DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT July 24th. 1924 Dear Sir:- I have the honor to enclose Abstract of Title of a tract of land whion was conveyed to the Reservations by Lincoln Cromwell and Mabel S. Cromwell for inclusion in the Lafayette National Park. It is a beautiful tract lying on the western side of Somes Sound and in the vioinity of "Man of War" Brook. of the desirability of the tract there can be no question and its acceptance will in my judgment, be an aid in scouring other traots. The Abstract which I am enolosing is made up of a brief made by E. B. Mears to which we have added the early title and also brought the title to date. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT November 19th. 1924 Dear Sir:- At the request of Superintendent Dorr, I am for- warding herewith, deed from the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations to the United States of America, of the tract of land on the west side of Somes Sound, for inclusion in Lafayette National Park, which deed has been duly recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Hancock County, Maine, in Vol. 591, Book 154. The title has also been brought to date with no inter- vening conveyances, attachments, liens or other incumbrances. Very respectfully, The Director National Park Service Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK -2 BAR HARBOR, MAINE 7/24/24 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT While there are certain early defects they are I believe, so old as to make them negligible. Sincerely yours, The Director National Park Service Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. COPY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT December 20, 1923. Dear Sir: I have the honor to enclose you abstract of title and supplemental abstract of title of a tract of land to which title has just been taken by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations of Maine, which was con- veyed to them for the purpose of reconveyance to the United States for inclusion in Lafayette National Park. This land is a tract given by Mrs. John Innes Kane of New York and is eminently fitted for Park purposes, being a tract of exceptionally beautiful woodland surrounding a most beautiful lake. It lies in direct connection with other land recently obtained and will constitute a feature of great value to the Park. It contains in the neighborhood of one hundred and fifty acres, including the lake which constitutes in itself a feature not only of beauty but of recreational importance, and adjoins uninterruptedly upon one side lands previously secured. I have been at work upon this title with the aid of my assistant, Mr. A. H. Lynam, who has done the greater portion of the actual work and who signs the abstracts. Mr. Lynam has been associated with me in similar work since DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2. the first parkland was secured and I think his work may be relied upon for thoroughness of execution and good jugdment. The Secretary of the Interior was empowered by the Act constituting Lafayette National Park to accept in his discretion lands for the extension of the Park lying on Mount Desert Island, without reference to Congress. of the desirability of the tract offered there can be no question, and its acquisition will prove, in my judgment, but a step in the direction of securing other adjoining and extensive lands, which early acceptance of this gift will be an aid to me in securing. I enclose a deed drawn in the usual form to facilitate acceptance by the Government, should the Secretary of the Interior authorize this and should the deeds to the land, which have been secured from several ownerships, prove satisfactory on being studied. In this region of long settlement and early wild conditions, practically no titles are free from remote and unimportant defects but both Mr. Lynam and I feel sure that none of consequence exist in the titles I enclose. Should the DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT gift be accepted, the deed should be returned to me for execution and recording at the county registry. I remain Sincerely yours (signed) George B. Dorr Superintendent. GBD-0 Enclosures The Director, National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT March 8, 1924. Dear Sir: In accordance with your instructions under date of February 29, I have caused the deed datod February 9, 1924 from the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reserva- tions to the United States of land for 1193 as a part of Lafeyette National Park to be recorded in the Hano ch County Maine Registry of Doods, the propor county records, to wit: in Vol. 585, Page 221. We have also continued the abstract to show such recordation. I am returning hsrowith 3ush Good and abstracts. Very truly yours, The Director National Park Service Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT March 11, 1924. Dear Mr. Cromell: In going over doeds with Mr. Lynam I find that the deed to Acadia Mountain has never been presented to the Government, the land being still hold, as taken, by the Trustees of Public Reservations. The reason for the delay has been the constant pressure upon Mr. Lynam's time and mine, and the work it generally takes to coarch such a title in this region. Mr. Lynam has just discovered that this work was done for you by Mr. E. B. Mears when you and Mrs. Cromwell purchased the property, and an abstract made of title prepared for you by him. If you will forward this signed abstract to Mr. A. H. Lynam, registered, we will at once take steps to bring it up to date and forward 1t to Washington for acceptance. I have just completed, with Mr. Lynam's help, revisi n of cortain other deeds which have gone now to Washington and I would like to be able to present this deed to be considered with them. with kind regards, believe me Yours sinnerely, GBD-0 Copy DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT March 11, 1924. The Director, National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to enclose abstract of title of a tract of land known as Beech Hill situated on the Island of Mount Desert which was conveyed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1919, to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations for the pur pose of reconveyance to the United States for inclusion in Lafayette National Park. This is one of the earliest and most famous points of recreation on Mount Desert Island overhanging Echo Lake SO boldly that a stone may be thrown into it from the summit and commanding a series of the most beautiful views upon the Island. I regard it as a gift of great importance to the public purpose of the Park and most desirable to accept. The main abstracts were prepared by Peters and Knowlton, the senior member being Hon. John A. Peters, former member of Congress and now United States District Judge, whose legal reputation is so well established that we have deemed it unnecessary to review the abstract, which is, how ver, supplement- ed by our own work showing the early history and the title DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2. brought down to date. While the title has some early defects, they are in our opinion negligible because of long possession. I am also enclosing a deed of the property to the United States, duly executed in accordance with the vote of the Hancock County Trustees of Public "eservations, to facilitate the acceptance by the Government, should it be authorized by the Secretary of the Interior. Should the gift be accepted, the deed should be returned for recording. Sincerely yours, GBD-0 August 11th. 1924. Messrs. Hurray, Aldrich & Roberts 37 Wall Street New York City Gentlemen:- The first abstract of the Rodick Realty Company lots has today been returned to the Rodick Realty Company, who have delivered it to me. it was inadvertently adressed from New York to the Rodick Realty Company, Dark Harbor. Very truly yours, August 11th. 1924 Messrs. Murray, Aldrich & Roberts 37 Wall Street New York City Gentlemen:- In answer to yours of August 7th. I beg to say that ordinary judgments are not a lien upon roal estate. An attachment must first appoar on the records in the Registry of Deeds. This attachment can be made at the time suit is brought or after judgment by seizure. The proper searches were made for attach- ments and none found, while mention would have been made had there been any, it would have been much better to have so stated in the final paragraph of my conclusion. Very truly yours, MURRAY, ALDRICH & ROBERTS GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY COUNSELLORS AT LAW WINTHROP W. ALDRICH 37 WALL STREET WILLIAM ROBERTS HARRISON TWEED NEW YORK WILLIAM DEAN EMBREE WILLIAM M.EVARTS LAWRENCE BENNETT ARTHCR A.GAMMELL August 7, 1924. A. H. Lynam, Esq., Ber Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Lynam: We received the duplicate Abstract this morning. We are very much obliged indeed to you for furnishing us with the duplicate and regret exceedingly that the original was lost. There is no reference in this Abstract to judg- ments. We assume in Maine as well as in New York ordinary judgments are a lien upon real estate. In reading the prior Abstracts we have taken it for granted that the proper searches were made and there were no judgments. This is a somewhat more substantial matter and we shall be glad if you will sey that judgment searches have been made and that there are no judgments which are a lien upon those properties. Very truly yours, Many August 5th. 1924 murray. Altrich & Roberts 37 wall Street New York City Gentlemon:- In accordance with yours of July 18th. I have prepared and am enclosing under separate cover, Abstract of Title to the Rodick Realty Company Lots. Very truly yours, MURRAY, ALDRICH & ROBERTS COUNSELLORS AT LAW GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY WINTHROP W. ALDRICH 37 WALL STREET WILLIAM ROBERTS HARRISON TWEED NEW YORK WILLIAM DEAN EMBREE WILLIAM M. EVARTS LAWRENCE BENNETT ARTIUUR A.GAMMELL July 18, 1924. A. H. Lynam, Esq., Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Lynam: On Wednesday we forwarded the Abstract of the Rodick Company property to Mr. Aldrich at Dark Harbor, and unfortunately it was lost from the envelope in tran- sit. Will you kindly make up a duplicate from your car- bons and send it to us. Very truly yours, July 21st. 1924 Murray, Aldrich & Roberts 37 Wall Street New York City Gentlemen:- - I beg to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 18th. advising me that the Rodick Company Abstract was lost from the envelope in transit to Mr. Aldrich. I presume you mean the large Ro- - dick Realty Company Abstract of the Ash Mountain lot and the Brook lot. I will have a duplicate made and forward to you as soon as may be. Very truly yours, June 30th. 1924 Mr. Lingoln Cronwell 357 Fourth Avenue., New York City Dear Mr. Cromwell:- Mr. Dorr has handed me your letter of the 19th. for reply. A meeting of the Reservations was held on Saturday, at which meeting a vote was passed authorizing a transfer to the United Statos for the in- clusion in the Park of the lot conveyed by you. Before the Secretary of the Interior will accept title to the property, an Abstract of Title must be submitted, which Abstract he retains and keeps on file. May we not, therefore, forward the Abstract which you sent Mr. Dorr, to which I can add the title to date, and by so doing it will be unnecessary to have the work done over again at Ellsworth. I had been intending to ask you who had the Abstract of the western half of the Mountain, I note that you say Mr. Lewis has it. I will try to get it from him. Very truly yours, WILLIAM ISELIN & Co. 357 FOURTH AVENUE COR 26TH STREET PO. BOX 387 MAD. SQ. CABLES GREENCANAL. NY NEW YORK June 19,1924. George B. Dorr, Esq , Bar Harbor, Maine. My dear Mr. Dorr, My secretary reminds me that you have not returned the Abstract of Title to the Eastern half of Acadia Mountain, which I sent to you on March 17th. The Western half of it was bought by a committee of which I was a member, and Mr.W.D.Lewis was chairman, I paying to the committee the proportion which the Western half of Acadia Mountain bore to the larger track taken over, I assume that you have got through Mr Lewis the Abstract of Title to that purchase which extended west to the South- west Harbor road. Very truly yours, times himwere July 14th. 1924 Mr. Lincoln Cromwell 357 Fourth Avenue., New York City Dear Mr. Cromwell:- I beg to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 11th. telling me that I may keep and forward to Washington, Abstract of Acadia Mountain. I understand Mr. Dorr will for- ward at once, this Abstract and a deed of the property to the United States. Very truly yours, WILLIAM ISELIN & Co. 357 FOURTH AVENUE COR. 26TH STREET P.O.BOX 387 MAD. SQ. CABLES. GREENCANAL N.Y. NEW YORK July 11, 1924. Mr. A. F1. Lynam, Messrs. Lynam & Rodick, Bar Harbor Maine. Dear Sir, Your letter of the 30th ultimo is at hand. I have only a sentimental interest in the Abstract of Title to Acadia Mountain, SO you may keep the copy sent to you. Yours truly, bemark July 10th. 1924 Register of Deeds Ellsworth, Maine Dear Sir:- I am enclosing herewith Release Deed and Vote of the Bar Harbor Banking & Trust Co., to Rodick Realty Company, with corporate seal duly affixed. Very truly yours, Copy CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE Pursuant to the authority conferred by the Act of Congress approved February 26, 1919 ( 40 Stat., 1178), I the undersigned, as Secretary of the Interior, do hereby accept the attached deed for and on behalf of the United States of America, whereby the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations by Charles W. Eliot, as President, and George B. Dorr, as First Vice President, have conveyed to the United States of America certain lands situated on the west side of Somes Sound, in the town of Mount Desert, County of Hancock, State of Maine. In witness whereof I have set my official hand and have caused the seal of the Department of the Interior to be afrixed hereto, this 23rd day of October, 1924. Herbert Work Secretary of the Interior. ADDRESS ONLY THE DIRECTOR. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON, D. a DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON October 24, 1924. Dear Mr. Dorr: The deed dated June 28, 1924, covering certain land situated on the west side of Somes Sound, in the town of Mount Desert, County of Hancock, States of Maine, conveyed to the United States for the extension of Lafayette National Park by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, has just been accepted by the Secretary. The deed is therefore inclosed herewith for recording in the appropriate County records. Cordially yours, Rmstolmes Inc. No. 19336. Chief Clerk. REGISTERED MAIL Mr. George B. Dorr, Supt., Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. GPO ADDRESS ONLY THE DIRECTOR. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON. D. c. UNITED STATES show DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ms.R. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON October 21, 1926. Dear Mr. Dorr: The Service has your letter of October 19, inclosing letter of October 15 to you from Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., bearing on the desirable lowering of the grade in that portion of the motor road which lies immediately northwest of Bubble Pond, and which has been approved by the Department and is being pushed to completion. Mr. Ralston, Mr. Rockefeller's superintendent, was in the office today and explained the situation to me and that this work should go ahead as it simply is an equalization of grades and part of the motor road. No special authority for this is needed, since it is in fact part of the construction of this road along approved plans and standards. The Service appreciates Mr. Rockefeller's very clear statements of this phase of the proposed construction work, and I wish you would thank him for it. Sincerely yours, Assistant Director. Supt. George 3. Dorr, Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT June 7, 1923. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I have been at work with Mr. Hill in estimating what remains to be done on the present section of the combined Jordan Pond and mountain motor road. The whole section, to the mountain road entrance - stations 1 to 43 - has a length of 4200 feet. of this, 2050 feet has proved to require blasting, over the whole or a portion of its width. Of this length, 1522 feet have been drilled and 900 feet have been blasted and the rock broken and placed to form the subgrade. Blasting has been held behind drilling so as not to interfere with the work of the drilling crew or endanger machinery; it is quickly done, however, one man and his assistant exploding on an average fifty holes per day, and we have so far never had an instance of needing to redrill or use a second charge. There remains to be drilled, near the entrance end, 528 feet of road length, representing 508 holes, now definitely located on the stripped ledge, whose combined depth will total, according to Mr. Hill's estimate, 2145 drilled feet, requiring at the present rate of progress an approximate DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 2- but not exceeding twelve days to drill with the machinery at work. This last section of the road, the entrance section, has proved continuously disappointing as the earth has been stripped away, in the amount and character of rock disclosed needing to be blasted. Even within the last few days I have found it impossible to get an accurate forecast of the amount to be drilled in the immediate entrance off the Eagle Lake Road, rock appear- ing where none was anticipated and forming unexpected pockets to the complication of drainage. The last of it was stripped yesterday. A satisfactory double entrance, according to your desire, has been obtained, and drilling is now pro- ceeding for it, but it has involved a lowering of the in- tended grade for a distance in to avoid too steep approach upon the western side, and considerable additional blast- ing to provide for drainage. The end of this week will see drilling completed at the entrance, where blasting, however, will require special care and dunnaging on account of the electric wires. The major expense, throughout, upon the road has ( ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 3- been the drilling, which was not possible to fully estimate ahead without extensive exploration of the road-bed by digging and the removal of trees. There has been no waste on it, or mistakes made, nor could it have been done under present wage and material conditions for less. The men have worked steadily and the machinery well. But the width, 21 feet of travol way plus an adequate and continu- ous drain upon the upper side, has caused, where the slope was steep, great depth of drilling over the upper portion, reaching to ton feet in places, and frequently to seven feet, and the character of rock - the way in which it blasts - has involved the placing of holes close together. Drilling commenced on November 4, 1922, and con- tinued uninterruptedly for thirty-one days of work. It commenced again this spring, on April 14, and has been con- tinuous to date, June 6, for forty-three days of work. The utmost care in estimating what now remains gives twelve days of work, from June 6. We are now, and have been through the later spring, working four drills, at a cost of $108.50 per day, fuel and all included. ( ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 4- The rock breaks up remarkably well to form the subgrade and the road will be built with it continuously from its entrance to near the bridge, much already having been laid and lightly covered. South of this, the ground is excellent in character for road building, firm, gravelly, and solid, and is deeply drained upon the upper side, the drains being laid below frost. The calculation of cuts and fills to balance has been excellently made by the surveyors and the subgrade has been, and is being, attained without having either to dispose of surplus material or to haul material from a distance. And the grade as originally planned has been maintained, except, as stated, at the entrance to provide opportunity for & double approach. When the subgrade is completed, a covering, averaging seven inches in depth according to Mr. Hill's estimate, will be required to bring to grade. Excellent material for this lies at either end, and in good shape for loading. Mr. Hill's estimate is that this covering, com- pletely carried out and spread over the full width, will ( ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 5- require 2000 cubic yards of material, the cost of loading, moving and spreading which he estimates at one dollar per yard. This I believe to be an outside estimate; I had put it at less myself. Spread over the subgrade of broken rock, it would be in my judgment advisable to place a portion only of this covering at the present time, till rains and use have hardened it down and filled the space between the rocks, when a permanent and final surfacing can be made. The remaining item of expense is that of spreading and laying the rock still to be blasted, to form the sub- grade, all that has been blasted to date having been already laid. Mr. Hill's estimate on this is that there remain 900 lineal feet of road to be laid to subgrade as the rock is blasted, and that one dollar per lineal foot, or for each twenty-one feet of road surface, should be allowed for this, breaking, moving, and spreading the rock. The road is working out remarkably well. There is no section of State road on this side of Bangor, certainly, to compare with it in permanence and good construction. Drained as it is, and with the solid base it has, it should DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Tr. 600 be available for use, in good condition, at every season of the year, and repairs on it should be at a minimum. It also is going to make a true park road, in the beauty that it opens. When finally complete it will make at once a striking, central feature in the Park. I great- ly appreciate on the Park's behalf the generosity and forward- looking vision that is making it possible. Each section will I think, as it is done, surpass in interest and beauty our anticipation of it, and the public appreciation as the work goes on is certain to be great. One other matter is to be spoken of. When you were here, and with me at the present section's end, we spoke of cutting the roadway through along the line of the second section and preparing the way for constructural work upon it. You authorized, as I understood you, my start- ing then this work, and I told you I should put Mr. Henry Smith, who was present and has had charge of much of my park construction work, in charge of it. I set him to work on this accordingly, following your departure, and he has made good progress with it. Taking adventage of the weather, the brush from the cutting, which was heavy at the ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. -7- entrance, has all been burned without scorching a single tree, and the woods passed through there now make an admirable entrance to the open ledges beyond with their wide view. Owing to the expense and loss of time in- volved in transporting the men to the point reached till the present section becomes available for use I have now transferred him to the further portion of the second section, doing what was required to make the old road along the lake side which we motored over when you were here roughly available for & working entrance. The expense of this employment to date has been $845.00. It seems to me very desirable that this work should be continued while the woods, owing to recent rains, are still safe for burning and while it can be done at leisure in advance of constructional work. Yours sincerely, ARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DEPA NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT June 7, 1923. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 10 Broadway, dew York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I have now had talks with all three men whom you suggested I should see, Mr. Loren Kimball, Mr. Frank Brewer and Mr. John Rich. The first two matters must needs take time. with Mr. Rich I had a final talk today,following an earlier one after which he consulted with his son working in the Navy Yards at Portsmouth. Mr. Rich is now getting a rental of $200. a year for his little camp, rented to summer visitors who have had it for some years past and have offered to purchase it at a substantial sun. For his main camp he can obtain a rental of $300. or more a summer and rent it besides at other seasons for week-ends to local people. A net return of between five and six hundred dollars on the property under present conditions is, I consider, a fair estimate. He is willing to sell at a price which, safely invested. will bring him this. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT June 9, 1923. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: This is just fl word to say that, in accordance with your letter, Mr. Hill is now at work on the survey for estimate on the road section from the endì of the present section to Bubble Fond, and that I shall be able BOON to furnish you with his and Mr. Simpson's estimate upon it, obtained further in consultation with Mr. Dow and Mr. Brower in the light of their practical experience on the present work. There was delay in getting at this work last week owing to an ossential levelling instrument having got broken in the work's course and needing to be sent to the factory for repair, and to Mr. Hill's being needed by Mr. Simpson on the survey for the driving road and bridle path through the Hayward lot and along the northern side of Sargent Mountain. Mr. Simpson suggested that I como over, also, to go over this, but the going is rough and slow and I felt ontisfied, knowing what I do of the locality and plan, to leave the selection of the road location to their joint opinion. Mr. Hill has been at work, also, on necessary surveys upon the present section where the double entrance from the public rond has presented grade and drainage complications, but that is finished now. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT P.#2 I have spent time myself lately over the survey for the second section of the road and am struck with the good way in which it is working out for grade and beauty both. I am having the ground along the road line thoroughly tested for lodge as the survey goes on, so that estimate as exact as possible may be made. My own conjecture at the present stage is that this section of the road, through traversing bare rock ledges for a good portion of the way, will not work out materially different in cost, for corresponding length, than the one we are at work upon, omitting bridges as you requested in your letter. Believe NO. Yours siscorely, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Esq., 26 Brondway, Now York City. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Telegram. June 13, 1923. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 26 Broadway, New York city. Telegram received today. Have answered. andwr Will go forward by morning mail. George B. Dorr. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT June 13, 1923. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: One week more, within a day or two, will finish drilling on the present section. Between thirteen and fourteen hundred feet now remain to rough grade with broken rock. There is a deep rock fill to be made at one point; elsewhere rough grading estimated to be done at, or not greatly exceeding, one dollar per lineal foot of road. I recommend covering rough grade no deep- er at present than required to give good roading surface for the present season, as I believe that a power-digger and loader of some type will be advisable for work on the further portions of the road. Should such be purchased, the cost of final covering and of completing deep shoul- ders upon lower side of the present section would be cut in half. With rough grade covered as suggested I estimate cost of completion of present section to condition suitable for use at $6000. With regard to excess of cost over original estimate: The cost of obtaining a western entrance, as DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 2- requested by you, lowering of grade, drainage complications, and extra blasting has been to date in excess of $1500, and an estimate of $2000. completed is the best I can obtain. The cost of the stone bridge with deep fill and boulder rock sides, not included in original estimate, will have cost by detailed calculation made since writing you, approximately $4000. This was done in accordance with what I understood to be your desire in reference to such con- struction. In that situation, this seemed to me better in effect than a more formal and more costly bridge. Two other changes only have been made from the original plan, being the straightening of two bends or curves which seemed desirable after the clearing of the road- way. The total cost of these in added blasting was not over $1000. These things apart, the excess over estimate upon original plan has been due to rock to be blasted in excess of what was calculated in the northern half of the road, where masked by soil and overgrown with trees that made examination difficult and expensive. This cost has been double, as it has involved both the removal of soil to the irregular rock bed, and the blasting of the rock, which DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 3- also proved shaley in character, requiring more drilling than if solid as expented. The only failure I can dis- cover to estimate correctly has lain in the allowance made for building shoulders on the lower roadsides, oub- side the travel way, where the fill is deep. The angle of repose made the slope long and the necessary fill at bottom great. Counting out the added items, and Seaving out this extra cost of shoulder on the lower side in places where the fill is deep, I should judge the cost in ex- cess of estimate to have been between $4000 and $5000, this having lain mainly if not entirely in the extra rock drilling that has proved necessary, due principally to the greater amount of rock than anticipated requiring to be blasted but in part also to the shaley character of a portion of the rock and to its lying in irregular ridges involving a large amount of extra digging to expose it and prepare it for drilling. There has been no cause of additional expense in the work itself. Drilling has gone on continuously in every period, though one drill out of the three or four ( ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 4 we have been using has been occasionally and for brief periods out of commission. So far as we have blasted, there has been no single instance of the blasts failing to accomplish their purpose or of our having to return and drill a second time. The rock broken by blasting has been shattered inexpensively by explosive and pre- pared for rough grading with less labor than I antici- pated. The men have worked faithfully and the super- intendence has been constant and excellent. I do not think the road could be built for essentially less, even with the experience now gained, though it could be more correctly estimates; and it could not be built better. The estimate given was what I should term a minimum estimate - what we might hope to build at if all proved favorable, and if nothing needful were omitted from the calculation. To such an estimate a contractor, profit apart, would add a percentage varying according to the character of the undertaking but substantial enough in his judgment to cover unforeseen contingencies. In Maine, in the State work, I find that this percentage ranges from an allowance of 10% in the case of rebuilding DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT J.D.R.Jr. 5- old roads, where conditions are known, to 20 and 25% in now construction. Yours sincerely, ( 26 Broadway New York July 5, 1925. Mr. George B. Dorr, Seal Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Dorr A question as arisen as to the pledge Mr. Rockefeller, Jr., made to you December 24, 1920 and I am writing you for information. His letter authorized you, if Mr. Lynam agreed, to purchase certain properties near the little Brown Mountain Reservation, the one at a cost not to exceed $5,000 and the other at a question not to exceed $2,500. So far as our records show no payment has been made on account of this pledge. Will you let me know whether or not anything was done as to this matter. Possibly some other disposition of it was made. Very truly yours, H.S.Richardon ( DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT July 13, 1923. Mr. W. 8. Robinson 26 Broadway New York City Doar Mr. Robinson:- On looking up the matter referred to in your letter of July 5, I find that Mr. Rockefeller's letter of December 24th contains a pledge for the pur- chase of the Thomas Hanchester lot, then estimated to contain one hundred aores, the price not to exceed $50. per acre. The lot, upon survey, proved to contain 139.65 acres which was taken in accordance with Mr. Rookefeller's later instruction at the stated per acre cost, the total amounting to $6,982.50. The same letter contained a pledge for the purchase of the Graves Brothers lot at $50. per sore. This lot, upon survey, proved to contain 104.21 acres and was taken at & oost of $5,210.50. These titles were taken in May 1921 and Mr. Lynam reported regarding the matter to Mr. Heydt by letter on May 21, 1921. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Mr. WS.R. -2- 7-13-23 Bothe the pledges, accordingly, regarding which you ask me were extinguished by the above pur- chases I remain, Very truly yours, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT July 21st, 1923. Mr. Charles O. Hoydt, 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Heydt: Since Mr. Rock feller's departure I have used my best endeavor to obtain the John Rich tea house lot, at the foot of Eagle Lake bordoring the outlet, at a price less than I quoted to Mr. Rockofeller in my letter on the subject. viz., $10,000. This I told Mr. Rockefeller in that lotter 1 believed to represent the lowest price at which it could be secured, and it has BO proved. To me this price does not seem in excess or what is reasonable in view of its commanding situation, though the extent of land is small, and the fact that it is the only lot available for such pur- pose on the shore OF Eagle Lake, the rest - with & single minor exception not available for public use, and the neighboring ice-house lot w lying in park or public reserva- tion with restriction against building in favor of the Water Company. This lot uniquely also has opportunity, as has the Jordan Pond House on its lake, to drain away from the ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT C. 0. H. ⑉2⑉ Lake into the brook below. Mr. Rioh has two buildings on it, the one his tea house. placed upon the principal site, and the other a camp which he rents. These buildings have cost him in the neighborhood of $2400., built partly by himsolf and undor pre-war prices. It would be conservative to allow that they could not be replaced today for less than between three and four thousand dollars. The tea house is equipped with electric lighting and the telephone. In my talk with Mr. Rockefoller in New York, the day before he sailed, he told me he had authorized you to make payment for this lot up to but not exceeding the gum I had stated to him, $10,000. Mr. Lynam has gone thoroughly into the title, has corrected defects, and now reports to me that the title is sound. Mr. Rich agreed with me before I originally wrote to Mr. Rockefeller that he would sell for the sum stated: I have done my best to reduce this but without success. Mr. Rich sinoe he mado this agreement has had affere of relative- ly large amount for summer rental of the tea house to un- desirable parties, which he has refused. and which from DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR. MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT C. O. H. -3- other sources I know to have been genuinely made. I do not think the present opportunity to secure the lot should be lot go, or that there should be postponement. I write therefore. in accordance with my talk with Mr. Rockefeller, to ask you to forward the sum of $10,000. to Mr. Lynam to close the purchase. He has gone over the whole matter with me thoroughly, gives me assurance that the title is good, and approves the substance of this letter. I remain Yours truly, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT August 1, 1923 Mr.Charles 0. Heydt 26 Broadway New York City Dear Mr. Heydt: I see by my report on the road construction work payments this past week that further funds from the amount Mr. Rockefeller pledged on his departure for work upon the second section will shortly be required, If you will kindly forward Mr. Lynam, as previously the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.) to be expended by him under my direction on account I shall be obliged. Yours sincerely, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Bar Harbor, Me., August 9, 1923. Mr. Charles 0. Heydt 26 Broadway New York. Dear Mr. Heydt: I write in answer to your question as to the reason for making payment for the John Rich property at Eagle Lake in the way I did. Mr. Rockefeller, when I saw him in New York the day before he sailed,and talked this matter over with him explicitly requested that I transact the matter as I did. He explained his reasons for this to me, which seemed to me good. For these reasons I think it would be better that I refer you to him on his return. Yours sincerely ) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Sept. 3, 1923. Doer Mr. Haydt: The coming pay day on the Green Mountain - Jordan Fond Automobile Road will exhaust our funds in hands not leaving sufficient tc meat the wages of another week end I write accordingly to ask you to forward to Mr. Lynna the remaining $5,000. pledged by Mr. Rockefeller on his depart- ure to Europe. Sincerely yours, Mr. Charles 0. Heyat 26 Broadway New York City 26 BROADWAY NEW YORK ( COPY. November 2, 1923. Dear Yr. Dorri Now that the compressor and its equipment have been bought and delivered, I want to correct KV letter to you of September 24th by inserting the actual cout instoad or the estimated post or this equipment. I are therefore sending you a corrected GODY of the third page of that letter, which kindly substitute for the original third page, and destroy the original. The correstions are made in red inko The total appearing in the original page as $131,000. mas in correct, and should have been (127,000) That error is taken care of in the revised sheet. Very trulys Mr. George B. Dorr, Bar Herbor, Kaine. 30 Take/put mitt Mr. Den letter 3. In view of the experience gained in the construction of the first section and the fact that the crew is now pretty well trained and ought to do better and cheaper work, I feel that an estimate of $10. a running foot should suffice for the proper construction of the second section. The total cost of this section, at 10. a foot, would therefore be $76,000. Appropriated and paid to date 25.000. Leaving a balance, which I herewith appropriate, of #3 51,000.00 New appropriations for the first section $ 10,500.00 New appropriations for the second section- 51.000.00 Total new appropriations 61,500.00 Total appropriations, old and new, toward the entire road: First section. $ 46,500.00 Second section 76,000.00 An appropriation which I hereby make for a compressor drill with its equipment and mechanical sharpener, delivered at Bar Harbor. $ 5.401.68 Total $127,901.68 On September 29th, 1922, I wrote you, pledging for the construction of the entire road from Eagle Lake to Bubble Pond $150,000.00 Deducting the above specific appropriations from this pledge, there remains a balance of $ 22,098.32 2 6 BROADWAY NEW YORK COPY. January 3, 1924. Dear Mr. Dorr: I am enclosing herewith a copy of that portion of Mr. Allen's letter, just received, which refers to the Eagle Lake-Jordan Pand Road, in regard to which I wrote him after my return from Soal Harbor, and & copy of which letter I have already sent you. Do you not agree that while Mr. Alien registers his final dissent from the Jordan Pona as against the bubble Pond route, he is not proposing to do anything further in the matter, and that so long as you are willing to take the responsibility of going ahead, we could begin work at the Jordan Pond end whanever mon are available? If this is your view, the following is my suggestion: When we talked about the mattar a month ato, I thought it might be possible not only to out the trees on the first two or three thousand feet of this roaú, starting from the Jordan Pond and, but also to pull out the stumps and grade the road at this time, for there is no lesgo or rock, nor are there any important cuts or fills. Now that snow has come to Seal Harbor, and probably frost, I assume we cannot work to advantage on any part of this program except the cutting of the trees until the beginning of the spring. If you ap rove of our cutting the trees and burning the brush on the road for the first two or three thousand feet from the Jorden Pond end, and Mr. Miller, who is doing other forestry work for me, could get a crow 01 three or four men to 80 at that work, may it not be the simplert thing for him to direct the woodchopping, in addition to his other work, and leave the question of stump pulling or any rough grading until the early part of April when wonther conditions would make the work economically advantageous? At that time I could very likely arrange with Mr. Walla, the Road Comissioner on our side of the Island, who lives at Otter Creek and who is a good, careful mn, to get a fow men and shape up the road under Mr. Simpson's direction, 80 that there would be no work going on or muss left near the Jordan Pond House when the summer visitors come up. While it is probably better to have this road duilt through you rather than by no direct, since the first two or three thousand feet go through land which I own, I can see no impropriety in Mr. Miller's doing the work on my payroll, although I can just as well as not have him make out a separate bill each week for the work on the road, addressing the same to you but sending it to me for payment. When we get to the actual road construction, I think that the bills should all go through you and be paid by you as with the other roads. 26 BROADWAY NEW YORK COPY. Please let me know 11 you approve of this method of procedure and agree that it is wise for me to start Mr. Hiller at cutting out the first two or three thousand fset from the Jordan Pond Inn. of this letter to Mr. Lynam, also to I am sending copy Mr. Simpson, Very truly, Mr. George B. Dorr, Der Harbor, Maine. Eno 26 Broadw New York January 3, 1924. Dear Mr. Dorr: I am enclosing herewith a copy of that portion of Mr. Allen's letter, just received, which refers to the Eagle Lake-Jordan Pond Road, in regard to which I wrote nim after my return from Seal Harbor, and a copy of which letter I have already sent you. Do you not agree that while Mr. Allen registers his final dissent from the Jordan Pond as against the Bubble Pond route, he is not proposing to do anything further in the matter, and that so long as you are willing to take the responsibility of going ahead, we could begin work at the Jordan Pond end whenever men are available? If this is your view, the following is my suggestion: When we talked about the matter a month ago, I thought it might be possible not only to cut the trees on the first two or three thousand feet of this road, starting from the Jordan Pond end, but also to pull out the stumps and grade the road at this time, for there is no ledge or rock, nor are there any important cuts or fills. Now that snow has come to Seal Harbor, and probably frost, I assume we cannot work to advantage on any part of this program except the cutting of the trees until the beginning of the spring. If you ap rove of our cutting the trees and burning the brush on the road for the first two or three thousand feet from the Jordan Pond end, and Mr. Miller, who is doing other forestry work for me, could get a crew of three or four men to go at that work, may it not be the simplest thing for him to direct the woodchopping, in addition to his other work, and leave the question of stump pulling or any rough grading until the early part of April when weather conditions would make the work economically advantageous? At that time I could very likely arrange with Mr. Walls, the Road Comissioner on our side of the Island, who lives at Otter Creek and who is a good, careful man, to get a few men and shape up the road under Mr. Simpson's direction, so that there would be 110 work going on or muss left near the Jordan Pond House when the summer visitors come up. While it is probably better to have this road built through you rather than by me direct, since the first two or three thousand feet go through land which I own, I can see no impropriety in Mr. Miller's doing the work on my payroll, although I can just as well as not have him make out a separate bill each week for the work on the road, addressing the same to you but sending it to me for payment. When we get to the actual road construction, I think that the bills should all go through you and be paid by you as with the other roads. Please let me know if you approve of this method of procedure and agree that it is wise for me to start Mr. Miller at cutting out the first two or three thousand feet from the Jordan Pond Inn. I am sending copy of this letter to Mr. Lynam, also to Mr. Simpson. Very truly, John D. Packefella Mr, George B. Dorr, Bar Harbor, Maine. Enc Copy DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT September 29, 1924. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I have your letter of September 22₫ containing apportionments for construction on the third section of the motor road commencing at Bubble Pond. Without full knowledge of the ledge and other conditions hidden beneath the woodland surface the most careful estimate must be conjectural. The engineers estimate for the section was made with care and with the experience lately gained on section two to guide, but allowance was made in it for the disclosure of unfavorable conditions on the removal of the surface cover. If such conditions prove not to exist then costs will be re- duced, but if they do exist I doubt the possibility of carrying out the work at any considerable reduction from the engi- neers' estimate, which considerably exceeds, I note in particu- lars, the present apportionment. This I say simply to make all clear at the start. The work will be done in each particular with all economy and with the experience gained on the previous sections as a guide, and the utmost possible will be accomplished under the allot ments. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2 Work on this section will commence, I trust, within the next few days. The last drilling and blasting on the second section will be done today, and the road is now open through to Bubble Pond. Thanks for sending me copy of the second letter in regard to the roads. The present year has been critical and difficult through lack of comprehension; when there is completed work to show, finished in detail, appreciation should be wide and cordial. Sincerely yours, GBD-0 John D Rockefeller, Jr., Esq., 26 Broa dway, New York City. 7224.56 September 8th, 1934. Dear Mr. Dorri- Mr. Simpson talls m that on the first 2250 fast of the 3000 feet of road which Mr. Walls 18 building for the from the Jordan Pond House, the same being the Jordan Pond and of the Eagle Lake- Jorian Pond motor road, the cost has been $3.16 a running foot exclusive of cutting the trees in the roadway. Mr. Simpson estimates that $3.35 would cover the ontire cant per running foot. Mr. Simpson further says that the next 3000 fent of the road after it leaves my property and enters the National Park is of about the same character, and ought to be constructed at about the same price. I will contribute, therefore, to the Lafayette National Park for the construction of this 3000 fuct of road at $3.35 a running foot, $6,500. On your behalf and at your request, I have told Ur. mills that you desire to have him procend with the work of construction on the Park lands, building the road in just such a way au no has built that portion on my land. His bills will be rendered to you, through Mr. Lynam, who is authorized to call upon me for payments under this pledge as required. Mr. Simmon, wise has directed Mr. Milk' work on my land, will be glad, on your behalf, to continue to direct it on the Park Lands. I am monding & cony of this lotter to Mr. Lynan and also to Mr. Simpson. Very truly, Mr. George B. Dorr Bar Harbor, Maine September 8th, 1924. Dear Mr. Torr:- Mr. Bosworth, the architect who has designed the bridges for me up here and whom you not last your, spent 4 few days with me during the just work. I took him over the ne# automobils road from the Eagle Lake Road to Bubble Pond. He was delighted with the road and thought it most beautiful and worth while. I am glad to pass on Mr. Bosworth's favorable comment to you. Mr. Bowworth was such pleased with the way the outlet of Bubble Pond had been arrunged through the concealed culverts. He suked we why the dam had not been placed at the mouth of the falls, as he recalled was the plan when he WIN here lant. I WIN interested in the fact that his recollection corroborated raine in regard to that matter. Ur. Howworth Also falt with THA that for the sake of the inclusion of Bubble Pond and the beauty of the view from the South and looking North and all along the bridle path on the Weat side of the Pond, it would be highly desirable, when the road in completed, to rostore the planting along the wdge of the pond on the East side of the North and, which was cut away when the road WAG first out through. I recall that your purpose in cutting those trues was that motorists might have an unimpaded view of Pemitic Mountain and Bubble Pond au they came down the hill to the pond. Since, however, motorists will have a magnificent view of Pomitic for sometime before they descend the hill, and since the vion of Bubble Pond can be gotton in ull of itu bounty from the soment that motprints roach the three oulverts at the North end of the pond, it would room an though their internate would be well taken care of ,1f the trees abovo referred to were replaced. foreover, if you will look nt the motor road from the South end of Bubble Pond, and the trail along the West side, you will see how can- spicuous it is not only where it reaches the pond, but all the way up the hill. Do you not think to have this open view permanently is too large n price to pay for what little banafit in view the motorists will get in coming down the hill to Bubble Pond? Then, too, I think planting could wisely be done on the North side of the motor road just to the East of the little net-back near the dam. That will help to reduce the barren area which one seas in the view from down the pond. But these are matters which can be taken up when the road hus been completed and the time has come to consider the question of improving the sides and the planting. I mention tim matter now only because it 15 fresh in my mind an a result of my talk with Mr. Houworth. Mr. Dorr- 2 In the matter of cuttitrees, I am right, am I not, in assuming that your committee 1/harge of motor road building has been instructed when cutting the line of the road to cut only those trees which are absoluy within the line, and where blasting is required, to cut even narrowly until the blasting has been done, that is to out onlihe trees on the ledges, leaving as many as possible nearby even iin the road, to help stop the flying rocks and thus protect the'ees outside the road; these barrier trees to be cut when the listing is finished. I presume they also haibeen requested, and if not I am sure you will want to so request mm, not to allow any atrees to be cut for views or other than those tually in the roadway, gutters or banks which must be graded, unt the road is all completed and opportunity under finished conditis has been given to observe what, if any, further trees need to be G. This seems to me the only safe basis on which to proceed in e matter of tree-cutting. It is always easy to cut down a tree whait is found to be desirable, but to replace trees is costly at the itset and it takes years to re- produce cover. I am to be away this coing week, but shall be here again from the 16th to the 23rd, and shal make it a point to see you before leaving permanently. Very sncerely, Mr. George Dorr Bar Harbor, Maine 26 Broadway New York August 28, 1924. Dear Mr. Dorr: As instructed by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. I writeto say that he will contribute a further sum of $25,000., toward the cost of the construction of the horse road from Jordan Pond to Eagle Lake Road. This is the work which is being done by Mr. A. F. Clement. A copy of this letter is being forwarded to Mr. A. H. Lynam. Very truly, Mr. George B. Dorr, Bar Harbor, Maine. file DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT September 9th. 1924 Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Soal Harbor, Maine Doar Mr. Rockefeller:- I have your letter of September 8th. in regard to continuing into the Park the road construo- tion which Mr. Walls is now ongaged upon, and write to say that what you suggest has my entire approval. The line of survey We determined upon last year; re- garding the cost of the work I have no data. That Mr. Simpson should continue to supervise the work whon it extends into the Park is desirable, but in consultation with me as responsible to the Service and the Secretary. Yours sinceroly, 26 BROADWAY NEW YORK COPY May 28, 1924. Dear Mr. Dorrt AB I have telegraphed you this morning, while the data which you have sont me of the cost of Section 2 of the road is good as far as it goes, it does not present any comparison of the cost per foot as estimated with the goat to date, nor doos it indicate what the engineers' estimate of the additional cost will be to complete the road. Since the appropriation alrendy made for this readion is by this time, I presume, practically exhausted. it would seem as though time were an element in the matter of adjustingt the situation. Therefore I am sending Mr. Haydt of my office to Bar Harbor, as I have telegraphed you, feeling that it will be quicker and perhaps more satisfactory all around for him to take up these questions of accounting with Mr. Down, Mr. Simson end Mr. Lynem on the ground Then too, I thought it might be possible for these mon jointly to work out a system which would keep us all currently informed off how costs are running. Mr. Heydt will go to Mr. Lynam first, and I am asking Mr. Lynam to put him in touch with Mr. Dowd, so that you need not be troubled about the matter. I am sure you will agree that this is the bestway to proceed. Vory sincerely, Mr. George B. Dorr, Bar Harbor, Maine. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT June 25th, 1924. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: Mr. Heydt's coming to Bar Harbor to advise with us with reference to methods of accounting and conducting the construction of the Eagle Lake -- Jordan Pond Automobile Road has been most helpful to uo all. While any road building that is done in Lafayette National Park must be under my ultimate supervision as Superintendent of the Park, it would be a relief to me and I think a real advantage to the work 1f the current control of construction, when I have passed upon the alignment of the road were put in the hands of a committee consisting of Mr. Lynam, Assistant Superintendent of the Park, as Chairman, Mr. Dow, who is always in close touch with me, Mr. Simpson as chief engineer, and Mr. Hial park engineer, immediately in charge of the work. Because you were kind enough to put Mr. Heydt's services at our disposal, I am writing to tell you of this now form of control of the work which is being set up and to thank you for the assistance which you have rendered the Park through Mr. Heydt. In accordance with my instructions as Superinten- dent from the National Park Service all road construction in the Park involves elements of a landscape nature for the beauty of the roadsides and to remove the disfigurements resulting from construction. This work which is not of an engineering nature but forms an essential element in the permission for construction given by the Government will need to be more especially under my own supervision and should be dealt with under separate and distinct appropriation. Sincerely yours, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Esq., 26 Broadway, New York City. GBD-0 Night Letter. Bar Harbor, Maine April 25, 1924. Robert W. Gumbel, 26 Broadway New York City. No work contemplated except that authorized in pledge contained in letter of March twenty fourth relating to section therein designated as continuation of Section F across park land. George B. Dorr DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT May 24, 1924. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I was prevented from forwarding the analysis of road expenditure at the beginning of the week by the sudden coming of the landscape architect of the National Park Service, Mr. Dan R. Hull of Los Angeles. It was his first visit to the Park. The Director had sent him to go over and report upon our work. I found him greatly in- terested and appreciative of the work that has been done and the plans that have been made. He should be a help to us in the future, but I had to give him all my time while he was here. with regard to the engineers' estimate made last September, it undoubtedly failed to take into account the full cost of the undertaking. The work is without precedent in this region and of a difficulty hard to measure without experience, but two things are to be taken into account: The amount apportioned in September for the completion of the section was $12,500 less than the estimate, and what we have termed the bridge portion, approximately 380 feet in length, in which the construction of two bridges and two stone culverts was planned, was omitted from the estimate in accordance with your request. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2. Making these deductions, there will remain some 1800 odd feet to complete the second section to rough grading, connecting the northern and the southern ends. The gravelling of the rond, the covering of the rock-built lower bank, and the placing of necessary coping stones, a considerable portion of which last was secured last winter in anticipation from the shore of Bubblo Pond, will remain to do. One great source of expense in this section to which I frankly failed to give due weight myself has been the additional blasting required for the ditch upon the upper side, which none the less 18 necessary. Mr. Hull, the Park landscape engineer of whom I have spoken, after going over this work with me and your own by Hadlock Pond, said that there was no such difficult road con- struction in any western park. An instance of the unexpected cost which matters that seem small involve in such material is to be found in the lowering by a foot or so of the grade at the turn by Bubble Pond, which you requested to have done last autumn; this I see by the analysis amounted to $3,385.55 in excess of that of the grade adopted. The rock is excessively hard and variable and it has proved impossible to tell in advance DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 3. how long the drilling and blasting of particular parts may take, but it is always longer than one's anticipation. life have been working with two drills onlyo these and the blacksmith work being all that the compressor can accomplish. I think a considerable economy night be effected by increasing the number of drills. I under- stand the capacity of the blacksmith shop could amply care for doulbe the present number, while accelerating the completion of the work would greatly lessen the ultimate cost of superintendence and other overhead charges. The second section has involved in its whole course blasting through solid rock; the first section lay half way through earth. The cost of the first section, taken as a whole, forms no basis for estimating that of the second, per lineal foot, but has been risleading in making it seem that the true cost of the second must be exaggerated. When work is continued through the Carry I would like to suggest that I, in some way, arrange that you take charge of that from the Jordan Pond House end to the Carry swanit, R section which is of similar difficulty to the present, while I work in from Bubble Pond to DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 4. meet you. This further section lies beyond my easy range of superintendence and it seems to me desirable, as you suggested last fall, that work which must take so long should be initiated from both ends. Yours sincerely, John D. Rockefellor, Jr., Esq., 26 Broadway, New York City. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT March 11, 1924. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I sent Mr. Gumbel last night the telegram of which I enclose you copy. I enclose also a blueprint. Any suggestion of breaking into new territory was foreign to my thought but it seemed to me, as it did to Judge Peters when I talked matters over with him at Ellsworth Friday, desirable to expedite all possible the work upon the north and east of Sargent Mountain to get what progress we can made before the coming season. Since I wrote I find Mr. Joy considers himself to have sufficient authority as matters now stand to pro- ceed with this work, which is in accordance with plans he made for this spring last fall, for shifting some of his men over to the Southwest Valley section of the road and working in from othere to meet his other crew. He has continued work through the winter, but, he tells me, with a small crew which he will now enlarge. Sincerely yours, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Eaq. 26 Broadway, New York City. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT May 22, 1925. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I write to acknowledge your letter of May 19th with regard to the final payment due from you under your subscription of December 19th, 1924, to the Lafayette National Park for construction of a horse-road from Jordan Pond to connect with the Eagle Lake road, this being work done by Mr. A. E. Clement. I have not followed this work in detail, nor kept track of the expenditures upon it, because I knew you to be in imediate personal touch with it yourself. The only two pledges on this road that have reached me personally, so far as I have note or recollection, are: the first one of $25,000. of which $10,000 was expended on the entrance portion of the road 98 far as to the rock- slide; and the second of $25,000, which Mr. Lynam told me at some time last year had then been expended on the rock-slide, in addition to the balance of $15,000 on the previous pledge. Beyond this I had not kept track and the amount, frankly, is greater than I had thought. This work, so far as it may reat with ne, will be carried out under the same auspices as before; that is, according to your decision as to what is best for efficiency and good accomplishment. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2. It occurs to me to ask you, in making any further pledge or payment for the horse-road construction now under way to the west of Eagle Lake, kindly to make it to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, the owners of the land, and not to Lafayette National Park, mailing as before to Mr. Lynam who will act for the Trustees and receipt for it in their name. Yours sincerely, GBD-0 John D.Rockefeller, Jr.,Esq., 26 Broadway New York City. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT December 9, 1924. Dear Mr. Baker: The letter that Mr. Fred C. Lynam has written you concerning 8 road for use with horses which the Trustees of Public Reservations plan to build on the west side of Eagle Lake relates to one that will simply replace with better approach and the avoidance of a difficult hill the old Southwest Valley road, 30 called, which has existed from the earliest times, opening the extensive woodland to the west of Eagle Lake known as the Southwest Valley. This land is held Dy the Trustees of Public Reservations, not having been transferred to the Government because of a wood-right existing for a term of years which has constituted an easement on it, but the easement has now expired and the land will presently become a portion of the Park. The plan for this road, which connects with, and gives Bar Harbor access to, an extensive system now building to the south, WAS approved by the Government two years ago, and lands on the watershed of Eagle Lake necessary to give effect to it have been since acquired, the total cost of such lands, which complete the safeguarding of the basin of the lake, amounting to little less than twenty thousa nd dollars. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 2. The only question needing consideration by the Water Company is that of route with reference to proximity to the shore. In general it lies well away from it, hundreds of feet with forested land between; at one or two points, owing to the configuration of the ground or for the beauty of the view, it passes nearer, but for a short distance only and leaving still a generous strip between. Looking at the matter from the Water Company's standpoint, as a director, the route surveyed seems to me excellent, with the Water Company's interest amply protected. The gain to the Water Company of having these last privately held lands, which all lay near the water intake, secured is a very material one, Mr. Lynam stating that the Water Company, sooner or later, would have needed to secure them, if the Reservations had not, though lacking funds to devote to it. The existence of the road will enable protection to be given to the lakeside woods, now inaccessible except on foot and over a rough path, should fire arise. And it will protect by placing at under observation the wostern shore of the lake, where camping has persisted. 3. A little more than half way up the Lake, as soon 2.8 the rocky and bold configuration of the ground paraits, the road leaves it altogether. passing inland. Personally, I do not feel that any question is involved which Mr. Fred C. Lynam, being on the spot, cannot properly take care of and that it can be entrusted to him 68 president, on the Water Company's behalf, with ontiro security. This, I believe, he also feels, but that he needs to receive authority to act from the executive committee. with best regards and all good wishes for the season, Believe 100 to remain Sincerely yours, Mr. Stephen Baker, The Bank of Manhattan, Now York City. GBD-0 August 13, 1924. Dear Mr. Heydt: Mr. Hill has now surveyed the third section of the motor road, from Bubble Pond to the summit of the Carry, which we have agreed to call the end of that section, construction beyond being of a different character. Mr. Hill reports that the survey, made in detail, has worked out beyond his expectation. He also reports the construction throughout to be of such a character that a power digger and loader -- of less weight and power than the one purchased for the road around Sargent Mountain i- is important for economy and would, 1f acquired, materially affect his estimate. I am familiar enough myself with the territory and the course of the survey to know this to be true. The chief complication in this section lies in a close wood of fine old yellow birch trees, beech trees and sugar maples, which extends across the saddle of the Pa The growth is one of the best on the Island, where little that is old remains uncut. I understand that some of the leaders in the opposition to our work were there today, following the survey. I doubtless shall hear from them later. Some noble trees must undoubtedly be cut, but the survey will here be studied with the greatest care to sacrifice the fewest possible. 2. As soon as the survey is finished I plan to commence construction on this aection with the funds in hand. I have just completed expenditure of the fund of $1,000 placed at my disposal last autum for work on the road- sides of the first section, from the town road in. This fund was not based on any estimate but was made to enable work to proceed. I have had a careful estimate made and $500 additional is required to complete the work as far as to the Beaton farm. It is exceedingly desirable to finish work on this portion as early as possible, so that a completed entrance section of the road ray be shown this fall and growth spring up along the roadsides to clothe the ground next summer. And now is a favorable time to do it while the earth is mellow and the ground in good conditi n for the work, and while the seeds of the wild native plants are scattering. The estimate is a low one but will be sufficient if the work is done now while conditions are favorable. with kind regards, Sincerely yours, Mr. Charles O. Heydt, 26 Broadway, New York City. March 31, 1925. Mr. George B. Dorr Cosmos Club Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Dorr: I am enclosing herewi th a copy of a letter to-day mailed to Mr. Rockefeller. The lot referred to may be necessary in connection with the road to the Homanslot you are planning. It is quite, possible, however, that a road would not touch the lot. To have this one section in private ownership would be too bad where we own all around it. You probably will be home before the matter is brought to a head. We then can discuss it. In the meantime I will do what I can to straighten it out. Very truly yours, AHL:G Enc. I COPY THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON July 25, 1924. Mr. George B. Dorr, Superintendent, Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. My dear Mr. Dorr: I have just reviewed the map and blueprint drawn at my request showing the roads in Lafayette National Park, both for motor use and for carriages and horses. It has been decided that the motor road al- ready constructed from Great Pond Hill to Bubble Pond should be continued as showm to its connection with the Seal Harbor Road near the Jordan Pond house. In your surveying and construction work you will exercise the greatest care in hiding scars of construction and by encouraging, protecting and covering growth of shrubbery and mosses. I, also, see no objection to a motor road to the top of Cadillac Mountain as outlined, subject, of course, to careful consideration by the National Park Service of its feasibility from an engineering standpoint. The road for use of carriages and horses encircling Sargent and Penobscot Mountains is approved for this use, SO that its completion should be pushed. 2. In my opinion the plan approved by the Department and the National Park Service on July 26, 1922, while possibly an eventual logical development, was premature and too ambitious since it contemplated road trail construction in the remote future on lands not actually acquired by the United States in fee simple for park purposes, nor for which funds were in sight. This led to confusion and discontent. I have therefore approved the blueprint you transmitted with the tracing, since that shows the two road projects approved as above stated, rather than the tracing itself, which might not be clear, and this will stand as the road and road-trail project map for the park as at present constituted. Please have this approved blueprint on display in your office where it can readily be scrutinized by all who desire to do so. Sincerely yours, Hubert Work (signed) Secretary Copy DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Washington Sept. 19, 1924. My dear Senator Fernald: I have your letter of September 18th inclosing a letter from B. J. Williams, Secretary, Board of Selectmen, Bar Harbor, Maine, in which information is requested as to whether or not there is an appropriation from which funds may be drawn to reimburse the town of Bar Harbor for ex- penditures in fighting forest fires which threaten national park areas. The Act making appropriations for the Department of the Interior for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1925, (43 Stat. 425) contains the following clause: "Fighting forest fires in national parks: For fighting forest fires in national parks or other areas administered by the National Park Service, or fires that endanger such areas, and for replacing buildings or other physical improvements that have been destroyed by forest fires within such areas, $20,000: Provided, That these funds shal 1 not be used for any precautionary fire protection or patrol work prior to actual occurrence of the fire; And provided further, That the allotment of these funds to the various national parks or areas administer- ed by the National Park Service for fire-fighting purposes shall be made by the Secretary of the Interior, and then only after the obligation for the expenditure has been incurred, and the Secre- tary of the Interior shall submit with his annual estimate of expenditures a report showing the lo- cation, size, and description of each forestfire, together with the number of men, their classification and rate of pay and actual time employed, and a statement of expenditures showing the cost for labor, supplies, special service, and other expenses covered by the expenditures made from these funds." 11 2. Expenditures from this appropriation are made under the superivison of the Secretary of the Interior, When a forest fire occurs in a national park or in the vicinity of a national park which endangers the park, our park super- intendent furnishes the necessary menand equipment for fighting same. When the total expense is ascertained a rpport is made to this office showing the itemized expense incurred in fighting the fire. An allotment in the exact amount is then made by the Secretary of the Interior from the appropriation above mentioned with which to pay for the expense incurred. Any expense in connection with fighting forest fires to be paid from this appropriation must be incurred under the supervision of our park superintendent and the statement of itemized expenditures must be certified by him. The appropriation is not available for fighting forest fires outside of Lafayette National Park unless such fire endangers the park area. Very truly yours, (signed) Arno B. 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