LETTERS

Jan. 10, 1942

J.E. Coleman to Mr. Franks

Mr. Franks the proposition a man living inside of the Park area owns 12 acres of mountain land, which is very poor land and situated on a mountain side probably close to some gap, has a very much tumbled down house in which he and his family manage to live, and an excuse for a stable, and a hog pen.

Fifteen dollars per acre would apparently be an excessive price for the land and $200 for the improvements, making the total value $ 380.00. The land has several old apple trees on it that produce enough apple to have some to store in the winter and to furnish them with dried apple for cooking. The man makes an indifferent garden on his land—probably enough corn to fatten his hogs and to give him bread part of the time for his family. Owing to the environment, free range, he can raise a few hogs and cattle without much expense. The place is a home for him and he cannot take the $380.00.

I have discussed this with high legal authority who advised possible a sentimental value of an additional $100.00. But nothing else could be done

When the Park steps in the environment will be changed and he will have no free range for cattle and hogs and other than a little sentimental value, which would enable him to go out and look around to see if he can buy little place somewhere else. Nothing can be done except appraise the property for about what it is worth and condemn it if he will not sell.

U.S DEPT; OF THE INTERIOR ----N.P.S. ---CHICAGO –OCT 9, 1942

Mr. Howard K .Menhinick,
Director, Department of Regional Studies,
T.V.A. Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Deal Gap Bryson City section is an important link in the "round the park" road and is part of the Master Plan for the development of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The National Park Service will initiate construction of that portion within the Park as soon after the war as funds are made available.

Supervisor of Land Planning.