November 6, 1929 – JSA to James Cawley (McGraw Hill Company) –
Dear Jim:
Please let me know what the chances are of getting a good representative, authorized to represent the A.C.A., to join several representatives of other
organizations to visit the Governor or the Land Board, and make a forcible appeal for the acquisition of the Paradise Bay land. If I remember correctly, you said that Drake had been made Commodore. Possibly you or someone else could sound him out on the basis that the A.C.A. did subscribe to this undertaking in 1923, and several members have from time to time participated in an effort to protect this famous part of Lake George. I think it best for me not to act until I get your advice.
Several of my friends here, including Langmuir, agree with you that we should have the nucleus of an association, at least for the peak-load periods of my conservation work. Langmuir suggested the name of “Horicon, Preservation Association “– Horicon being the Indian name for Lake George. Mr. Barron, in my office, points out the greater significance and wider scope of a group with the name “Article 7. Section 7 Association.” There is, of course, a great deal of background to this last name, and much importance to this fundamental law which does protect, and you may recall my old barge by this name, and my efforts which have been made, inspired by the protection afforded in this part of our Constitution.
When you come up again we should draw up a letter reciting the fact that there does not now exist at Lake George any association that is particularly interested in preserving the wild beauty, although there has been a group of people, sometimes small in number, that have for many years labored to preserve the natural features of this Lake, and have accomplished much in that direction. Also reciting the good work that has been done by the present Association towards better sanitation and protection to navigation. Campers in particular have a great deal to their credit, and we do not have to reflect on what others have failed to do, but a brief outline of what has been accomplished by people from all parts of the world, in rip-rapping the shore of the islands and helping to protect the mainland, will be, I am sure, a wholesome bit of reading for those who will receive our circular letters.
Be sure to let me know when you are coming to Schenectady.
Hurriedly yours,
JSApperson