Herbert Hoover
Places
Video Transcript
The place chosen for President Hoover’s retreat was not an accident but a carefully planned undertaking. Although the Hoovers had lived all over the world and could afford any vacation spot they chose, they wanted a simple, out of the way place for their summer home.
[Image] Hoover’s residence at Rapidan Camp improved the roads for Madison County.
The Hoover’s commitment to the environment is visible at Rapidan Camp. They instructed the builders to disturb the natural settings as little as possible. The Brown House’s chimney was designed around a huge boulder because they would not agree to it being dynamited.
[Image] Chimney of the Brown House, the Hoover’s Cabin.
Roofs and porches were cut out to accommodate tree trunks rather than cutting them down. Trees that had to be cut or were already down were used for firewood and to make the large log benches used around the camp.
[Image] Log benches next to the outdoor chimney.
[Image] Tree growing through deck and roof of the Brown House.
The people of Madison County benefited in many ways from the presence of the Hoovers.
The camp would need access to electricity, phone service and decent roads if the President were to spend time there. The rural communities of Madison County got these modern services well before they would have had the Hoovers not built their camp there.
[Image] The Hoovers presence brought electricity...
[Image] telephone servic...
[Image] and improved roads to the area.
1. Discussion Topic
When we say that Herbert Hoover was a conservationist, what does that mean to you? Are you a conservationist too?
2. Discussion Topic
Look around your current location. Are there any accomodations made for the environment?
3. Discussion Topic
On a scale of 1-10, how important are telephone service and electricity to you in your daily life? If you could have only ONE, which would you choose? Why?