Roger Griswold, 20 Newbury Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. J. Brooks Benno 255 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Mrs. Richard C. Paine, Brookling, Mass. Mrs. Morton L. Fearey Garden City, New York John L. Fearey Barden City, New York W. Appleton Lawrence Grace Church, Providence, Rhode Island Mrs. Malcolm E. Peabody 18 East Chestnut Ave., Chestnut Hill, Pa. Henry Lynan 109 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. G. T. Francis 56 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Harris A. Reynolds 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. Frances Parkman . Mrs. 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Mr. Francis Parkman 4 University Hall, Cambridge, 38, Mass. Mr. Charles E. Sampson 340 Park Avenue, New York Langdon P. Marvin 52 Wall Street, New York Effie Desiton Fraley Sunset & Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Pa. Donald McKay Frost 84 State Street, Boston, Mass, Mrs. Roger Griswold 65 Goddard Avenue, Brodline, Mass, Frank B. Rowell 470 Park Avenue, New York City William Jay Turner 437 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. J. Gresham Machen Post Office Address, Box 4, Princeton, N. J. Roger Pierce 135 Devonshire Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. William P. Homans Ponkapoag, Massachusetts Dr. Augustus Thorndike 601 Beason Street, Boston, Mass. Mr. Barrinton Moore New York Mrs. Howard Sturges Providence, R. I. Miss Dorothy Sturges Providence, R. I. George Wharton Pepper 2228.42 Land Title Building, Phila Harold Peabody 10 State Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs Theodore S Paul 8009 Navajo Street, St. Martins, Phila Mrs Richard T Nalle Chestnut Hill, Phila R. T. Nalle c/o Henry Disston & Sons, Inc., Phila, Pa. O. H. Perry Pepper, M. D. Medical Arts Building, Phila, Pa. Joseph Allen 9 Hyrtle Street, White Plains, N. Y. Lincoln Cromwell 357 Fourth Avenue, Cor, 26th Street, New York Gertrude Sampson Boston, Mass. Gertrude W. Peabody and Francis W. Peabody, Cambridge, Mass. William W. Vaughan Jekyl Island, Georgia Walter Damrosch and Margaret Blaine Damrosch, New York E. B. Dane 5 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. John Dane 29 Marlborough Street, Boston, Mass. Robert Walcott 910-919 Barristers Hall, Boston, Mass. Phillip W. Ayres 4 Joy Street, Boston, Mass. Frederic Delano Weeks 53 William Street, New York City Bremex W. Pond, Pres. Boston Society of Landscape Arthitects, Boston, C. M. Amory Boston, Mass. M. L. Peabody Boston, Mass. Samuel W. Morris Girard Trust Co., Broad and Chestnut Street, Phila COPY Little and Russell Architects 20 Newbury Street, Boston March 16, 1927. Arno B. Cammerer, Acting Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a sugmer resident of Mt. Desert Island for the last thirty years and as a land owner there for the last twelve years, I wish to enter my protest against the construction of any more roads in the Lafayette National Park, particularly against that proposed for the Bubble Pond region. Yours very truly, (SGN4 Roger Griswodd RG/G Architect. 255 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston Massachusetts To the Director of the National Parks Service Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I desire to enter a vigorous protest against allowing Mr. Rockefeller Jr. and Mr. Dorr to continue construction of a horse road on West side of Burnt Bubbles on Mt. Desert Island. I am a land owner of considerable acreage in Eden County, Mt. Desert and therefore am interested in the future of the island. The road building at present has already done a great deal of ruination to the trees & wild spots about the mountains that I sincerely hope that you will use your great influence in putting a stop to any further damage to our lovely scenery. Yours very truly, (SGND) Mary H. Fenno Mrs. J. Brooks Fenno March 12th/27 EP Dept. of the Interior, Attention Mr. Kammerer Assistant Director Dear Sir: I wish to state that I strongly object to a new road being built at Seal Harbor, Maine between Bubble Pond & Jordan Pond. It is almost the only path for foot passengers left. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Ellen Paine. (Mrs. Richard C. Paine) March 14- Brookline, Mass. Garden City, N. y. March 11th/27 Director of the Nat'l Park Service Dear Sir: As a very old resident and a property owner at Bar Harbor, Maine, I am writing to say that, in my opinion, the new road which Mr. Rockefeller has offered to have constructed there, & which will probably be decided upon on March 13th will be a serious mistake if built. Already the beauty & privacy of the Islard has been much destroyed by the many new roads built, bringing in tourists from everywhere & opening up the most beautiful spots among the hills & lakes to the public & careless pianickers destroying the pleasure that the old residents & the children used to have in the hills & woods. I hope very much that this new road will not be built. Sincerely yours (Mrs Morton L. Fearey) (SGND) Julia L. Fearey Garden City, L. I. March 12, 1927. Director of the National Park Service, Dear Sir: I am a boy ten years old and I used to think Bar Harbor was the finest place on earth but now they are letting tourists in to all the nicest places and soon there won't be & spot left that we can go on picnics to or a lake left to swim in, They say they are going to make more roads near Bubble Pond. I hope you will stop their doing that, please! Yours sincerely (SGND) John L. Feargy Grace Church Providence, Rhode Igland March 10th Director of National Park Service Dear Sirs: I have just learned that Mr. Rockefeller has offered to put another road starting from the road along Eagle Lake and running along Bubble Pond southward etc. I write fully apprecia- tive of Mr. Rockefellers generosity but in the hope that the plan will not be adopted. I have refrained from protesting before because I realized that the public had a right to the beauties that this region affords, but I do not think that the public or anyone else would be benefited by this additional road. I have been a resident during the summer of Bar Harbor for the last 35 years and altho in the early part of that time too young to appreciate the wonders of that district feel that at least I express the point of view of one who loves the place too much to see it spoiled without protest, tho glad and willing to share it with others unspoiled. Please count me as one against this extra and unnecessary horse road. Yourstruly, W Appleton Lawrence. 18 East Chestnut Ave., Chestnut Hill, Pa. March 11, 1927. Hon. Hubert Work, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: You will shortly have brought to you for your approval if it has not been brought already, a plan for ano ther carriage road in Lafayette National Park. May I respectfully beg you to with- hold your sanction for this until you have given it the fullest possible consideration. The present policy of the Park Service is to develop the park by these carriage roads with the idea that in this way the greatest number of people will benefit. Up to this moment the miles of carriage roads which we have already are comparatively little used for two reasons I think. The first reason is the expense of hiring horse drawn vehicles, 80 that with the exception of a few very well to do people the majority of summer visitors cannot afford many carriages. The second reason to my mind is that the people the Park is attempting to bring to the Island are those that will come in their own automobiles for short vacations. The Park, though so beautiful, is really too small in all its propore tions to induce people to take the two days necessary to drive through it. Meanwhile these many roads spoil the chief charm of the place for those who love Nature in its untouched form and who do not feel that they must see every portion of the island within a limited time. This place has proved an inspiration for leaders of this country in art, music, religion and public affairs and by 2. trying to make it a place for herds of people to enjoy in herds, you are harming it seriously for those who though smaller in numbers certainly deserve all the consideration we can give them. Will you not postpone any further plans for carriage roads until you see whether you. are really going to attract people in numbers to that far off spot and then whether they are going to want such an infinite number of carriage roads when they get there. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Mary E. Peabody Mrs. Malcolm E. Peabody 109 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. March 11, 1927. Director of National Parks Service, Care of the Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: May I be allowed to express my sincere disapproval of the proposed new road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles to other roads south of Jordan Pond House. It seems to me that much of the charm and beauty of the Mt. Desert mountains will be lost if they are continually cut to pieces by roads. I believe that far too much has been done already in this way, although with the very best intent. Very truly yours, (SGND) Henry Lyman Dictated Henry Lynan 56 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mase. March 9, 1927. Director of the National Parks Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just heard of the offer of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to construct a new horse road through Isfayette National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, from the west side of Burnt Bubbles starting at the present horse road recently constructed along the west shore of Eagle Lake, and running between Burnt Bubbles Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond, crossing the Jordan Pond notor road, and thence along the west shore of Bubbles Pond by the existing horse trail, and southward along the western and southern flanks of the Triad, and across the Jordan Pond automobile road to connect with other horse roads south of Jordan Pond House. As a property owner at Schooner Head an Mt. Desert Island, I wish to express my extreme disapproval of this measure, which will endanger to a deplorable degree the wild life of the country through which this road is to pass and deface its beauty. Already irreparable damage has been done by such constructions, and further carrying out of that policy would in short time defeat the purpose of the Lafayette National Park. Particularly disagreeable would be the disturbing of such secluded spots as the west side of Bubbles Pond and between the Bubbles mountains. Very truly yours, (SIGND) G. T. Francis Pex HSF Atty UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON Mr. Harris A. Reynolds Secy Massachusetts Forestry Assn, 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. March 12, 1927. My dear Mr. Reynolds; By reference from the Secretary, the Service has your letter of March 9, bearing on the Lafayette Park road situation and other problems. When you 3ay that from all you can learn the landscape architect of the National Park Service has never made a thorough study for the d'evelopment of the park, you are both correct and incorrect. We have had the landscape architect in the park twice in fact, last November both he and the associate landscape architect were there. It has not been considered practicable to have a study of the entire park made from a landscape development standpoint, because every year has been seeing large additions made by donations, and until we know eractly what land we will have in the ultimate park it has seemed to us to be of little avail to have a general development plan because conditions would change from year to year, depending on what additional areas are secured or not secured. On the other hand, our landscape department on the occasion of their two inspection trips made a thorough study of the routes and location of the few roads that have so far been approved and the present one that is in 8 ntem- plation, and we have had the landscape architect's approval and hearty recommendation from a professional standpoint of all the road work done and the road now contemplated. In other words, we have secured the best professional advice available. Furthermore, with very few exceptions, including yours, the protests against the roads have arisen from those who are summer residents and own property on the Island, while generally the people of the State, including the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Secretary, of State, the Attorney General, and others, who are interested in the development of the park as a national park and not as a local park, have strongly endorsed the project, thereby supporting our plan. It was good to hear from you again, because a letter from you is always full of good meat. Sincerely yours, Anno B. Cammerer Acting Director MASSACHUSETTS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 4 JOY STREET, BOSTON 9, MASS. March 14, 1927. Arno B. Cammerer, Esq., The Director, National Fark Service, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Cammerer: It is always a pleasure to have letters from you even though you do not agree withone. I can't get away from the feeling that the little Lafayette Park will always be a source of annoyance to your Service. I am glad that your landscape architect is familiar with the situation but so many of these prepositions are coming up that a study of the present area might head off some things that would be injurious in the development of the Park. Mr. Rockefeller of ocurse is a very interested and influential resident but some of the developments on the land which he now owns and which he proposes to give to the Park would not I believe meet the approval of any landscape man of experience. As I said in my previous letter, I regret that this area was ever lifted from the National Monument status to that of the Park. You are to be congratulated on securing your appropriations this year and I think that the Service is doing a most wonderful work considering all the obstacles in mattern of policy with which you are confronted. with best personal wishes. Sincerely yours, HAR:LK Harris A. Reynolds Secretary MASSACHUSETTS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. March 9, 1927, Honorable Hubert, Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Our attention has been called to the proposal to build two more carriage roads in the Lafayette National Park. We approciate the splendid public spirit shown by Mr. Rockefeller in his generous offer to pay for the construction of these roads, but from our point of veew there should be no further building of carriage roads until a thorough landscape study has been made. From all we can learn, the landscape architect of the National Part Service has never made a thorough study for the development of the Park, and from my personal observations, some of the road building projects already carried out might well have been postponed until such a study had been made. This little park presents a peculiar problem to the National Park Service, and the people who are most interested in its develop- ment are divided in their opinions as to the number and location of roads to be built within the Park. There are those who would like to have nearly every beauty spot within the Park made accessible by at least carriage roads, and another very large group is equal ly desirous of retaining some of these beauty spots in their natural state with nothing more than trails leading to them. The members of this Association belong to that group and we believe that in the best interests of the Park itself a thorough landscape study and plan should be made before further road building projects are approved. In my judgment it is unfortunate that this area was elevated from the National Monument status to that of National Park, because the area is so small that the demands of recreation because of its park status have already forced the opening up of areas that should have been left in their natural state. Since the old carriage is practically a thing of the past, any so-called carriage roads built today will inevitably become automobile roads in the near future. HW -2-3/9/27 at the hearing before you some two years ago I expressed the feeling that there should be sufficient trails and roads to provide adequate protection against fires, but in some sections of this park the building of a road will create as much fire hazard as it will serve to reduce the present hazard, because we know that the careless use of smoking material by people driving along roads in automobiles is responsible for a large percentage of forest fires. In view of the sentiment for the preservation of these natural areas, which is very strong in this section, we trust that you will see the wisdom of postponing further road construction until such time as a landscape study can be made by your Park Service. Yours sincerely, (SGND) Harris A. Reynolds Secretary HAR:R Boston 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Hon. Secretary Work, Department of the Interior, National Park Division. Dear Sir: I write to protest most earnestly against the building of the road contemplated by Mr. Rockefeller along the edge of Bubble Pond on Lafayette Park. This road was stopped a year ago by the Secretary, as it would complete the destruction of Bubble Pond as a spot of wild and unique beauty The pond is accessible already at its upper end by automobile and a trail leads down the wooded side connecting with another trail to Jordan Pond. Thore is already also an automobile road along the other side of Pemetic Mountain whichrises from Bubbihe Pond and divides the two lakes. Looking at the map of this very small. area, about 3 miles square, it would seem to be just 8 network of roads, and the Park if such a policy be continued would lose its distinction and become suburban in character instead of being the 000eone accessible park of wild natural beauty. Even the advocates of the roads now feel that enough has been done. Money and other influences like local pride should give way to the consideration that in this matter the harm they may do can never be undone, and the very object of attracting people to a place for its beauty will be defeated. Begging you most earnestly not to allow this road to go through I am Very respectfully yours Mrs Henry Parkman (SGND) Frances Parkman March 10, 1927. HARVARD COLLEGE 4 University Hal 1 Cambridge 38, Mass. Dear Sir: I have already sent you a telegram which I trust you have received, protesting against the proposed road in Lafayette National Tark to ge given by Mr. Rockefeller. I understand that the proponal calls for the construction of a carriage road from one of the Bubbles around the end of Pemetic Mountain and along Bubble Pond, eventually joining one of the Jordan Pond roads. Along with many others, I have felt much disturbed at the pushing of this road system along the Mountain sides around Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. If you have ever seen the island from the vicinity of Blue Hill BEY, I think you must appreciate my feeling that the road cut along Sarcent Mountain has partially destroyed the beauty of the scene. The roads along Jordan Pond have, to my mind, accomplished little good and have ruined the setting of the Pond, and I feel that the system of roads is out of all proportion to the sixe of the park. This proposed road will mar another pond of great natural beauty, and I hope that you will not give it your approval. It is my feeling that Mr. Rockefeller and others (whose public spirit can not be questioned) in their attempt to make the beauties of the island more available, have at least partially ruined the very scones which they wished to make better known. Yours very truly, (SGND) Francis Parkman Mr. Arno Cammerer Assistant Secretary, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB696 50 1 EXTRA NL. CAMBRIDGE MASS 10 ARNO CAMMERER. ASST SEC NATL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS RESIDENT M1 DESERT ISLAND OVER TWENTY FIVE YEARS AND LOVER OF ITS BEAUTIES I WISH TO PROBEST AGAINST PROPOSED ROCKEFELLER ROAD FROM BUBBLE MOUNTAIN ALONG BUBBRE POUND TOWARDS JORDAN POND ROAD IT IS UNNECESSARY AND WILL RUIN NATURAL BEAUTY OF BUBBLE POND HOPE YOU WILL DISAPPROVE iT . LETTER FOLLOWS. FRANCIS PARKMAN HARVARD UNIVERSITY 340 Park Avenue March 10, 1927. Director of National Parks Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just been informed that Mr. John D. RockefeAler Jr. has made an offer to construct a new horse road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles starting at the present horse road recently constructed along the west shore of Eagle Lake, and running between Burnt Bubbles Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond, crossing the Jordan Pond motor road by a bridge, and thence along the west shore of Bubbles Pond by the existing horse trail, and southward along the western and southern flanks of The Triad, and across the Jordan Pond automobile road to connect with other horse roads south of Jordan Pond House, This road crosses lands belonging to the Park, to the Hancock County Trustees of Reservations, and to private citizens. I have a place in Bar Harbor, where I reside during the Summer and I am a Member of the Hancock County Trus tees of Public Reservations. I have received a notice of a meeting of the Hanco ck County Trustees to be held on Monday, March 14, to consider this and I have notified the Secretary of my inability to attend the Meeting and my disapproval of granting authority to build this horse road over our land. Dof Nps #2 I have telegraphed voicing my respectful protest to you. There are very few horse vehicles now on Mt. Desert Island and the use of Mr. Rockefeller's roads which he offers to the public is very limited. The extension of these horse roads through this very beautiful wild tract in the neighborhood of the Bubbles Mountain and Pond seems to be much against public interests as this tract is largely used by pedestrians and the preservation of the present very great natural beanty and vegetation is of the utmost importance. The new automobile road through this neighborhood gives ample facilities for automobiles and for such horse driven vehicles as go through that road. I earnestly hope that the Department will still keep the plan for further extension of roads in abeyance and certainly until the use of the present automobile road shows that further extension of roads is necessary. The great beauty and charn for all in the Lafayette National Park are these wild tracts with fine trees and gegotation should be preserved, for the benefit of the greatest number. These are the pedestrians and those who use the automobile roads in motors. Yours respectfully, Charles E. Sa pson WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM NB320 54 NL.XJ NEW YORK NY LO DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERICA WASHINGTON DC. BEING LAND OWNER BAR HARBOR AND MEMBER HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS WISH TO PROTEST AGAINST BUILDING PROPOSED HORSE ROAD IN NEIGHBORHOOD BUBBLE MOUNTAIN AND POND IN LAFAYETTE PARK BELIEVE AGAINST PUBLIC INTERESTS TRACT MUCH USED BY PEDESTRIANS VERY FEW HORSE VEHICLES ON ISLAND PRESENT AUTOMOBILE ROADS AMPLE AND PRESERVATION OF NATURAL BEAUTY IMPORTANT. CHARLES E. SAMPSON EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN COUNSELLORS AT LAW 52 WALL STREET NEW YORK 10 March, 1927. In re Lafayette National Park. Director of the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. has offered to construct a new horse road in the Lafayette National Park from the west side of Burnt Bubble Mountain, around by Bubble Pond, southward to connect with other roads south of the Jordan Pond House, and that this offer is under advisement by the Secretary of the Interior. I have been a summer visitor at Northeast Harbor on Mt. Desert Biland almost continuously since I was a small boy, that is for some forty years, and I have done a great deal of walking on the Island, and know this territory well. In my opinion. it would be unfortunate to permit of any additional roads in this part of the Island, just as it has been unfortunate to have permitted the roads now under construction on the mountains on either side of Jordan Pond. The territory between Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond has been one of the few really wold spots left. It is a small territory which should, so far as is now possible, be pre- served for walkers and others interested in wood life and in the mountains, and I hope that no further roads will be permitted there. Director of the National Parks Service - #2 10 March 1927. Moreover, It should be pointed out that very few people at Mt. Desert Island have horses or carriages, and that such a horse road would only benefit the extremely few who own horses, or the two or three stables from wheah they can be hired. There is no such demand for such a road as would justify the further defacement of this part of Mt. Desert Island. Very truly yours, (SGND) Langdon P. Marvin. LPM-M. March tenth Mrs. C. Bradford Fraley, Sunset & Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. Director of National Parks Service, Dear Sir: I have just been informed that Mr. Rockefeller wants to build another carriage road on Mt. Desert Island on the East side of Pemetic Mountain and though that lovely wild valley at the south end of Bubble Pond. That is alamst the only wild, untouched part of the Island left now and I beg on behalf of my family and friends that the Park will not grant any land to Mr. Rockefeller for the building of any more roads. We have all been summer residents of Northeast Harbor for twenty five years now, and four of us own our own houses and large tracts of land on the Island besides. So we are really qualified to protest when we see a policy being pursued which we are convinced is taking away the chief charm of our beloved Island. Please let me hear from you as to whether the wishes of the old gummer residents is to have any weight with the present Lafayette National Park commissioners or whether we shall have to use our influence and energy to get new commissioners appointed. Sincerely yours (SGND) Effie Desiton Fraley Donald McKay Frost, 84 State Street, Boston, Mass. March 10, 1927. Director, National Park Service, c/o Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: I alm informed that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has offered to construct a new "horse road" from the west side of the Burnt Bubble to the north end of Bubble Pond. Although but a summer resident, not a preperty holder, I am keenly interested in the preservation of the natural beauties of the Island and wish to put on file my very urgent protest against the construction of the proposed road. My reasons for this protest are as follows:- 1. The scenic beauties of the Island are comprised within a very small area. One can walk from the eastern side of the Island to Sommes Sound- its most beautiful part- in the course of a day. There is, therefore, no need for any extended road system to take people in to the mountain district. 2. The mountains are 80 small that any road out into them makes a considerable gash on the sides of the mountains and in the forests which lie at their feet. If the scenic beauties are to be preserved, as few roads as possible should be built. Look at what has been done! 3. The road system already planned is more than sufficient to enable those who are unable to walk to enjoy the scenery. There are hardly any valleys now left without roads. Green Mountain will have a road to its top and Sangent Mountai n will be encircled by a Director, National Park Service -2 road which very nearly reaches the top. Those who wish to drive or motor can hardly complain thay they are limited in their use OF the Park. 4. The e is no better form of exercise then walking and no better hobby to encourage in the people of this country than a love of the outdoors and of the beauties of nature. It seems, therefore, proper that there should be left for the nature lover who likes to walk some places where he may enjoy the rest and quiet of the woods. Very few are left on the Island. 5. The roads constructed by Mr. Rockefeller are not "hor se roads." Having a solid rock surface, they are unsuitable for riding and are constructed with grades and curvatures adapted to the use of the motor car. Whatever the desires of Mr. Rocke feller or those in darge of the Park may be, it will not be possible to keep motors off of these "horse roads" indefinitely. 6. It is well known that Mr. Rockefeller's hobby is road building and I do not understand why he should be permitted to gratify this hobby on public property. The road will be built from public funds when the denand from the public is great enough to authorize the expenditure. Very respectfully, (SGND) Donald McKay Frost DLICKF 65 GODDARD AVENUE March 9,1927 BROOKLINE Department of the Interior National Park Service, Attention Mr. Armo B. Kammerer Dear Sir: I understand that a new road on Mt. Desert Island is being contemplated and that you would like to have the opinion of the people who are interested in the Island on the subject. I have been a Summer resident there all my life and I very much hope that this new road will not be constructed. I feel that there are now plenty of roads for everyone to be able to see and enjoy the beautiful scenery and that any more will spoil theoplace. I understand that this road is planned to go along the side of Bubble Pond and I think that would be a tDemendous pity. Anyone who cannot walk car. now get a view of Bubble Pond from the automobile road which has been built to the end of it and it seems very unnecessary to have another road down the side, thus destroying one of the few wild spots left. I do hope that this road will not be built and that the road building will stop where it is now. Yours truly (SGND) Penelope P. Grtswold Mrs. Roger Griswold 470 Park Avenue, New York City, March 10, 1927. Director of National Parks Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: III understand that in a letter of the date of February 24, 1927, Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has definitely asked per- mission to build in the Isfayette National Park two sections of horse roads, one to the north and one to the south of Bubble Pond, to make links with roads that he is building or has built already in that general region, such horse roads having already been approved by the Department of the Interior. While I admire Mr. Rockefeller and appreciate his generous intentions in this respect, I should like to put myself on record as opposed to this proposed construction. It is another instance of slashing into land where we are anxious to preserve the natural growth for the sake of its beauty as it now exists. I personally regard as a desecration the roadbuilding that has already taken place, though I do not deny that the roads give pleasure to countless people. The proposed horse roads amount to being a rich man's hobby, for their use is limited to a few people. I can sympathize with the desire of riders and drivers to have such roads, but contend that we already have anough and that there should be an end to this slashing into the small area that the island actually affords. Such slashing for carriage roads or for riding on Sargent Mountain has made a scar that can been seen for miles inland, and in the flat land to the north of Sargeant, it has utterly spoiled the spirito of remoteness that made the real charm of the place. I dislike opposing a man whose intention$ is to be a benefactor; but this whole plan of roadbuilding has been like spoiling the face of a jewel. It is because we have man-handled parks and the touch of sophistication elsewhere, that we should take extra pains to preserve the great natural beauty of Lafayette Park as it is. At the present time, the tendency seems to be to ex-ploit it with the result that the real charm will eventually be lost for the poor man quite as much as for the supposedly selfish rich man. Respectfully yours, Barberry Ledge, Bar Harbor, Maine. (SGND) Frank B. Rowell William Jay Turner 437 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, March 9, 1927. N.E.H.Trails Honourable Stephen T. Mather, Director, National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am strongly opposed to the construction of the proposed carriage road along the west shore of Bubble Pond in Lafayette National Park, Mount Desert, since this existing roads are most than sufficient in every way. Before authorizing this one, I urge you to have a census made this summer, so that you may have accurate information as to the trifling extent to which the existing roads are used. In my opinion the proposed road would be in the nature of a desecration of one of the few remaining undisturbed beauty spots in the Park, and from my point of view should not be authorized in the absence of a real necessity. I venture to say that the census I have suggested will show conclusively that no such necessity exists. Sincerely, (SGND) William Jay Turner I neglected to say that I am 8. Summer resident of Mound Desert, and the owner of a cottage at Northeast Harbour. PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON? NEW JERSEY. March 9. 1927. J. Gresham Machen Post Office Address Box 4, Princeton, N. . Director of the National Parks Service, Care of the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. 0. Dear Sir: My attention has just been called to the proposal, re- garding the Lafayette National Park, that a new horse road be constructed starting from the went side of the Burnt Bubble and running between the Burnt Bubble Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubble Pond and thence along the west shore of Bubble Pond and southward along the western (easterr?) and southern flank of The Triad and across the Jorden Pond Automobile road to connect with the horse roads south of Jordan Pona House. Having been a summer resident of Mount Desert Island for about thirty years, I am venturing, very respectfully, to express an opinion with regard to this project--an opinion which I am sure is shared in essentials by many others. The feeling of lovers of nature about such matters is for the most part inarticulate; and their voice, when it is raised at all, is often drowned by a chorus of those who think primarily of material betterment or at least of something other than natural beauty. Yet I venture to thi nk that if the National Parks Service is to discourage the love of nature among our people, one very important reason for its existence is gone. Anything more ruinous to the natural beauty of the region than such a road building project as this would be difficult to imagine. Already the Park is being filled with a network of roads; there are roads on both sides of Jordan Pona and both sides of Eagle Lake, to say nothing of many others. The question &rises whether anythingtis tobe/left in its natural state,- whether in the whole extent of the park there is to be left one beautiful shady nook or one unscarred 60 mountain side. Let it not be said by way of extenuation that this new road is to be a horse road, not an automobile road. The horse roads in the Park seem to ine to be just as destructive of natural beauty as are the automobile roads--the only difference being that they have no practically no compensating value to any considerable section of the public. I am well aware that many persons cannot appreciate the point of view that is presented in this letter. waterfall, them, if we may take an example at random is exactly the same If it has a huge bridge in front of it OF if it is open to the sunlight as it is if it is secluded in a shady glan. There are many persons, in other words, who have no understanding of how delicate a thing, in the sphere of natural beauty, is charg, and how easily it is destroyed. But is the National Parks Service to commit itself to this latter point of view? This question does seem to me to be an important one. The love of nature, I venture to think is very important; and instead of receiving the ruthless discouragement that would be involved in such S. project as the one now under consideration, ought to be encouraged in every possible way. Only a little bit of wild, natural beauty remains on Mount Desert Island. Is that little bit to be ruthlessly destroyed? There are city parks in plenty, with their network of roads. Why should not something different, something unique, be preserved on Mount Desert Island? Is the National Parks Service to be an description agency for the conservation of a natural beauty which once destroyed onan can never be replaced? time (consignation, I appreciate to the full the high motives and the an generosity of those individuals who may have expressed their willingness to cooperate in this project. But the harm that would be done would be so irreparable that I have ventured to expr38s my opinion about it. That opinion would 01 course be worth little if it were mine alone. But if you should make a really careful investigation, I am sure that you would find that my opinion is very similar to the opinion of many others. In closing, I desire to express my hearty appreciation of the service that the Lafayette National Park has rendered. The greater would my regret be to see that service turned into a calamity by an unwise destruction of the distinctively natural boauty or the Park. Very truly yours, (SGND) J. Gresham Machen WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM NC936 32 PRINCETON NJ 9 506P 1927 MAR 9 PM 5 39 DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE? CARE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON D C. AN VENTURING TO SEND YOU TODAY A LETTER IN OPPOSITION 00 NEW PLAN OF ROAD BUILDING IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK ABOUT WHICH I UNDER STAND THERE IS TO BE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION J GRESHAM MECHAN THE NEW ENGLAND TRUST COMPANY 135 DEVONSHIRE STREET? BOSTON, MASS. 9 March 1927. Dear Sir: I have just been told of the proposed new road in the Lafayette Natioral Park from the west side of Burnt Brbbles to south of Jordan Pond House. I am told that you are interested in expressions of opinion as regards the advisability of constructing this road. I should, therefore, like to express the my strong hope thet the Government will decide not to construct it. I have been going to Northeast Harbor for some fifteen years and my wife for meny years before that. It seems a pity that some portions of our beautiful country cannot be loft undeveloped for those who enjoy roaning in them. To fill the hills of Mount Desert with more an d more roads will, in my opinion, largely spoil the charm of the g pot. It certainly seems as though, for the time being in any case, there were roads enough. Yours very truly, Roger Pierce Director of National ParkisService Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Mrs. "illiam P. Homans Ponkapoag, Massachusetts, March 8th, To the Secretary of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, Dear Sir: With regard to your letter of Feb 28th to Mr. Dorr concerning proposed roads in the J.afayette Park, May I register a very strong protest against any more roads being built in that region? Already the sides of the mountains have been much toomuch defaced by great fashes cut across them and the all too rare solitude of wooded valleys spoiled by these great roads which so fer people enjoy. It is so seldom now that we can enjoy nature, unspoiled by the hands of man, that it neems a pity, that one of the Pew accessible spots where one can walk and enjcy its beauties should be absolutely spoiled by a network of roads built for the enjoyment of the few rich people who can still afford the luxtry of horses. At the present time there are certainly plenty of roads for the latter class of people who wish to drive, why not leave some of the wild wooded trails for the enjoyment of pedestrians? As an old inhabitor of Ms. Depert I can say confidently that the greatest part of the inhabitants feet the way I do about this matter and very strongly hope that the Dept of Interior will refuse to consider any more road construction in this region. Yours truly, (SGND) Edith Parkman Homans Dr. Augustus Thorndikh, 601 Beacon Street, Boston's Mass. March 9, 1927. To the Director of the National Parks Service, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: Having heard indirectly through my friend Mr. George B. Dorr of Mr. John D. Rockefeller's generous offer to pay for construction of a new road through the Lafayatte National Park and that the question of its acceptance was imminent, I write to you because I was also told by another that you wanted expressions of frank opinion from those who love Mt. Desert & live there. I have spent over forty summers on this enchanted island & love it & wish it well. And every one wishes the National Park well & wishes it to show all the beauties of the island to as many as possible. Now while this is a most generous offer and a well e aning one in every way; yet there are some among whom I class myself who look on the proposed road with disfavor, & f6+ these are my reasons. In the first place it does not serve any definite object (such as shortening the distance etc) between any of the settlements on the island. Secondly it is restricted in its use; ie, automobiles are excluded. Of horses, there are few, alass and many of them are in Mr. J. D. Rockefeller's stable. A census of all the horses remaining on the island would surprise us. The excursionist & the general public find great trouble to hire a horse or a wagon to take the drive in, Furthermore pedestrians almost always prefer trails & paths of which there are an abundance. Thirdly the expense of maintaining the existing park roads is already burdensome why add to it? Fourthly. What the people who come to see any national park, most want to look at is the natural beauty of scenery in its nature wild state. Every new road leaves scars. Could you persuade Lr. Rockefeller to endow the maintenance of the roads he has Abready built instead of building this one I believe it would be far better. Please excuse the perfect frankness with which I have ventured to write which my old deep love of the island has led me into using & believe me Very sincerly yours, (SGND) Augustus Thorndike of Bar Harbor, Maine. March 8, 1927. Mr. Stephen T. Mather, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Mather: The enclosed is a copy of a letter which I am writing to the Secretary with reference to the roads on the Lafayette National Park. I heartily sympathize with the difficult position in which you are placed in having the request for these roads come from such a large donor of lands to the Park. Do you not think that this donor, in view of the very generous contributions he has made to science, would understand if it were explained to him that scientific people who are interested in the Outdoor Museum feature of the National Parks are unanimously opposed to these roads? The crux of the matter is that the valleys between the mountains, being the natural lines of travel, have been so reduced that there are barely enough left to round out the exhibit afforded by the Park. I am sure that I speak not only for the scientific men but for all conservation groups interested in the National Parks in urging the retention in an undisturbed condition of the small remnants of the valley lands. Very sincerly yours, BM.BP (SCND) Barrington Moore March 8, 1927, Dear Mr. Secretary: The question of additional roads on the Lafayette National Park is, I understand, before you for decision. While the proposed roads would be only for horse drawn vehicles, they would follow the specifications for similar roads already constructed which would permit them to be used by automobiles. Although it may perhaps be possible to permanently exclude motors from the present carriage roads, this seems somewhat doubtful. You yourself stated when you were on Mt. Desert Island investigating the road situation several years ago, that eventually the c arriage roads would probably be open to motors. It is, therefore, important in considering this problem to view these carriage roads as possible motor roads and to take tinto account their effect as such upon the Park. Carriage roads of the type hitherto constructed, even without motor traffic, create a great deal of disturbance, and sacrifice much of the natural charm and beauty of the valleys and hills through which they pass. West of Jordan Pond there is already a net-work of these roads. The scar on Parkman Mountain, plainly visible from Somesville and many other points, has already caused much adverse comment. The proposed road north and south of Bubble Pond would pass through the valley east of Pemetic Mountain which a number of people consider should be left in a natural conditionwithout roads. At the time the motor road from Bubble Pond to Jordan Pond was under discussion I advocated running the road south of B. M. 2. Bubble Pond and east of Pemetic Mountain instead of in its present location along Jordan Pond, Since, however, Jordan Pond and the Jordan Eagle Carry have now been opened by the motor road, it would seem hardly reasonable to also open the valley south of Bubble Pond and east of Pemetic Mountain. The C rossroad running from Burnt Bubble south of Eagle Lake to the west shore of Bubble Pond would open up and largely destDoy the scientific interest of one of the few remaining bits of valley land on the Island which has not yet had a road out through it. There is here a small tract of untouched spruce forest lying directly across the route of the proposed road. In conclusion, might I point out the fact that in proportion to its size, the Lafayette National Park is already more heavily built with roads than any of the other National Parks. The mountains, or most of them, will always remain without roads, but the area of undisturbed valleys is exceedingly small. These valleys are the habitats of interesting plants, birds and other wild life which form part of the museum exhibit and outdoor laboratory which constitute the highest purpose of the Park. The proportion of undisturbed valley lands in relation to the r ockier mountain habitats is already smaller than it should be for a well balanced exhibit. It is obvious, therefore, that further encroachment on the remaining valley lands would seriously impair the value of the Park. Respectfully yours, Hon. Hubert Work (SGND) Barrington Moore Secretary of the Interior. Mar 8, 1927 4 PM NC 662 47 NL NEW YORK NY 8 HON HUBERT WORK. SECY OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. RESPECTFULLY BUT EARNESTLY URGE DISAPPROVAL OF PROPOSED ROADS ON LAEAYETTE NATIONAL PARK NORTH AND SOUTH OF BUBBLE POND AND SOUTH OF EAGLE LAKE THESE ROADS WOULD OPEN MUCH OF REMAINING UNDISTURBED VALLEY LANDS WHICH ALREADY COMPRISE AN UNDULY SMALL PROPORTION OF THIS PARKS EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT LETTER FOLLOWS. BARRINGTON MOORE. ORIGINAL LETTER FROM BARRINGTON MOORE? COPY PREVIOUSLY MADE. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 106W MJ 37 BLUE F PROVIDENCE RI 1117A MAR 9, 1927. DIR NATL PARK SERVICE WASHN DC MRS HOWARD STURGES AND MISS DOROTHY STURGES PROPERTY OWNERS AND SUMMER RESIDENTS OF LONG STANDING AT BARHARBOR PROTEST THE BUILDING OF ANY FURTHER ROADS AS FATAL TO THE ONLY REMAINING WILD AND BEAUTIFUL SECTION OF THE PARK UNSIGNED 1255P PEPPER, BODINE, STOKES & SCHOCH 2228-42 Land Titte Building Philadelphia March 8, 1927. Honorable Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: I have today sent you the following telegram which I now beg to confirm: "I am informed that proposal is pending to construct in Lafayette National Park a carriage road through the Triads into the Bubble Pond Valley and along the western shore to the northern end of the Pond. This proposed road is unnecessary desecration of one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the Park and is in my judgement a further step in the progressive destruction of its charm without any compensating advantage to the public". At a hearing once held by you on this general subject I advocated a coherent and comprehensive plan for the treatment of Lafayette National Park. Recognizing that this is really a park in miniature and that if roads for vehicular traffic are run through every part of it its wilderness feature will be eliminated, I urged that the amphitheatre between Sargent and Jordan mountains be kept inviolate; that the Jordan Pond valley be regarded as a sufficient sacrifice to civilization and that the Bubble Pond valley be retained as wilderness. I am still firmly of opinion that the retention of the amphi- theatre and the Bubble Pond valley in their natural state is absolutely essential to preserve what is left of the wilderness feature of the Park. The Jordan Pond valley is Secretary Work -2- 3/8/1927. now pierced by an automobile road on its east side and on its west side by a carriage road, which proceeds around the north end of Sargent Mountain and destroys the scenic beauty of the Chasm brook and the Sargent waterfall through the erection of huge masonry viaducts. The north end of Bubble Pond has been spoiled by the approach to it of the automobile road above referred to. It is still possible, however, to preserve the east and west shores of Bubble Pond and the wilderness between the south end of Bubble Pond and the Triads. If the road now proposed is constructed, such preservation will be forever impossible. It will be remembered that all these roads, construct- ed and to be constructed, are not roads for the use of the general public who travel in automobiles but only for the use of the small and select class who can afford to keep or hire horses and horse-drawn vehicles. Yours sincerly, (sgnd ) George Wharton Pepper POSTAL TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM PA143 76 1927 MAR 8 PM 12 31 S PHILADELPHIA PA 8 Honorable Hubert Work SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC AM INFORMED THAT PROPOSAL IS PENDING TO CONSTRUCT IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK A CARRIAGE ROAD THROUGH THE TRIADS INTO THE BUBBLE POND VALLEY AND ALONG THE WESTERN SHORE TO THE NORTHERN END OF THE POND STOP THE PROPOSED ROAD IS UNNECESSARY DESECRATION OF ONE OF THE WILDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF THE PARK AND IS IN MY JUDGMENT A FURTHER STEP IN THE PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF ITS CHARM WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATING ADVANTAGE TO THE PUBLIC 11 )GEAOR GEORGE WHARTON PEOPER HAROLD PEABODY 10 STATE STREET BOSTON, MASS. March 8, 1927. Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, Assist. Director, "ational Park Service, c/o Department 01 the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: I had a long conference with Mr. Dorr yesterday regard- ing these new carriage roads that Mr. Rockefeller offers to build, and have delayed writing to you until today. of course, I remem- ber perfectly that these horse roads were the roads that we hoped would never be built if the automobile road to Jordan Pond House went through. Now that that road is build and ready to be used I feel more than ever that the Park is being cut up, and the wild places spoilt when any further roads are build. This section, as you remember, bounded by Burnt Bubbles, Jordan Mountain, and the automobile road on the west, and Eagle Lake on the north with Northa and South Bubbles Mountains in the center, was the district also the West and South slopes of the Triad & the Bubble Pond Valley that I had sincerely hoped would remain wild. I feel that it is for the best interests of everybody that these districts should remain wild, and, therefore, as politely as I can, I wish to protest against this horse road to Bubbles Pond and the Horse road from Bubbles Pond around the Triad. I cannot see why these roads are necessary to the enjoyment of the people. These roads do not add very much to the beauty of the views from the surround- ing mountains as whatever is done to try to hide them they will be seen from above. The bridge sr. Rockefeller contemplates building over the Jordan Pond automobile road will probably be asugly a monstrosity as the other bridges he has builT, and I do not see how this can possible be hidden. made There has been a suggastion/that the Village Improve- ment Societies and the summer people employ an efficient landscape architect to make a study of the development of the whole island. It seems to me that young Mr. Eliot, who is now in Washington, would be the best man to make this study. He knows the island well, and he knows what the best interests of the island are. How wonderful it would be if this study would be made. It is what I have been hoping for for the last three years, and I am willing to pay my share for the employment of such a man. Road-building on the island seems to be an especial hobby W th the very rich. I am a thorough believer in narrow trails for horses like those they have out West, and, if necessary in old lumbering roads being fixed up, but let me say agains as I Mr. Arno Cammerer -2- have said many times, "I am not interested in these sixteen-foot carriage roads which I cannot see are needed." We are all aiming for the same object, that is, proper development of the Park and the Island with due regard to keeping the beautiful wild places intact so that the generations that are to come may see some of the beauty that we have seen. Let me again enter my humble protest against the construction of these roads. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Harold Peabody 8009 Navajo Street, St. Martins Philadelphia The Director of National Parks Dear Sir: Hearing that you have invited comment on the proposed "Rockefeller Road" from Eagle Lake over the Burnt Bubble etc, I want to protest against having that road build. Is there any reason why Mt. Desert Island should be spoiled for the many who enjoy the remoteness of the mountain and wood trails, for & whim of Mr. Rockefeller which is rapiday ruining the very thing that a National Park should protect. It is hard to believe that your Department wi 11 allow this road to be built simply because the Senators like to give work to the natives, and because Mr. Rockefeller enjoys driving through what is practically his private estate. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) Adeline P. Paul Mrs Theodore S1 Paill Mrs. Richard T. Nalle, Chestnut Hill Philadelphia. Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Dear Sir: I wish to protest against the proposed new road to be built by Mr. Rockefeller on Mt. Desert Island. Yours truly, (SGND) Dorothy D. Nalle. Henry Disston & Sons, Ince. Philadelphia March 8, 1927. The Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that a new Rockefeller road is proposed for the Island of Mount Desert, Maine. I wish to protest very strongly against the construction of this road as I do not see that it is an improvement in the development of the-National Park. It has been my observation that Rockefeller Roads are used very little as they are only open to pedestrians, horses and carriages. The needs of people on foot would be fully met by trails, similar to the ones already existing., and practically no visitors to the Island would ever hire a carriage to drive on these roads. It seems to me that they only serve a very limited number of summer people on the Island who still derive enjoyment from driving in a carriage. To my mind the greatest appeal of this national Park is its unspoiled nature and freedom from "modern improvements". We already have the park opened up sufficiently by the recently constructed roads to satisfy the few who desire to view it from the road, and I sincerely hope that you can see your way clear to disapprove the permit for this proposed construction. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) R. T. Malle KLG R. T. Nalle 0. H. Perry Pepper Medical Arts Building Philadelphia Director of National Park Service Department of Interior, Washington, Dear Sir: As a land owner on, and summer visitor to Mt. Desert Island Maine permit me protest most strongly against the proposed road from Eagle Lake over Burnts Bubble. The roads already constructed and under construction have gone far toward ruining the islam for all except the touring motorists on the one hand and those having horses for access to the "private" roads on the other. For those of us who belong to neither of these classes and who wish to continue to spend vacations on the islands any further roads will simply increase the grave unhappiness already caused. Yours respectfully, 3-8-27 (SGND) O. H. Perry Pepper Jr. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON March 9, 1927. Dear Mr. Allen: I have before me your letter of March 8, inquiring whether the new road covered in exhibits and other data furnished you by Mr. Dorr is to follow at all the present so-called Boyd Road, and whether it will remain hidden in the woods or foll.ow higher levels where it will be visable from the various mountain trails and ridges. If the 80-called Boyd Road is the old road shown on our maps between Dike Peak and Pemetic Mountain, the proposed location of this new road swings farther to the west and does not touch the Boyd Road anywhere south of Bubble Pond. When the plan of 1922 was under consideration I went over some of the mountain trails to check up whether the roads then contemplated to be built would be visible from other points, and last September I went over the entire proposed new road trail at present under discussion. I was particularly inter- ested in seeing whether it would be visible from important points and was pleased to find that it would be hidden in the woods practically all the way. Of course, it comes into the open between Eagle Lake and Pubble Pond. One thing I am sure of, and in this our landscape engineers who have gone over the road situation agree with me, and that is that any scars t at have been and will be made within a very short time will be covered by new forest growth. I checked up on this myself in September and was pleased to find that everywhere along he talus covered by new road operations the grass, flowers, and shrubbery were commencing to come through. You will understand that this is not an entirely new road project, but simply one of the roads traile projects shown on the approved map of July 26, 1922, which was suspended for construction by the Secretary until funds were tendered for the continuation of the project. with kindest personal regards and best wishes, Sincerely yours, Arno B. Cammerer Assistant Director. Mr. Joseph Allen, The College of the City of New York Convent Avenue and 139th Street, New York City. ABC : MMM The College of the City of New York Department of Mathematics Convent Avenue and 139th Street, 9 Myrtle Street, White Plains, N. Y. March 8, 1927. Secretary Work, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: A letter from Mr. Dorr of the Lafayette National Park was received yesterday informing me of the proposed road to be build in the Lafayette National Perk from Eagle Lake southward through the Bubble Pond valley to Jordan Pond, and suggesting that if I had any comments to make upon the plan he would like to hear them in time to make a recommendation to you before Haren 13. You may remember that at the hearing held in Washington in regard to the road from Eagle Lake around the west side of Pemetic in theJordan Pond valley, I was one of those who opposed the Jordan Pond road and proposed instead the road through the Bubble Pond valley. My proposal, however, was strongly opposed by Senator Pepper, Mr. Lincoln Cromwell of the Northeast Harbor Village Improvement Society, and others; and you announced that approval of that road had been withdrawn. The further discussion at the hearing was held with the understanding that this second road had been removed from the map. Under these circumstances I beg to ask you not to $998 approve of the proposed road until ample time has been given to the residents Q Mt. Desert and others interested in the Park to study in detail the proposed location and confer with each other as to the desirability of the road. I ask you therefore not to make a favorable decision before March 13. I am asking Mr. Cammerer if he can let me have detailed information as to the location of the road. Only after we have all returned to Mt. Desert in June or July and after having stated the location in detail would it be possible for us to come to a reasonable decision as to whether the proposed road is desirable or not. But in view of the expression of opinion at the former hearing, to the effect that this Bubble Pond valley should be thereafter unspoiled by road building, it is only fair to those who wish to conserve the natural beauties of the Island to let them have more time to investigate this proposed new road. Thanking you for your courtesy in having us informed of this new plan, I am Very respectfully yours, Village Improvement Society Joseph Allen Chairman Mt. Desert. Maine. The College of the City of New York Department of Mathematics. Convent Avenue and 139th Street, March 8, 1927. Mr. Cammerer Park Department Washington D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: Yesterday I received from Mr. George B. Dorr an invitation to comment on the road proposed to be built partly on Park lands, in Mt. Desert, through the Bubble Pond valley. It is impossible to express an opinion without knowing the route proposed in some detail. Can you perhaps inform me whether this road is to follow at all the present so-called Boyd road in that valley? Does it remain in the woods, particularly near the Triad Mountain or does it follow higher lanels, visible from the various mountain trails and ridges? The map Mr. Dorr kindly sent has none of this information. I shall appreciate any information you can s end me. Very truly yours, Joseph Allen Chairman Fatho Committee District of Seal Harbor. Village Improvement Society WILLIAM ISELIN & CO. 357 Fourth Avenue, Cor. 26th Stre t, NEW YORK March 10, 1927. Hon. Arno B. Cammerer, Assistant Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Confirming my telegram of yesterday, I sincerely hope that the Secretary will delay tiving consent to Mr. Rockefeller's latest project until the sentiment of the permanent and summer residents of Mount Desert can be thoroughly sounded. From the outset I have been one of the most staunch defenders of Mr. Rocke- feller's road plans, always considering them of very great benefit to the Lafayette National Park. There has been a small group in tiolent opposition but they have been in such a minority that heretofore Mr. Rockefeller's plans have received general 8 proval. I attended the Washington conference several years ago and was puzzled to understand the indefinite indication of a road along the route which Mr. Rockefeller now wants to follow. Mr. Dorr and others were questioned about this marking on the map. The secretary and the meeting were assured that the Director of the park had no intention of building any such road. Nobody spoke in favor of it. Quite 8 number spoke strongly against any intrus- ion of the Bubble Pond valley. It is the one solitary wilderness left on the island. Seen from the western slope of Green Mountain it is one of the most impressive sights of Mount Desert. I feel very strongly that there is no excuse for a road in that valley and A.B.C. -2- 3/10/27 there are the best of scenic reasons why it should not be built. Undoubtedly it will take a carriage to points from which there are beautiful views but I respectfully suggest that permission be withheld until the present system of roads is completed and until a carriage service is available at the Joradn Pond house for people wishing to drive over the roads at reasonable cost. I am told it will be at least another year before the road around Sargent Mountain is completed. Until that time there is not likely to be two carriages a day over all of those roads. I am perfectly aware that most of the projected road is on Mr. Rockefiller's private property but it would be useless unless it could cross park lands at bo th ends to connect with his present system. I know 00 that there will be an opposition to this road not only from all who have heretofore protested against his road building but from a great many who have until now been very sympathetic with his projects. m Yours very cordially, (SGND) Lincoln Cromwell President, Northeast Harbor Village Improvement Scoiety WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 141 W MJ 48 BLUE 12 NX FB NEW YORK NY 139P MAR 9, 1927. HON ARNO B CAMMERER NATL PARK SVC DEPT INT LETTER FEBRUARY TWENTY EIGHTH RECEIVED SINCERELY HOPE CONSENT TO NEW ROCKEFYLLER ROAD WILL BE WITHHELD PENDING FULL INVESTIGATION THERE WILL BE SERIOUS OPPOSITION FROM MANY WH LIKE ME HAVE HERETOFORE SUPPORTED MR ROCKEFELLERS ROAD BUILDING PROGRAM LINCOLN CROMWELL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST HARBOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY 357 FOURTH AVE NEWYORK 220P March 9, 1927. CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS TELEGRAM FROM LINCOLN CROMWELL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST HARBOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB647 20 NL BOSTON MASS 11 1927 Mar 11 PM 9 15 THE DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS BARHARBOR RESIDENT I WISH TO RESPECTFULLY PROTEST AGAINST BUILDING THE ROPOSED HORSE ROAD IN BUDDLE POND REGION LAFAYETTE PARK GERTRUDE SAMPSON. WESTERN UNI N TEIGGRAM BB196 68 4 Extra NL TDB CAMBRIDGE MASS 1927 Mar 13 PM 9 00 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE CARE DEPT INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS LIFELONG SUMMER RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF MOUNT DESERT ISLAND WE DESIRE TO PROTEST EMPHATICALLY AGAINST THE BUILDING OF MORE ROADS IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK STOP THE INTERESTS OF MOTORISTS AND HORSEMEN ARE NOW ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR AND THER IS GRAVE DANGER THAT THE DEVELOPMENTS OF ROADS WILL DESTROY THE CHARM AND PEACE OF THE REMAINING WILD PLACES WHICH SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR WALKERS STOP SURELY ONE REASON FOR HAVING A NATIONAL PARK NEAR THE GREAT CITIES OF THE EAST IS TO PRESERVE A LARGE AREA IN A STATE OF UNTOUCHED NATURE. GERTRUDE W PEABODY AND FRANCIS K PEABODY WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 142₩ KQ 15 JEKYL ISLAND GA MAR 12 1927 1216P DIRECTOR OFNATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC APPROVE LAFAYETTE PARK ROAD BUILT AND BUILDING PROTEST AGAINST MORE TIME TO STOP FOR PRESENT WILLIAM W VAUGHAN 236₽ WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM NC813 159 ILL 1/61 NEW YORK NY 12 1927 MAR 12 PM 8 41 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. DEER SIR IN REFERENCE TO PROPOSED NEW ROAD THROUGH LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK FOR WHICH JOHN D ROCKEFELLER JUNIOR HAS OFFERED FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT US AS OLD RESIDENTS OF BARHARBOR TO MAKE AN URGENT APPEAL THAT SUCH A ROAD SHALL NOT BE BUILD STOP IT WOULD COMPLETELY DESTROY ONE OF THE NOBLEST SOLITUDES EXISTING IN OUR COUNTRY AND HITHER TO PROTECTED BY ITS NATIONAL- IZATION AS A PARK SUCH A ROAD WOULD BE A SCAR ON THE COUNTRY SIDE AND WOULD NOT EVEN SERVE ANY PRACTICAL PURPOSE AS HORSES ARE NO LONGER USED FOR DRAWING PLEASURE VEHICLES MR ROCKEFELLER BEING THE ONLY ONE OF THE ISLAND WHO STILL USES THIS METHOD OF CONVEY- ANCE THERE ARE NOW AMPLE ROADS FOR MTOR CARS AND THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL PARK IS RUINED IF IS CRISSCROSSED BY NEADLESS ROADS THUS SPOILING ITS GRANDEUR AND NATURAL BEAUTY EARNESTLY HOPING THAT YOU WILL NOT SANCTION THE BUILDING OF THIS ROAD WE REMAIN VERY TRULY YOURS WALTER DAMROSCH AND MARGARET BLAINE DAMROSCH E. B. DANE 6 BEACON STREET BOSTON, MASS March 11, 1927. To the Director of the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. has offered to construct a new horse road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles through to Jordan Pond road, running over land belonging partly to the Hancock County Trustees of Reservations and private citizens. This matter came before you once before and at that time I objected to the road. I object to it now as I consider it a detriment to the natural beauty of the country. The region is small and filled with foot trails which are much used and appreciated by the residents of the. locality. Horse traiks can be used only by a few and are & source of annoyance to the many who take pleasure in walking over these mountains. Very truly, (SGND) Erres B. Dane. 29 Marlborough Street, Boston, March 10, 1927. Director National Parks Service, Care of the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I telegraphed you this morning protesting against a plan to put another Rockefeller road through the wild lands of the Lafayette National Park. Horse transportation is but a pleasure of a few rich people, and there are plenty of roads now for their use. Most of the people who visit the Park now come in motors, and large numbers of these can not afford to hire horses. Where they can not go with their motors, they walk, greatly enjoying the beauty of the trails. The increase of carriage roads is spoiling these, and the proposed road around Bubble Pond would greatly injure one more of the now rapidly disappearing wild spots. Many of us Summer residents of Bar Harbor hope that you will put a stop to it. Yours respectively, (signed) John Dane. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 55W KQ 4 BOSTON MASS 1059A MAR 10 1927 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CARE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC WISH TO PROTEST ENERGETICALLY AGAINST PUTTING PROPOSED ROAD THROUGH WILD LANDS OF LAFAYETTE PARK DR AND NRS JOHN DANE 1114A 910-919 Barristers Hall Boston, March 10, 1927. Director of the National Parks Service, c/o The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am writing as President of the Nassachusetts Audubon Society--many of whose members enjoyed with pleasure ten days in camp at the Echo Lake camps last July and hope to have the same pleasure this year--and also a member of the Trustees of Public Reservations and as a life member of the Appalachian Mountain Club to express my opinion as strongly as I can that I consider it a great damage to the public lands at Mount Desert to break it up as a Wild Life Sanctuary by running the proposed road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles and running between it and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond and along the western and southern flanks of the Triad. I feel that already the beautiful natural wilderness has been unnecessarily out into and irremediable damage done by the roads which have already scarred the natural landscape without any compensating benefit and I sincerely hope that no desire to afford work for laborers or to please the donor of the road will lead to any further impairment of what was formerly the most eautiful Wild Life Sanctuary in New England readily available to all and appreciated by many for its incomparable natural beauty and peace. Yours very truly, (sgnd) Robert Walcott SOCIETY FOR PROTECTION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FORESTS. 4 Joy Street, Boston, Mass. March 10th, 1927 Hon. Hubert F. Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: The attention of this Society has been called to t e proposal to add additional roads in the Lafayette National Park. As the Park is quite small and has already been cut up by roads much more than is regarded desirable by many persons, it would seem that further construction of roads in this Park might be very well omitted in order that in so limited an area something of the wilderness might remain. I feel sure that your own sympathies are to preserve the Park in its wild beauty as far as possible. Let me take this occasion to thank you cordially for your sympathetic attitude toward the Waterville purchase as expressed at the meeting of the National Forest Reservation Commission on Mondayl We feel that) in New England that the Commission went as far as it could in the effort to bring this property into the White Mountain "stional Forest. Believe me, Very sincerely yours, (sgnd) Phillip W. Ayres, Forester. BOSTON TRANSCRIPT WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 1927. HOPE FOR WATERVILLE FOREST From the attitude of the National Forest Reservation Commission and that of the Parker & Young Company, the lumber operators who own the great Waterville valley in the White Mountains, as indicated by the outcome of the hearing before the commission in Washington, there is good reason to think that a way will be found to add this tract to the national forest. The statement by the company&'s representative wash wholly unambigous, and could not be interpreted otherwise than as showing a desire to meet the public's wishes half way in the matter. On behalf of the Government the commission did all that could be expected of it at this time, by authorizing the forest service to make a valuation survey of the property, without undue delay, to afford a basis for further negotiations. Although this will impose upon the owners the necessity of delaying the con- struction of the contemplated logging railroad, to which the to Government and the petitioners alike object, owing/the excessive fire risk which it would introduce, the company's representative interposed no objection. It has been too often the fashion for the public to regard big lumber corporations as utterly soulless. In this case at least the owners have at all times thus far shown a disposition to cooperate with those who hope that some portion of this ancient forest may be preserved in the public interest, and that such logging as may be carried on shall be less destructive than is commonly the case. FREDERIC DELANO WEEKES 52 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK March 11, 1927. To the Honorable Director of National Park Service, o/o Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that the new road in the Lafayette Nati onal Park, t he plans and construction of which were originally approved but held in abeyance until the expense required for the rk was provided for, will now probably be undertaken as the necessary funds for its completion are offered by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. This proposed road appears to proveed from the west side 01 Burnt Bubbles Lo the north end of Bubbles Pond, thence along its west shore to the western and southern flanks of The Triad and cone finally connects with other roads in the vicinity of Jordan Pond House- thus a very secuuded and favorite district of the Island and probably one that presents many attractions for pedestrians will exist no longer for their own use, and restrict on many ways the undisturbed enjoyment that has always been such a sorce of pleasure and delight. It should be borne in mind also that the idea of mai ing every part of the Park accessible in case of fire may be an imag- inary precaution as most fires that in past years have caused the greatest dama e and loss on the beautiful island of Mount Desert have had their origin on the roadside, and with an increase in the road system there is the corresponding increase therefore that in time invariably follows every new construction for the use e FREDERIC DELANO WEEKES 52 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK March 11, 1927. To the Honorable Director of Nati onal Park Service, c/o Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that the new road in the Lafayette Nati onal Park, t he plans and construction of which were originally approved but held in abeyance until the expense required for the work was provided for, will now probably be undertaken as the necessary funds for its completion are offered by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. This proposed road appears to proveed from the west side of Burnt Bubbles to the north end of Bubbles Pond, thence along its west shore to the western and southern flanks of The Triad and oone finally connects with other roads in the vicinity of Jordan Pond House---thus a very secluded and favorite district of the Island and probably one that presents many attractions for pedestrians will exist no longer for their own use, and restrict on mary ways the undisturbed enjoyment that has always been sich a sorce of pleasure and delight. It should be borne in mind also that the idea of ma: ing every part of the Park accessible in case 01 fire may be an imag- inary precaution as most fires that in past years have caused the greatest damn e and loss on the beautiful island of Mount Desert have had their origin on the roadside, and with an increase in the road system there is the corresponding increase therefore that in time invariably follows every new construction for the use of those only who drive or are driven. The generosity 00 that has prompted this very large gift on the part of Mr. Rockefeller is evident; but if the entire sum that is required to complete the work contemplated in the construction of the proposed road had been raised by a general and widely extended appeal that voiced an almost unanimous approval of the scheme, it would carry more weight than is now shown by one summer resident defraying the entire cost. The writer for over thirty years has spent part of each summer and fall at Mount Desert and taken, while Chairman of Bar Harbor Path Committee, an active interest in the extention of and whatever pertained to the preservation of the many natural beauties the mountain trails of the Island. In am, therefore, anxious be carefully considered not only for the benefit of the public but to that the Park Development shall/retain so far as possible the wildness and seclusion which at present constitutes one of its greatest charms. If I am not mistaken an article was recently published written by Mr. Stephen H. Mather, who was Director of the National Park Service in which he stated that he is "firmly against over- development of the Parks "by too many roads" father also quotes Secretary Work that "the National Parks must be conserved in their natural state untouched by the inroads of modern civilization" To many, the greatest menace to Lafayette National Park at present appears to be the over construction of roads not intended at the present time to be used by the motor, but over which the motor car in the future on would undoubtedly find its way, and wi th the construction of other roads there will be in consequence some interference with the present pedestrian trail system of some three hundred fifty (350) miles in extent that has not only been a work of great magnitude, but carefully and systematically developed and maintained for nearly fifty (50) years by the various path Commissees at a cost of many thousands of dollars. It has resulted in many advantages to the lavers of walking and to those also who admire nature, in obtaining from many parts of Island superb views over land and sea that otherwise would perhaps have remained inaccessible, and are now being availed of by a constantly increasing number since the National Park was established. It should also be borne in mind that the area of the Lafayette Nati nal. Pa k is exceedingly small compared with the other great National Parks and the more roads that are developed in the Lafayette National Park the less chance will there be for that solitude and charm which a continuing development along the same lines will certainly destroy. Park development which maintains the wildness and solitude of certain portions musb be, and is, for the benefit of the public, for even those coming in motors or otherwise expect to find the solitude of regions penetrated only by trails. If, therefore, the extension of the road system can be withheld and the Park preserved in all its wild beauty and seclasion in preference, to the loss of what now constitutes its greatest charm and attraction, the present visitors to the park and those that come after will have much to ap rove and be grateful for. Yours very respectfully, Frederic Delano Weekes WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 149W MJ 70 BLUE 4 EX DV BOSTON MASS 135P MAR 11, 1927. HON HUBERT WORK SECY INTERIOR THE BOSTON SOCIELY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS PROTESTS AGAINST ANY FURTHER ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK UNTIL A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE USE OF THE PARK HAS BEEN PREPARED AND RECEIVED GENERAL APPROVAL OF INTERESTED ORGANIZATION S AND INDIVIDUALS IN VIEW OF THE SMALL SIZE AND RUGGED TOPOGRAPHY ROADS THROUGH THE PARK ARE LIABLE TO DESTROY THE NATURAL BEAUTY WHICH THE RESERVATION IS CREATED TO PRESERVE BOSTON SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS BRINKER W POND PRESIDENT 216P WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB466 24 BOSTON MASS 14 420₽ 1927 Mar 14 PM 4 40 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT EVERY LPPORT BE MADE TO STOP THE BUILDING OF ANY MORE ROADS IN THE NATIONAL PARK OF MOUNT DESERT ISLAND. C M AMORY. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 33663 39 NL BOSTON MASS 16 1927 MAR 16 PM 8 14 DIRECTOR OF NATL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. IN REGARD TO LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK CAN we NOT KEEP THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOT EAST OF ROCKIES AS NATURE MADE IT OR AT LEAST NOT CHEAPEN IT ANY MORE MUST THE WHOLE WORLD BE TURNED INTO MAIN STREET. X L PEABOBY Samuel W. Morris, Giradd Trust Co. Broad and Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PE. March 18, 1928. Honorable Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a property owner in Northeast Harbor, Me., I wish to add my protest to that of many others against the building of the proposed new Rockefeller Road on Mt. Desert Island. As you are aware, there has been built in the last few years on Mt. Desert some forty miles of more of roads for the purpose of opening up to tourists and others the scenic country of the island. Not only in my opinion but in that of many other summer residents there, road building has been overdone to the extent of ruining a great many of the most beautiful parts of the mountains which have heretofore been enjoyed by those who love the trails for their rugged beauty and wildness. I feel that the opinion of a great many of the residents has so long been ignored with regard to this matter that it is high time that some cognizance should be taken of their wishes. Trusting that you may see your way clear towards putting a stop to the road building program, I am, Yours very truly, (SGND) Samuel W. Morris SWM:P COPY 15 East 98th Street New York City March 21st. National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen: Having seen the Lafayette National Park as well as some of our western National Parks, and appreciating the charm and beauty of the Lafayette as in a class by itself, I most strongly oppose the proposed roads south of 3ubble Pond and from Bubble Pond to Burnt Bubble even as carriage roads. They would be highly objectionable, and with the danger (almost certainty) that they would eventually be opened to motors, they are a positive menace. Very sincerely, (Signed) MARGARET W. STONE Copy for Er. Dorr Names Addresses A. H. Lynam Bar Harbor, Maine Wyman P. Wadleigh Bar Harbor, Maine Tobias L. Roberts and Geo F Berry Bar Harvor, Maine William S. Holmes Mount Desert, Maine. Ralph O. Browster Argusta, Maine Frank H. Holley Augusta, Maine Burleigh Mattin Augusta, Maine Raymond Fellows Augusta, Maine William S. Linnell Augusta, Maine Paul D. Sargett Augusta, Maine Charles H. Innes Augusta, Maine Beo F West Portland, Maine Jos. W. Simpson Augusta, Maine John A. Peters United States Courts, Boston, Mass J. Sherman Douglas Augusta, Maine Luere B. Deasy Ellsworth, Maine, or Bar Harbor, Me. Guy E. Torrey Bar Harbor, Maine Albert J. Stearns August, Maine Edgar C. Smith, Sec. of State Augusta, Maine Clarence C. Stetson Portland, Maine Gilbert H. Montague 40 Wall Street, New York City Augustus O. Thomas Dept of Education, Augusta, Maine. C DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE. Office of the Superintendent March 14, 1927. Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: At Mr. Dorr's request I telegraphed you the action taken by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations at their meeting here today. I am enclosing herewith an attested copy of the vote signed by the secr tary of the Reservations. Very truly yours, (SGND) A. H. Lynam *1 The rate is same as Jelyram and as not capid Letters from Mr. Dorr and map to reach on March 5 in the morning the following: Gist Blair Washington Montague Crowwell Allen } New York Peabody Boston Lynam Bar Harbor Mr. Dorr to offer to see Blair March 5, saying he is going to New York that night- otherwise will see Mr. Blair Mr. Dorr to see T. Cammerer MR. Dorr to offer to see Montague ) Crowwell Allen } in New York on the 6th and Peabody in Boston on the 7th or 8th C At the annual meeting of the Inhabitants and legal voters of the Town of Bar Harbor held on the seventh day of March, A. D. 1927, the following resolution was presented and received unanimous passage. WHEREAS a proposition has been made by an interested summer resident of this island to finance the construction of roads in part through Lafayette National Park, to wit:- A road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and 8 nnecting with the road at Jordan Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side. RESOLVED that the construction of such roads will in no degreo detract from the rugged attractiveness of the Park but wi 11 make its beauties more accessible and greatly enhance the pleasure and convenience of all the public. true copy, Attest: (SGND) Wyman P. Wadleigh Clerk At a meeting of the Bar Harbor Board of Trade duly calle d and held on Monday March 7th, 1927 the following resolution was unanimously passed. WHEREAS an offer has been made to finance the construction through land of the Lafayette National Park a road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and connecting with the road at Jorden Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side, and WHEREAS the construction of said roads will be of great public benefit; affording protection against the ever threatening danger of forest fires, and adding to the convenience and pleasure of the public, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED that we approve heartily and without qualification the construction of these roads. (SGND) Geo F. Berry Pres. Tobias L. Roberts Sec. At the annual meeting of the Inhabitants and legal voters of the Town of Mount Desert held on the seventh day of March, A. D. 1927, the following resolution was presented and received unanimous passage. WHEREAS a proposition has been made by an interested Bumme resident of this island to finance the construction of roads in part through Lafayette National Park, to wit:- A road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and connecting with the road at Jordan Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side. RESOLVED that the construction of such roads will in no degree detract from the rugged attractiveness of the Park but will make its beauties more accessible and greatly enhance the pleasure and convenience of all the public. A true Copy: Attest: (SGND) William S. Holmes Town Clerk UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARKS March 15, 1927. Memo for Dr. Work: The attached telegram quotes & resolution adopted yesterday (unanimously) by the Trustees holding the other large area of land over which the proposed Roaksfeller road is to run, giving authority for the construction of this road so far as their areas are concerned. (SGND) Cammerer Acting. Kindly return to National Parks WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM ARNO B CAMMERER NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AT A MEETING OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES CIF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS DULY CALLED AND HELD TODAY THE FOLLOWING ACTION WAS TAKEN. A COMMUNICATION FROM MR JOHN D ROCKEFELLER JR WAS RECEIVED AND READ OFFERING TO CONTRIBUTE THE MONEY NECESSARY TO CONSTRUCT TWO HORSE ROADS LYING PARTLY ON PROPERTY HELD BY THIS CORPORATION AND PARTLY IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK ONE TO THE NORTH AND THE OTHER TO THE SOUTH OF BUBBLE FOND BOTH BEING SHOWN URON A PLAN FILED WI TH THE SECRETARY OF THIS ASSOCIATION. WHEREUPON AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IT WAS UNANTMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAID ROADS AS SHOWN ON SAID PLAN AND TO GRANT AUTHORITY TO MR ROCKEFELLER TO CONSTRUCT THE SAME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF HIS CFFER IN so FAR AS THEY TRAVERSE LANDS OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVAT IONS. (SGND) A . H. LYNAM C STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AUGUSTA March nine, 1927 My dear Mr. Mather: The State of Maine is becoming increasingly appreciative of the meaning of Lafayette National Park and particularaly of the significance of the development of the trails that make accessible its attractions to ever larger numbers. We are in entire sympathy with the work and the plans of Mr. George B. Dorr as its Superintendent and most cordially endorse the present project for development so generously offered by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., as indicated in his letter of February twenty-four. Cordially yours, (SGND) Ralph 0. Brewster Mr. Stephen Mather, Director of National Parks, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE SENATE CHAMBERS PRESIDENT'S OFFICE March 8, 1927. Director if National Park Surveys Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. DearSir: I feel that it would be an advantage and an attraction to the Lafayette National Park tf the horse roads or trails that are planned to be constructed on the south and north enes of Bubblo Pond could be carried to completion. The people of Maine are much interested in the development of Lafayette Pariz, and feel this would be a splendid addition to its usefulness, and would in no way detract from its natural ruggedness. Very truly yours, (SGND) Frank H. Holley President of the Senate FHH: STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKERS OFFICE March ninth Nineteen twenty seven Dear Sir: I have been advised that one of the Mount Desert Island Summer restdents has agreed to finance the construction or horse roads or trails partly in Lafayette National Park. I feel certain that this will be a very pleasing and proper development and will add a great additional attraction to the Park. Respectfully yours, (SGND) Burleigh Martin The Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a oitizon of Ma no interested in the development of Lafayette National Park, I believe it will be a distinct advantage to construct the proposed horse roads and trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with road and trail on west side of Eagle Lake. This will be an added feature to the park and in no way detract from its natural charm. I trust that the department will see its way clear to carry out the proposed plan. Yours very truly, (SGND) Raymond Fellows Attorney @eneral RF:LMR 0 STATE OF MAINE COUNCIL CHAMBER. William S. Linnell March 9, 1927. The Director of National Park Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia. Dear Siri I understand that there is under consideration in connection with the improvement 01 Iafayette National Part of MountDosert Island the authorization and construction of EL horse trail leading from the Jordan Pond Road so-called, around the Triad, by Bubble Pond connecting with the horse road on the west side of Eaglo Lake. I had occasion to visit this park last summer in 8 mpany with the Honorable Guy E. Torrey of the Governor's Council of this State and to survey in part this vicinity from which experience I have con- cluded that this horse trail will be an extremely beneficial addition to the facilities now available for visiting points of interest within the park area and in no way detract fromthe rugged beauty of the park which is of course its outstanding feature. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) William S. Linnell J STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION STATE OFMAINE AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have beon familiar with Bar Herbor and Mt. Desert Island for A period of more than thirty years, having visited there several times when a boy and having been employed in m engineering capacity there during two seasons after graduating from college. During all of this time I have been an admirer of the physical features of the island from A scenic point of view and have been especially interested in the development of Lafayette Park. From time to time it has been my good fortune to have an opportunity to inspect the road work that has been done during the last for years, and I understand now that arrangements have been perfected for the construction of a horse road or trail by the Tried and Bubble Pond to connect with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I believe this will prove to be a very great added attraction to those already existing and will stimulate travel of all kinds to Lafayette Park. I can see no way in whi ch the construction of this proposed trail would detract from the beauties of the Park. I trust you will find it possible to give early approval to this undertaking. Yours very truly, (SGND Paul D. Sargent PDS:L Chief Engineer STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION STATE OF MAINE AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director? National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. . Dear Sir: The matter has come to my attention that one of the Mount Desert Island summer residents has agroed to finance the construct- ion of the horse-rodd and trnil by the Triads and Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse-read on the west side of Eagle Litte. It is the feeling of the Highway Commission that this would be a great attraction in the development of Lafayette National Bark, This should greatly increase the popularity in the use of the Park and would do much to open JAP the scenic beauties, and in our opinion should in no way detract from its rugged features. Yours very truly, (SGND) Charles H. Innes Chairman GHI:M STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURAL LEAGUE Headquarters: Room 49 City Hall Portland, Maine March 10, 1927. Director sistional Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. a. My dear Sir: The State Chamber of Commerce and Agriculturel League is greatly interested in the contemplated building of a horse road or trail by Trind Mountain and Bubble Pond, to connect with the horse road on the vest of Bagle Lake, in Lafayotte National Park. We hope that the project will be carried through. Our organization delights in acquainting SYMMON tourists vi th the attractions of this great National Park. Every added feature increases the interest of Maine Citizens and the thousands of visitors 00 in Mt. Desert Island and the Park. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Ceo F. West G:W/C Vice-President C STATE OF MAINE CO UNCIL CHAMBER AUGUSTA, March 9. 1927. The director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia Dear Sirt As citizen of the State of Maine I take great pride in the attractions of the Lafayette National Park located on the island of Mt. Desert and I most heartily approve of the construction of horse roads or trails located through the said park, as proposed to be built by the Triad and Bubble Pond and connect with the present horse road on the west side of Legle Lake. It would surely be of great advantage and would not detraut any from its natural seenery. Very truly yours, (SCND) Jos. ii. Simpson UNITED STATES COURTS BOSTON March 11, 1927. Dear Mr. Mather: I have learnt from Mr. Dorr of Mr. Rockefeller's offer to construct & read for use with horses in, and over land adjoining Lafayette National Park, and have seen the mLp exhibiting the survey for it. I ELM familiar with that territory, and Sex heartily in favor of accepting Mr. Rockefeller's offer. -he work he is doing for the puillo in connection with the Park is of great and permanent value, and our whole State is interested in it. Yours cordially, (SCND) John A. Peters, Hon, Stephen T. Mather, Director National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE Eighty Third Legislature COMMITTEE ON MAINE PUBLICITY Augusta March 10. 1927. National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Gentlenen: I am writing regarding the proposed trail in Lafayotte National Park by the Triad Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse road at Eagle Lake. I WES born and reared at Bar Harbor, am now owner of the Hotel Shore Aores, at Lanoine, facing those beautiful mountal ns, and a member of the Maine Senate Committee p P blicity. I believe that this is something that should be done in order that those from all over the United States enjoy the beautiful scenic panorana from that trail. Yours very truly, (SGIID) J. Sherman Douglas. SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT STATE OF MAINE Luere B. Deasy Associate Justice Filsworth Maine, March 8th 1927. Bar Harbor, The Director National Park Service, Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have been for more than forty years a resident of Mount Desert Island Maine. I should be as familiar as any one with its natural features, its needs and its interests. I have examined an outline plan of the proposed roads, in port, crossing the Tafayette Nati nal Park, extending Northerly and Southerly from Bubble Pond. It is my opinion that these roads are in every way desirable. They will make 10000 accessible 30me of the Island's end the Park's beauties. Very truly, (SGND) I. B. Deasy STATE OF MAINE COUNCIL CHAMBER March 7, 1927. Guy E. Torrey The Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have been informed that one of the Mount Desert Island summer residents has agreed to finance the construction of horse roads or trails partly in Lafayette National Park, in accordance with a black and white print submitted, one road to the South of Dubble Pond and the other to the North of Bubble Pond. I am very familiar with the lay out of the Park and its development program. I believe this will be & great bonofit to the Park particularly 83 the use of horses is increasing materially, and will in no way detract from the Porks natural beauty. Very truly yours, (3GND) Guy E. Torrey MAINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Headquarters AUGUSTA. MAINE Mar 10, 1927. Director National Park Service, Department of Interior Washingtony D. c. My Desr Sir: In relation to the building of a proposed horse road by the Trisd Mountain and Bubble Pond, to connect with the carriage road on the West side of Eagle Lake, Lafayette Eark, I wish to attest my personal interest and that of this Association. The people 01 Maine take great uride in this great National Park which is constantly attreating more and more attention through- cut the country, particularly in the Eastern section, and we trust that the wise and for-sighted policy of the Government in establish- ing and maintaining it may continue to meet with the unmimous favor and approval that it deserves. Pernit no to express the hope that you will look with favor upon the building of this road and permit the same to be constructed as proposed. Most respectfully, (SGND) Albert J. Stearns Pres., Maine Development Asso. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STATE OF MAINE AUGUSTA March 10, 1927. Director National Park Service Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. ity dear Sir: I am informed that you have in contemplation the building 0.2 a horse road or trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse road on the West of E gle Lake in Lafayette National Park. I very much hope that the construction of this road can be brought about. The citizens of unine are proud and very much interested in the development of our National Park. We believe it to be one of our chiof Attractions, and I san assure you that WC are interested in its development. The publicity boreau connected with this department has fre- quent inquiries for information in relation to the Park; these inquiries coming from norrly every state in the Union. Tourists and residents who have visited the Infayette National Park are enthusiastic in praise of its beauties and attractions. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Yours respectfully, (SGND) Edgar C. Smith ECS Secretary of State JBM SAME AS PREVIOUS LETTER FROM EDGAR C2 SMITH THE STATE OFMAINE ASSOCIATES PORTLAND? MAINE. March 10, 1927. Hon. Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has come to my attention that there is under consideration our in connection with the development of/Lafayette National Park an authorization for the construction of a horse trail from the Jordan Pond Road over the Triad and Pemetic, by Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake to the horse road now running along the west side of Eagae Lake. It has been my privilege to spend several summers on the island Also, I live in Bangor 80 t hat I am a frequent visitor to Mount Desert at all seasons of the year. It would be my opênion that this horse road would be a distince I addition to the Park in that it would open to a far wider range of people some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Personally, I know of no finer prospect than that from the Triad. This road should add materially to the al ready many attractions of the Park. very sincerely yours, (SGND) Clarence C. Stetson Chairman GILBERT H? MONTAGUE COUNSELLOR AT LAW 40 WALL STREET NEW YORK March 7, 1927. George B. Dorr, Esq., Superintendent, Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Dorr: I enclose a copy of my letter of today to the Director of National Parks. Very truly yours, (SGND) Gilbert H. Montague GILBERT H. MONTAGUE, Counsellor at Law 40 Wall Street, New York March 7, 1927. Director of National Parks, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just received from Mr. George B. Dorr, Superintendent of Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, copies of the Asaist- ant Director's letter of February 28th to Mr. Dorr and of Mr. John D Rockefeller's Jr.'s letter of February 24th to the Director. These, I assume, have been sent to me because I am President of the Seal Harbor Village Improvement Society. It is impossible to convene the directors of our Society in time to obtain from them an expressi regarding the proposal con- tained in the above letters, and I can therefore express only my personal opinion. In the twenty-six Summers that I have spent on Mt. Desert Island, I have, on several occasions, in cross country walks, trav- elled over the site of the proposed road. It is one of aurpassing beauty and at several points gives views that are unexcelled by any of the roads off the island. My opinion is that when it is completed it will be regarded by the majority of the residents of Mt. Desert Island as one of the most beautiful roads on the isla nd. Very truly yours, (SGND) Gilbert H. Montegu ORIGINAL LETTER OF GILBERT H. MONTAGUE STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It appears quite desibable from every angle that the horse trail by the southern end of Bubble Pond skirting the triads to the northern end of the Pond to connect with the horse trail on the west of Eagle Lake be constructed. Such a project will in no wise mar the scenic beauty, and primitive attractiveness of the Park, while, on t the other hand, it would add greatly to its usefulness. No doubt, you are familiar with the increasing interest not only of our people but of those who come here for the summer season either to reside for the season or to see niture's loveliest work. Both as a citizen of the state and as State Commissioner of Education, I cannot urge too strongly that this work proceed with as little delay as will facilitate the interest which this Park serves in state and nation. I have discussed this movement with those who should be most interested from state and national pride and with no selfish motive but purely as a matter of the highest patriotism an d a desire to make the attractiveness of our only eastern park available and useful and find an unanimity of opinion. Sincerely yours, AOT/EW (SGND) Augustas O. Thomas March 11, 1927. Dear Mr. Mather: I have learnt from Mr. Dorr of Mr. Rooke- feller's offer to construct a road for use with horses in, and over land adjoining, Lafayette National Park, and have seen the map exhibiting the survey for it. I an familiar with that territory, and am heartily in favor of accepting Mr. Rockefeller's offer. The work he is doing for the public in connection with the Park is of treat and permanent value, and our whole State is interested in it. Yours cordially. Hon. Stephen T. Mather, Director National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Names Addresses A. H. Lynam Bar Harbor, Maine Wyman P. Wadleigh Bar Harbor, Maine Tobias L. Roberts and Geo F Berry Bar Harbor, Maine William S. Hoimmes Mount Desert, Maine. Ralph 0. Brewster Augusta, Maine Frank H. Holley Augusta, Maine Burleigh Martin Augusta, Maine Raymond Fellows Augusta, Maine William S. Linnell Augusta, Maine Paul D. Sargent Augusta, Maine Charles H. Innes Augusta, Maine Geo F West Portland, Maine Jos. W. Simpson Augusta, Maine John A. Peters United States Courts, Boston, Mass J. Sherman Douglas Aagusta, Maine Luere B. Deasy Ellsworth, Maine, or Bar Harbor, Me. Guy E. Torrey Bar Harbor, Maine Albert J. Stearns August, Maine Edgar C. Smith, Sec. of State Augusta, Maine Clarence C. Stetson Portland, Maine Gilbert H. Montague 40 Wall Street, New York City Augustus 0. Thomas Dept of Education, Augusta, Maine. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE. Office of the Superintendent March 14, 1927. Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: At Mr. Dorr's request I telegraphed you the action taken by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations at their meeting here today. I am enclosing herewith an attested copy of the vote signed by the secretary of the Reservations. Very truly yours, (SGND) A. H. Lynam *1 the rate is same and Telegram and is not capied Letters from Mr. Dorr and map to reach on March 5 in the morning the following: Gist Blair Washington Montague ) Cromwell ) New York Allen ) Peabody Boston Lynam Bar Harbor Mr. Dorr to offer to see Blair March 5, saying he is going to New York that night- otherwise will see Mr. Blair Mr. Dorr to see "r. Cammerer Mr. Dorr to offer to see Montague ) Cromwell ) in New York on the 6th Allen ) and Peabody in Boston on the 7th or 8th At the annual meeting of the Inhabitants and legal voters of the Town of Bar Harbor held on the seventh day of March, A. D. 1927, the following resolution was presented and received unanimous passage. WHEREAS a proposition has been made by an interested summer resident of this island to finance the construction of roads in part through Lafayette National Park, to wit:- A road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and CO innecting with the road at Jordan Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side. RESOLVED that the construction of such roads will in no degree detract from the rugged attractiveness of the Park but will make its beauties more accessible and greatly enhance the pleasure and convenience of all the public. A true copy, Attest: (SGND) Wyman P. Wadleigh Clerk At a meeting of the Bar Harbor Board of Trade duly called and held on Monday March 7th, 1927 the following resolution was unanimously passed. WHEREAS an offer has been made to finance the construction through land of the Lafayette National Park a road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and connecting with the road at Jordan Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side, and WHEREAS the construction of said roads will be of great public benefit; affording protection against the ever threatening danger of forest fires, and adding to the convenience and pleasure of the public, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED that we approve heartily and without qualification the construction of these roads. (SGND) Geo F. Berry Pres. Tobias L. Roberts Sec. At the annual meeting of the Inhabitants and legal voters of the Town of Mount Desert held on the seventh day of March, A. D. 1927, the following resolution was presented and received unanimous passage. WHEREAS a proposition has been made by an interested summer resident of this island to finance the construction of roads in part through Lafayette National Park, to wit:- A road to the South of Bubble Pond around the Triads and connecting with the road at Jordan Pond, and another to the North of Bubble Pond around the Southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its Western side. RESOLVED that the construction of such roads will in no degree detract from the rugged attractiveness of the Park but will make its beauties more accessible and greatly enhance the pleasure and convenience of all the public. A true Copy Attest: (SGND) William S. Holmes Town Clerk UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARKS March 15, 1927. Memo for Dr. . Work: The attached telegram quotes a resolution adopted yesterday (unanimously) by the Trustees holding the other large area of land over which the proposed Rockefeller road is to run, giving authority for the construction of this road so far as their areas are concerned. (SGND) Cammerer Acting. Kindly return to National Parks WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM ARNO B CAMMERER NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AT A MEETING OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS DULY CALLED AND HELD TODAY THE FOLLOWING ACTION WAS TAKEN. A COMMUNICATION FROM MR JOHN D ROCKEFELLER JR WAS RECEIVED AND READ OFFERING TO CONTRIBUTE THE MONEY NECESSARY TO CONSTRUCT TWO HORSE ROADS LYING PARTLY ON PROPERTY HELD BY THIS CORPORATION AND PARTLY IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK ONE TO THE NORTH AND THE OTHER TO THE SOUTH OF BUBBLE POND BOTH BEING SHOWN UPON A PLAN FILED WI TH THE SECRETARY OF THIS ASSOCIATION. WHEREUPON AFTER CAREFUL C ONSIDERATION IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAID ROADS AS SHOWN ON SAID PLAN AND TO GRANT AUTHORITY TO MR ROCKEFELLER TO CONSTRUCT THE SAME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF HIS OFFER IN SO FAR AS THEY TRAVERSE LANDS OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS. (SGND) A . H. LYNAM STATE OF MA INE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AUGUSTA March nine, 1927 My dear Mr. Mather: The State of Maine is becoming increasingly appreciative of the meaning of Lafayette National Park and particularaly of the significance of the development of the trails that make accessible its attractions to ever larger numbers. We are in entire sympathy with the work and the plans of Mr. George B. Dorr as its Superintendent and most cordially endorse the present project for development so generously offered by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., , as indicated in his letter of February twenty-four. Cordially yours, (SGND) Ralph 0. Brewster Mr. Stephen Mather, Director of National Parks, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE SENATE CHAMBERS PRESIDENT'S OFFICE March 8, 1927. Director of National Park Surveys Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. DearSir: I feel that it would be an advantage and an attraction to the Lafayette National Park tf the horse roads or trails that are planned to be constructed on the south and north ends of Bubble Pond could be carried to completion. The people of Maine are much interested in the development of Lafayette Park, and feel this would be a splendid addition to its usefulness, and would in no way detract from its natural ruggedness. Very truly yours, (SGND) Frank H. Holley President of the Senate FHH:EWL STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKERS OFFICE March ninth Nineteen twenty seven Dear Sir: I have been advised that one of the Mount Desert Island Summer residents has agreed to finance the construction of horse roads or trails partly in Lafayette National Park. I feel certain that this will be a very pleasing and proper development and will add a great additional attraction to the Park. Respectfully yours, (SGND) Burleigh Martin The Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a citizen of Mai ne interested in the development of Lafayette National Park, I believe it will be a distinct advantage to construct the proposed horse roads and trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with road and trail on west side of Eagle Lake. This will be an added feature to the park and in no way detract from its natural charm. I trust that the department will see its way clear to carry out the proposed plan. Yours very truly, (SGND) Raymond Fellows Attorney general RF:LMR STATE OF MAINE COUNCIL CHAMBER. William S. Linnell March 9, 1927. The Director of National Park Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia. Dear Sir: I understand that there is under consideration in connection withthe improvement of Lafayette National Park of MountDesert Island the authorization and construction of a horse trail leading from the Jordan Pond Road so-called, around the Triad, by Bubble Pond connecting with the horse road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I had occasion to visit this park last summer in 8 mpany with the Honorable Guy E. Torrey of the Governor's Council of this State and to survey in part this vicinity from which experience I have con- cluded that this horse trail will be an extremely beneficial addition to the facilities now available for visiting points of interest within the park area and in no way detract fromthe rugged beauty of the park which is of course its outstanding feature. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) William S. Linnell J STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION STATE OFMAINE AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have been familiar with Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Island for a period of more than thirty years, having visited there several times when a boy and having been employed in an engineering capacity there during two seasons after graduating from college. During all of this time I have been an admirer of the physical features of the island from a scenic point of view and have been especially interested in the development of Lafayette Park. From time to time it has been my good fortune to have an opportunity to inspect the road work that has been done during the last few years, and I understand now that arrangements have been perfected for the construction of a horse road or trail by the Triad and Bubble Pond to connect with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I believe this will prove to be a very great added attraction to those already existing and will stimulate travel of all kinds to Lafayette Park. I can see no way in which the construction of this proposed trail would detract from the beauties of the Park. I trust you will find it possible to give early approval to this undertaking. Yours very truly, (SGND Paul D. Sargent PDS:L Chief Engineer STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION STATE OF MAINE AUGUSTA March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The matter has come to my attention that one of the Mount Desert Island summer residents has agreed to finance the construct- ion of the horse-road and trail by the Triads and Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse-read on the west side of Eagle Lake. It is the feeling of the Highway Commission that this would be a great attraction in the development of lafayette National Bark. This should greatly increase the popularity in the use of the Park and would do much to open pp the scenic beauties, and in our opinion should in no way detract from its rugged features. Yours very truly, (SGND) Charles H. Innes Chairman GHI:M STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURAL LEAGUE Headquarters: Room 49 City Hall Portland, Maine March 10, 1927. Director National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: The State Chamber of Commerce and Agricultural League is greatly interested in the contemplated building of a horse road or trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, to connect with the horse road on the west of Eagle Lake, in Lafayette National Eark. We hope that the project will be carried through. Our organization delights in acquainting summer tourists wi th the attractions of this great National Park. Every added feature increases the interest of Maine Citizens and the thousands of visitors 00 in Mt. Desert Island and the Park. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Geo F. West GFW/C Vice-President STATE OF MAINE CO N N C I L CHAMBER AUGUSTA, March 9, 1927. The director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia Dear Sirk As citizen of the State of Haine I take great pride in the attractions of the Lafayette National Park located on the island of Mt. Desert and I most heartily approve of the construction of horse roads or trails located through the said park, as proposed to be built by the Triad and Bubble Pond and connect with the present horse road on the west side of Eagle Lake. It would surely be 00 great advantage and would not detract any from its natural seenery. Very tru-y yours, (SGND) Jos. W. Simpson UNITED STATES COURTS BOSTON March 11, 1927. Dear Mr. Mather: I have learnt from Mr. Dorr of Mr. Rockefeller's offer to construct a road for use with horses in, and over land adjoining Lafayette National Park, and have seen the map exhibiting the survey for it. I am familiar with that territory, and am heartily in favor of accepting Mr. Rockefeller's offer. "he work he is doing for the public in connection with the Park is of great and permanent value, and our whole State is interested in it. Yours cordially, (SGND) John A. Peters, Hon, Stephen T. Mather, Director National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. STATE OF MAINE Eighty Third Legislature COMMITTEE ON MAINE PUBLICITY Augusta March 10, 1927. National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen: I am writing regarding the proposed trail in Lafayette National Park by the Triad Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse road at Eagle Lake. I was born and reared at Bar Harbor, am now owner of the Hotel Shore Acres, at Lamoine, facing those beautiful mountains, and a member of the Maine Senate Committee on P blicity. I believe that this is something that should be done in order that those from all over the United States may enjoy the beautiful scenic panorama from that trail. Yours very truly, (SGND) J. Sherman Douglas. SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT STATE OF MAINE Luere B. Deasy Associate Justice Ellsworth Maine, March 8th 1927. Bar Harbor, The Director National Park Service, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have been for more than forty years a resident of Mount Desert Island Maine. I should be as familiar as any one with its natural features, its needs and its interests. I have examined an outline plan of the proposed roads, in part, crossing the Lafayette National Park, extending Northerly and Southerly from Bubble Pond. It is my opinion that these roads are in every way desirable. They will make more accessible some of the Island's and the Park's beauties. Very truly, (SGND) L. B. Deasy STATE OF MAINE COUNCIL CHAMBER March 7, 1927. Guy E. Torrey The Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have been informed that one of the Monnt Desert Island summer residents has agreed to finance the sonstruction of horse roads or trails partly in Lafayette National Park, in accordance with a black and white print submitted, one road to the South of Bubble Pond and the other to the North of Bubble Pond. I am very familiar with the lay out of the Park and its development program. I believe this will be a great benefit to the Park particularly as the use of horses is increasing materially, and will in no way detract from the Parks natural beauty. Very truly yours, (SGND) Guy E. Torrey MAINE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Headquarters AUGUSTA, MAINE Mar 10, 1927. Director National Park Service, Department of Interior, Washingtong D. C. My Dear Sir: In relation to the building of a proposed horse road by the Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, to connect with the carriage road on the West side of Eagle Lake, Lafayette Park, I wish to attest my personal interest and that of this Association. The people of Maine take great pride in this great National Park which is constantly attracting more and more attention through- out the country, particularly in the Eastern section, and we trust that the wise and far-sighted policy of the Government in establish- ing and maintaining it may continue to meet with the unanimous favor and approval that it deserves. Permit me to express the hope that you will look with favor upon the building of this road and permit the same to be constructed as proposed. Most respectfully, (SGND) Albert J. Stearns Pres., Maine Development Asso. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STATE OF MAINE AUGUSTA March 10, 1927. Director National Park Service Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: I am informed that you have in contemplation the building of a horse road or trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse road on the West of Eagle Lake in Lafayette National Park. I very much hope that the construction of this road can be brought about. The citizens of Maine are proud and very much interested in the development of our National Park. We believe it to be one of our chief Attractions, and I can assure you that we are interested in its development. The publicity bdreau connected with this department has fre- quent inquiries for information in relation to the Park; these inquiries coming from nearly every state in the Union. Tourists and residents who have visited the Lafayette National Park are enthusiastic in praise of its beauties and attractions. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Yours respectfully, (SGND) Edgar C. Smith ECS Secretary of State JBM SAME AS PREVIOUS LETTER FROM EDGAR C? SMITH THE STATE OFMAINE ASSOCIATES PORTLAND? MAINE. March 10, 1927. Hon. Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has come to my attention that there is under consideration our in connection with the development of/Lafayette National Park an authorization for the construction of a horse trail from the Jordan Pond Road over the Triad and Pemetic, by Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake to the horse road now running along the west side of Eagle Lake. It has been my privilege to spend several summers on the island Also, I live in Bangor SO , hat I am a frequent visitore to Mount Desert at all seasons of the year. It would be my opinion that this horse road would be a distince addition to the Park in that it would open to a far wider range of people some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Personally, I know of no finer prospect than that from the Triad. This road should add materially to the al ready many attractions of the Park. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) Clarence C. Stetson Chairman GILBERT H? MONTAGUE COUNSELLOR AT LAW 40 WALL STREET, NEW YORK March 7, 1927. George B. Dorr, Esq., Superintendent, Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Dorr: I enclose a copy of my letter of today to the Director of National Parks. Very truby yours, (SGND) Gilbert H. Montague GILBERT H. MONTAGUE, Counsellor at Law 40 Wall Street, New York March 7, 1927. Director of National Parks, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just received from Mr. George B. Dorr, Superintendent of Lafayette National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, copies of the Assist- ant Director's letter of February 28th to Mr. Dorr and of Mr. John D Rockefeller's Jr. 's letter of February 24th to the Director. These, I assume, have been sent to me because I am President of the Seal Harbor Village Improvement Society. It is impossible to convene the directors of our Society in time to obtain from them an expression regarding the proposal con- tained in the above letters, and I can therefore express only my personal opinion. In the twenty-six summers that I have spent on Mt. Desert Island, I have, on several occasions, in cross country walks, trav- elled over the site of the proposed road. It is one of surpassing beauty and at several points gives views that are unexcelled by any of the roads on the island. My opinion is that when it is completed it will be regarded by the majority of the residents of Mt. Desert Island as one of the most beautiful roads on the isla nd. Very truly yours, (SGND) Gilbert H. Montague ORIGINAL LETTER OF GILBERT H. MONTAGUE STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AUGUSTA March 9, 1937. Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It appears quite desibable from every angle that the horse trail by the southern end of Bubble Pond skirting the triads to the northern end of the Pond to connect with the horse trail on the west of Eagle Lake be constructed. Such a project will in no wise mar the scenic beauty, and primitive attractiveness of the Park, while, on up the other hand, it would add greatly to its usefulness. No doubt, you are familiar with the increasing interest not only of our people but of those who come here for the summer season either to reside for the season or to see nature's loveliest work. Both as a citizen of the state and as State Commissioner of Education, I cannot urge too strongly that this work proceed with as little delay as will facilitate the interest which this Park serves in state and nation. I have discussed this movement with those who should be most interested from state and national pride and with no selfish motive but purely as a matter of the highes$ patriotism an d a desire to make the attractiveness of our only eastern park available and useful and find an unanimity of opinion. Sincerely yours, AOT/EN (SGND) Augustas 0. Thomas Roger Griswold, 20 Newbury Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. J. Brooks Fenno 255 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Mrs. Richard C. Paine, Brookline, Mass. Mrs. Morton L. Fearey Garden City, New York John L. Fearey Garden City, New York W. Appleton Lawrence Grace Church, Providence, Rhode Island Mrs. Malcolm E. Peabody 18 East Chestnut Ave., Chestnut Hill, Pa. Henry Lynan 109 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. G. T. Francis 56 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Harris A. Reynolds 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. Frances Parkman , Mrs. 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. Mr. Francis Parkman 4 University Hall, Cambridge, 38, Mass. Mr. Charles E. Sampson 340 Park Avenue, New York Langdon P. Marvin 52 Wall Street, New York Effie Desiton Fraley Sunset & Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Pa. Donal d McKay Frost 84 State Street, Boston, Mass, Mrs. Roger Griswold 65 Goddard Avenue, Brodline, Mass, Frank B. Rowell 470 Park Avenue, New York City William Jay Turner 437 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. J. Gresham Machen Post Office Address, Box 4, Princeton, N. J. Roger Pierce 135 Devonshire Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs. William P. Homans Ponkapoag, Massachusetts Dr. Augustus Thorndike 601 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. Mr. Barrinton Moore New York Mrs. Howard Sturges Providence, R. I. Miss Dorothy Sturges Providence, R. I. George Wharton Pepper 2228-42 Land Title Building, Phila Harold Peabody 10 State Street, Boston, Mass. Mrs Theodore S Paul 8009 Navajo Street, St. Martins, Phila Mrs Richard T Nalle Chestnut Hill, Phila R. T. Nalle c/o Henry Disston E Sons, Inc., Phila, Pa. 0. H. Perry Pepper, M. D. Medical Arts Building, Phila, Pa. Joseph Allen 9 Myrtle Street, White Plains, IV. Y. Lincoln Cromwell 357 Fourth Avenue, Cor, 26th Street, New York Gertrude Sampson Boston, Mass. Gertrude W. Peabody and Francis W. Peabody, Cambridge, Mass. William W. Vaughan Jekyl Island, Georgia Walter Damrosch and Margaret Blaine Damrosch, New York E. B. Dane 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. John Dane 29 Marlborough Street, Boston, Mass. Robert Walcott 910-919 Barristers Hall, Boston, Mass. Phillip W. Ayres 4 Joy Street, Boston, Mass. Frederic Delano Weeks 52 William Street, New York City Bremew W. Pondin Pres. Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Boston, C. M. Amory Boston, Mass. M. L. Peabody Boston, Mass. Samuel W. Morris Girard Trust Co., Broad and Chestnut Street, Phila COPY Little and Russell Architects 20 Newbury Street, Boston March 16, 1927. Arno B. Cammerer, Acting Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a summer resident of Mt. Desert Island for the last thirty years and as a land owner there for the last twelve years, I wish to enter my protest against the construction of any more roads in the Lafayette National Park, particularly against that proposed for the Bubble Pond region. Yours very truly, (SGNP Roger Griswodd RG/G Architect. 255 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston Massachusetts To the Director of the National Parks Service Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I desire to enter a vigorous protest against allowing Mr. Rockefeller Jr. and Mr. Dorr to continue construction of a horse road on West side of Burnt Bubbles on Mt. Desert Island. I am a land owner of considerable acreage in Eden County, Mt. Desert and therefore am interested in the future of the island. The road building at present has already done a great deal of ruination to the trees & wild spots about the mountains that I sincerely hope that you will use your great influence in putting a stop to any further damage to our lovely scenery. Yours very truly, (SGND) Mary H. Fenno Mrs. J. Brooks Fenno March 12th/27 EP Dept. of the Interior, Attention Mr. Kammerer Assistant Director Dear Sir: I wish to state that I strongly object to a new road being built at Seal Harbor, Maine between Bubble Pond & Jordan Pond. It is almost the only path for foot passengers left. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Ellen Paine. (Mrs. Richard C. Baine) March 14- Brookline, Mass. Garden City, N. y. March 11th/27 Director of the Nat'l Park Service Dear Sir: As a very old resident and a property owner at Bar Harbor, Maine, I am writing to say that, in my opinion, the new road which Mr. Rockefeller has offered to have constructed there, & which will probably be decided upon on March 13th will be a serious mistake if built. Already the beauty & privacy of the Island has been much destroyed by the many new roads built, bringing in tourists from everywhere & opening up the most beautiful spots among the hills & lakes to the public & careless picnickers destroying the pleasure that the old residents & the children used to have in the hills & woods. I hope very much that this new road will not be built. Sincerely yours (Mrs Morton L. Fearey) (SGND) Julia L. . Fearey Garden City, L. I. March 12, 1927. Director of the National Park Service, Dear Sir: I am a boy ten years old and I used to think Bar Harbor was the finest place on earth but now they are letting tourists in to all the nicest places and soon there won't be a spot left that we can go on picnics to or a lake left to swim in, They say they are going to make more roads near Bubble Pond. I hope you will stop their doing that, please! Yours sincerely (SGND) John L. Fearey Grace Church Providence, Rhode Island March 10th Director of National Park Service Dear Sirs: I have just learned that Mr. Rockefeller has offered to put another road starting from the road along Eagle Lake and running along Bubble Pond southward etc. I write fully apprecia- tive of Mr. Rockefellers generosity but in the hope that the plan will not be adopted. I have refrained from protesting before because I realized that the public had a right to the beauties that this region affords, but I do not think that the public or anyone else would be benefited by this additional road. I have been a resident during the summer of Bar Harbor for the last 35 years and altho in the early part of that time too young to appreciate the wonders of that district feel that at least I express the point of view of one who loves the place too much to see it spoiled without protest, tho glad and willing to share it with others unspoiled. Please count me as one against this extra and unnecessary horse road. Yourstruly, W Appleton Lawrence. 18 East Chestnut Ave., Chestnut Hill, Pa. March 11, 1927. Hon. Hubert Work, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: You will shortly have brought to you for your approval if it has not been brought already, a plan for another carriage road in Lafayette National Park. May I respectfully beg you to with- hold your sanction for this until you have given it the fullest possible consideration. The present policy of the Park Service is to develop the park by these carriage roads with the idea that in this way the greatest number of people will benefit. Up to this moment the miles of carriage roads which we have already are comparatively little used for two reasons I think. The first reason is the expense of hiring horse drawn vehicles, so that with the exception of a few very well to do people the majority of summer visitors cannot afford many carriages. The second reason to my mind is that the people the Park is attempting to bring to the Island are those that will come in their own automobiles for short vacations. The Park, though so beautiful, is really too small in all its propore tions to induce people to take the two days necessary to drive through it. Meanwhile these many roads spoil the chief charm of the place for those who love Nature in its untouched form and who do not feel that they must see every portion of the island within a limited time. This place has proved an inspiration for leaders of this country in art, music, religion and public affairs and by 2. trying to make it a place for herds of people to enjoy in herds, you are harming it seriously for those who though smaller in numbers certainly deserve all the consideration we can give them. Will you not postpone any further plans for carriage roads until you see whether you are really going to attract people in numbers to that far off spot and then whether they are going to want such an infinite number of aarriage roads when they get there. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Mary E. Peabody Mrs. Malcolm E. Peabody 109 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. March 11, 1927. Director of National Parks Service, Care of the Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: May I be allowed to express my sincere disapproval of the proposed new road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles to other roads south of Jordan Pond House. It seems to me that much of the charm and beauty of the Mt. Desert mountains will be lost if they are continually cut to pieces by roads. I believe that far too much has been done already in this way, although with the very best intent. Very truly yours, (SGND) Henry Lyman Dictated Henry Lyman 5.6 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. March 9, 1927. Director of the National Parks Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just heard of the offer of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to construct a new horse road through Lafayette National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, from the west side of Burnt Bubbles starting at the present horse road recently constructed along the west shore of Eagle Lake, and running between Burnt Bubbles Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond, crossing the Jordan Pond motor road, and thence along the west shore of Bubbles Pond by the existing horse trail, and southward along the westemand southern flanks of the Triad, and across the Jordan Pond automobile road to connect with other horse roads south of Jordan Pond House. As a property owner at Schooner Head an Mt. Desert Island, I wish to express my extreme disapproval of this measure, which will endanger to a deplorable degree the wild life of the country through which this road is to pass and deface its beauty. Already irreparable damage has been done by such constructions, and further carrying out of that policy would in short time defeat the purpose of the Lafayette National Park. Particularly disagreeable would be the disturbing of such secluded spots as the west side of Bubbles Pond and between the Bubbles mountains. Very truly yours, (SGND) G. T. Erancis Pr HSF Atty UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON Mr. Harris A. Reynolds Secy Massachusetts Forestry Assn, 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. March 12, 1927. My dear Mr. Reynolds; By reference from the Secretary, the Service has your letter of March 9, bearing on the Lafayette Park road situation and other problems. When you say that from all you can learn the landscape architect of the National Park Service has never made a thorough study for the development of the park, you are both correct and incorrect. We have had the landscape architect in the park twice in fact, last November both he and the associate landscape architect were there. It has not been considered practicable to have a study of the entire park made from a landscape development standpoint, because every year has been seeing large additions made by donations, and until we know exactly what land we will have in the ultimate park it has seemed to us to be of little avail to have a general development plan because conditions would change from year to year, depending on what additional areas are secured or not secured. On the other hand, our landscape department on the occasion of their two inspection trips made a thorough study of the routes and location of the few roads that have so far been approved and the present one that is in 8 ntem- plation, and we have had the landscape architect's approval and hearty recommendation from a professional standpoint of all the road work done and the road now contemplated. In other words, we have secured the best professional advice available. Furthermore, with very few exceptions, including yours, the protests against the roads have arisen from those who are summer residents and own property on the Island, while generally the people of the State, including the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Secretary, of State, the Attorney General, and others, who are interested in the development of the park as a national park and not as a local park, have strongly endorsed the project, thereby supporting our plan. It was good to hear from you again, because a letter from you is always full of good meat. Sincerely yours, Anno B. Cammeree Acting Director MASSACHUSETTS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 4 JOY STREET, BOSTON 9, MASS. March 14, 1927. Arno B. Cammerer, Esq., The Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Cammerer: It is always a pleasure to have letters from you even though you do not agree withone. I can't get away from the feeling that the little Lafayette Park will always be a source of annoyance to your Service. I am glad that your landscape architect is familiar with the situation but so many of these prepositions are coming up that a study of the present area might head off some things that would be injurious in the development of the Park. Mr. Rockefeller of course is a very interested and influential resident but some of the developments on the land which he now owns and which he proposes to give to the Park would not I believe meet the approval of any landscape man of experience. As I said in my previous letter, I regret that this area was ever lifted from the National Monument status to that of the Park. You are to be congratulated on securing your appropriations this year and I think that the Service is doing a most wonderful work considering all the obstacles in matters of policy with which you are confronted. With best personal wishes. Sincerely yours, HAR: LK Harris A. Reynolds Secretary MASSACHUSETTS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 4 Joy Street, Boston 9, Mass. March 9, 1927, Honorable Hubert, Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Our attention has been called to the proposal to build two more carriage roads in the Lafayette National Park. We appreciate the splendid public spirit shown by Mr. Rockefeller in his generous offer to pay for the construction of these roads, but from our point of veew there should be no further building of carriage roads until a thorough landscape study has been made. From all we can learn, the landscape architect of the National Park Service has never made a thorough study for the development of the Park, and from my personal observations, some of the road building projects already carried out might well have been postponed until such a study had been made. This little park presents a peculiar problem to the National Park Service, and the people who are most interested in its develop- ment are divided in their opinions as to the number and location of roads to be built within the Park. There are those who would like to have nearly every beauty spot within the Park made accessible by at least carriage roads, and another very large group is equal ly desirous of retaining some of these beauty spots in their natural state with nothing more than trails leading to them. The members of this Association belong to that group and we believe that in the best interests of the Park itself a thorough landscape study and plan should be made before further road building projects are approved. In my judgment it is unfortunate that this area was elevated from the National Monument status to that of National Park, because the area is so small that the demands of recreation because of its park status have already forced the opening up of areas that should have been left in their natural state. Since the old carriage is practically a thing of the past, any so-called carriage roads built today will inevitably become automobile roads in the near future. HW -2-3/9/27 at the hearing before you some two years ago I expressed the feeling that there should be sufficient trails and roads to provide adequate protection against fires, but in some sections of this park the building of a road will create as much fire hazard as it will serve to reduce the present hazard, because we know that the careless use of smoking material by people driving along roads in automobiles is responsible for a large percentage of forest fires. In view of the sentiment for the preservation of these natural areas, which is very strong in this section, we trust that you will see the wisdom of postpoing further road construction until such time as a landscape study can be made by your Park Service. Yours sincerely, (SGND) Harris A. Reynolds Secretary HAR:R Boston 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Hon. Secretary Work, Department of the Interior, National Park Division. Dear Sir: I write to protest most earnestly against the building of the road contemplated by Mr. Rockefeller along the edge of Bubble Pond on Lafayette Park. This road was stopped a year ago by the Secretary, as it would complete the destruction of Bubble Pond as a spot of wild and unique beauty The pond is accessible already at its upper end by automobile and a trail leads down the wooded side connecting with another trail to Jordan Pond. There is already also an automobile road along the other side of Pemetic Mountain whichrises from Bubble Pond and divides the two lakes. Looking at the map of this very small area, about 3 miles square, it would seem to be just a network of roads, and the Park if such a policy be continued would lose its distinction and become suburban in character instead of being the 000 one accessible park of wild natural beauty. Even the advocates of the roads now feel that enough has been done. Money and other influences like local pride should give way to the consideration that in this matter the harm they may do can never be undone, and the very object of attracting people to a place for its beauty will be defeated. Begging you most earnestly not to allow this road to go through I am Very respectfully yours Mrs Henry Parkman (SGND) Frances Parkman March 10, 1927. HARVARD COLLEGE 4 University Hal 1 Cambridge 38, Mass. Dear Sir: : I have already sent you a telegram which I trust you have received, protesting against the proposed road in Lafayette National Park to ge given by Mr. Rockefeller. I understand that the proposal calls for the construction of a carriage road from one of the Bubbles around the end of Pemetic Mountain and along Pubble Pond, eventually joining one of the Jordan Pond roads. Along with many others, I have felt much disturbed at the pushing of this road system along the Mountain sides around Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. If you have ever seen the island from the vicinity of Blue Hill Bay, I think you must appreciate my feeling that the road cut along Sargent Mountain has partially destroyed the beauty of the scene. The roads along Jordan Pond have, to my mind, accomplished little good and have ruined the setting of the Pond, and I feel that the system of roads is out of all proportion to the size of the park. This proposed road will mar another pond of great natural beauty, and I hope that you will not give it your approval. It is my feeling that Mr. Rockefeller and others (whose public spirit can not be questioned) in their attempt to make the beauties of the island more available, have at least partially ruined the very scones which they wished to make better known. Yours very truly, (SGND) Francis Parkman Mr. Arno Cammerer Assistant Secretary, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB696 50 2 EXTRA NL. CAMBRIDGE MASS 10 ARNO CAMMERER. ASST SEC NATL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS RESIDENT MT DESERT ISLAND OVER TWENTY FIVE YEARS AND LOVER OF ITS BEAUTIES I WISH TO PROSEST AGAINST PROPOSED ROCKEFELLER ROAD FROM BUBBLE MOUNTAIN ALONG BUBBLE POUND TOWARDS JORDAN POND ROAD IT IS UNNECESSARY AND WILL RUIN NATURAL BEAUTY OF BUBBLE POND HOPE YOU WILL DISAPPROVE IT LETTER FOLLOWS. FRANCIS PARKMAN HARVARD UNIVERSITY 340 Park Avenue March 10, 1927. Director of National Parks Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just been informed that Mr. John D. Rockefeeler Jr. has made an offer to construct a new horse road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles starting at the present horse road recently constructed along the west shore of Eagle Lake, and running between Burnt Bubbles Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond, crossing the Jordan Pond motor road by a bridge, and thence along the west shore of Bubbles Pond by the existing horse trail, and southward along the western and southern flanks of The Triad, and across the Jordan Pond automobile read to connect with other horse roads south of Jordan Pond House, This road crosses lands belonging to the Park, to the Hancock County Trustees of Reservations, and to private citizens. I have a place in Bar Harbor, where I reside during the summer and I am a Member of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. I have received a notice of a meeting of the Hanco ck County Trustees of to be held on Monday, March 14, to consider this and I have notified the Secretary of my inability to attend the Meeting and my disapproval of granting authority to build this horse road over our land. Dof Nps #2 I have telegraphed voicing my respectful protest to you. There are very few horse vehicles now on Mt. Desert Island and the use of Mr. Rockefeller's roads which he offers to the public is very limited. The extension of these horse roads through this very beautiful wild tract in the neighborhood of the Bubbles Mountain and Pond seems to be much against public interests as this tract is largely used by pedestrians and the preservation of the present very great natural beauty and vegetation is of the utmost importance. The new automobile road through this neighborhood gives ample facilities for automobiles and for such horse driven vehicles as go through that road. I earnestly hope that the Department will still keep the plan for further extension of roads in abeyance and certainly until the use of the present automobile road shows that further extension of roads is necessary. The great beauty and charm for all in the Lafayette National Park are these wild tracts with fine trees and gegetation should be preserved, for the benefit of the greatest number. These are the pedestrians and those who use the automobile roads in motors. Yours respectfully, Charles E. Sampson WESTERN UNTON TELEGRAM NB320 54 NL.XJ NEW YORK NY LO DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. BEING LAND OWNER BAR HARBOR AND MEMBER HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS WISH TO PROTEST AGAINST BUILDING PROPOSED HORSE ROAD IN NEIGHBORHOOD BUBBLE MOUNTAIN AND POND IN LAFAYETTE PARK BELIEVE AGAINST PUBLIC INTERESTS TRACT MUCH USED BY PEDESTRIANS VERY FEW HORSE VEHICLES ON ISLAND PRESENT AUTOMOBILE ROADS AMPLE AND PRESERVATION OF NATURAL BEAUTY IMPORTANT. CHARLES E. SAMPSON EMMET, MARVIN & MARTIN COUNSELLORS AT LAW 52 WALL STREET NEW YORK 10 March, 1927. In re Lafayette National Park. Director of the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. has offered to construct a new horse road in the Lafayette National Park from the west side of Burnt Bubble Mountain, around by Bubble Pond, southward to connect with other roads south of the Jordan Pond House, and that this offer is under advisement by the Secretary of the Interior. I have been a summer visitor at Northeast Harbor on Mt. Desert Island almost continuously since I was a small boy, that is for some forty years, and I have done a great deal of walking on the Island, and know this territory well. In my opinion, it would be unfortunate to permit af any additional roads in this part of the Island, just as it has been unfortunate to have permitted the roads now under construction on the mountains on either side of Jordan Pond. The territory between Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond has been one of the fiew really wold spots left. It is a small territory which should, so far as is now possible, be pre - served for walkers and others interested in wood life and in the mountains, and I hope that no further roads will be permitted there. Director of the National Parks Service - #2 10 March 1927. Moreover, It should be pointed out that very few people an Mt. Desert Island have horses or carriages, and that such a horse road would only benefit the extremely few who own horses, or the two or three stables from which they can be hired. There is no such demand for such a road as would justify the further defacement of this part of Mt. Desert Island. Very truly yours, (SGND) Langdon P. Marvin. LPM-M. March tenth Mrs. C. Bradford Fraley, Sunset & Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. Director of National Parks Service, Dear Sir: I have just been informed that Mr. Rockefeller wants to build ano ther carriage road on Mt. Desert Island on the East side of Pemetic Mountain and though that lovely wild valley at the south end of Bubble Pond. That is almost the only wild, untouched part of the Island left now and I beg on behalf of my family and friends that the Park will not grant any land to Mr. Rockefeller for the building of any more roads. We have all been summer residents of Northeast Harbor for twenty five years now, and four of us own our own houses and large tracts of land on the Island besides. So we are really qualified to protest when we see a policy being pursued which we are convinced is taking away the chief charm of our beloved Island. Please let me hear from you as to whether the wishes of the old summer residents is to have any weight with the present Lafayette National Park commissioners or whether we shall have to use our influence and energy to get new commissioners appointed. Sincerely yours (SGND) Effie Desiton Fraley Donald McKay Frost, 84 State Street, Boston, Mass. March 10, 1927. Director, National Park Service, c/o Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: I am informed that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has offered to construct a new "horse road" from the west side of the Burnt Bubble to the north end of Bubble Pond. Although but a summer resident, not a preperty holder, I am keenly interested in the preservation of the natural beauties of the Island and wish to put on file my very urgent protest against the construction of the proposed road. My reasons for this protest are as follows:- 1. The scenic beauties of the Island are comprised within a very small area. One can walk from the eastern side of the Island to Sommes Sound- its most beautiful part- in the course of a day. There is, therefore, no need for any extended road system to take people in to the mountain district. 2. The mountains are so small that any road out into them makes a considerable gash on the sides of the mountains and in the forests which lie at their feet. If the scenic beauties are to be preserved, as few roads as possible should be built. Look at what has been done! 3. The road system already planned is more than sufficient to enable those who are unable to walk to enjoy the scenery. There are hardly any valleys now left without roads. Green Mountain will have a road to its top and Sangent Mountain will be encircled by a Director, National Park Service -2 road which very nearly reaches the top. Those who wish to drive or motor can hardly complain thay they are limited in their use of the Park. 4. The e is no better form of exercise then walking and no better hobby to encourage in the people of this country than a love of the outdoors and of the beauties of nature. It seems, therefore, proper that there should be left for the nature lover who likes to walk some places where he may enjoy the rest and quiet of the woods. Very few are left on the Island. 5. e The roads constructed by Mr. Rockefeller are not "horse - roads TT Having a solid rock surface, they are unsuitable for riding and are constructed with grades and curvatures adapted to the use of the motor car. Whatever the desires of Mr. Rockefeller or those in darge of the Park may be, it will not be possible to keep motors off of these "horse roads" indefinitely. 6. It is well known that Mr. Rockefeller's hobby is road building and I do not understand why he should be permitted to gratify this hobby on public property. The road will be built from public funds when the demand from the public is great enough to authorize the Expenditure. Very respectfully, (SGND) Donald McKay Frost DMcKF 65 GODDARD AVENUE March 9,1927 BROOKLINE Department of the Interior National Park Service, Attention Mr. Arno B. Kammerer Dear Sir: I understand that a new road on Mt. Desert Island is being contemplated and that you would like to have the opinion of the people who are interested in the Island on the subject. I have been a summer resident there all my life and I very much hope that this new road will not be constructed. I feel that there are now plenty of roads for everyone to be able to see and enjoy the beautiful scenery and that any more will spoil the place. I understand that this road is planned to go along the side of Bubble Pond and I think that would be a tBemendous pity. Anyune who cannot walk can now get a view of Bubble Pond from the automobile road which has been built to the end of it and it seems very unnecessary to have another road down the side, thus destroying one of the few wild spots left. I do hope that this road will not be built and that the road building will stop where it is now. Yours truly (SGND) Penelope P. Greswold Mrs. Roger Griswold 470 Park Avenue, New York City, March 10, 1927. Director of National Parks Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: III understand that in a letter of the date of February 24, 1927, Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has definitely asked per- mission to build in the Lafayette National Park two sections of horse roads, one to the north and one to the south of Bubble Pond, to make links with roads that he is building or has built already in that general region, such horse roads having already been approved by the Department of the Interior. While I admire Mr. Rockefeller and appreciate hhs generous intentions in this respect, I should like to put myself on record as opposed to this proposed construction. It is another instance of slashing into land where we are anxious to preserve the natural growth for the sake of its beauty as it now exists. I personally regard as a desecration the roadbuilding that has already taken place, though I do not deny that the roads give pleasure to countless people. The proposed horse roads amount to being a rich man's hobby, for their use is limited to a few people. I can sympathize with the desire of riders and drivers to have such roads, but contend that we already have enough and that there should be an end to this slashing into the small area that the island actually affords. Such slashing for carriage roads or for riding on Sargent Mountain has made a scar that can been seen for miles inland, and in the flat land to the north of Sargeant, it has utterly spoiled the spirito of remoteness that made the real charm of the place. I dislike opposing a man whose intention$ is to be a benefactor; but this whole plan of roadbuilding has been like spoiling the face of a jewel. It is because we have man-handled parks and the touch of sophistication elsewhere, that we should take extra pains to preserve the great natural beauty of Lafayette Park as it is. At the present time, the tendency seems to be to ex-ploit it with the result that the real charm will eventually be lost for the poor man quite as much as for the supposedly selfish rich man . Respectfully yours, Barberry Ledge, Bar Harbor, Maine. (SGND) Frank B. Rowell William Jay Turner 437 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, March 9, 1927. N.E.H.Trails Honourable Stephen T. Mather, Director, National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am strongly opposed to the construction of the proposed carriage road along the west shore of Bubble Pond in Lafayette National Park, Mount Desert, since the existing roads are most than sufficient in every way. Before authorizing this one, I urge you to have a census made this summer, SO that you may have accurate information as to the trifling extent to which the existing roads are used. In my opinion the proposed road would be in the nature of a desecrasion of one of the few remaining undisturbed beauty spots in the Park, and from my point of view should not be authorized in the absence of a real necessity. I venture to say that the census I have suggested will show conslusively that no such necessity exists. Sincerely, (SGND) William Jay Turner I neglected to say that I am a Summer resident of Mount Desert, and the owner of a cottage at Northeast Harbour. PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON? NEW JERSEY. March 9, 1927. J. Gresham Machen Post Office Address Box 4, Princeton, N. I. Director of the National Parks Service, Care of the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. 0. Dear Sir: My attention has just been called to the proposal, re- garding the Lafayette National Park, that a new horse road be constructed starting from the west side of the Burnt Bubble and running between the Burnt Bubble Mountain and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubble Pond and thence along the west shore of Bubble Pond and southward along the western (eastern?) and southern flank of The Triad and across the Jordan Pond Automobile road to connect with the horse roads south of Jordan Pond House. Having been a summer resident of Mount Desert Island for about thirty years, I am venturing, very respectfully, to express an opinion with regard to this project - an opinion which I am sure is shared in essentials by many others. The feeling of lovers of nature about such matters is for the most part inarticulate; and their voice, when it is raised at all, is often drowned by a chorus of those who think primarily of material betterment or at least of something other than natural beauty. Yet I venture to thi nk that if the National Parks Service is to discourage the love of nature among our people, one very important reason for its existence is gone. Anything more ruinous to the natural beauty of the region than such a road building project as this would be difficult to imagine. Already the Park is being filled with a network of roads; there are roads on both sides of Jordan Pond and both sides of Eagle Take, to say nothing of many others. The question arises whether anything is to beleft in its natural state,- whether in the whole extent of the paek there is to be left one beautiful shady nook or one unscarred 00 mountain side. Let it not be said by way of extenuation that this new road is to be a horse road. not an automobile road. The horse roads in the Park seem to me to be just as destructive of natural beauty as are the automobile roads--the only difference being that they have 00 practically no compensating value to any considerable section of the public. I am well aware that many persons cannot appreciate the point them, if we may take an example at random is exactly the same it of view that is presented in this letter. A waterfall to if has a huge bridge in front of it or if it is open to the sunlight as it is if it is secluded in a shady glen. There are many persons, in other words, who have no understanding of how delicate a thing, in the sphere of natural beauty, is charm, and how easily it is destroyed. But is the National Parks Service to commit itself to this latter point of view? This question does seem to me to be an important one. The love of nature, I venture to think is very important; and instead of receiving the ruthless discouragement that would be involved in such a project as the one now under consideration, ought to be encouraged in every possible way. Only a little bit of wild, natural beauty remains on Mount Desert Island. Is that little bit to be ruthlessly destroyed? There are city parks in plenty, with their network of roads. Why should not something different, something unique, be preserved on Mount Desert Island? Is the National Parks Service to be an of destr-lagency/for the conservation of a natural beauty which once destroyed uction )can never be replaced? or an agency f)true I appreciate to the full the high motives and the conser- generosity of those individuals who may have expressed their ration willingness to cooperate in this project. But the harm that would an agen cy be done would be so irreparable that I have ventured to express my opinion about it. That opinion would of course be worth little if it were mine alone. But if you should make a really careful investigation, I am sure that you would find that my opinion is very similar to the opinion of many others. In closing, I desire to express my hearty appreciation of the service that the Lafayette National Park has rendered. The greater would my regret be to see that service turned into a calamity by an unwise destruction of the distinctively natural beauty of the Park. Very truly yours, (SGND) J. Gresham Machen WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM NC936 32 PRINCETON NJ 9 506P 1927 MAR 9 PM 5 39 BIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE? CARE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON D C. AM VENTURING TO SEND YOU TODAY A LETTER IN OPPOSITION 00 THE NEW PLAN OF ROAD BUILDING IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK ABOUT WHICH I UNDER*- STAND THERE IS TO BE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION J GRESHAM MACHEN THE NEW ENGLAND TRUST COMPANY 135 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 9 March 1927. Dear Sir: I have just been told of the proposed new road in the Lafayette National Park from the west side of Burnt Bubbles to south of Jordan Pond House. I am told that you are interested in expressions of opinion as regards the advisability of constructing this road. I should, therefore, like to express the my strong hope that the Government will decide not to construct it. I have been going to Northeast Harbor for some fifteen years and my wife for many years before that. It seems a pity that some portions of our beautiful country cannot be left undeveloped for those who enjoy roaming in them. To fill the hills of Mount Desert with more an d more roads will, in my opinion, largely spoil the charm of the S pot. It certainly seems as though, for the time being in any case, there were roads enough. Yours very truly, Roger Pierce Director of National ParkksService Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Mrs. William P. Homans Ponkapoag, Massachusetts, March 8th, To the Secretary of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, Dear Sir: With regard to your letter of Feb 28th to Mr. Dorr concerning proposed roads in the Lafayette Park, May I register a very strong protest against any more roads being built in that region? Already the sides of the mountains have been much toomuch defaced by great gashes cut across them and the all too rare solitude of wooded valleys spoiled by these great roads which so few people enjoy. It is so seldom now that we can enjoy nature, unspoiled by the hands of man, that it seems a pity, that one of the few accessible spots where one can walk and enjoy its beauties should be absolutely spoiled by a network of roads built for the enjoyment of the few rich people who can still afford the luxury of. horses. At the present time there are certainly plenty of roads for the latter class of people who wish to drive, why not leave some of the wild wooded trails for the enjoyment of pedestrians? As an old inhabitor of MT. Desert I can say confidently that the greatest part of the inhabitants feet the way I do about this matter and very strongly hope that the Dept of Interior will refuse to consider any more road construction in this region. Yours truly, (SGND) Edith Parkman Homans Dr. Augustus Thorndike, 601 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. March 9, 1927. To the Director of the National Parks Service, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: Having heard indirectly through my friend Mr. George B. Dorr of Mr. John D. Rockefeller's generous offer to pay for construction of a new road through the Lafayette National Park and that the question of its acceptance was imminent, I write to you because I was also told by another that you wanted expressions of frank opinion from those who love Mt. Desert & live there. I have spent over forty summers on this enchanted island & love it & wish it well. And every one wishes the National Park well & wishes it to show all the beauties of the island to as many as possible. Now while this is a most generous offer and a well me aning one in every way; yet there are some among whom I class myself who look on the proposed road with disfavor, & for these are my reasons. In the first place it does not serve any definite object (such as shortening the distance etc ) between any of the settlements on the island. Secondly it is restricted in its use; ie, automobiles are excluded. Of horses, there are few, alas: and many of them are in Mr. J. D. Rockefeller's stable. A census of all the horses remaining on the island would surprise us. The excursionist & the general public find great trouble to hire a horse or a wagon to take the drive in, Furthermore pedestrians almost always prefer trails & paths of which there are an abundance. Thirdly the expense of maintaining the existing park roads is already burdensome why add to it? Fourthly. What the people who come to see any national park, most want to look at is the natural beauty of scenery in its nature wild state. Every new road leaves scars. Could you persuade Mr. Rockefeller to endow the maintenance of the roads he has ahready built instead of building this one . I believe it would be far better. Please excuse the perfect frankness with which I have ventured to write which my old deep love of the island has led me into using & believe me Very sincerly yours, (SGND) Augustus Thorndike of Bar Harbor, Maine. March 8, 1927. Mr. Stephen T. Mather, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Mather: The enclosed is a copy of a letter which I am writing to the Secretary with reference to the roads on the Lafayette National Park. I heartily sympathize with the difficult position in which you are placed in having the request for these roads come from such a large donor of lands to the Park. Do you not think that this donor, in view of the very generous contributions he has made to science, would understand if it were explained to him that scientific people who are interested in the Outdoor Museum feature of the National Parks are unanimously opposed to these roads? The crux of the matter is that the valleys between the mountains, being the natural lines of travel, have been so reduced that there are barely enough left to round out the exhibit afforded by the Park. I am sure that I speak not only for the scientific men but for all conservation groups interested in the National Parks in urging the retention in an undisturbed condition of the small remnants of the valley lands. Very sincerly yours, BM.BP (SGND) Barrington Moore March 8, 1927; Dear Mr. Secretary: The question of additional roads on the Lafayette National Park is, I understand, before you for decision. While the proposed roads would be only for horse drawn vehicles, they would follow the specifications for similar roads already constructed which would permit them to be used by automobiles. Although it may perhaps be possible to permanently exclude motors from the present carriage roads, this seems somewhat doubtful. You yourself stated when you were on Mt. Desert Island investigating the road situation several years ago, that eventually the C arriage roads would probably be open to motors. It is, therefore, important in considering this problem to view these carriage roads as possible motor roads and to take into account their effect as such upon the Park. Carriage roads of the type hitherto constructed, even without motor traffic, create a great deal of disturbance, and sacrifice much of the natural charm and beauty of the valleys and hills through which they pass. West of Jordan Pond there is already a net-work of these roads. The scar on Parkman Mountain, plainly visible from Somesville and many other points, has already caused much adverse comment. The proposed road north and south of Bubble Pond would pass through the valley east of Pemétic Mountain which a number of people consider should be left in a natural conditionwithout roads. At the time the motor road from Bubble Pond to Jordan Pond was under discussion I advocated running the road south of B. M. 2. Bubble Pond and east of Pemetic Mountain instead of in its present locateon along Jordan Pond, Since, however, Jordan Pond and the Jordan Eagle Carry have now been opened by the motor road, it would seem hardly reasonable to also open the valley south of Bubble Pond and east of Pemetic Mountain. The C rossroad running from Burnt Bubble south of Eagle Lake to the west shore of Bubble Pond would open up and largely destroy the scientific interest of one of the few remaining bits of valley land on the Island which has not yet had a road cut through it. There is here a small tract of untouched spruce forest lying directly across the route of the proposed road. In conclusion, might I point out the fact that in proportion to its size, the Lafayette National Park is already more heavily built with roads than any of the other National Parks. The mountains, or most of them, will always remain without roads, but the area of undisturbed valleys is exceedingly small. These valleys are the habitats of interesting plants, birds and other wild life which form part of the museum exhibit and outdoor laboratory which @@@@@@@@@@ constitute the highest purpose of the Park. The proportion of undisturbed valley lands in relation to the r ockier mountai n habitats is already smaller than it should be for a well balanced exhibit. It is obvious, therefore, that further encroachment on the remaining valley lands would seriously impair the value of the Park. Respectfully yours, Hon. Hubert Work (SGND) Barrington Moore Secretary of the Interior. Mar 8, 1927 4 PM NC 662 47 NL NEW YORK NY 8 HON HUBERT WORK. SECY OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. RESPECTFULLY BUT EARNESTLY URGE DISAPPROVAL OF PROPOSED ROADS ON LABAYETTE NATIONAL PARK NORTH AND SOUTH OF BUBBLE POND AND SOUTH 01 EAGLE LAKE THESE ROADS WOULD OPEN MUCH OF REMAINING UNDISTURBED VALLEY LANDS WHICH ALREADY COMPRISE AN UNDULY SMALL PROPORTION OF THIS PARKS EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT LETTER FOLLOWS. BARRINGTON MOORE. ORIGINAL LETTER FROM BARRINGTON MOCRE, COPY PREVIOUSLY MADE. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 106W MJ 37 BLUE F PROVIDENCE RI 1117A MAR 9, 1927. DIR NATL PARK SERVICE WASHN DC MRS HOWARD STURGES AND MISS DOROTHY STURGES PROPERTY OWNERS AND SUMMER RESIDENTS OF LONG STANDING AT BARHARBOR PROTEST THE BUILDING OF ANY FURTHER ROADS AS FATAL TO THE ONLY REMAINING WILD AND BEAUTIFUL SECTION OF THE PARK UNSIGNED 1255P PEPPER, BODINE, STOKES & SCHOCH 2228-42 Land Title Building Philadelphia March 8, 1927. Honorable Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: I have today sent you the following telegram which I now beg to confirm: "I am informed that proposal is pending to construct in Lafayette National Park a carriage road through the Triads into the Bubble Pond Valley and along the western shore to the northern end of the Pond. This proposed road is unnecessary desecration of one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the Park and is in my judgment a further step in the progressive destruction of its charm without any compensating advantage to the public". At a hearing once held by you on this general subject I advocated a coherent and comprehensive plan for the treatment of Lafayette National Park. Recognizing that this is really a park in miniature and that if roads for vehicular traffic are run through every part of it its wilderness feature will be eliminated, I urged that the amphitheatre between Sargent and Jordan mountains be kept inviolate; that the Jordan Pond valley be regarded as a sufficient sacrifice to civilization and that the Bubble Pond valley be retained as wilderness. I am still firmly of opinion that the retention of the amphi- theatre and the Bubble Pond valley in their natural state is absolutely essential to preserve what is left of the wilderness feature of the Park. The Jordan Pond valley is Secretary Work -2- 3/8/1927. now pierced by an automobile road on its east side and on its west side by a carriage road, which proceeds around the north end of Sargent Mountain and destroys the scenic beauty of the Chasm brook and the Sargent waterfall through the erection of huge masonry viaducts. The north end of Bubble Pond has been spoiled by the approach to it of the automobile road above referred to. It is still possible, however, to preserve the east and west shores of Bubble Pond and the wilderness between the south end of Bubble Pond and the Triads. If the road now proposed is constructed, such preservation will be forever impossible. It will be remembered that all these roads, construct- ed and to be constructed, are not roads for the use of the general public who travel in automobiles but only for the use of the small and select class who can afford to keep or hire horses and horse-drawn vehicles. Yours sincerely, (sgnd) George Wharton Pepper POSTAL TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM PA143 76 1927 MAR 8 PM 12 31 S PHILADELPHIA PA 8 Honorable Hubert Work SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC AM INFORMED WHAT PROPOSAL IS PENDING TO CONSTRUCT IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK A CARRIAGE ROAD THROUGH THE TRIADS INTO THE BUBBLE POND VALLEY AND ALONG THE WESTERN SHORE TO THE NORTHERN END OF THE POND STOP THE PROPOSED ROAD IS UNNECESSARY DESECRATION OF ONE OF THE WILDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF THE PARK AND IS IN MY JUDGMENT A FURTHER STEP IN THE PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF ITS CHARM WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATING ADVANTAGE TO THE PUBLIC 1) ) CEAOR GEORGE WHARTON PEPPER HAROLD PEABODY 10 STATE STREET BOSTON, MASS. March 8, 1927. Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, Assist. Director, National Park Service, c/o Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: I had a long conference with Mr. Dorr yesterday regard- ing these new carriage roads that Mr. Rockefeller offers to build, and have delayed writing to you until today. Of course, I remem- ber perfectly that these horse roads were the roads that we hoped would never be built if the automobile road to Jordan Pond House went through. Now that that road is build and ready to be used I feel more than ever that the Park is being cut up, and the wild places spoilt when any further roads are build. This section, as you remember, bounded by Burnt Bubbles, Jordan Mountain, and the automobile road on the west, and Eagle Lake on the north with Northa and South Bubbles Mountains in the center, was the district also the West and South slopes of the Triad & the Bubble Pond Valley that I had sincerely hoped would remain wild. I feel that it is for the best interests of everybody that these districts should remain wild, and, therefore, as politely as I can, I wish to protest against this horse road to Bubbles Pond and the Horse road from Bubbles Pond around the Triad. I cannot see why these roads are necessary to the enjoyment of the people. These roads do not add very much to the beauty of the views from the surround- ing mountains as whatever is done to try to h i de them they will be seen from above. The bridge Mr. Rockefeller contemplates building over the Jordan Pond automobile road will probably be asugly a monstrosity as the other bridges he has built, and I do not see how this can possible be hidden. made There has been a suggastion/that the Village Improve- ment Societies and the summer people employ an efficient landscape architect to make a study of the development of the whole island. It seems to me that young Mr. Eliot, who is now in Washington, would be the best man to make this study. He knows the island well, and he knows what the best interests of the island are. How wonderful it would be if this study would be made. It is what I have been hoping for for the last three years, and I am willing to pay my share for the employment of such a man. Road-building on the island seems to be an especial hobby wi th the very rich. I am a thorough believer in narrow trails for horses like those they have out West, and, if necessary in old lumbering roads bing fixed up, but let me say agains as I Mr. Arno Cammerer -2- have said many times, "I am not interested in these sixteen-foot carriage roads which I cannot see are needed 11 We are all aiming for the same object, that is, proper development of the Park and the Island with due regard to keeping the beautiful wild places intact so that the generations that are to come may see some of the beauty that we have seen. Let me again enter my humble protest against the construction of these roads. Sincerely yours, (SGND) Harold Peabody 8009 Navajo Street, St. Martins Philadelphia The Director of National Parks Dear Sir: Hearing that you have invited comment on the proposed "Rockefeller Road" from Eagle Lake over the Burnt Bubble etc, I want to protest against having that road build. Is there any reason why Mt. Desert Island should be spoiled for the many who enjoy the remoteness of the mountain and wood trails, for a whim of Mr. Rockefeller which is rapidly ruining the very thing that a National Park should protect. It is hard to believe that your Department wi 11 allow this road to be built simply because the Senators like to give work to the natives, and beaause Mr. Rockefeller enjoys driving through what is practically his private estate. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) Adeline P. Paul Mrs Theodore S. Paul Mrs. Richard T. Nalle, Chestnut Hill Philadelphia. Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Dear Sir: I wish to protest against the proposed new road to be built by Mr. Rockefeller on Mt. Desert Island. Yours truly, (SGND) Dorothy D. Nalle. Henry Disston & Sons, Ince. Philadelphia March 8, 1927. The Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that a new Rockefeller road is proposed for the Island of Mount Desert, Maine. I wish to protest very strongly against the construction of this road as I do not see that it. is an improvement in the development of the National Park. It has been my observation that Rockefeller Roads are used very little as they are only open to pedestrians, horses and carriages. The needs of people on foot would be fully met by trails, similar to the ones already existing., and practically no visitors to the Island would ever hire a carriage to drive on these roads. It seems to me that they only serve a very limited number of summer people on the Island who still derive enjoyment from driving in a carriage. To my mind the greatest appeal of this national Park is its unspoiled nature and freedom from "modern improvements". We already have the park opened up sufficiently by the recently constructed roads to satisfy the few who desire to view it from the road, and I sincerely hope that you can see your way clear to disapprove the permit for this proposed construction. Very sincerely yours, (SGND) R. T. Nalle KLG R. T. Nalle 0. H. Perry Pepper Medical Arts Building Philadelphia Director of National Park Service Separtment of Interior, Washington, Dear Sir: As a land owner on, and summer visitor to Mt. Desert Island Maine permit me protest most strongly against the proposed road from Eagle Lake over Burnt Bubble. The roads already constructed and under construction have gone far toward ruining the island for all except the touring motorists on the one hand and those having horses for access to the "private" roads on the other. For those of U.S. who belong to neither of these classes and who wish to continue to spend vacations on the islands any further roads will simply increase the grave unhappiness already caused. Yours respectfully, 3-8-27 (SGND) 0. H. Perry Pepper Jr. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON March 9, 1927. Dear Mr. Allen: I have before me your letter of March 8, inquiring whether the new road covered in exhibits and other data furnished you by Mr. Dorr is to follow at all the present so-called Boyd Road, and whether it will remain hidden in the woods or follow higher levels where it will be visible from the various mountain trails and ridges. If the so-called Boyd Road is the old road shown on our maps between Dike Peak and Pemetic Mountain, the proposed location of this new road swings farther to the west and does not touch the Boyd Road anywhere south of Bubble Pond. When the plan of 1922 was under consideration I went over some of the mountain trails to check up whether the roads then contemplated to be built would be visible from other points, and last September I went over the entire proposed new road trail at present under discussion. I was particularly inter- ested in seeing whether it would be visible from important points and was pleased to find that it would be hidden in the woods practically all the way. Of course, it comes into the open between Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond. One thing I am sure of, and in this our landscape engineers who have gone over the road situation agree with me, and that is that any scars tat have been and will be made within a very short time will be covered by new forest growth. I checked up on this myself in September and was pleased to find that everywhere along he talus covered by new road operations the grass, flowers, and shrubbery were commencing to come through. You will understand that this is not an entirely new road project, but simply one of the roads traile projects shown on the approved map of July 26, 1922, which was suspended for construction by the Secretary until funds were tendered for the continuation of the project. With kindest personal regards and best wishes, Sincerely yours, Arno B. Cammerer Assistant Director. Mr. Joseph Allen, The College af the City of New York Convent Avenue and 139th Street, New York City. ABC : MMM The College of the City of New York Department of Mathematics Convent Avenue and 139th Street, 9 Myrtle Street, White Plains, N. Y. March 8, 1927. Secretary Work, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: A letter from Mr. Dorr of the Lafayette National Park was received yesterday informing me of the proposed road to be build in the Lafayette National Park from Eagle Lake southward through the Bubble Pond valley to Jordan Pond, and suggesting that if I had any comments to make upon the plan he would like to hear them in time to make a recommendatión to you before Marsh 13. You may remember that at the hearing held in Washington in regard to the road from Eagle Lake around the west side of Pemetic in theJordan Pond valley, I was one of those who opposed the Jordan Pond road and proposed instead the road through the Bubble Pond valley. My proposal, however, was strongly opposed by Senator Pepper, Mr. Lincoln Cromwell of the Northeast Harbor Village Improvement Society, and others; and you announced that approval of that road had been withdrawn. The further discussion at the hearing was held with the understanding that this second road had been removed from the map. Under these circumstances I beg to ask you not to 2198 approve of the proposed road until ample time has been given to the residents of Mt. Desert and others interested in the Park to study in detail the proposed location and confer with each other as to the désirability of the road. I ask you therefore not to make a favorable decision before March 13. I am asking Mr. Cammerer if he can let me have detailed information as to the location of the road. Only after we have all returned to Mt. Desert in June or July and after having stated the location in detail would it be possible for us to come to a reasonable decision as to whether the proposed road is desirable or not. But in view of the expression of opinion at the former hearing, to the effect that this Bubble Pond valley should be thereafter unspoiled by road building, it is only fair to those who wish to conserve the natural beauties of the Island to let them have more time to investigate this proposed new road. Thanking you for your courtesy in having us informed of this new plan, I am Very respectfully yours Village Improvement Society Joseph Allén Chairman Mt. Desert, Maine. The College of the City of New York Department of Mathematics. Convent Avenue and 139th Street, March 8, 1927. Mr. Cammerer Park Department , Washington D. C. Dear Mr. Cammerer: Yesterday I received from Mr. George B. Dorr an invitation to comment 6n the road proposed to be built partly on Park lands, in Mt. Desert, through the Bubble Pond valley. It is impossible to express an opinion without knowing the route proposed in some detail. Can you perhaps inform me whether this road is to follow at all the present so-called Boyd road in that valley? Does it remain in the woods, particularly near the Triad Mountain or does it follow higher levels, visible from the various mountain trails and ridges? The map Mr. Dorr kindly sent has none of this information. I shall appreciate any information you can send me. Very truly yours, Joseph Allen Chairman Path Committee District of Seal Harbor, e. Village Improvement Society WILLIAM ISELIN & CO. 357 Fourth Avenue, Cor. 26th Street, NEW YORK March 10, 1927. Hon. Arno B. Cammerer, Assistant Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Confirming my telegram of yesterday, I sincerely hope that the Secretary will delay giving consent to Mr. Rockefeller's latest project until the sentiment of the permanent and summer residents of Mount Desert can be thoroughly sounded. From the outset I have been one of the most staunch defenders of Mr. Rocke- feller's road plans, always considering them of very great benefit to the Lafayette National Park. There has been a small group in violent opposition but they have been in such a minority that heretofore Mr. Rockefeller's plans have received general ap proval. I attended the Washington conference several years ago and was puzzled to understand the indefinite indication of a road along the route which Mr. Rockefeller now wants to follow. Mr. Dorr and others were questioned about this marking on the map. The secretary and the meeting were assured that the Director of the park had no intention of building any such road. Nobody spoke in favor of it. Quite a number spoke strongly against any intrus- ion of the Bubble Pond valley. It is the one solitary wilderness left on the island. Seen from the western slope of Green Mountain it is one of the most impressive sights of Mount Desert. I feel very strongly that there is no excuse for a road in that valley and A.B.C. -2- 3/10/27 there are the best of scenic reasons why it should not be built. Undoubtedly it will take a carriage to points from which there are beautiful views but I respectfully suggest that permission be withheld until the present system of roads is completed and until a carriage service is available at the Joradn Pond house for people wishing to drive over the roads at reasonable cost/ I am told it will be at least another year before the road around Sargent Mountain is completed. Until that time there is not likely to be two carriages a day over all of those roads. I am perfectly aware that most of the projected road is on Mr. . Rockefaller's private property but it would be useless unless it could cross park lands at both ends to connect with his present system. I know 00 that there will be an opposition to this road not only from all who have heretofore protested against his road building but from a great many who have until now been very sympathetic with his projects. m Yours very cordially, (SGND) Lincoln Cromwell President, Northeast Harbor Village Improvement Scoiety WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 141 W MJ 48 BLUE 12 EX FB NEW YORK NY 139P MAR 9, 1927. HON ARNO B CAMMERER NATL PARK SVC DEPT INT LETTER FEBRUARY TWENTY EIGHTH RECEIVED SINCERELY HOPE CONSENT TO NEW ROCKEFELLER ROAD WILL BE WITHHELD PENDING FULL INVESTIGATION THERE WILL BE SERIOUS OPPOSITION FROM MANY WHO LIKE ME HAVE HERETOFORE SUPPORTED MR ROCKEFELLERS ROAD BUILDING PROGRAM LINCOLN CROMWELL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST HARBOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY 357 FOURTH AVE NEWYORK 220P March 9, 1927. CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS TELEGRAM FROM LINCOLN CROMWELL PRESIDENT NORTHEAST HARBOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB647 20 NL BOSTON MASS 11 1927 Mar 11 PM 9 15 THE DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS BARHARBOR RESIDENT I WISH TO RESPECTFULLY PROTEST AGAINST BUILDING THE PROPOSED HORSE ROAD IN BUDDLE POND REGION LAFAYETTE PARK GERTRUDE SAMPSON. WESTERN UNION TEIGGRAM BB196 68 4 Extra NL TDB CAMBRIDGE MASS 1927 Mar 13 PM 9 00 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE CARE DEPT INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. AS LIFELONG SUMMER RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF MOUNT DESERT ISLAND WE DESIRE TO PROTEST EMPHATICALLY AGAINST THE BUILDING OF MORE ROADS IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK STOP THE INTERESTS OF MOTORISTS AND HORSEMEN ARE NOW ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR AND THERE IS GRAVE DANGER THAT THE DEVELOPMENTS OF ROADS WILL DESTROY THE CHARM AND PEACE OF THE REMAINING WILD PLACES WHICH SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR WALKERS STOP SURELY ONE REASON FOR HAVING A NATIONAL PARK NEAR THE GREAT CITIES OF THE EAST IS TO PRESERVE A LARGE AREA IN A STATE OF UNTOUCHED NATURE. GERTRUDE W PEABODY AND FRANCIS W PEABODY WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 142W KQ 15 JEKYL ISLAND GA MAR 12 1927 1216P DIRECTOR OFNATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC APPROVE LAFAYETTE PARK ROAD BUILT AND BUILDING PROTEST AGAINST MORE TIME TO STOP FOR PRESENT WILLIAM W VAUGHAN 236P WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM NC813 159 ML 1/61 NEW YORK NY 12 1927 MAR 12 IPM 8 41 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. DEER SIR IN REFERENCE TO PROPOSED NEW ROAD THROUGH LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK FOR WHICH JOHN D ROCKEFELLER JUNIOR HAS OFFERED FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT US AS OLD RESIDENTS OF BARHARBOR TO MAKE AN URGENT APPEAL THAT SUCH A ROAD SHALL NOT BE BUILD STOP IT WOULD COMPLETELY DESTROY ONE OF THE NOBLEST SOLITUDES EXISTING IN OUR COUNTRY AND HITHERTO PROTECTED BY ITS NATIONAL- IZATION AS A PARK SUCH A ROAD WOULD BE A SCAR ON THE COUNTRY SIDE AND WOULD NOT EVEN SERVE ANY PRACTICAL PURPOSE AS HORSES ARE NO LONGER USED FOR DRAWING PLEASURE VEHICLES MR ROCKEFELLER BEING THE ONLY ONE OF the ISLAND WHO STILL USES THIS METHOD OF CONVEY- ANCE THERE ARE NOW AMPLE ROADS FOR MOTOR CARS AND THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL PARK IS RUINED IF IS CRISSCROSSED BY NEEDLESS ROADS THUS SPOILING ITS GRANDEUR AND NATURAL BEAUTY EARNESTLY HOPING THAT YOU WILL NOT SANCTION THE BUILDING OF THIS ROAD WE REMAIN VERY TRULY YOURS WALTER DAMROSCH AND MARGARET BLAINE DAMROSCH E. B. DANE 6 BEACON STREET BOSTON, MASS March 11, 1927. To the Director of the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. has offered to construct a new horse road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles through to Jordan Pond road, running over land belonging partly to the Hancock County Trustees of Reservations and private citizens. This matter came before you once before and at that time I objected to the road. I object to it now as I consider it a detriment to the natural beauty of the country. The region is small and filled with foot trails which are much used and appreciated by the residents of the locality. Horse trails can be used only by a few and are a source of annoyance to the many who take pleasure in walking over these mountains. Very truly, (SGND) Erres B. Dane. 29 Marlborough Street, Boston, March 10, 1927. Director National Parks Service, Care of the Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I telegraphed you this morning protesting against a plan to put another Rockefeller road through the wild lands of the Lafayette National Park. Horse transportation is but a pleasure of a few rich people, and there are plenty of roads now for their use. Most of the people who visit the Park now come in motors, and large numbers of these can not afford to hire horses. Where they can not go with their motors, they walk, greatly enjoying the beauty of the trails. The increase of carriage roads is spoiling these, and the proposed road around Bubble Pond would greatly injure one more of the now rapidly disappearing wild spots. Many of us summer residents of Bar Harbor hope that you will put a stop to it. Yours respectively, (signed) John Dane. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 55W KQ 4 BOSTON MASS 1059A MAR 10 1927 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CARE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC WISH TO PROTEST ENERGETICALLY AGAINST PUTTING PROPOSED ROAD THROUGH WILD LANDS OF LAFAYETTE PARK DR AND MRS JOHN DANE 1114A 910-919 Barristers Hall Boston, March 10, 1927. Director of the National Parks Service, c/o The Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am writing as President of the Massachusetts Audubon Society--many of whose members enjoyed with pleasure ten days in camp at the Echo Lake camps last July and hope to have the same pleasure this year--and also a member of the Trustees of Public Reservations and as a life member of the Appalachian Mountain Club to express my opinion as strongly as I can that I consider it a great damage to the public lands at Mount Desert to break it up as a Wild Life Sanctuary by running the proposed road from the west side of Burnt Bubbles and running between it and North Bubbles Mountain to the north end of Bubbles Pond and along the western and southern flanks of the Triad. I feel that already the beautiful natural wilderness has been unnecessarily cut into and irremediable damage done by the roads which have already scarred the natural landscape without any compensating benefit and I sincerely hope that no desire to afford work for laborers or to please the donor of the road will lead to any further impairment of what was formerly the most beautiful Wild Life Sanctuary in New England readily available to all and appreciated by many for its incomparable natural beauty and peace. Yours very truly, (sgnd) Robert Walcott SOCIETY FOR PROTECTION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FORESTS. 4 Joy Street, Boston, Mass. March 10th, 1927 Hon. Hubert F. Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: The attention of this Society has been called to the proposal to add additional roads in the Lafayette National Park. As the Park is quite small and has already been cut IIP by roads much more than is regarded desirable by many persons, it would seem that further construction of roads in this Park might be very well omitted in order that in so limited an area something of the wilderness might remain. I feel sure that your own sympathies are to preserve the Park in its wild beauty as far as possible. Let me take this occasion to thank you cordially for your sympathetic attitude toward the Waterville purchase as expressed at the meeting of the National Forest Reservation Commission on Mondayl We feel that ) in New England that the Commission went as far as it could in the effort to bring this property into the White Mountain National Forest. Believe me, Very sincerely yours, (sgnd) Phillip W. Ayres, Forester. BOSTON TRANSCRIPT WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 1927. HOPE FOR WATERVILLE FOREST From the attitude of the National Forest Reservation Commission and that of the Parker & Young Company, the lumber operators who own the great Waterville valley in the White Mountains, as indicated by the outcome of the hearing before the commission in Washington, there is good reason to think that a way will be found to add this tract to the national forest. The statement by the company&'s representative wash wholly unambigous, and could not be interpreted otherwise than as showing a desire to meet the public's wishes half way in the matter. On behalf of the Government the commission did all that could be expected of it at this time, by authorizing the forest service to make a valuation survey of the property, without undue delay, to afford a basis for further negotiations. Although this will impose upon the owners the necessity of delaying the con- struction of the contemplated logging railroad, to which the to Government and the petitioners alike object, owing/the excessive fire risk which it would introduce, the company's representative interposed no objection. It has been too often the fashion for the public to regard big lumber corporations as utterly soulless. In this case at least the owners have at all times thus far shown a disposition to cooperate with those who hope that some portion of this ancient forest may be preserved in the public interest, and that such logging as may be carried on shall be less destructive than is commonly the case. FREDERIC DELANO WEEKES 52 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK March 11, 1927. To the Honorable Director of National Park Service, c/o Department of Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I understand that the new road in the Lafayette National Park, t he plans and construction of which were originally approved but held in abeyance until the expense required for the work was provided for, will now probably be undertaken as the necessary funds for its completion are offered by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. This proposed road appears to proveed from the west side of Burnt Bubbles to the north end of Bubbles Pond, thence along its west shore to the western and southern flanks of The Triad and 0000 finally connects with other roads in the vicinity of Jordan Pond House thus a very secluded and favorite district of the Island and probably one that presents many attractions for pedestrians will exist no longer for their own use, and restrict on. many ways the undisturbed enjoyment that has always been such a sorce of pleasure and delight. It should be borne in mind also that the idea of making every part of the Park accessible in case of fire may be an imag- - inary precaution as most fires that in past years have caused the greatest damage and loss on the beautiful island of Mount Desert have had their origin on the roadside, and with an increase in the road system there is the corresponding increase therefore that in time invariably follows every new construction for the use of those only who drive or are driven. The generosity 00 that has prompted this very large gift on the part of Mr. Rockefeller is evident; but if the entire sum that is required to complete the work contemplated in the construction of the proposed road had been raised by a general and widely extended appeal that voiced an almost unanimous approval of the scheme, it would carry more weight than is now shown by one summer resident defraying the entire cost. The writer for over thirty years has spent part of each summer and fall at Mount Desert and taken, while Chairman of 3ar Harbor Path Committee, an active interest in the extention of and whatever pertained to the preservation of the many natural beauties the mountain trails/of the Island. In am, therefore, anxious be carefully considered not only for the benefit of the public but to that the Park Development shall/retain so far as possible the wildness and seclusion which at present constitutes one of its greatest charms. If I am not mistaken an article was recently published written by Mr. Stephen H. Mather, who was Director of the National Park Service in which he stated that he is "firmly against over- development of the Parks "by too many roads". Mather also quotes Secretary Work that "the National Parks must be conserved in their natural state untouched by the inroads of modern civilization". To many, the greatest menace to Lafayette National Park at present appears to be the over construction of roads not intended at the present time to be used by the motor, but over which the motor car in the future OD would undoubtedly find its way, and wi th the construction of other roads there will be in consequence some interference with the present pedestrian trail system of some three hundred fifty (350) miles in extent that has not only been a work of great magnitude, but carefully and systematically developed and maintained for nearly fifty (50) years by the various path Commissees at a cost of many thousands of dollars. It has resulted in many advantages to the lovers of walking and to those also who admire nature, in obtaining from many parts of Island superb views over land and sea that otherwise would perhaps have remained inaccessible, and are now being availed of by a constantly increasing number since the National Park was established. It should also be borne in mind that the area of the Lafayette National Park is exceedingly small compared with the other great National Parks and the more roads that are developed in the Lafayette National Park the less chance will there be for that solitude and charm which a continuing development along the same lines will certainly destroy. Park development which maintains the wildness and solitude of certain portions mush be, and is, for the benefit of the public, for even those coming in motors or otherwise expect to find the solitude of regions penetrated only by trails. If, therefore, the extension of the road system can be withheld and the Park preserved in all its wild beauty and seclasion in preference, to the loss of what now constitutes its greatest charm and attraction, the present visitors to the park and those that come after will have much to approve and be grateful for. Yours very respectfully, Frederic @elano Weekes WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM 149W MJ 70 BLUE 4 EX DV BOSTON MASS 135P MAR 11, 1927. HON HUBERT WORK SECY INTERIOR THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS PROTESTS AGAINST ANY FURTHER ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK UNTIL A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE USE OF THE PARK HAS BEEN PREPARED AND RECEIVED GENERAL APPROVAL OF INTERESTED ORGANIZATION S AND INDIVIDUALS IN VIEW OF THE SMALL SIZE AND RUGGED TOPOGRAPHY ROADS THROUGH THE PARK ARE LIABLE TO DESTROY THE NATURAL BEAUTY WHICH THE RESERVATION IS CREATED TO PRESERVE BOSTON SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS BREMER W POND PRESIDENTS 216P WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB466 24 BOSTON MASS 14 420P 1927 Mar 14 PM 4 40 DIRECTOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT EVERY EFFORT BE MADE TO STOP THE BUILDING OF ANY MORE ROADS IN THE NATIONAL PARK OF MOUNT DESERT ISLAND. C M AMORY. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM BB663 39 NL BOSTON MASS 16 1927 MAR 16 PM 8 14 DIRECTOR OF NATL PARK SERVICE DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC. IN REGARD TO LAFAYETTE NATIONAL PARK CAN WE NOT KEEP THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOT EAST OF THE ROCKIES AS NATURE MADE IT OR AT LEAST NOT CHEAPEN IT ANY MORE MUST THE WHOLE WORLD BE TURNED INTO MAIN STREET. M L PEABODY Samuel W. Morris, Eiradd Trust Co. Broad and Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. March 18, 1927. Honorable Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a property owner in Northeast Harbor, Me., I wish to add my protest to that of many others against the building of the proposed new Rockefeller Road on Mt. Desert Island. As you are aware, there has been built in the last few years on Mt. Desert some forty miles of more of roads for the purpose of opening up to tourists and others the scenic country of the island. Not only in my opinion but in that of many other summer residents there, road building has been overdone to the extent of ruining a great many of the most beautiful parts of the mountains which have heretofore been enjoyed by those who love the trails for their rugged beauty and wildness. I feel that the opinion of a great many of the residents has so long been ignored with regard to this matter that it is high time that some cognizance should be taken of their wishes. Trusting that you may see your way clear towards putting a stop to the road building program, I am, Yours very truly, (SGND) Samuel W. Morris SWM:P COPY OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT May 14, 1927, Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, Assistant Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Cannerer: Acknowledging your letter of May 11th, I submit the following renommendations in regard to the use of the road which Mr. Rockefeller is now in process of completing for the park mind which I anticipate will be surfaced and ready to open for use by Jilly 1st. 1. That a speed limit be posted at either entrance to the road. and at points along it, of eighteen miles per hour. This is less than the ordinary rate CI travel here upon the public ways and will doubtless be exceeded but will establish a standard to be observed. 2. That no parking be permitted on the course of the road, unless provision can be made for it at the turn by Bubble Pond, where it will be greatly desired and will he well to provide for if space permits. By parking I do not mean stopping the motor for a brief pause along the roadside, to take in the view, which is done constantly and should be permitted. The road has been constructed wide enought for this. 3. The parking of cars and picnicking go together. Where there is not parking, there will be no pichicking along the roadside. The question is therefore not likely to arise, but if dound necessary si gns prohibiting it can be placed. 4. Where there is neither parking or pionicking along the roadside no fires are liable to be lighted and no special prohibition will be needed in regard to this, the building of fires being prohibited in the park at large unless consent be first obtained from the superintendent or his office. Copy 5. The road is built for pleasure driving. and no commercial trucks or wagons should be permitted on it. Signs to this effect should be placed at the entrances. The one necessary exception to this is that owners of cars for hire for pleasure driving shall be free to use the road along with owners of private cars. And this will need to include, within reasonable size limits, the sight-seeing motor bus whose use is now universal and rapidly increasing. To shut these out would be an act of discrimination against travellers of moderate means who wish to see what can be seen of the park by motor without the expense of hiring a car to themselves, such travellers besides being often individuals to whom the expense of hiring would be correspondingly greater. 6. That gates be placed at the entrances and closed at night. During the early summer, when in this northern region the twilight lingers long, one hour after sunset will be the best time to rix and will be easy for people to note and carry in their minds. AB fall comes on, say from September 1st, one-half hour after sunset will prob- ably be better, and such a change on a fixed date will not be difficult to impress. Care will need to be tsken not to shut in anyone in closing the gates, nor will it do to let peo le in at either and under the supposition that the road is open through and then turn them back. But this can be handled. 7. with regard to pening the road in the morning, seven o'clock, standard time, the hour when men go to work, would seem the right time. I think of no other provisions needing to be specially established for the road's use. That it will be speeded over my motors in defiance of regulation will undoubtedly happen; how this can be met I do not know. It has proved impossible to get speed limits observed even in cities where the roads are well dicod, but what can be done we will do. Yours sincerely, Superintendent. COPY 26 Broadway New York May 9, 1927. Dear Mr. Dorr: When I SBW Mr. Cammerer in New York a few weeks ago, he spoke of expecting shortly to receive your recommendation in regard to the use of the automobile road from Jordan Pond to Eagle Lake. His idea of having the road closed at night seems to me a good one. I have wondered whether at the outset it might well be open from seven in the morning until nine at night, the closing hour perhaps being made earlier as the season advances. The only object in having the road opened as early as seven would to be give entrance to any who might want to motor out for an early morning climb. As to the nine o'clock closing how, that would give accers to the road until dark even during the early summer. It will permit people going across the Island for an eight o'clock dinner to use the park- way, but will prevent return late at night and a tendency to speeding which young people particularly would be subject to. I presume you will need to have two motorcycle men patrol the road anyhow, and someone, either they or rangers, would have to lock the gates at night and open them in the morning. There are two heavy boulders at the Jordan Pond entrance to which I have requested Mr. Ralston to attach a chain, which can be padlocked when stretched across. I also talked with Mr. Lynam, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Ralston about having two similar boulders put at the Eagle Lake entrance, with a chain. This type of barrier seemed more appropriate than gates. It also seems to me vital that the heavy sightseeing busses from out of town should not be allowed on the roads, because of the wear and tear thus brough about. Are there not some light sightseeing busses, in Bar Harbor which might be specifically authorized to use the road, thus giving access to visitors and at the same time excluding the heavy transpor- tation vehicles? I am jotting down these reflections simply for what they may seem to you to be worth. Very sincerely, (SGND) John D. Rockefeller, Jr Kr. George B. Dorr, Washington, D. C. COPY UNITED STATES SENATE Portland, Maina, May 12, 1927. Mr. Guy E. Torrey, Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Guy:- Thank you for your letter of May 9th, Confidentially I had a good trik with Escrotary Work about the whole situation and I think we will find him on our side all right. If any trouble comes up let me know. Sincerely yours, H/B (SGND) Frederick Hale COPY UNITED STATES SENATE May 4, 1927. Hon. Guy E. Torrey, Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Guy: I have just had a long talk with Secretary Woek about Lafayette Park. He seems to be favorably disposed toward the new road but wants to have some landscape architects report to him before going ahead. He is to send one from the Department and the other will be picked out by the Civic/ Civil Improvements Societies. of course the secretary will not be bound by their decision but he thinks it is advisable to get their views before taking action. I impressed an him the need of hurry in the matter and he is going to have the architects make their investigation early in July. They should report within a very short time and there ought to be no trouble about starting the work before fall. He tells me that Rockefeller knows about the plan to send architects down and approves of it. I aid confident that the matter will come out all right, and of course I will do everything in my power to help out. Sincerely yours, H/L (sgnd) Frederick Hale P. S. I had to dictate this over the D-phohe 80 you will excuse it. COPY SCRTT CIRCLE WASHINGTON, D. C. Dour Mr. Torrey: may 5th I am in receipt of your letter about the roads built and proposed by Mr. Rockefeller. I spoke to Mr. Work the Secretary before I received your letter and we need not be worried about the outsome I am confident. However I have just written him another letter and when received I will communicate with you. Susan Whitney Dimock COPY THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON May 6, 1927. Mrs. Susan Whitney Dimock, 1301 16th St., II. We, Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Dimock: I have your note of yesterday, inclosing & letter from Hon. Guy E. Torrey, bearing on the proposed now roads through Lafayette National Park. Our landscape artist will report back to us now very soon, concerning the survey he is to make in conjunction with a landscape ertist selected by the local organizations from the three separate villages interested. These men will go at once the summer residents have arrived, SC that all may be heard. If they do not agree on the landscape of the road, we will ask a man from the Commission of Fine Arte to sit in with them. After that is all done I will feel that all have had an opportunity to be heard and I can proceed with the matter. It is not a question of my attitude in the matter, 80 much as it is in meeting the opposition fairly and giving them an opportunity to present their views. More time is required to bring about this result than would be necessary if it were not a matter of SQ much intense local public interest COPY But whatever may be done, I wish to accomplish without engendering any lasting animosity. Thanking you for your interest in this matter, and assuring you that we are proceeding as rapidly as we think wise, I beg to remain. Sincerely, Huhert Work COPY PENSION OFFICE Augusta May 6, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a native and resident of Maine, I am greatly interested in the fine road program that is being made possible by the generous donations of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. I am especially interested in the roads in Lafayette National Park, and wish to heartily endorse the building of the carriage road and horse trails by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and the South end of Eagle Lake. I sincerely hope the matter may have your approval. Yours very truly, (Signed) ANNE M. CLANCY Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY Weehame Livingston Road Bar Harbor, Me. 6th May 1927 ,The Hon. Arno B. Cammerer, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: This is to voice my strong disapproval of the new Rockefeller road on Mt. Desert Island, which is planned to cut through the Bubble Pond valley, and thus destroy the natural wildness of that exquisitely rare spot. The Green Mountain Road has given us beautiful views and when completed will be an added pleasure and benefit to the Island, but to continue to cut through the small area of the Lafayette National Park, whose great value, scientifically, and charm are due to its wildness and unbroaken roads with its consequent flora and fauna, would be from my point of view a serious and far reaching mistake. May I, therefore, ask for a careful and thorough investigation of opinion before further steps are taken to build the new road now under contemplation. Sincerely (Signed) Edith Macculloch Miller Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY A. E. Bass P. 0. Box 58 Bangor, Maine May 7, 1927. Secretary, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a summer resident and large property owner in Bar Harbor, I take this opportunity to heartily endorse the construction of the carriage road or horse trail by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. I strongly feel this will be a splendid added attraction to Lafayette National Park which will mean much to the people who summer on Mt. Desert Island. We appreciate very much the generosity of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in furnishing funds for the building of this road and ask for your immediate approval that the construction may go ahead. Thanking you for your interest in our behalf, I am Very truly yours, (Signed) ALBERT E. BASS Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY STATE OF MAINE Council Chamber Augusta May 6, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Sir: I feel deeply interested in the proposition to construct a system of roads in Lafayette National Park, and I believe that we should take advantage of the contribution which Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 9 proposes to make. I believe that the building of the carriage road and horse trails T by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and the south end of Eagle Lake will be much appreciated by the many visitors that come to this section of the State of Maine every year. Very respectfully, (Signed) G. W. Leadbetter. Copy for Mr. Dorr. COPY STATE OF MAINE COUNCIL CHAMBER Augusta May 6, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has been called to my attention that there is some opposition to building of roads in Lafayette National Park. The people of Maine and the Eastern part of the country are much interested in the splendid road program that is being made possible by the generous donations of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. I take this opportunity to heartily endorse the building of the carriage road and the horse trails by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and the South end of Eagle Lake. Hoping this has your approval and that the work may go ahead shortly, I am Respectfully, (Signed) C. S. Martin Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY ISLESFORD COLLECTION, Inc. Little Cranberry Isle Islesford, Maine May 5. 1927. National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen: It has recently come to my attention that objections have been made to the carrying out of the road building programme approved in 1922 re- lating to the Lafayette National Park. For many years I have been vitally interested in everything relating to the Mount Desert region, and especially in what President Eliot, twenty three years ago, was pleased to call "the Right Development of Mount Desert." On March 26, 1924, I attended the hearing at the office of the Secre- tary of the Interior and listened carefully to the discussions both for and against the proposed road building programme. After this meeting came to a close I was more impressed than ever;of the advisability of carrying out the carefully prepared plans for road construction there seemed to be no question. Mr. Peabody's arguments were not convincing at that time, and the more I have studied them as printed in the various newspapers of the time, all carefully preserved in my Mount Desert scrap books, less and less do they "hold water". A few weeks ago Mr. Peabody's circular letter of recent date came to my attention, and I wish to state, most emphatically, that I am opposed to the action that he is trying to take; that I heartily approve of the carriage road through Bubble Pond valley, by the Triads, Pemetic and Bubble Pond connecting with the present carriage road on vest side of Eagle Lake. Respectfully yours, (Signed) WILLIAM OTIS SAWTELLE Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY BAR HARBOR MOTOR COMPANY Bar Harbor, Maine May 7, 1927. Secretary of National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Lafayette National Park has been made possible through the generosity of interested summer residents of Mt. Desert Island. One of the most generous donors stands ready to construct the carriage or horse trail by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain and Bubble Pond connecting with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake, when approval from your department is given. We strongly urge that permission for the building of this road be granted feeling ,that this will open up scenery and natural beauties that are now inaccessible to a very large percentage of people visiting the park. We conscientiously believe tha t the build- ing of this road in no way will detract from the ruggedness or in no way mar the beauties of the park that we always have much valued. Again urging your approval to this construction, we are Very truly yours, Bar Harbor Motor Company (Signed) A. L. Getchell, Pres. Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY WILLIAM PROCTER Bar Harbor, Maine May 9, 1927. Hon. A. B. Cammerer, Asst. Director, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just returned from abroad and learn of the proposed road in Lafayette National Park to be used as a connecting link by Mr. Rockefeller. Insincerely hope that you will not approve this road for it would destroy a section of unique wild life with no particular advantage to anyone. As a scientist (I am President of the Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory) I can appreciate the great advantages of this park and can also see where they would speedily end were this small area penetrated by roads. Very truly yours, (Signed) WILLIAM PROCTER P. S. I am a resident of Bar Harbor. Copy for Supt, Dorr. COPY Mrs. Anne Archbold 3905 Reservoir Road Washington, D.C. Hon. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Dep't. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: I have recently heard of the latest proposal by Mr. Rockefeller to build more roads south of Eagle Lake and thru the Bubbles Pond Valley and around the south and east side of The Triad. Accordingly I wish to enter my protest against the continuation of these roads as I believe there already are too many roads in this section of the Island. Was the Park placed on Mount Desert Island in order that many people should have steady employment there with high wages? Was it placed there in order that the very wealthy might satisfy their own special hobbies? I find it very difficult to believe that these are the reasons; I had always considered the reasons for its existence as a National Park to be the ones given by the National Park Service, that is, the preservation of the wild and beautiful places for future gen- erations to enjoy free from the inroads of modern civilization. I approve of the suggestion that a landscape architect (perhaps Mr. Eliot of Boston who is working in Washington, to be paid by the Village Improvement Associations on the Island and others interested) be employed to study the whole future development of the Park and - 2 - adjacent lands, and that no further development be undertaken until this study has been made this coming summer and a full report made to all those interested. with kind regards, I am Yours very truly, (Signed) ANNE ARCHBOLD Copy for Mr. Dorr COPY STATE STREET TRUST COMPANY Boston, Massachusetts March 20th, 1927. To the Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have heard that it is contemplated building several new long roads over the mountains on Mt. Desert, Maine. I an not an ovner of property there but I do go there in the summer and know the island pretty thoroughly. It seems to me it would be a great mistake to have any new roads as the tvr they have there now are sufficient to give visitors an idea of the views. I trust the people in Washington will consider seriously this question before approving any new construction, which I feel sure would injure the beauty and attraction of the island, both from the standpoint of the permanent residents, the summer residents and the transient tourists. Yours very truly, (Signed) ALLAN FORBES Copy for Mr. Dorr COPY ALEX. JAY WURTS 1164 Shady Avenue Pittsburgh March 28, 1927. Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: I own a cottage and twelve acres of land on the shore between Bar Harbor and Hulls Cove, on Mt. Desert Island, Maine. I wish to add my protest to that of many other summer residents on Mt. Desert Island against a new horse road which Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., on February 24, 1927, offered to construct. In my judgment this road is not only not needed, but will hardly ever be used. The fewer hobby roads of one rich man we have in our beautiful Lafayette Park the better. The natives of course want the money spent on the island and it means more steady wages for them. The summer people don't want any more private roads. We have enough public roads already and more than are kept in good order. Trusting that you will allow no more road construction, certainly not private construction, in Lafayette Park, I am Very truly yours, (Signed) A. J. Murts Copy for Mr. Dorr COPY 37 East Thirty-Sixth Street New York March 9th, 1927. Director of the National Parks Service care of the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Hearing that a plan is now to be carried forward for building a road on Mt. Desert Island to connect "Bubbles" and Jordan Pond, I write to say, that with other lovers, and summer residents of Mt. Desert, I feel strongly that too many roads are being put through at the same time without adequate study of their rela- tion and without giving time for the unsightly scars on hillsides and through forests to become overgrown and less conspiculously ugly. The new roads "practically completed" last summer were hardly in usable condition and until time is allowed for finding out how they work, I cannot see the wisdom of putting through additional miles of road. Yours sincerely, (Signed) Mrs. Herbert L. Satterlee Copy for information of Supt. Dorr. COPY Davis, Polk, Wardwell, Gardiner & Reed 44 Wall Street New York April 8, 1927. Mr. Arno B. Cammerer, Assistant Director, National Park Service, Department of Interior, Washington, District of Columbia. Dear Sir: I should like to add my protest to those of others who have written you in regard to the proposed new carriage road on Mount Desert Island, which I understand is to go across the head of Eagle Lake, around Bubble Pond and up through the Triads. While I am not a property owner on the Island, I have spent part of my vacation there for almost the last twenty years. It is one of the few places where, previous to the laying out of the roads which have been recently developed, one enjoyed walking and could easily get into the woods and away from automobiles. Although I recognize the fact that the motorists as well as people who enjoy walking are entitled to equal consideration in the National Parks, it seems to me that road-building is being greatly overdone. The addition of this carriage road, which undoubtedly will be turned into an automobile road sooner or later, will add considerably to destroying what little privacy is left for pedestrians, and a great deal of the charm which certain spots on the Island had has already been taken away by the roads that have been built. In my humble opinion there ought to be some limit to road- building, and I trust very much that the proposed new road will not be approved. Very truly yours, (Signed) LANSING P. REED Copy for Supt.Dorr Summerville, S. C. April 21 27. Nat. Park Service, Washington, D. C. Attention - Mr. Mather or Mr. Cammerer Gentlemen: It has been brought to my attention that it is proposed to const- ruct, in Lafayette Nat. Park, another "horse road" on land partly owned by the Government, partly by the Hancock County Trustees of Reservation, and partly by private citizens, and that Mr. Rockefeller, who is the largest private owner, has offered to finance the undertaking. As an occasional visitor to the park and a lover of Mt. Desert, I wish respectfully but forcefully to enter my protest against the construction of any more roads. While, recognizing the claims of the motoring public to see something of the park from their cars, I was not opposed to the construction of the road from the East side of Eagle Lake to the Jordan Pond House, I am nor fully convinced that road building in general is being pushed altogether too far, and, if continued, will completely spoil the charm, and to a large extent the beauty, of the park. As I have indicated in a letter written over a year ago, I believe that the Park Service should take a strong and final stand in this matter, not only by refusing to have more roads built on Government land, but also by frankly announcing that lands now held by others will not be accepted as additions to the park in the future, if this undesirable road development is allowed to go forward on them. Very truly yours, (Signed) Wm. P. Wharton Copy for Sunt. Dorr COPY Northeast Harbor, Me. April 27, 1927. Secretary, National. Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I take this opportunity to heartily endorse the building of the carriage road or horse trail to Pemitic Mountain, Bubble Pond, connecting with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I strongly feel that this will in no way mar the ruggedness or scenery of the park. I hope for your approval to the project. Very truly yours, (Signed) J. L. Grindle M.D. Copy for Mr. Dorr COPY Newport, Maine. April 30th, 1927. Hon. Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have understood that there is before you a matter for your consideration relative to a development in our Lafayette National Park at Bar Harbor of a trail from the so-called Jordon Pond Road by the Traid and ultimately connect with road on the west side of Eagle Lake, so-called. I would respectfully call this to your attention as one worthy of support. I believe this is one of the most alluring spots on the entire island of Mount Desert and one in which the people of Maine take just pride. There are many attractions there at present and the outlook is very promising for many other improvements. I bespeak for this project your favorable action. Very truly yours, (Signed) LEWIS 0. BARROWS Copy for Mr. Borr. COPY SEAL HARBOR, MAINE May 1st, 1927. National Park Service, Washington, D. C. The proposed road to connect with the road via Jordan's Pond and Bubble Mountain and west side of Eagle Lake to Bar Harbor, through a part of the Lafayette Park meets my hearty approval for the following reasons: First it will give all persons a new drive from Seal Harbor to Bar Harbor and will give all persons that care to drive horses to carriages or ride horseback or walk a clear and safe ave. free from autos. It will open up a new and magnificent view or views. It will not interfere with any bridle paths or harm anyone's property; it will tie these two villages together in a closer bond of neighbors and give all that care to use said road a feeling of security that has heretofore not been enjoyed. The kickers that have been using their best efforts to defeat this work are all for self, and are in so small a minority that they don't count with the natives. I am an old man, 84, and have lived at Seal Harbor all my life, have seen Bar Harbor grow to its present stand as a summer resort, have helped put Seal Harbor on the map since 1872. We are getting such men as Mr. Rockefeller, the Fords are neighbors, so are the McAlpins of New York and others too numerous to mention. When these gentlemen wish to give us these good roads so that anybody can be secure in life, liberty and pursuit of happiness I say let them do it and God bless them. A large majority of all walks of life endorse these sentiments and it is hoped that the work now started will be santioned and be allowed to proceed to a finish. Respectfully, (Signed) CHARLES H. CLEMENT Seal Harbor, Maine. Copy for Mr. Dorr. COPY JUSTIN PERKINS Insurance 24 Milk St., Boston April 9, 1927. Hon. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: I have recently learned that a proposal by Mr. Rockefeller has been made for building an additional road through the vicinity of Bubble Pond Valley, Lafayette National Park. May I add my voice to those who feel as I do that the purpose of our Government's provision for National Parks will be defeated by further "inroads" such as proposed. It seems to me that any reasons advanced in favor of such a road must be prompted by the selfish interest of one property owner, and perhaps a few residents who might profit thereby. I am neither a property owner nor resident of Mt. Desert, but have from childhood enjoyed visiting the Island. I should feel badly to find this one spot, which belongs to us all further broken through - perhaps eventually developed beyond recognition. I know that my sentiments are shared by many who appreciate the charms of natural beauty unspoiled by the artificial. Respectfully yours, (Signed) Justin Perkins Copy for Supt. Dorr COPY E. A. HODGDON Northeast Harbor, Maine. May 4, 1927. Secretary, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has been called to my attention that there is opposition to the construction of the carriage road in Lafayette National Park by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I strongly endorse the building of this road as I believe it will add to the attractions of the park and in no way mar its natural beauties, or scenery. Yours truly, (Signed) E. A. Hodgdon Copy for Supt. Dorr MAINE REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE Clapp Memorial Bldgs, Rangeley, Maine. May 14, 1927. Dr. Hubert Work Secretary of the Interior Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has come to my attention that a small group of summer residents of Mt. Desert Island object to the construction of the carriage road or horse trail that Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. q wishes to build and furnish funds for its construction. This carriage road by the Triads, Pemetic Mountain, west side of Bubble Pond and southern end of Eagle Lake connecting with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake will be a distinctive added feature to the usefulness of the park. Horses are becoming more in evidence with the class of people who make Mt. Desert Island their summer home so this system of roads will greatly add to their joy. The people of the state are much interested in the develop- ment of the park and appreciate deeply the generosity of Mr. Rockefeller in his liberal donation to the road program and we strongly urge that you grant your approval of this splendid project. We feel that this in no way will mar the ruggedness or the scenic beauties of the park, but will afford splendid opportunity for people visiting the park to see the attractions that are now practically inaccessible. Very truly yours, (Signed) H. A. FURBISH, Treasurer. Copy for Supt. Dorr. COPY BEATRIX FARRAND Landscape Gardener 124 East 40th Street Ner York, N. Y. April 25, 1927. Dr. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Dr. Work: In my opinion, both as a landscape gardener and as a life long summer resident, and now a permanent resident, of 3ar Harbor, the carrying out of the well thought out and already approved road plan seems to me altogether desirable. The particular road in question is a carriage road leading by the Triads, Pemetic and Bubble Pond to the vest side of Eagle Lake. It seems an important link in an excellent system which should be completed. Yours very truly, (Signed) BETTRIX FARRAND Copy for Supt. Dorr. COPY Department of INLAND FISHERIES AND GAVE State of Maine Augusta Apr. 29, 1927. Dr. Hubert Work, Sec. of Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: I am told that you have asked for expression of opinion in regard to whether permission should be given Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to continue the work he has been contributing toward the public enjoyment of Lafayette National Park. Mr. Rockefeller has already given the Nation a wonderful automobile road in the Park which, forming a single whole with the road the Govern- ment is building up Cadillac Mountain, will make one of the finest scenic features in the country, east or west. That, too, was bitterly opposed but now already people wonder at the state of mind that would have had the Government reject a gift so splendid. The same thing is nov. happening again. in the roads for use with horses which your Department approved along with the motor road when Mr. Rockefeller first made his offer the best solution attainable is arrived at, it seems to me, of the proglem of opening the beauty of the Park to those who do not walk and climb, yet not destroying its seclusion by introducing motors but in reasonable balance. A system of narrow driving roads like these takes nothing from the Forest beauty but does exhibit it and is a great fire protection. I trust, Mr. Secretary, that you will look at this matter broadly from the viewpoint of the future and its visitors to these shores and not allow a work so good to be defeated to their cost by an opposition without permanence and what to me seems without weight or reason. Respectfully yours, (Signed) TILLIS E. PARSONS Commissioner COPY MAINE REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE Dover-Foxcroft, Maine April 29, 1927. Dr. Hubert "ork, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am very much interested in the development of the Lafayette National Park. I feel that this park means a great deal to the State and to the eastern part of the country. I understand that & group of the summer residents object to the construction of the carriage road, connecting with the present carriage road on the vest side of Eagle Lake. I heartily endorse the construction of this road and feel that it would be an added feature to the park and in no way detract from or mar its natural beauties or scenery, and I hope for your approval. Yours very truly, (Signed) (Mrs. Frank w.) Eva C. Mason COPY STATE OF MAINE Forest Service Augusta April 29, 1927. Dr. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I, as Forest Commissioner of the State of Maine, am fully conversant with the development of the Lafayette National Park. It has come to my attention that there is opposition to the cons- truction of the carriage road or horse-trail by Pemetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. I strongly endorse the construction of this road as it will do a great deal in helping to clean up hazards that might invite fire and will make the park more accessible. Its unusual growth of conifers and deciduous trees are a big attraction to people in and out of the State. We feel that the road program as approved in 1922 will do a great deal to open up these woods to those who enjoy the forests. I strongly feel that in no way will this detract from the natural beauty and ruggedness of the park. I sincerely urge your approval for the construction of this road, for which I am informed Mr. Rockefeller stands ready to furnish funds for the building. Very truly yours, (Signed) NEIL L. VIOLETTE Forest Commissioner COPY STATE OF MAINE Department of the Attorney General Augusta April 30, 1927. Hon. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: 1 am informed that Mr. Rockefeller now desires to complete in Lafayette National Park his proposed road system for use with horses. I understand that said proposed road is separate from and does not interfere with the automobile system of ways in the park. "e are, of course, living in an automobile age, motor cars are everywhere and are driven at great speed over hard surface roads which are impracticable and unsafe for horses, so that now there are few horses used for pleasure riding. There are, however, people in our State and many among tourists from outside, who love the horse and enjoy riding and driving on such roads as Mr. Rocke- feller intends to build. To permit Mr. Rockefeller to complete his most excellent road system will enable the travelling public to enjoy the matchless scenery of our beautiful National Park. You will be rendering a great service by permitting Mr. Rockefeller to complete his road system. Respectfully yours, (Signed) SANFORD L. FOGG Deputy Attorney General COPY THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK Biddeford, Maine May 2, 1927. Dr. Hubert Work, Sec. of Dept. of Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: All people of the State of Maine are very much interested in our Lafayette National Park and take much interest in the improvements and beautification thereof. We also greatly appreciate that John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has done and is doing for the construction of roads in the park. As 1 understand it, he is ready and willing nov to construct, at his own expense, a horse road or trail by The Triads, Demetic Mountain, Bubble Pond and south side of Eagle Lake. This will be done at a very large expense, it is needless to say, and is going to add greatly to the attraction of the park. I sincerely hope the same may receive your earnest support and approval. Very sincerely yours, wigned) HOMER T. WATERHOUSE President COPY THE BAR HARBOR TIMES May 16, 1927. To the Hon. Hubert Work Secretary of the Interior Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary: For some time it has been apparent that active opposition is being made to the construction of certain roads in part through Lafayette National Park. Bitter opposition is, as you know, being raised against the road to the south of Bubble Pond, around the Triads and connecting with the road at Jordan Pond; and against another to the north of Bubble Pond, around the southern end of Eagle Lake and connecting with the road on its western side. which This work is being so liberally financed by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., was included in the 1922 plan with which ve who attended the hearing in Washington in March, 1924, are so familiar. It goes without saying that this most carefully planned development of Lafayette National Park and its adjacent lands is one of the most unique developments in the country. Only those of us who have been in close touch with the situation from the start realize the painstaking care with which every detail is worked out. One has only to visit certain sections of Hancock County and see the devastation wrought by forest fires and portable mills to realize the trememdous significance of the program now nearing completion. One or two of the "conscientious objectors" to the road building program happen to be my very good friends. They are, nevertheless, prejudiced and are taking a very narrow view of the entire situation. As publisher of the only newspaper on Mount Desert Island, it is my business to guage public sentiment on all important questions. I am sure that I am conservative in saying that ninety-five percent of the permanent and summer residents on Mount Desert Island not only approve of the develop- ment, but are exceedingly grateful to Mr. Dorr, Mr. Rockefeller, and those associated with them in carrying on this magnificent - 2 - work. The majority of those who are opposing the program are well meaning people, but their activities are making them the most cordially disliked people in the community. I am writing as frankly as I am because the extraordinary activity of the little opposition group might give your Depart- ment the impression that they were a much larger and more respresentative group than is actually the case. Yours very truly, (Signed) ALBION F. SHERMAN Publisher. March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of Interior Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: As a citizen of Ma ine interested in the development of Lafayette National Park, I believe it will be a distinct advantage to construct the proposed horse roads and trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connecting with road and trail on weat side of Eagle Lake. This will be an added feature to the park and in no way detract from its natural charm. I trust that the department will see its way clear to carry out the proposed plan. Yours very truly, Raymond Follows RF: LMR Attorney General. COPY March 9, 1927. Director of National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have been familiar with Bar Harbor and Mr. Desert Island for a period of more than thirty years, having visited there several times when a boy and having been employed in an engineering capacity there during two seasons after graduating from college. During all of this time I have been an admirer of the physical features of the island from a scenic point of view and have been especially interested in the development of Lafayette Park. From time to time it has been my good fortune to have an opportunity to inspect the road work that has been done during the last few years, and I understand now that arrangements have been perfected for the construction of a horse road or trail by the Triad and Bubble Pond to connect with the present carriage road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I believe this will prove to be a very great added attraction to those already existing and will stimulate travel of all kinds to Lafayette Park. I can see no way in which the construction of this proposed trail would detract from the beauties of the Park. I trust you will find it possible to give early approval to this undertaking. Yours very truly, P.D. forgant Chief Engineer PDS:L March 9, 1927. Director, National Park Service, Department of the interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir:- It appears quite desirable from every angle that the horse trail by the southern end of Bubble Pond skirting the triads to the northern end of the Pond to connect with the horse trail on the west of Eagle Lake be constructed. Such a project will in no wise mar the scenic beauty and primitive attractiveness of the Park, while, on the other hand, it would add greatly to its usefulness. No doubt, you are familiar with the increasing interest not only of our people but of those who come here for the swamer season or either to reside for the season or to see nature's loveliest work. Both as a citizen of the state and as State Commissioner of Education, I cannot urge too strongly that this work proceed with as little delay as will facilitate the interest which this Park serves in state and nation. I have discussed this movement with those who should be most interested from state and national pride and with no selfish motive but preely as a matter of the highest patriotism and a desire to make the attractiveness of our only eastern park available and use- ful and find an unanimity of opinion. Sincerely yours, AOT/EW March 8, 1927 Director of National Park Surveys Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. Dear Air: I fool that it would be an advantage and an attraction to the Lafayetto Antional Park if the horse roads or trails that are planned to be constructed on the south and north onds of Bubble Pond could be carriod to completion. The peoplo of taino are much interested in the development of Lafayette Park, and feel this would be a splendid addition to its usefulness, and would in no way detract from its natural ruggedness. Very truly yours, Prosidont of tho Senate FIIH:EIL March 9, 1927 Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The matter has aome to my attention that one of the Mount Desort Island summor residents has agreed to finance the construction of the horse-road and trail by the Triada and Bubble Pond, connectin with the horse-road on the wost side of Bagie Lake, It is the fooling of the Highway Commission that this would be a great attraction in the development of Lafayotto National Park. This should greatly increase the popularity in the usa of the Park and would do much to open up the scenic beauties, and in our opinion should in no way detract from its rugged features. Yours very truly. Chairman GHT:2f March 10, 1927. Hon. Stephen Mather, Director of National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has come to my attention that there is under consideration in connection with the development 01 our Lafayette National Park an authorization for the construction of a horse trail from the Jordan Pona Road over the Triad and Pemetic, by Bubble Pona and Eagle Lake to the horse road now running along the west side of Eagle Lake. It has been my privilege to spend several summers on the island. Also, I live in Bangor so that I am a frequent visitor to Mount Desert at all seasons of the year. It would be my opinion that this horse road would be a distinct addition to the Park in that it would open to a far wider range of people some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Personally, I know of no finer prospect than that from the Triad. This road should add materially to the already many attractions of the Park. Very sincerely yours, Clarence C. Stetson, Chairman. March 9, 1927. The Director of national Park Service, The Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia. Dear Sir: I unicrstand that there à8 under consideration in connection with the improvement of Lafayette National Park of Mount Desert Island the authorizati n and conote ction of a horse trail leading from the Jordan Pond Road so-called, around the Trind, by Bubble Pond connecting with the horse road on the west side of Eagle Lake. I had occasion to visit this park last summer in company with the Honorable Guy E. Torrey of the Govomor's Council of this State and to survey in part this vicinity from which experience I have concluded that this horse trill will be an extremely tecnoficial addition to the facilities now available for visiting points of detract Assorest from within are the name beauty AMO and is of CORYOC its outstanding feature. Very sincerely youre, Am of himel J March 9, 1927. The Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, District of Columbia. Joar Sir: As citizen of the State of Maine I take great pride in the attractions of the Lafayette National Park located on the island of Mt. Desert and I most heartily approve of the construction of horse roads or trails located through the said park, as proposed to be built by the Triad and Bubble Fond and connect with the present horse road on the vest side of Eagle Lake. It would surely be of great advantage and would not detract any from its natural scenery. Very truly yours, March 10, 1927. National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen: I am writing regarding the proposed trail in Lafayette National Park by the Triad Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse road at Eagle Lake. I was born and reared at Bar Harbor, am now owner of the Hotel Shore Acres, at Lamoine, facing those beautiful mountains, and a member of the Maine Senate Committee on Publicity. I believe that this is something that should be done in order that those from all over the United States may enjoy the beautiful scenic panorama from that trail. Yours very truly, Sherman Donglas ADDRESS ONLY THE DIRECTOR. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON, D. c. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON March 4, 1927. Dear Sir: I have received from the National Park Service the enclosed communication relating to a proposed horse trail, or road, in Lafayette National Park and over lands adjoining, and I am re- quested to bring the matter, so far as time permits, to the attention of local representative bodies, and of individuals who have shown their interest. A map furnished for the purpose by the Service is enclosed, under separate cover, showing the proposal and the extent to which lands belonging to the Park, to private ovners, and, to a minor extent, to the Trustees of Public Reservations, are respectively involved, exhibited by different colors. The Service desires to obtain expression of personal or representative opinion to lay before the Secretary of the Interior. Returning to Bar Harbor, I shall be in New York March 5th and 6th, and in Boston on March 7th, and shall be glad as I pass through to add any explanation I can to the enclosed letter and map that may help to make them and the proposal clear. Letters or other communications on the subject should be addressed to the Director, National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Very truly yours, Inclosure 7785. George B.Worr Superintendent Lafayette National Park STATE OF MAINE SENATE CHAMBER PRESIDENT'S OFFICE March 8, 1927 Director of National Park Surveys Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. Doar Sir: I feel that it would be an advantage and an attraction to the Lafayette National Park if the horse roads or trails that are planned to be constructed on the south and north ends of Bubble Pond could be carried to completion. The people of Maine are much interested in the develonment of Lafayette Park, and feel this would be a splendid addition to its usefulness, and would in no way detract from its natural ruggedness. Very truly yours, Thank Holley President of the Senate FHH: EWL STATE OF MAINE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SPEAKERS OFFICE. March ninth Nineteen twenty seven Dear Sir: I have been advised that one of the Mount Desert Island Summer residents has agreed to finance the construction of horse rodds or trails partly in Lafayette National Park. I feel certain that this will be a very pleasing and proper development and will add a great additional attraction to the Park. Respectfully yours, Bunleigh Martin The Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. COPY 302 Berkeley Street Boston, Mass. Apr. 8, 1927. Hon. Hubert Work, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: I understand that you are discouraged about bringing any satisfactory agreement about in regard to Lafayette National Park, and that you suggest turning the park over to the State of Maine. I do not wonder that you are weary of trying to settle the difficulties amicably. The summer people thought that the National Park was made to preserve the unique scenery and wild picturesque beauty of the island for future generations to enjoy, but the winter residents evidently consider it to be a charitable institu- tion run by Mr. Rockefeller in order to keep them perpetually supplied with well-paid jobs. With these two opposing theories how can an agree- ment ever be reached? It would seem that those who expect you to settle the question are expecting the impossible, and it also seems as if the local authorities and the Trustees of Public Reservations were trying to throw the responsibility all upon you. I quite sympathize with your feeling that the Park is causing the National Government embarrass- ment and trouble out of all proportion to its relative size with the western parks and other problems of your department, but please do not turn it over to the tender mercies of the State of Maine! It is the inhabitants of Maine who look upon it as an object of commercialism, not only as a means of livelihood through Mr. Rockefeller, but as an advertising asset to boom Maine, and bring in tourists who spend money on gasoline, soft drinks and souvenirs. It would be the ruin of the most beautiful island with the finest scenery east of the Mississippi, not to mention the happy hunting ground beloved of several generations of hundreds of families from all cities east of Chicago. I know you feel that these people who love the island have some rights in this matter. Therefore, could you not appoint some first rate landscape architect like Mr. Charles E. Eliot, who is the one chosen by the National Government for the planning of Washington, and whose grandfather was one of the earliest residents of Mt.Desert and was the President of the Trustees of Reservations, to settle the question of number and location of roads, bridges, and other construction in the park? This would seem to be fair to both sides, and a reasonable solution for the best interests of all concerned. It would conserve the beauty of the island, and take the responsibility and bother of details away from you where it certainly should not need to go. I feel quite sure that the necessary funds could be raised. Hoping that you will enjoy your trip through the West and that I may have the pleasure of hearing from you later on, Sincerely yours, (MRS. HAROLD PEABODY ) (Signed) MARIAN LAWRENCE PEABODY EDGAR C.SMITH FRANK W. BALL SECRETARY OF STATE DEP'Y SEC'Y OF STATE 10 MAINE Department of State State of Maine Augusta March 10, 1927 Director National Park Service Department of Interior Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: I am informed that you have in contemplation the building of a horse road or trail by Triad Mountain and Bubble Pond, connect- ing with the horse road on the West of Eagle Lake in Lafayette National Park. I very much hope that the construction of this road can be brought about. The citizens of Maine are proud and very much in- terested in the development of our National Park. We believe it to be one of our chief attractions, and I can assure you that we are interested in its development. The publicity bureau connected with this department has frequent inquiries for information in relation to the Park; these inquiries coming from nearly every state in the Union. Tourists and residents who have visited the Lafayette National Park are en- thusiastic in praise of its beauties and attractions. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Yours respectfully, Edgen 6 Smooth ECS Secretary of State. JBM ADDRESS ALL OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS CHARLES H. INNES CHAIRMAN CHARLES MURRAY EDWIN T. CLIFFORD PAUL D SARGENT, D.E. M.AM Soc C E MAINE CHIEF ENGINEER State Trighway Commission TELEPHONE No.1200 State of Maine Angusta March 9, 1927 Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The matter has come to my attention that one of the Mount Desert Island summer residents has agreed to finance the construction of the horse-road and trail by the Triads and Bubble Pond, connecting with the horse-road on the west side of Eagle Lake, It is the feeling of the Highway Commission that this would be a great attraction in the development of Lafayette National Park. This should greatly increase the popularity in the use of the Park and would do much to open up the scenic beauties, and in our opinion should in no way detract from its rugged features. Yours very truly. Chai rman GHT1M