Far From The
Madding Crowd
Where the Snowbirds still work (heir
magic.
ft
1/
CAROL LOWE TIMBLIA
Snowbird is a magical name in the
Naniahala National Forest. The
Snowbird Indians, a branch of the
Cherokccs. reside here, as did their
forefathers. And on one of the nwun-
taintops overlooking the Snowbird
Mountain Range and the clear waters
of Santeelah Lake below. 10 miles
from Robbinsville. North Carolina, is
one of America’s most secluded re¬
treats — Snowbird Mountain Lodge.
The place is as magical as its name.
For 40 years it has been a mecca for
naturalists, birdwatchers, botanists,
fishermen, hikers, honey mooners. and
others in search of quietude. Its pa¬
trons. who come from all walks of life,
find a common bond here. 1 hey have
described Snowbird as "a fountain of
youth.” "the most beautiful and most
hospitable place in North Carolina."
"a real inspiration for our future." and
"a great place for the soul." Bing
Crosby, a visitor in 1942. said. "This
surely beats my California ranch." It is
no wonder that the inn has a triple star
rating from Mobil.
Snowbird Lodge was built in 194 1 by
George and Kdw in Wolfe of Chicago as
a stopping point for bus tours of
ie
the Smokies. They solicited the help of
Wiley Underwood in selecting the
100-acre site surrounded by thousands
of acres of forestland, and Bill Moore
in the construction of the lodge.
Chestnut, cherry, walnut, pine. oak.
and butternut woods used in the lodge
and cottages came from nearby forests
and the stone from a local quarry. The
Carver brothers of Robbinsville hand¬
crafted the furniture which compli¬
ments the paneling used throughout.
The rich lustre of the woods is as beau¬
tiful today as it was when new.
With accommodations for only 45
guests, the inn has an air of intimacy
and informality that makes for cama¬
raderie among guests. You don't re¬
main a stranger at Snowbird. The spa¬
cious lobby, with its cathedral ceilings,
plate glass windows, and cheerful fire¬
place. is a perfect place for drinking
coffee and reading the paper in the
morning, getting acquainted with
others, playing bridge or monopoly,
assembling a jigsaw puzzle, or enjoy¬
ing a book from the inn’s well-stocked
library. If the power goes out. there are
plenty of oil lamps in reserve.
At the front desk, host Bob Rhudy.
who "enjoys having company all the
time." often humors his guests with his
own rendition of "Keep the Home
Fires Burning" or "Is It True What
They Say About Dixie?” When he
can’t remember the words, they come
to his rescue. Some guests have even
mailed him the words to songs after
they have gone home.
Bob and his wife Connie and their
two children Bobby. 15. and Becky.
12. arc new at innkeeping, but have
received
А
report cards so far.
Selling their two businesses in Elkton.
Maryland — a bait and tackle shop and
a flower and gift shop — the Rhudys
chose Snowbird because it was a chal¬
lenge for all of them. "My wife and
children have always been supportive
in evervthing I have tried to do." said
Bob.
The Rhudys inherited their staff of
10 and quickly adopted them as family.
Marty Middleton and her crew prepare
and serve a variety of delicacies in the
dining room, including French toast,
huckleberry pancakes, coq au vin. pan
fried trout. New York strip steak,
prime rib. and stuffed veal. If you are
going out on an all-day excursion.
Marty will pack a picnic lunch that is
sure to stay with you.
Because of its location. Snowbird
attracts many outdoor enthusiasts who
want to enjoy nature without giving up
the comforts of home. A supply of
walking sticks and trail maps are al¬
ways handy. From the lodge there are
two main trails: Point Trail, a quar¬
ter-mile round trip, and Cedar Top
Trail, a six-mile round trip. The
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, with
its 3.8(H) acres of forest dedicated to
the author of "Trees." is only two
miles from the lodge. On the grounds
guests enjoy archery, horseshoes,
croquet, shuffleboard. badminton,
ping pong, miniature bowling, and
skittles. Within easy distance are the
Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. Fontana Dam. Cherokee, and
(Continued on page 31)
THE STATE. April 1912
