Park attendance records, for one single day, have twice been shattered this season. Yet how many of the thousands who annually enjoy this region, appreciate the hazards and hardships of the pioneers who blazed the way that we may follow -- in comfort.

Back in 1883 James Longmire discovered the group of mineral springs and dreamed a dream of a famous health resort. To this end he established a homestead in what was then a wilderness far removed from even a slight vestige of a trail. But the physical difficulties vanished gradually before the indomitable spirit of this pioneer. First a trail, then a road and then a few crude structures arose in this mountain wilderness. Thus were the first "visitors" to the region privileged to carry tales of its wonderous beauty to the outside -- the forerunner of the Park's creation in 1899 and the present day developments. But still, at the edge of the meadow, stands a monument of the past; an old homsetead cabin built by Elcain Longmire, son of James, in 1888 -- lest we forget!

(C. F. B.)