen leaves
My body finds rhythm. Making music only I hear. The sunburns bright and warm. Shade covers. Water runs-clear and cold . My spirit sings.
For this is my place. This is where I'm found. Up the next hill, Across the far-away ridge. I can feel it. My reward is near .
Now I am here. Cloudy cotton surrounds me
Rolling hills reach out A hazy world remains below. This is my place. I am found.

30s
From page 1
to make Vogel a better place to work and play. 2008's banquet theme was celebrating the 75th anniversary of the New Deal. In order to accomplish this the banquet was decorated in Depression era theme.
The housekeeping staff wanted to immerse themselves in the theme by makjng dresses that were reminiscent of the 1930's. They went one step further by reusing mate-

rial from curtains that had been removed from the cottages.
This reuse of material was exactly what would have been done 75 years earlier by their grandmothers.
The next time you throw something away consider how it might be reused. It could end up being something you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Page 7

Staff & Employees

Voice of Vogel

David Foot Park Manager
David Foot, park manager shown during a rare reflective moment. David has been em-
ployed by the Georgia De-
. -rr. ... partment of Natural Resources for thirty years, 24 of which he has been manager of Vogel State Park. He has enjoyed his
career with the department but especially the time he has spent at Vogel. Vogel has been blessed with an outstanding staff over the years, which have always gone above and beyond to work together to provide the best customer service to the park guest. David cannot speak enough about the quality ofguest that visits Vogel. Many families have been coming to the park for generations . David has watched children of guests grow up on the park to even(ually bring their children to enjoy the same quality outdoor fun. David was asked once, "If you could do it all over again, would you go into the same career?" His answer was an unequivocal. "You betcha!"
Bath time
The lifeguards who were hired to guard the beach during the summers of the l 940's and 50's slept in the bunk:room under the log beach house. There were showers but they did not have hot water. The guards knew the lake water had to be warmer than the cold spring water that supplied the park so it only made sense to bathe in the lake. When all the guests had left for the day, the guards would get out on the dock, lather up with Lifebouy Soap and dive into the lake to rinse off. They would then be fresh as ever, ready to go square dance with the girls who were visiting the park with their families. Oh, the simple life.

Randy Gambrell has been Assistant Manager of Vogel for

eight years. He has been with the Georgia Department of Natu-

ral Resources for 15 years. As assistant Randy is responsible

for guest services insuring the cottages are properly equipped

and supervises the housekeeping staff.

Randy is also responsible for scheduling all the music programs

throughout the year including the very popular Mountain Music

Festival. Randy does all the other ranger duties as well such as

law enforcement, assisting the maintenance staff coordinating

the volunteer program and participating on the DNR Search

and Rescue Team. Randy has a delightful family with wife Lynn

supporting him from behind the scenes . Leannah and Luke are

their two children.



Sharon Kidd, Vogel's Administrative Assistant has been at Vogel in one capacity or another for 33 years. That's not too shabby for someone who claims to be 39 :Years old. Sharon started out flipping hamburgers and cooking hotdogs in the park concession as a teenager. She has moved up through the ranks to be an indispensable part of the Vogel Team. Today Sharon is responsible for all aspects of administration, including accounts payable, bookkeeping, and whatever else it takes to keep David Foot, Park Manager out of trouble.

Gwen Graphman, Clerk, has been with Vogel for one year.

Gwen and her family have been camping at Vogel for years and

finally decided to make the big move from Florida to the moun-

tains. When Gwen decided to apply for the job we were excited

but we had a moment of doubt whether we had made the right

decision from what we heard on her first day on the job. The

phone rang and Gwen answered it with a cheery, "Hello, this is

Disney World, how can I help you?" For some reason there was

dead air space on the other end. So the good customer service

representative that we hired Gwen as, she repeated her phone

greeting. Gwen then heard screaming on the other end of the line

while at the same time an employee was nudging her to say she no longer worked for the mouse.

Gwen corrected herself and apologized profusely. The caller's screams were out of excitement

thinking they had just won a vacation. Needless to say working in the visitor center has been

interesting since Gwen has come on. We are extremely pleased with Gwen's customer service

skills. She welcomes everyone with a smile.



Janette Watson is Vogel's Visitor Center Store Manager. Janene has been with the Vogel team for eight years . Prior to that she and her husband Henry were campground hosts at the park. They decided living was preny good in the mountains and decided to move up from Florida . As store manager Janene is responsible for purchasing everything that is for sale. Whether it is perishable and non-perishable food items, fishing supplies, gifts, camping supplies or apparel, Janene has proven she has outstanding taste and an eye for what the discriminating Vogel guest needs. Janette may very well be the one who
b ::!:~:=::..:...:....'..J:_:J!!!!I answers the phone or greets the guests at the front desk as well.

Limlas to the Rescue: Going home after work one evening from their job as housekeepers, Linda Fortenberry and Linda Stancil came upon a motorcycle accident just north of the park. They noticed the motorcyclist lying on the ground with his bike on top of his leg. He couldn ' t move from the weight. Both Lindas offered to help him by removing the bike so he could get up. He said, " No, }OU won't be able to lift this heavy bike. " Linda Fortenberry replied, "Oh , you might be surprised." The Lindas were able to lift the bike to allow the .,___ _ _ ____.....,_ _ _ ___,
motorcyclist to crawl out from under it. This just goes to show: Don't underestimate the power of a country girl. (By the way, the accident victim was not hurt.)

While placing signage for a new re-route on the Coosa Backcountry

Lost Rangers find lost hikers

ness skills of many years in the woods and lots of

Trail, rangers David Foot and Randy

.

bluffing, the rangers were

Gambrell found themselves confused with where the trail had been able to find the trail and confidently direct the lost hikers in the

placed. While they were reconnoitering the error of their way , correct direction without a hint that they were lost as well. The

they heard voices coming through the woods away from any trail. moral of the story is: no matter how inept you may be at any one

What would the chances be that two highly trained search and moment, it is possible to bluff your way to reassurance . This

rescue rangers were right there when three lost individuals needed incident aided the rangers in identifying a turn in the trail that

them most? These rangers were able to direct the lost hikers to needed additional signage to discourage this from happening to

the trail once the rangers found it themselves. Using theii: wilder- the next hiker coming down the trail.

The Vogel maintenance crew is comprised of three hardworking individuals. From left to right: Glenn Alderman (Seasonal), Roger Phillips (Ranger) and Tony Cruce (General Trades Craftsman). Despite being two positions down due to budget cuts, this crew accomplishes an amazing amount of work during a year's time. Consider the fact that this crew is basically serving an infrastructure not unlike a small town. With over 50 structures, a water and wastewater system , small engiries and large equipment to maintain, a fleet of vehicles, plumbing and electrical systems, trash disposal and whatever else might break down, there is always work to be done . Tony was overheard saying, "This isn't a job, it's an adventure. " That pretty well sums it up as every day presents new challenges . It is fun to work with this crew hence the reason they are called the Three Stooges .
The housekeeping staff is composed of six wonderful ladies who work tirelessly keeping the park cottages and restrooms clean. This is a rare scene with three of them sining atonce. Of course this photo was staged, but not without complaining. As they were being seated, they were saying we can't afford to be still, we have too much to do. From left to right are Gay Cross, Wanda Green and Dale Culberson. Linda Stancil, Linda Fortenberry and Michelle Cruce are the other housekeeping staff. It is interesting to note that each one of these ladies were once production workers in garment factories. Having left employment or been laid off they found work with Vogel. Their experience with making blue jeans or shirts has paid off for Vogel State Park. They know the importance of doing the job right the first time and meeting deadlines . When you see this outstanding staff out and about, pat them on the back and thank them for a job well done.
Michelle Cruce is the newest staff member. She is generally not seeri as she is responsible for handling the laundry operation that supports the housekeeping staff. Michelle has proven to be a go-getter taking pride in her work. She is a delight to be around and has a great sense of humor.

Page8

Search and

Rescue Team

By David Foot

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Search and Rescue Team is on duty to

THE HIKE AND ENCOUNTER

save a life. The team is com-

New Years Day 2008 was beau-

prised of volunteers from Parks tiful. The sky was clear and the air

& Historic Sites, Wildlife Re- temperature was perfect, not too

sources, and Environmental warm not too cool. Meredith

Protection. The team's purpose Emerson thought this was an ideal

is to perform search and rescue on DNR properties as well as assist on missions through

opportunity to take a hike with her beloved Labrador Ella. The ride up from Buford was quiet as the Atlanta traffic was taking a holiday as

the Georgia Emergency Man- well. Meredith did not tell anyone

agement Agency. The team is specifically where she and Ella

trained in survival, technical rock rappelling, Incident Command, ground searching and first aid.Hopefully you will never have a need for the services of this team. But you can

were going to hike. Her hikes always took her to north Georgia somewhere and on this particular day she had no idea where she was going when she left the house. As they drove up and over Neel Gap and pulled into Byron Reece park-

rest easy knowing there are ing area the stresses ofeveryday life

trained rangers ready to come to the aid of a guest in distress. David Foot, Park Manager and Randy Gambrell, Assistant Manager are Vogel's represen-

seemed to melt away. Whenever she hiked Blood Mountain this is where she parked. There were some other cars in the parking lot so she knew she would have other encounters with hikers who were out to experi-

tatives on the team.

ence this New Year just as she was.

The hike to the top of Blood

Mountain went quickly. Both she and

Ella were in excellent shape.

Meredith was in a martial arts class

and Ella was in a class herself learn-

ing to be a caregiver canine. The

view was outstanding. Matter of

fact, Meredith thought she saw the Search and rescue team members practice Atlanta skyline to the south.

ice rescue on Vogel's Lake Trahlyta. Yes, Meredith passed several solitary

the lake does freeze over during the winter, hikers and others who Were walk-

posing ahazard to individuals who venture ing in pairs. There were the usual

out onto the ice. In the unfortunate event acknowledgements of, "hello",

that someone should fall through the ice, "what a beautiful dog" and "have a

the park is prepared to attempt aresuce. nice day". She came upon one man

Helmets required walking his dog. He stopped to ask her a question and then started talk-

Georgia State Law requires all children ages 15 and younger to wear a bicycle helmet. This law is enforced to

ing about the dogs and how they seemed to get along. This hiker seemed friendly enough and they started to walk down the trail. They talked about hiking, Blood Moun-

keep your family safe. Every tain and dogs. They encountered

year park rangers respond to several hikers as they were walk-

bicycle accidents. And some of these have to go to the emergency room. Bicycle helmets do prevent major injury and do save lives. Please, keep our

ing down the trail. This seemingly friendly hiker
a suddenly made 180 degree person-
ality change. He began to grab Meredith and pull her to the ground.
Instead offalling, Meredith's skills

children safe by insuring they in martial arts took over and she

are wearing a helmet every began to kick, scratch, punch and

time they are on a bicycle. make every effort to get away. Un-

Georgia Law 40-6-296.

fortunately, this man was more powerful and was able to subdue

Meredith, knocking her unconscious.

He pulled her off the trail, watch-

ing for the trail traffic to stop. He

then carried Meredith down the trail

to the Byron Reece Parking lot. He

placed Meredith and Ella and his

dog in his van. He then drove off.

Leannah and Luke, children of Randy and Lynn Gambrell, are being safe bicycle riders wearing their helmets.

THESEARCH
When Meredith didn't come to work on January 2nd, her boss called her home to check on her. Her room-

Safety.

Tragedy on Blood Mountain

mate was concerned as well. Her roommate called Meredith's parents in Colorado. Her parents contacted the National Park Service in Colorado, who in tum contacted the National Park Service (NPS) in Harpers Ferry, WV. The NPS is responsible for the Appalachian Trail (AT) as part of the National
Scenic Trail network. The ranger at Harpers Ferry contacted Amicalola Falls State Park, the southern starting point of the AT. At this point there still was no idea as to where Meredith could have been hiking. Bill Tanner, Manager af Amicalola sent out an e-mail to all north Georgia State Parks asking those sites to check trail heads and parking lots to see if Meredith's car was there. David Foot checked the park. He then received a call to check Byron Reece as word had been received that Meredith sometimes hiked Blood Mountain. The vehicle was found covered in snow as the weather went sour the night before. The temperature was in the twenties at the time.
With this discovery immediate steps were taken to activate a search. The Union County Emergency Management Agency took charge of the search. There was no success as night turned to daylight. The search then began to escalate as more search teams were called in. The Blood Mountain Wilderness is located in very treacherous terrain. This danger was compounded with the snow and ice on bare rocks. This was a job that could only be handled by trained searchers.
The command that had been set up at the parking lot soon was too confining with all the personnel who were planning the search. The decision was made to re-locate the Incident Command to the CCC Museum at Vogel. Vogel offered power, parking, phone service, comfort and warm space for the command staff. This search was now taking on a life of its own. The news media was making calls. It was de-
cided to offer the media space at the park so a Union County Public Information Officer could hold briefings. Friday morning, January 4th found the visitor center parking lot filled with satellite trucks from seven Atlanta and National news networks.
At this point there were now more than 60 agencies involved in the search for Meredith. These agencies included seven search and rescue dog teams from throughout Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Law enforcement agencies were conducting a very extensive investigation. More than 15 Georgia counties had sent trained searchers. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provided command staff and search personnel as well. With all this activity and per-sonnel the logistics of housing and feeding these hundreds of individu-

als was escalating. Because of the danger of searching the wilderness at night, except for dog teams, all personnel were pulled out of the woods. This massive response made it necessary to house and feed the teams. The response from the Union County community was overwhelming. With a few phone calls, churches, businesses, individuals, and area restaurants began a massive feeding effort focused at the park's group shelter. At one point the shelter was opened 24 hours to take care of the command personnel who worked around the clock.
THEOUTCOME
Early in the search a person of interest was identified. This individual had a history of numerous contacts with north Georgia law enforcement. He was known to camp in remote areas throughout north Georgia. Gary Hilton was arrested and eventually confessed to the killing of Meredith. He showed law enforcement where he had left Meredith in the Dawson Forest about 50 miles from Blood Mountain. Hilton is being connected with the murders of other individuals in wild areas of North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina.
LESSONS LEARNED
Meredith was pursuing her passion of hiking in a way many of us have done over the years. She was by herself and had not told anyone where she was going. Meredith would want us to learn from her tragedy. The following are basic rules when anyone goes out in the wild. Whether it is hunting, bird watching, fishing, boating, hiking, or just leaving the house to go to the store, follow these simple rules.
Always tell a responsible person what your plans are. Give them an itinerary with specific details of where you will be leaving from, the route to be followed and when you will return. Advise them what to do if you do not return as planned.
Know where you are going. Study maps and know how to read a map and compass. Or, if yo~ are
Slow down
The speed limit throughout the park is 15 miles per hour. With all the pedestrian traffic it is imperative that drivers pay attention to this law. Many of the children ' and even some of the adults are not paying attention to what they are doing or where they are walking. Park law enforcement rangers will enforce the speed limit. Please don't be a statistic. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY.

Voice of Vogel

savvy with technology carry a GPS

and map. (Do not solely depend upon

GPS devices as they are not fool

proof. They operate off of batteries

that can lose power and you have to

hav,e good satellite coverage.)

Don't travel alone. There is

safety in numbers. This is true to

discourage someone who might do

harm or to be of help if there is an

injury. It is also more fun to share

your experience with a friend.

Know the weather forecast for

the duration of your adventure and

beyond. Be prepared for changing

weather.

Meredith was dressed appro-

priately for day hiking, but had she

had to spend the night she probably

would not have survived the snow

and extreme cold. Dress in layers

and avoid cotton (cotton absorbs

moisture and does not dry rapidly,

cooling the body). Wear clothing

that will wick moisture away from

the body.

Carry a survival kit. This

would include: matches, flashlight,

outer rain proof material such as a

large garbage bag, and energy bar.

Carry a cell phone.

Although cell phone service is

sporadic in the mountains it may be

of use. Be sure it has a charged bat-

tery.

.

Be confident and have a healthy

attitude when you go out in the wild.

Be in good physical shape so you

will not get exhausted.

Be aware of who and what is

around you at all times. If you feel

uncomfortable around someone, get

away as soon as possible. (It is sur-

mised that Hilton won the confi-

dence of Meredith thereby catching

her off guard.)

Meredith would be the first to

tell everyone to get out and enjoy

the woods. She would not want to

discourage anyone from enjoying the

beauty she loved experiencing. She

would however, want us to learn

from her experience. Follow the

simple rules outlined and you will

be safer for it.

Editors note: The specific details in this story are merely conjecture. Since Meredith was hiking alone, we will never know ex-
actly what happened.

Voice of Vogel

Volunteers

Page9

Volunteer Day

Be a priceless volunteer

April 18, 2009 will be Volunteer Day. Note that the weekend has changed due to the tradi- tional second weekend in April is Easter. Volunteer Day is always a fun day of work and fellowship as over a hundred individuals come out to the park for spring-cleaning. Projects will include painting, staining, construction, planting, digging, raking and sweeping. Consider participating in this wonderful (jay of accomplishments. Volunteer Day 2008 saw 141 volunteers cleaning the beach, spreading ground mulch, staining, building a deck at cottage 13, planting trees and cleaning gardens. Besides the work, the volunteers eat as well. Breakfast and lunch are served as well as an evening banquet that is always an entertaining event. Please sign up today for next year's Volunteer Day by calling the park at 706-745-2628 or stopping by the visitor center. Consider thinking of Volunteer Day as an adventure not a day of work.

A Vogel volunteer was asked once, "What do you get paid?" The volunteer's response was priceless. He said with a deadpan expression, "I don't get paid, they can't afford me." This is very true. Vogel has been blessed with a wonderful cadre of volunteers over the years. Vogel would not be in the cared for condition it is today were it not for the loving attention given it by the scores of volunteers who take time to share.
Vogel offers numerous opportunities for volunteers to share their talents. Gene and Betty Sexton of Cumming, Georgia have been campground hosts for several seasons at Vogel. They are shown here cleaning the memory walkway located in front of the beach. Volunteers perform tasks that probably would not get done otherwise, because the park has been short staffed for several years.
Consider being a once a year volunteer by joining many oth-

ers on Volunteer Work Day to perform spring-cleaning of the park. This is a wonderful opportunity to re-new old friendships while sprucing the park up at the same time.
The Vogel Volunteers are a core group ofcouples and individuals who assist the park staff in preparing for interpretive programs and raise funds for special projects. This dedicated group of folks has raised thousands of dollars to provide specialized equipment the park could not afford otherwise. Purchases include: maintenance equipment, public safety equipment (Ice rescue suit, Fire fighting equipment, Law enforcement patrol bicycle), programming equipment (Laptop computer, Interpretive displays for museum, Audio visual equipment), and of course the funds were acquired to develop the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. The Vogel Volunteers are presently raising funds to rebuild the 1930's era beach house roof to replace the 1960's era pavilion roof. Consider being a Vogel Volunteer where what you do makes a difference. Your efforts will be appreciated.

A COIDIDUDity rallies

By David Foot As tragic as the Meredith Emerson incident was, it had a bright side. The infusion of hundreds of searchers and more than a score of public safety agencies involved in the incident created a problem that had to be corrected quickly. How do you feed all these people, many of whom would be working 24 hours a day? When it is cold and wet and you have been trudging for hours through the snow you want nourishment that will re-energize you. Eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread just doesn't make it. How do you get enough food to handle L.1.e task? You make a few phone calls and you put a plea out to the local

community. Very shortly individuals for Meredith. Another male volunteer

begin bringing in hot soup and home- said be just had to come to help. He had

made sausage biscuits. Churches begin a daughter and was doing this for her.

coordinating among themselves to plan This gentleman stayed up all night to in-

entire meals. Church members work 12 sure dog team handlers coming in from

hour shifts to insure there are plenty of the mountain search had a warm meal

personnel to prepare and serve the to eat. Church mission groups provided

meals.

disposable paper products and utensils.

Restaurants call to ask if 100 com- Major businesses provided soft drinks,

plete meals will be sufficient. One snacks, and fruit. Preparing over 1800

church brought enough hamburger and meals over six days was a major under-

hotdogs, the grill and volunteers to pre- . taking.

pare enough to feed over 100 search

You don't have to be a fireman or

personnel. One volunteer came to the trained searcher to make a contribution

group shelter to deliver some food with in an effort such as this. The donation of

every intention to go back home, but time to prepare the meals, serve,

found herself staying for days hoping to cleanup, greet or just give an encourag-

make a small contribution in the search ing word to a tired and frustrated

searcher are all contributions that brought a community together.
. This effort was not unlike what would have taken place 100 years ago in this Appalachian Region when a citizen was in trouble. Neighbors would pitch in to insure crops were harvested, the family was fed and the children had clothes. In our cynical world we see so much selfishness. I can honestly say that there was no selfishness in Union County and at Vogel State Park six days in January 2008. The community contributed to making a terrible situation a little more bearable with their generosity. I am extremely proud of the citizens of this mountain region. They came to the rescue when a young lady needed help.

Memory Walkway at Vogel

Vogel Volunteers

The Memory Walkway located along

the promenade in front of the beach is

seven years old this year. Consider leav-

ing a lasting memory of your family trips

to Vogel in the form of an engraved brick.

This Vogel Volunteer project is a fund

raising program that puts money directly

back into the park. The bricks are $50 each. Three lines of engrav-

ing are allowed with 14 characters including spaces per line. Make

checks payable to the Vogel Volunteer's, Inc. c/o Vogel State Park,

7485 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. An order form

r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , is available at the front registration desk in the visitors center.

I

Vogel State Park Memory Walkway Order Form

I NAdadmree-ss_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _State I Phone______E-mail

Zip ----

1 Number of bricks:

x $50

I I have enclosed a check or money order in the amount of $

.00

Mail to: Vogel State Park Memory Walkway Project

I

c/oVogel State Park, 7485 Vogel State Park Rd.

I

Blairsville, GA 30512

I Brick should be engraved as follows

--

1-. ---- . -------

1------ . -------
L-------------------~

Kenney. and Debbie Rucker of Cherokee County have been Vogel Volunteers for over ten years. However, their history with Vogel goes back even further as dedicated campers. These two outstanding volunteers and their children have contributed thousands of hours to the park. They have served in various officer positions with the Vogel Volunteer organization, with Kenney most recently filling the position of president. Kenny and Debbie have been the backbone of the Vogel Volunteers along with a core group of other couples.
- Ryan and Katie, their children, have been raised under the Vogel roof. We have considered them our "kids" as well. Being a Vogel Volunteer is a wonderful way to raise a family. Ryan and Katie are prime examples of good kids.

They have pitched in with the rest of the volunteers getting dirty and having fun. We generally always knew what the kids were up to. One exception to this was when Katie came up missing when she was about six. The park staff moved into overdrive to initiate a search for her, only to discover Katie walking around the lake with strangers. Even then, Katie was in the sociable mode having acquired some of her personality traits working with

other volunteers. Kenney works for Geor-
gia Power and has been instrumental in recruiting fellow Georgia Power workers to the ranks of the volunteers. Debbie is a homemaker who provides daycare for children of friends. For the past couple of years Debbie has been the lead on feeding the hundreds of workers on Volunteer Day. She has the art of breakfast and lunch for several hundred people down to a science. Her home cooking is always a delight to enjoy. Consider becoming a Vogel Volunteer like the Ruckers. It is a great opportunity to bring your family together and meet new friends. Vogel is a special place because of volunteers like Kenney and Debbie. Join the volunteers today so you can share your time, energy and talents as well.

Voice of Vogel

Thought _you would want to know

Vogel fun

By Carli Rose Kidd Vogel has so much to offer all the time (24/ 7). In the winter,- I always have snowball fights with the guys and girls who work here. In the summer, we throw water balloons and squirt squirt guns at each other. It's so much fun! The summer temperatures are perfect for kids learning how to ride a bike. I've been to most of Vogel's fishing rodeos. I always bring my best friend along. We still have fun ... even ifwe don't catch anything. Cake walks are fun too. I took a housekeeper named Susan on her very first paddleboat ride. I always draw interesting pictures and hang them in mom's office. I love ringing up the customers and helping Janette price things. Also in the summer there are a lot of things to do. At Vogel it is never boring. Our summer naturalist, Stephanie Butts, plans activities like hiking, bug hunting, learning about the woods and Vogel's history, sand castle building competitions, paddleboat races, tubing and much more. Vogel also might have a talent show. Here at Vogel you will meet nice friendly people and an awesome staff. Every summer I encourage you to come to Vogel and enjoy your time with us. Hope to see you there! Editor's note: Carli is the daughter of Sharon and Charlie Kidd. Sharon is Vogel's secretary who has been working at Vogel for 36 years. Sharon started as a seasonal employee at age 16 flipping hamburgers.
Memories
From page4
time he would see me, he would just snicker. In retrospect, though, it didn't matter.
This was Vogel, a special place where experiences like this just added to our book of wonderful memories, which would have many pages added over the next thirtynine years. There were many more experiences for us, from merely 1musing to just plain hilarious. Those are stories for another time, but they linger with us as fond memories of good times gone by.
We never went back to Florida. Vogel became our annual destination. That's what our children wanted. That's what Nancy and I wanted. We were drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I can only surmise that it was because nowhere in Florida, or anywhere else for that matter, will one find the enchantment like that created by the ghost of Princess Trahlyta hovering over that beautiful little valley nestled in the shadows of Blood Mountain. The boys have long since grown into adulthood, and now have their own families with which to build memories. The cabins have been modernized, upgrades have been made and old friends we have met there have gone on before us. But Vogel remains the same special place, and Nancy and I try to visit every chance we get, andnot just for summer vacation. It has become a part ofus, and even now, as we round the bend and pass Walasiyi, we are just as excited as we were forty years ago that we are almost there.
When I was younger I enjoyed songwriting. It wasn't my forte but I enjoyed it. Like anyone writing verse, I did so by being inspired in some way. Most of my inspiration came from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the influence of Vogel emerged in almost every song I wrote. The last verse in one of those songs, "/ Wandered Through The Hills", pre.tty much sums up my feelings about this magical little place:
"When my days on earth are ending and the old pine box is ordered, I'll only make this one last demand. Bury my bones on the Union County border, So I'll be forever in the promised land!"

Vogel State Park hikers can be very resourceful

Photo by Emily Wilson

Afew mountain remedies

The park staff was sitting in the of- a wad of chewed tobacco over the sting

fice one day when someone mentioned bite to draw out the stinger. Dab nail

they had a cut on the finger. Linda, one polish over chigger bites to kill the bug.

of the housekeepers told the person to

BED BUGS: Fortunately, this is not

place a spider web over the cut to stop a major problem these days, but they

the bieeding and heal the wound. The in- can still appear. However, back in the

dividual decided not to follow her advise Depression days of the 1930's, bed bugs

but instead got a Bandaid from the medi- were common. Individuals would wake

cal kit and applied it. Hearing this moun- up in the morning and find their bed lin-

tain remedy gave me the idea of this ar- ens blood red from the bug bites. Bum a

ticle. So, I questioned the staff that have wool rag with sulfur and red pepper in

grown up in the mountains as to what else an iron skillet. Let it smolder in the room

they may have learned from their parents till it goes out. The fumes will kill any

and grandparents about medical remedies. bug it comes in contact with. However,

Keep in mind this was way before walk- you won't be able to go back in the house

in clinics, health insurance and HMO's. for several days until the odor dissipates.

Some of the other mountain remedies

BURNS: The juice from the Aloe

that they have used have included:

plant makes an ideal soothing agent to

TEETII: Brush your teeth with a twig cool the bum. Running cold water over

from a Blackgum tree. Mash the end of the bum cools the bum down. Do not

the twig till it is flat and apply soot from use butter as this will .only aggravate

the chimney (tooth paste) and brush your the bum. Do not break the blisters.

teeth. Rinse well and spit well. Vanilla Dress with a sterile bandage. If the blis-

flavoring is good for a toothache. Chew ter should break, apply antibiotic and

pine rosin that has oozed from a tree to dress.

clean your teeth.

CONGESTION: Bake onions and

UPSE-T STOMACH: Mix flour and squ~eze the juice out. Place drops of

water as a drink to settle an upset stom- onion juice on sugar to give to the baby

ach. Drink warm Jello to settle an upset to break loose congestion in the chest.

stomach. Eat a raw Irish potato to settle

SKIN SORES: Mash soap and sugar

an upset stomach. Eat blackberries for together until suds appear. Place on sore.

an upset stomach.

Rub lye soap on sores to clear them up.

POISON IVY: Mix the flower ofWild Boil Yellow Root in Vaseline to place

Touch-Me-Not in alcohol in a mason jar. on sores. Rub green Black Walnut hulls

Hold till you need and place on poison on cracked fingers to heal the cracks.

ivy or poison oak. A sure cure to get rid Your hands will tum black.Or you can

of the itch.

go down to the neighborhood pharmacy

BEE STINGS: Make a moist mash and get an over the counter remedy that

of meat tenderizer and place over bee might work just as well.Place fat back

sting. This will draw the stinger out. Place on a boil to draw it out.

Rainy day activties

The following are some tips on how to take advantage of your vacation during rain. Set up the blue tarp. Make sure it is large enough to cover the site so you can have a campfire, the eating area is covered and everyone can enjoy sitting without getting damp. If you are in a tent or pop-up be sure they are covered as well. Attend a park program. Have board games and cards to play with. It the weather is not dangerous, take awalk in the rain. Make this a family affair.

Read a book. Visit a real estate office and dream about owning apiece of north Georgia. Browse antique shops in the area. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn about America's first gold rush. Visit the Old Courthouse in Blairsville. Visit Atlanta so see: Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, Cyclorama, Braves game. Despite rain, aVogel vacation can still be enjoyed. Make lasting memories that will be remembered.

Page 10
The Vine that ate the South
By David Foot Mile-a-minute and foot-anight vine are not names of some prehistoric vegetation but of a vine that everyone has encountered who has ever traveled throughout Georgia. This fast growing weed called kudzu was once planted for its many benefits. The kudzu vine can grow up to a foot a day and 60 feet during a summer. The vine can be found draping over trees and climbing power poles. The kudzu vine overtakes fields and hides gullies. Old tales tell of having to close windows at night lest the vine crawl in while folks are sleeping. Kudzu was introduced to the United States in 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in 'Philadelphia. The 100th birthday saw many countries celebrating with us, including Japan. The Japanese had a beautiful garden that featured a large leaf vine with sweet smelling blooms called kudzu. This vine captured the imagination of American gardeners and would soon be found being used as an ornamental. In the 1920's the plant was being promoted as a good forage crop and was being sold by nurseries in Florida. Farmers were paid as much as $8 per acre to plant this fast growing vine. The plant worked so well for erosion control the Civilian Conservation Corps was assigned the task of planting kudzu throughout the south. During the 1940' s Channing Cope of Covington, Georgia traveled the south to promote the planting of kudzu. He organized Kudzu Clubs to honor what he called "The miracle vine." In the 1950's the Soil Conservation Service which was originally responsible for promoting the wonder plant lost interest in its use. This was a major disappointment for Mr. Cope. The USDA declared kudzu a weed in 1972! Despite being classified as a weed, the plant has had many uses through the centuries. These have included: Herbal medicine formulated by the Chinese that today is being researched in the treatment of alcoholism. Jelly, syrup, tea, culinary dishes, and baskets are made from the blossoms and vines. The next time you see kudzu spreading across the southern landscape, thank a CCC Boy. He could very well have been responsible for planting the vine that is eating the south.

Voice of Vogel
Reminiscing

Around the Park

Page 11

You have to work the holiday?

By David Foot Interestingly, the ages of the individual staff members of Vogel State Park are all in their late 40's and early 50's. This close age range posed some similar experiences that we all laughed about when they were shared. We were dredging up memories from when we were seven, eight and nine years old. Now that is quite a long time ago, but apparently the memories were so good they were worth remembering. One common memory was the fact that when we left the house on a summer morning to go out and play we were sometimes gone till after dark or until mom called us home. We might eat lunch at a friend's house or grab some groceries from the pantry and eat it in our hidden club house or tree house. Our parents weren't worried about us. They knew who we were with and if mom hollered loud enough or rang the bell long enough we knew we better get home. No one was worried about child abduction. All ofus knew not to go with strangers and if we had an encounter with someone we told our parents. Roger Phillips, park ranger, remembers playing with his brother Ronnie with their trucks in a dirt pile. He said they would create construction sites, build roads and tunnels and have dirty blue jean knees. His most impressive memory of the dirt play was his paralyzed lips at the end of the day. Their lips were numb from making truck and tractor sounds. When I heard this description I knew exactly what he was talking about. I too would play for hours in the sand with my matchbox toys. We didn't spend pours in front of the television or on the computer cruising the internet. If we were talking to a friend over a long distance it was via two tin cans tied.to a string. We didn't play video games hours on end. Instead we played outside in the woods, streams and open fields. We must have done something right when we were growing up as we turned out pretty good. We see the same thing happening with families who are vacationing on the park. Youngsters are seen running through the woods, playing in the streams, digging on the beach, making new friends and renewing old acquaintances. Isn't it interesting that families continue to come back to Vogel, many times at the request of their children? Perhaps Vogel is offering something that entices children in the same way that the Vogel staff enjoyed play when they were youngsters. Take time to share your childhood memories with your children. What made you happy? Perhaps you can relive those memories once again by lying in a field watching the clouds and use your imagination as to what the formations resemble. Take your shoes offand walk in Wolf Creek. Join a pick up game of softball and make new friends. Keep it simple and have a good time.
Horse whisperer
Vogel had horses at one time to be used by the riding public. Guests could take trail rides through the mountains for a nominal fee. Employees of the concessionaire who operated the park at the time led these rides. One employee decided to fit the image of the rough and ready Wild West cowboy by refusing to take a bath all summer long. Guests and fellow employees claim he never took his boots off either. Now that experience would have definitely given the riding customer more than he paid for.

By David Foot
Working holidays is part of being a park ranger. Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day will see much of the staff on duty handling the summer crowds. When a prospective employee is interviewed for a job, emphasis is placed on the fact that this individual will be working when everyone else is playing. The park needs to keep running much like a small town.
Two holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, will also see a ranger on duty. The Site Manager and Assistant Manager will swap holiday duty and alternate each year to make coverage as equitable a~ possible. The rest of the staff is given off on these two days. Living and working on the park offers unique challenges to the staff and their families. As a new young assistant at Magnolia Springs State Park I got sick the week of July Fourth and missed the big day. I

Water treatment

By David Foot
What goes in must

come out. This old axiom

applies to water treatment

at Vogel State Park. This

is perhaps a process many

of us may take for

granted. We flush the toi-

let and the contents disap-

pear. We tum the faucet

on and clean drinking wa-

.

ter appears. Just like TonyCrucetakeswaterreadmgatwaste-

magic we are able to con- water plant

tinually reuse this water over and over again.

It is not necessarily magic but science that converts

wastewater into drinking water. This science takes place

at Vogel's wastewater treatment plant located just below the dam at the north end of the lake. It all begins on Blood

Mountain behind the park when a raindrop percolates

through the soil to enter the underground aquifer (water

supply). The park's well taps into this hidden water source

to be piped throughout the park. As the water is used it

ends up in the sink drains and flows into the sewer pipes. Gravity is at work as the water flows to the wastewater

plant. When the "used" water gets to the treatment plant it

is ground up.

Actually the water is not ground up, but the solids that

are in the water. The water is then sent to a tank where it is

aerated with air from high volume air compressors. This

puts plenty of oxygen in the water to encourage aerobic

(microscopic bug) activity. These bugs help break down

the solids even more. The water is then allowed to settle

with the solids going to the bottom.

The water on the surface is skimmed dff and sent to a

tank with a series of baffles. This is the chlorine contact

chamber where sodium hypo-chlorite (chlorine) is injected.

The idea is for the chlorine to kill any bacteria before it

leaves the plant. When the water leaves this facility, grav-

ity is still at work sending it by pipe to Wolf Creek. We

have to insure the chlorine content is low enough that it will

not harm the trout that make Wolf Creek home.

The solids that were settled earlier are sent to an-

other chamber where they get mixed up with some more

air to create more trash eating bugs. After some time this water or sludge as we professionally call it, is pumped into

sand drying beds. As the water evaporates in the air, all

that is left is a crusty solid. This can then be shoveled off

and disposed of in an approved landfill.

Tony Cruce is the park's trained and licensed waste-

water treatment plant operator. Each year he has to go

through refresher training to keep up on new procedures.

Tests have to be performed daily and reports maintained to

insure we stay in compliance with environmental regula-

tions. So, the next time you flush that commode or brush

your teeth, think about the travels that water going down

the drain is about to make.

felt guilty that I was such a wimp. The manager understood and said the park will keep running even if we were both out, albeit with a lot more chaos.
A successful ranger needs to have the support of an understanding family. We may not celebrate a holiday on the traditional day but we will enjoy time together when things are not quite as hectic.
This article is being written on Thanksgiving. I just posted a sign on the visitor center door announcing the visitor center will be closed between noon and 2 p.m. My wife Pam and I will be taking advantage ofl an invitation to eat with some friends who come camping every year at Thanksgiving. The spread they put on is nothing but amazing. Hmmmm, come to think about it, maybe working the holiday isn't such a sacrifice after all.

Grits

By David Foot

This boy from Vermont met and married a girl from the deep-

south who swore she would never have anything to do with one of

those "Yankees". Apparently I met her during a weak moment.

This fine young lady came along with two sons.

On a trip back to Vermont to visit the grandparents, the first

thing Pamela discovered was they don't serve iced tea much above

Virginia. This was the first culture shock. The ever resourceful

Southerner Pam is, she would order a cup of hot tea and a glass of

ice. She made her own sweet iced tea right at the restaurant's

table. It was interesting to see the look on the waitress's face.

_Those people up north also don't know how to eat breakfast.

They might be able to produce oatmeal with some maple syrup, but

they have no idea what grits are. Those folks from where I came

from think grits grow on some tree that apparently isn't indigenous

to their lands.



I suppose the most telling point that I had returned to a different

world was when we went to a "wash-a-teria" to do some laundry.

As we were waiting for the clothes to get done the boys were doing

the typical things three and seven year olds do. They were walking

around talking to everyone in the laundromat trying to strike up a

conversation. You can take the boy out of the south but you can't

take the south out of the boy. We tried to keep them from bothering

the other customers only to be told by one woman, "Oh they're

fine, please don't stop them, we just love to hear their accent".

This southern stuff is pretty thick. Once you get use to it or at

least are around it for any length of time it begins to rub off on you.

Yes, I love sweet iced tea, grits, the accent and above all one fine

young southern woman who decided to take in a stray Yankee.

The 89th Date

Two years following the end of World War II a young couple decided to take a trip into the mountains and visit a relatively new park called Vogel near Blairsville.
This young couple by the names of Barbara Gann and Charlie Storm were a quarter of the way through their courtship. Now this seems like an unusual statement, but it is true. You see their date at Vogel State Park on October 5, 1947 was their 89th date out of 343 dates. Apparently they met each other's satisfaction because, 61 years later Barbara and Charlie Storm are still together enjoying trips to Vogel State Park.
Barbara kept a meticulous diary of her dates with Charlie. Every event was captured in writing and many photographs were taken as well. Being the typical male, Charlie has had the burden all these years of trying to remember specific dates. When Barbara would ask, "don't forget our Vogel anniversary," he would have to come up with an exact date, as she would have the evidence in writing and photos of the event.
Knowing it w.as impossible to remember 343 specific dates when he was quizzed, Charlie came up with a novel answer. "Every day I think of you I also think of the beauty of Vogel. How dare I remember this beauty on just one day, I will forever remember your beauty everyday I wake." Now Charlie was one smooth talker, but this statement won Barbara over in an instant. She knew she couldn't find a man with more of a silver tongue than her Charlie. She decided to keep him for a lifetime.
You see Vogel State Park has this effect on people. We have had couples coming to this mountain cove for many years, enjoying the same peace and serenity they remembered on their first Vogel date.

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Programming

Voice of Vogel

Every year the staff and volunteers decorate the park to celebrate the Christmas season. The large blue spruce in front of the Ranger's Residence is decorated with lights to create a wonderful radiance. Because the tree is so large we need a little lift to get the tree lit. The Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is generous enough donate the time of a cherry picker and operator to help us do the decorating. Consider spending some time with us during the Christmas season.
What a day to go fishing. Youngsters, 12 and under will have the opportunity to fish Wolf Creek for rainbow trout. You will never see so many smiling faces. If the adults don't watch out, they may be caught up in the excitement as well. Wildlife Resources Fisheries Unit will stock Wolf Creek with hundreds oftrout. This pretty much guarantees a catch for every child present. Volunteers will be available to assist those children who need assistance. There is no competition involved with
e fun of fishing. Every child d ponsored in part by Coca-Cola
sses. This fish'n v n i hel
How about spending an ................enjoyable summer Saturday evening listening to beautiful music wafting over Lake Trahlyta? Every Saturday at
8 PM from Memorial Day
weekend through September Music In The Park can be experienced. What a wonderful way to relax and soak up the cool night air. Watch the park bulletin boards for performance schedules.

Civilian Conservation Corp Reunion

The "Boys" of the CCC will gather on the

second Saturday of May to reminisce about a sim-

pler time. Everyone is invited to attend this living

history program. This is a great opportunity to

meet a real CCC Boy who experienced the des-

perate time called the Great Depression. These

boys worked across the country in the Tree Army.

They have tales to tell of planting trees, fighting

fire, planting kudzu, building dams and parks and

other experiences that some say were the best days

of their lives. This is a fascinating trip back in

time as these fellows relive their life in the CCC.

This is a great opportunity for young people to

Photo: Troy Hall, Hollis Sanders

learn what life was like during the Depression. 2008 CCC Reunion at Vogel State Park

The program begins at 11 A.M. in the park group

shelter. The program is free. The luncheon meal is covered dish. Bring a friend, bring a dish and come listen

to some stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps. There will be a tour of the CCC Museum.

Stephanie is back as summer naturalist
Hey everyone, My name is Stephanie Butts. I was the 2007 Summer Naturalist and I'm very excited to say that I am returning for the 2008 season. I enjoyed last year so much I just had to come back for another wonderful summer. I have been visiting Vogel all my life, even before I was born. My mother visited Vogel just one month before I was born. Ever since, I have not missed a year. Now I'm 22, so that's a lot of trips to Vogel. I'm currently a student at Coosa Valley Technical College, majoring in Environmental Horticulture. Some of the things I enjoy doing most are hiking, camping, gardening, running, sending children home with a sugar high and most of all being outside. I really like including these activities in my program schedule. Thanks to everyone that attended my programs last summer and I hope that you had fun and learned something. This summer I will be adding some new activities so be sure to check the schedule. Sincerely, Stephanie Butts,
p.s.- I would like to thank everyone that read last summer's article and invited me to t:,at dinner with them.

July 4th celebration
Join hundreds ofyour closest park friends as they play all day to celebrate our Nation's Independence. The day's excitement consists of a bicycle parade, paddleboat races, sand castle building contests, field games that consist of sack races, greased pole climb, dizzy lizzy, water balloon toss, egg throw and the traditional watermelon eating. These activities are reminiscent of simpler times in Appalachia when the locals gathered for a July Fourth picnic and games.

Junior Ranger Program
Youngsters are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources Junior Ranger Program. Each park and Historic Site in Georgia has the booklets to begin the adventure. There are three level of participation for ages 6-12. Level I is for ages 6-7; level II is for ages 8-10; and level III is for ages 1112. Each level has a few more challenges and incremental degrees of difficulty.
Subject matter includes study of the natural resources found in Georgia, fishing, wildlife, fruits and flowers, history, animals and more. This should be fun for the entire family. The books can be picked up at any park or historic site office. If you have questions, feel free to talk with a park ranger.
Join in on the fun. The staff of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is waiting to show you the fun and excitement that can be found in the outdoors.

Mountain Music and Craft Festival
The Saturday after Labor Day in September sees the park celebrating Appalachian culture with music, song, dance and crafts. This popular program is placed in the beautiful setting of the theater on the shores of Lake Trahlyta.
As visitors peruse the crafts and watch live demonstrations, music that was common 100 years ago can be heard. The program begins at 11 A.M.
Admission to the music is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 children. A lunch concession is available.