PLANS FOR THE "DARTMOUTH MOUNTAIN"
THE FIRE at the Ravine Camp last September, with the complete demolition of the main building of Dartmouth-at-Moosilauke, both literally and figuratively cleared the way for plans of expansion in the entire Moosilauke area.
There in Jobildunk Ravine is one of the few remaining sections of primeval wilderness left in New Hampshire, with a majestic stand of first growth spruce. It is a spot beautiful in its statuesque grandeur on the winter landscape, and inviting in its call to cool and shade during the summer months. Here in the upper reaches of the Ravine, the snow packs earliest in the fall and holds on most tenaciously until late spring. To derive the full benefit of this long season it is the plan of the trustees of the Outing Club to open ski trails connecting all strategic points in the upper sections on the land now owned by the College, and extending over the 3,000 acres which we hope and expect to add as a loving memorial to Natt Emerson 'OO, whose unselfish and devoted service to Dartmouth, and to the Moosilauke project, will be thus permanently recognized in the "Natt Emerson Tract."
On the lower sides of the Ravine practice slopes will be cleared to tie in with the foot of some of the trails to enable the ambitious ski student to climb higher as his proficiency increases. Several shelters will be erected, and simple, hot luncheons served to the more confirmed ski addicts who cannot spare the time to go down to the main camp for eats.
Later, a jump of moderate proportions will be constructed, which, together with a tramway similar to the one at Oak Hill, will complete what amounts to a skiers' paradise.
As trails are opened for the skiers, thought will be given to construction whereby summer visitors may climb or hike, as their fancy dictates; and where part of the terrain is suitable, for bridle paths.
Approximately eight miles of new trails, both grades A and B, will be cleared; and twenty miles of old trails put into better shape. These last include lumber roads and the old carriage road. As the undergrowth is cleared, escape areas for birds will be opened, and already much information has been gathered concerning plants and shrubs that will provide food for small game and birds. For this we are indebted to Tom Dent, through whose efforts Baker River and its tributary brooks will be developed, for the angler; and the surrounding hillsides stocked, both for the hunter who likes to take his wild life on a camera film, or the one who prefers a gun.
Thanks to Tom, one of the keenest, best informed men in the Federal Biological Survey, together with a representative from the Federal Fisheries Bureau have expressed their willingness to make a study of our Moosilauke waterways and terrain and advise us on all matters in connection with making them attractive to trout and game.
In laying out plans for summer activities stress will be laid on skeet and trap shooting, archery, tennis and outdoor badminton, on a moderate scale.
Of primary importance is the purchase of the 3,000 acres at present owned by the Parker-Young Company. This land is the foundation upon which our other plans are built. At the present moment, litigation between two factions within the Company is delaying the final plan of reorganization; but once these internal difficulties are settled we hope to move rapidly to the com- pletion of our negotiations with this concern which has shown such a fine spirit of co-operation in the past.
In close conjunction with the land purchase runs the building of the mile and a half new entrance trail to the Ravine, from the C. C. C. road now being constructed from Warren to North Woodstock, N. H. This trail will eventually blossom into a full-fledged road, and run to a parking space just below, and adjacent to our proposed new main building.
Through the good offices of the authorities of the White Mountain National Park the federal government has agreed to build three-quarters of a mile of this road, over government owned land, to the boundary line of its holdings; and the trustees plan, in turn, to deed to the government a sufficiently wide strip for a two-car road for the remaining three-quarter miles to our camp. The giving up of this strip interferes in no way with our recreational program, and assures us a road of uniformly excellent construction, providing sure and easy access to Ravine Camp the year around.
Skiers may argue that in having this road we are "going soft," but during the summer there will be many who prefer to drive in the entire distance, and do their exercising when they are suitably dressed for it. It also simplifies the hauling of all construction materials for our contemplated buildings; and later, food supplies. These latter have an unfailing tendency to freeze when hauled on a sledge in sub-zero weather.
After much careful thought and consequent discussion, the trustees of the Outing Club agreed that as soon as funds are available a new main cabin of sufficient size to sleep thirty-two persons with living and dining room accommodations for sixty should be constructed as the first unit in the new program; then proceed with a bunk house near-by, divided to take care of eighteen men and ten women. These two buildings will form the nucleus, and as demands increase and further cabins prove necessary, ways and means will be devised to provide them. When all is completed in the present plan, the College will have an investment of one hundred thousand dollars devoted to the furtherance of robust health through outdoor life and exercise. At this time we are campaigning among some thirteen hundred alumni who are particularly interested in Dartmouth-out-of-doors; and who even during the depression, have given most generously of their time and money.
No article on Moosilauke would be complete without a very definite expression of appreciation of the splendid work done by Fordie and Peggy Sayre. This winter under the most exacting circumstances, including the arrival of Ford Sayre Jr., they have carried on in Spartan fashion at Spy Glass Farm; overcrowded to the eaves over week-ends, organizing ski schools, and in general doing a very complete piece of work.
This month, during school vacation, twenty children, seven to twelve in ages, are going up to the Farm for a week's ski instruction under Florian Haemmerle. More Dartmouth champions in the making!
The whole Moosilauke project offers almost limitless opportunities for recreation and rest to undergraduates, alumni, their families, and friends.
