Greenbrier County, West Virginia - 160th Anniversary Booklet - Part 25 *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. *********************************************************************** Historical Booklet - Greenbrier County 160th Anniversary - 1778-1938 Published 1938 Transcribed by Lori Samples RECREATION AND VACATION Col. John Stuart entered a "memorandum" in the first deed book of Greenbrier county on July 15, 1798. His final paragraphs: "May I here hazard a conjecture that has often occurred to me since I inhabited this place: that nature has designed this part of the world a peacable retreat for some of his favorite children, where pure morals will be preserved by separating them from other society at so respectful a distance by ridges of mountains; and I sincerely wish time may prove my conjecture rational and true. "From the springs of salt water discoverable along our river banks; of iron ore mines pregnant with salt petre, and forests of sugar trees... all so amply provided and so easily acquired...I have no doubts but the future inhabitants of this county will surely avail themselves of such singular advantages greatly to their comfort and satisfaction, and render them a grateful and happy people." Greenbrier County is still "a peacable retreat" and many people from other sections have found it an ideal place for recreation and vacation. Within the county there are ample facilities for sports. The Greenbrier County Fair still features the trotter races which for so many years have been the favorite of some track fans, and good running races are also there each season. Golf, tennis, polo - these have their followers. The first organized golf club in America was formed at White Sulphur Springs in 1884, and the members were Russell W. Montague, George Grant, Alexander E. McLeod, Robert McIntosh McLeod, and Lionel Tarrin. The man who likes to play finds the opportunity, while the man who likes to watch may see the world famous players in action. Trout fishing intrigues the angler in season. Black bass and pike are taken from the Greenbrier and its tributaries. Hiking, swimming, picnicking - these forms of enjoyable outdoor recreation also have their devotees. Nature has admirably fitted this section for those who like to enjoy their scenery from horseback or by walking to some vantage point. As for picnics, they have been popular since the daays when a president of the United States, with nearly a hundred others, including secretary of war, ate on the banks of the Greenbrier. Caldwell's Tavern, beside the ancient covered bridge which is no more, was the favorite picnic site. Hotel facilities in the county are adequate. Many beautiful summer homes are located here. There are two camps for boys, Camp Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca, off the Midland Trail at Caldwell, and Camp Greenbrier at Alderson, in Greenbrier County. Camp Allegheny, for girls, is located near Caldwell. Camp Ann Bailey is the well known camp for Girl Scouts, not far from Lewisburg. Many advantageously located private campls are situated on the Greenbrier River. NEXT: NATURE STUDY IN GREENBRIER