RUSTIC RESORT

Author's Personal Collection

“The prettiest part of this forest which I wish to describe is called ‘The Big Tree Park.’ After driving into the center of this forest, we find it beautifully located on the banks of the San Lorenzo river and shaded by the dense foliage of these giant trees. Here we pitched our tent for the night and found all the accommodations a traveler can require; for here on the one side is a hotel, dining halls, sleeping rooms, besides the beautiful grove with its rustic seats, tables, swings and all things needed to have a grand good time, while on the other side is the river in which the little mountain trout seem to tempt you with ‘catch me if you can.’ Then aside from all these we find it very interesting to listen to the histories of some of the largest trees, which the proprietor of the hotel kindly gave us. There is one of the trees called ‘Fremont’s tree,’ named in honor of Col. Fremont … There are two windows and an entrance or door cut in it, and the room was large enough to hold fifty soldiers at one time, and around this tree is a circle of trees called the ‘Three Sisters.’ This circle being quite large, it is filled with seats and tables, where all kinds of refreshments are served.”

“A Delightful Trip,” by Adele Cheasbro [Saratoga, Cal.], September 1, 1885. To the Editor of the Miami Republican and my Kansas friends in general. Miami Republican, [Paola, Kansas], September 11, 1885.