The State exhibit in the Forest Fish and Game Department was prepared and installed by the Forest, Fish and Game Commission, with funds furnished by the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State of New York.
A SPORTSMAN'S CAMP
A modern sportsman's camp of rustic design, fourteen feet by seventeen feet in size, was constructed and furnished after the general style and appearance of the usual summer residence in the Adirondack mountains. The contractor for the erection of this camp was the firm of Messrs. D. B. & D. F. Sperry, of Old Forge, N. Y. Mr. D. F. Sperry, "Frank," as he is known to visitors to the Adirondacks, had personal charge of the construction and was something of an exhibit himself. Being a lifelong Adirondack guide, and having been employed by many prominent people, among others, ex-President Harrison, any rustic work from his hand was sure to attract attention.
It was unfortunate that it was impossible to have him, or some other Adirondack guide, in attendance at the "camp" all through the season, as many visitors wished to see and talk with some such person. Some of them, seeing the Sperry name-plate on the end of a log of the camp, inquired for "Frank," expecting to find him in attendance. He has had many inquiries from people residing at widely separated places in various parts of the country, for duplicates of the camp exhibit, or for some other design of rustic building.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAMP
The camp was constructed of Adirondack spruce logs and the chimney was of the same external construction. The roof was covered with spruce bark. All the material showing inside the camp was, as far as possible, left in natural condition, the logs with the bark on, and the underside of the roof boards unplaned, showing the coarse saw marks.
Innumerable inquiries were made by interested visitors, particularly those coming from the southern and western States, as to the species of timber used in constructing the camp. When informed that the logs were of spruce much interest was shown. Many had never seen spruce before.
THE FURNITURE
A part of the furniture was built by Mr. Sperry, and the remainder by another Adirondack guide, Mr. E. E. Sumner, of Saranac Lake, N. Y. Mr. Sperry made the bedstead, the window settee and the center table, after a style that is common in the Adirondack camps. The woodwork was of spruce, turned smooth and stained a light smoke color to give it a finished appearance. Mr. Sumner constructed the other furniture in the best rustic style, the framework being of white cedar with the bark on, and the bottoms of the chairs and settees of white birch bark. Both of these guides have had many inquiries for duplicates of their handiwork as exhibited. The "atmosphere" of the camp was that of everyday life in the forest. The bed was "made up" as though the owner was expected to occupy it at night. Garments and articles that had seen service, such as a leather hunting jacket, a gun case, "pack" baskets, fish reels and snow shoes were hung on the walls in proper places.