Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1916 — STATE PARK IDEA WARMLY APPROVED [ARTICLE]

STATE PARK IDEA WARMLY APPROVED

Men Praise Plan of Centennial Celebration. The State Park Committee, of which Richard Lieber, of Indianapolis, is chairman, is receiving scores of letters from men of eminence over the country who are praising the park idea as an unique method of celebrating the centennial of Indiana’s statehood. Among the letters is one from Stewart Edward White, doubtless Americas foremost woodsman and author, who wrote the State Park committee: “I am very glad indeed to add my word of commendation to as worthy an object as establishing a system of state parks. Our state and federal parks in California have proved to be of the greatest value and to have been appreciated by a constantly increasing number of the public each year. The feeling on the part of individual citizen that he has an interest in beauty spots makes strong for civic patriotism, and, we have fount!, tend to focus his attention on public matters not only of this but of all sorts. I wish you every success in your campaign.” One from Vice-President Thomas R. Marshall, which said: “I am glad to observe that with far sightedness a plan is being evolved whereby Indiana may celebrate her centennial by opening up public parks, looking eventually to a state park in each of the ninety-two counties, all connected by good highways. Outdoor life is more and more commending itself to thoughtful citizens. Indiana was carved out of a primeval forest. If the State Park committee can induce the building of these parks it will have helped to restore to the sated palate of today the flavor of the pioneer. I wish you luck.”

Senator John W. Kern wrote the state committee: “I want to congratulate the Indiana Historical commission upon its purpose to celebrate the centennial of Hoosier statehood by creating a permanent memorial in scenic tracts for park purposes. ‘‘l hope I may be able to co-operate with you in some effective way in bringing success to your enterprise.” A letter from Senator Thomas Taggart said: “I am in thorough accord with the plan to celebrate the Hoosier centennial by acquiring scenic tract for park purposes. It is not only a unique form of celebration, but its adoption will be of vast civic value to future generations of Hoosiers in laying the foundation for a systematic beautification of the state by the people. I sincerely trust that success may crown your efforts.” From public officials and civic leaders throughout Indiana the’state park committee is also receiving hearty indorsement of its plans to bring out the scenic show places of Hoosierdom that the public may possess ami enjoy them.