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Correspondence between H. H. Thoms and Zebulon Weaver, March 1934

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  • Congressman Zebulon Y/eaver #3 in an unopened or greatly curtailed area for the Park this summer, we will know who to blame. Our public officials appear to be tongue-tied when this question comes up. A courageous, broad view of the facts as they are and an acknowledgment, when necessary, of past mistakes would help to extend justice where it is due and complete the Park at an early date. There Is already an investment of approximately $10,000,000 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Failure to open it this summer as advertised, delay in its final consummation, millions of lost volume for business In this section and a retarded recovery. There is also grave danger that delay will result in it never being the Park contemplated. Considering the amount already invested, the losses we are threatened with account of delay, it does appear, that the amount involved in dispute, certainly not more than a few hundred thousand dollars, is relatively small and, HOW CAN THE STATE AND THE NORTH CAROLINA PARK COMMISSION SUSTAIN TEEIR POSITION OF DETERMINATION TO CONFINE SETTLEMENT TO LITIGATION? It is our desire that arbitration, or negotiation, determine at an immediate, early date the relatively small amount necessary to end dispute, further justice and complete purchase on the North Carolina side of the Park. We will appreciate an early reply from you that this is also your desire and you are moving to that end. Copririglited Material WesternCarolinaUniversityery t™1? 7°*™ > Hunter Libraru AMERICAN BUSINESS CLUB Great Smoky Mountain National Park Commission Cha irman JR
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  • Zebulon Weaver (1872-1948) was a lawyer and U.S. Representative from western North Carolina. He was a member of the North Carolina Park Commission and was involved in the land acquisition process that went towards establishment of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and development of the Blue Ridge Parkway.This correspondence between H. H. Thoms, Chairman of the American Business Club, and Zebulon Weaver-a set of two letters-deals with land acquisition for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. H. H. Thoms to Zebulon Weaver, March 14, 1934 In this letter H. H. Thoms states the importance of the North Carolina Park Commission to settle the purchase of lands identified in the Ravensford and Suncrest lumber company cases. Failure to do this would, according to Thoms, not only result in lost business in this section but also the possibility of the park never being completed. Zebulon Weaver to H. H. Thoms, March 29, 1934 In this letter Weaver assures Thoms of his interest in completing the park and that the representatives of the North Carolina Park Commission were consulting with the Director of National Parks regarding taking over the said properties.