The Worst Guides… and The Worst Landowners
PART ONE
Before railroads and automobiles, travelers depended on the quality and skills of North Woods guides to show them the region’s natural beauty, to feed them and provide the best in hunting and fishing.
Often, guides were entrusted with taking ladies in the woods.
The guides, especially those not aligned with large hotels, depended on per diem fees for subsistence and quality reputations for honesty, dependability and woodcraft benefited all guides.
So when two guides brought dishonor to the profession, guides hoped people realized these two were the exception.
In 1901, a group including the largest Adirondack landowners formed the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks.
This group’s goals have been to preserve the health of the Park’s forests and inhabitants for present and future generations.
Its initial critics felt it formed to protect its members’ large preserves.
But its immediate opening of the membership to individuals helped bring about a broad base of support and today it is still a force benefiting the Park.
But two preserve owners brought unneeded bad press nationally upon the group.
Charles Parker. Continue reading →