In Western North Carolina there is a plateau, the minimum altitude of which is two thousand feet above the level of the sea, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Iron, Smoky, and Unaka Ranges of Eastern Tennessee, which has for many years been appropriately known as "The Land of the Sky" and popularly described as the most beautiful region in all America.

This section by reason of the unsurpassed beauty of the scenery and its temperate climate, as well as its easy accessibility from all points by the Southern Railway, has within the last few years made rapid advancement in the matter of community life.

Community Life—The establishment for work or pleasure of a colony of congenial people of kindred thoughts and desires.

The religious communities—of which there are many in Western North Carolina—hold summer conferences for purpose of discussing the advancement of all phases of Church Work.

The salubrious climate and magnificent scenery make these conferences doubly enjoyable, impressive and inspiring.

To many the great opportunity for outdoor amusements and athletic sports, the mountain trails and noble streams have also issued their appeal. Select social clubs have been organized, club houses and cottages built and colonies formed, where the entire

The ample and excellent through train and sleeping car service of the Southern Railway puts this wonderful region at your very door and to this fact, combined with the glorious scenery, is due the tremendous popularity which community life has attained in "The Land of the Sky," which is briefly described herein.

THE SOUTHERN ASSEMBLY

Junaluska, N. C.

Two miles from Waynesville, a point twenty-eight miles Southwest of Asheville on the Murphy Division of the Southern Railway, upon the banks of beautiful Lake Junaluska, twenty-seven hundred feet above sea level, has been located the Southern Assembly—The great Methodist Chautauqua of the South.

The Southern Assembly is a church-wide movement on the part of a number of the laity and ministry of the Methodist Episcopal

Church South to establish a colony which will meet the growing needs of the Church for conference training, recreation and recuperation, and to which, all other churches and the people in general are invited.

It is small wonder that, after a thorough search for a suitable site, Lake Junaluska should have been selected. In the center of the most beautiful and fertile mountain section, lying at the apex of the Blue Ridge Range, no more inspiring or healthful place could have been chosen.

The grounds of the Assembly comprise approximately twelve hundred acres of land and the project calls for the expenditure of about one million dollars in improvements.

It is the aim to establish here a community of Christian fellowship, a summer colony where the moral atmosphere and the associations will be helpful and uplifting.

It is planned Lake Junaluska shall be the great rallying place of all arms of the M.E. Church South, and all affiliating interests.

Nine great conferences will be held here during the Summer of 1913, including a Missionary Conference, a Bible and Evangelistic Conference and a Sunday-School and Epworth League Conference.

A commodious and thoroughly up-to-date hotel is in the course of construction and will be completed during the Summer. A splendid auditorium, with a seating capacity of four thousand people will also be in use and cottage life will be a feature.

Magnificent Lake Junaluska, covering two hundred and fifty acres, will afford excellent swimming, fishing and boating, while grounds and buildings will be prepared for athletic sports, including golf, tennis and bowling. Miles of good roads are to be found round about, which add a great deal to the pleasure of motoring, riding and driving.

Communications should be addressed to the Southern Assembly, Waynesville, N.C.

MOUNTAIN RETREAT ASSOCIATION

Montreal, N. C.

Eighteen miles northeast of Asheville and two miles from the railroad station of Black Mountain on the Southern Railway, one finds Montreat, a colony which has been created by reason of the establishment there of the Mountain Retreat Association, the official assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the South.

It takes but a glance at the beautiful environments of this retreat to understand just why such a place should have been chosen for rest, recreation and inspiration.

The Association owns and controls over four thousand acres of beautiful mountain and valley land and has expended in improvements on buildings and grounds, approximately one million dollars, which has provided modern hotels and boarding houses, an auditorium and water works.

Many cottages have also been built by private individuals and

many more, as well as other extensive improvements on the part of the Association are planned.

It is estimated that there were between five thousand and six thousand visitors at Montreat last season and preparations are being

made for the accommodation of a greater number each succeeding season.

The religious work of this Association consists of conferences held during the months of July and August of each year, although the Retreat is open for visitors and cottagers in May. These conferences embrace all subjects of Church work, as Home and Foreign Missions, Ministerial, Educational and Relief; Sunday School and young peoples' work.

In the matter of pastimes, all ages and tastes are provided for under wholesome and moral influences. The Montreat Athletic Club for Boys is conducted on the order of the Boy Scout Movement. The girls have their literary and social clubs and there is swimming, tennis, mountain climbing and various other outdoor attractions in such variety as to appeal to everyone.

The Mountain Retreat Association is a joint stock company under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Mr. F. L. Jackson, of Montreat, is the Secretary-Treasurer and he will be glad to furnish all information desired.

Every provision has been made for indulgence in all the popular outdoor sports which contribute so largely to the upbuilding of mind and body.

Dr. W. D. Weatherford, Nashville, Tenn., will gladly give information in regard to conferences and work that is being done by the Blue Ridge Association.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST ASSEMBLY

Ridgecrest, N. C.

Practically at the summit of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a climate famous for its salubrity, and surrounded by exquisite scenery, is Ridgecrest.

At this point the Southern Baptist Assembly, with the approval of the Southern Baptist Convention, has been established for summer conference work.

The Assembly owns and controls about eight hundred acres of land upon which many thousands of dollars have already been spent in buildings and in enhancing the natural beauty of the grounds with walks and drives. More than sixty cottages have been built and many of these are occupied during the entire year.

The Assembly features at Ridgecrest consist of conferences on the part of those interested in Bible Study, Education, B.Y.P.U., Baraca, and Philathea. Leaders in every walk of Christian life are present at some time during the Summer, to participate in the work.

There is now in the course of construction by the Assembly, a modern hotel of one hundred rooms, which it is expected will be open for the present season.

Among the many attractive features contemplated at Ridgecrest will be a lake on the grounds, suitable site being available, and a gymnasium for the promotion of all kinds of athletics.

Mr. B. W. Spillman, Ridgecrest, N.C., is General Secretary of the Assembly, to whom communications should be addressed for particulars.

METHODIST COLONY

Black Mountain, N. C.

In almost the exact center of the Southern States and in the heart of the far famed region of "The Land of the Sky," easily reached from all directions by the Southern Railway, is Black Mountain.

Recognizing the demand throughout the South for a suitable Summer resort where rest, pleasure and healthfulness could go hand in hand with religious instruction and inspiration, the Methodists of the South selected this as the ideal place for their colony. The outgrowth of this feeling was the formation, late in the Summer of 1912, of the Methodist Colony Company to handle the project. Leaders in this movement immediately secured some four hundred acres of land and have about three hundred acres more in sight to be purchased later. The land which has already been obtained is on a gentle slope with an elevation of from twenty-four to twenty-eight hundred feet and commands a beautiful outlook.

While the project was conceived by leaders in the Methodist Faith, it is the purpose of its originators to make the conferences interdenominational in character. This colony will follow out the same general plan of conference work as that of the neighboring communities. Those high in the councils of the Church will be present during each Summer to aid in forwarding the movement to the largest degree.

Outdoor games, mountain climbing, driving, riding, boating and fishing are a few varied forms of innocent amusement that may be indulged in by those enjoying a stay at the Methodist Colony.

Many lots have been sold and during the coming Summer a large number of cottages will be occupied.

Rev. W. J. Mallonee, of Black Mountain, N.C., is Secretary of this Colony.

Outdoor sports abound at Kanuga Lake, a fine golf course being an especial feature. Motoring and driving are made doubly enjoyable by reason of the fine roads to be found in this section.

Mr. George Stevens of Charlotte, N.C., is President and General Manager of the Kanuga Lake Club and will cheerfully furnish information in regard to membership.

HIGHLAND LAKE CLUB

Highland Lake, N. C.

Highland Lake, on the Asheville Division of the Southern Railway, twenty-four miles east of Asheville, with its marvelous scenery and health-giving climate, is the location of the exclusive Highland Lake Club.

It is often said that this particular spot is one of the most beautiful in "The Land of the Sky" and one can well subscribe to such a statement after viewing the Club grounds, luxuriantly covered with the stately pine and the hemlock.

The Club, itself, is an excellent design of the Old English Country House, being commodious, comfortable and of most attractive appearance.

The first floor is occupied by the lobby, living room, ball room, stage and dining room, while the basement is given over to the game room, children's play room and shower baths. The second and third floors comprise seventy bed rooms and eighteen baths.

In close proximity to the Club House are a number of bungalows, ranging in size. Many members delightfully call these "Home."

Realizing the increasing interest in golf, a magnificent eighteen hole course has been arranged and much time and money is constantly being spent to keep these links in high state of perfection. Other sports have been provided, and the charming lake is always a source of much pleasure.

Sugar Loaf Mountain, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, Mount Hebron and many other points of interest are easily reached from the Club.

Mr. Joseph W. Holt, of Flat Rock, N.C., should be addressed for particulars.

HILLSIDE PARK CLUB

Hendersonville, N. C.

One mile directly west of and two hundred feet above the thriving city of Hendersonville, is found the Hillside Park Club. Because of its picturesque beauty and accessibility, this spot is particularly well adapted for a Club of this character. High up on the hillside and overlooking Hendersonville, it yet enjoys all of the conveniences of the city.

The Hillside Park Club proposes to establish on its property a permanent colony of cultured Summer residents and the lovely location has already brought success to the undertaking.

A fine modern and commodious club house has been erected and many cottages are in the course of construction.

Outdoor amusements of all kinds are at hand and everyone may find helpful and congenial pastimes.

Mr. Howard Caldwell, Columbia, S.C., will furnish any particulars desired in regard to the Club.

LAKE TOXAWAY COLONY

Lake Toxaway, N. C.

At the western terminus of the Transylvania Division of the Southern Railway is Lake Toxaway, one of the most famous resorts in this wonderfully picturesque region of Western North Carolina. Here high uplifted, nestling in the rugged mountains, is an exquisite lake, as blue almost as the sky above it. The fifteen miles of shore line of this magnificent body of water has been divided into lots, a great number of which have been sold. Cottages are rapidly being built and another delightful summer colony has thus been established.

A Club House in every way suitable to a charming resort of this kind is to be built and golf links the equal of any in the entire South will be an attractive feature of this community. Application for cottage sites should be made to Lake Toxaway Company, Lake Toxaway, N.C.

SALOLA CLUB

Hendersonville, N. C.

Upon the very summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, high up in the clouds, and sixteen miles from the railroad station of Hendersonville, is Salola Club.

This club was promoted by the Jacksonville (Florida) Automobile Club and an excellent automobile road has been constructed from Hendersonville to the Club House.

Upon the very entrance to the beautiful Sapphire Country, the view from the Club is surpassed by none in the world. The inroads of civilization have not erased the blush of virgin beauty from the surrounding country.

The Club's plans are broad in scope and neither time nor money will be spared in making this one of the most charming of Western North Carolina colonies. Social life will be a feature and delightful days and nights will be spent by the members in the Sapphire Hills.

LAUREL PARK

Hendersonville, N. C.

At Laurel Park great preparations are being made for one of the most attractive communities in Western North Carolina.

Comprising two hundred and fifty acres of forest and stream, where laurel and rhododendron abound, Laurel Park is one of the most beautiful natural parks in all America.

It is expected that the summer of 1913 will see many cottages built and occupied at this delightful resort. This project is in the hands of Dr. J. C. Ennis and Mr. Chas. E. Moore, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Upon the highest point in this section, it is planned to erect a most unique hostelry, to be knowrn as the Lawyers' Hotel, a place for rest and recuperation of the legal fraternity. Complete facts may be obtained from Mr. W. A. Smith, Hendersonville, N.C.

TRYON, N. C.

Tryon, N. C., a charming town on the Southern Railway, is the opening gateway to the "Land of the Sky," and one of the many famous health and pleasure resorts of this region.

One of the most attractive features of Tryon is the literary and social environments of the townspeople. Visitors are heartily welcomed to the clubs and many literary people of national and international reputation spend much of their time here. The magnificent scenery and grandeur of the surrounding country has inspired both verse and fiction which will live for all time.

ASHEVILLE, N. C.

Asheville, the metropolis of Western North Carolina and a thriving city of 32,000 people in addition to being famous as a resort city with many elegant and commodious hotels, is, also, an educational center of considerable note.

A number of schools and colleges, both male and female, are located in and around Asheville and the healthful climate, magnificent scenery and excellent environment are of great benefit to the student.

This booklet is published by the Passenger Traffic Department of the Southern Railway as an example of Community Life in Western North Carolina. Owing to its size it has naturally been found impracticable to do more than present a small part of such development and will be followed by another publication of similar and more comprehensive information.

OFFICERS AND AGENTS.- -Passenger Traffic Department.

S. H. HARDWICK, Passenger Traffic Manager, Washington, B.C.

H. F. GARY, General Passenger Agent, Washington, D.C.

C. A. BENSCOTER, Asst. General Passenger Agent, 817 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tenn.

J. L. MEEK, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Southern Railway Office Building, Atlanta, Ga.

J. C. BEAM, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Chemical Building, St. Louis, Mo.

C. A. DESAUSSURE, Assistant General Passenger Agent, 1328 Exchange Building, Memphis, Tenn.

C. A. KLINE, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Washington, D.C.

W. E. McGEE, Assistant General Passenger Agent, 1323 Main Street, Columbia, S.C.

JAMES FREEMAN, Assistant General Passenger Agent, 703 Empire Building, Birmingham, Ala.

Asheville, N. C.—60 Patton Ave.: J. H. Wood, Division Passenger Agent.

O. C. Wilson, City Passenger and Ticket Agent. Aiken, S.C.—C. E. Monts, Ticket Agent.

Anniston, Ala.—1208 Noble Street: E. W. Russell. City Ticket Agent. Athens, Ga.—118 Clayton Street: George Robertson, Commercial Agent.

Atlanta, Ga.—No. 1 Peachtree Street: R. L. Baylor, Division Passenger Agent.

Harry J. New, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Edward E. Barry, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Devries Davis, City Ticket Agent.

Augusta, Ga.—729 Broad Street: A. H. Acker, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Baltimore, Md.—119 East Baltimore Street: L. H. Burgess. Traveling Passenger Agent.

Birmingham, Ala.—Empire Building, 1st Avenue and 20th Street: M. Coxwell, District Passenger Agent.

J. P. Thomas, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Boston, Mass.—332 Washington Street: Geo. C. Daniels, New England Passenger Agent.

S. M. Dent, Traveling Passenger Agent.

A. E. Gay, City Ticket Agent.

Brunswick, Ga.—Cor. Mansfield and Bay Streets E. L. McGougan, General Agent.

Charleston, S.C.—217 Meeting Street: W. H. Catfey, Division Passenger Agent.

G. R. Steele, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Charlotte, N.C.—11 South Tryon Street: R. L. Vernon, District Passenger Agent.

R. H. DeButts, Division Passenger Agent.

W. P. Lester, City Ticket Agent.

Charlottesville, Va.—University of Virginia. Anderson Brothers, City Ticket Agents.

Chattanooga, Tenn.—817 Market Street: J. R. Martin, District Passenger Agent.

W. C. Spencer, Traveling Passenger Agent.

E. M. Barnes, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Chicago, Ill.—56 W. Adams Street: Stanton Curtis, Northwestern Passenger Agent.

J. A. Edwards, Traveling Passenger Agent.

H. H. Board, City Passenger Agent.

Cleveland, Ohio—Hippodrome Building: C. R. Chesney, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Columbia, S.C.—1513 Main Street: S. H. McLean, District Passenger Agent.

L. D. Robinson, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Columbus, Ga.—1153 Broad Street: P. N. Estes, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Dallas, Tex.—1311-12 Praetorian Building: R. B. Creagh, District Passenger Agent.

Danville, Va.—A. B. Griggs, Ticket Agent.

Denver, Colo.—607 Ideal Building: U. G. Soule, Traveling Passenger Agent. Evansville, Ind.—206 Main Street: W. Humphreys, District Passenger Agent.

Greensboro, N.C.-—O. F. York, Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Greenville, S.C.—123 South Main Street: W. R. Taber, Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Houston, Tex.—310 Southern Pacific Building, Franklin Avenue: W. H. Parnell, District Passenger Agent.

Jacksonville, Fla.—Cor. West Forsyth and Hogan Streets: G. R. Pettit, Division Passenger Agent.

C. P. Bostwick, Traveling Passenger Agent.

R. P. Walker, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Kansas City, Mo.—Board of Trade Building: Wm. Flannelly, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Knoxville, Tenn.—524 Gay Street: G. M. Ellis, Division Passenger Agent.

A. R. Gould, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Lexington, Ky.—101 East Main Street: H. C. King, City Ticket Agent.

Los Angeles, Cal.—606 South Spring Street: T. F. Fitzgerald, District Passenger Agent.

T. O. Bonney, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Louisville, Ky.—Urban Building, 124 South 4th Avenue: B. H. Todd, District Passenger Agent.

J. F. Logan, Traveling Passenger Agent.

C. C. Burch, City Ticket Agent.

Lynchburg, Va.—722 Main Street: O. L. McCraw, Joint City Ticket Agent.

O. D. Wilson, Assistant Joint City Ticket Agent.

Macon, Ga. — 567 Cherry Street: J. S. Bloodworth, Traveling Passenger Agent.

C. M. York, City Ticket Agent.

Memphis, Tenn. — The Porter Building, 10 North Main Street: C. C. Stewart, Division Passenger Agent.

G. A. Fisher, Traveling Passenger Agent.

J. J. Branch, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Mobile, Ala. — 24 North Royal Street, New Battle House: Porter King, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Montgomery, Ala. — 9 Commerce Street, New Exchange Hotel: John Metcalfc, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Montreal, Que. — 9 St. Lawrence Boulevard: G. W. Carter, Traveling Passenger Agent.

New Orleans, La. — 704 Common Street: A. J. Lee, District Passenger Agent.

W. J. McCauley, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

New York, N.Y. — 264 Fifth Avenue: A. S. Thweatt, Eastern Passenger Agent.

C. C. Thorn, Traveling Passenger Agent.

H. S. Jennings, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Norfolk, Va. — Monticello Hotel, 210 Granby Street: J. D. Ruden, Traveling Passenger Agent.

W. M. Culpeper, City Ticket Agent.

Old Point Comfort, Va. — J. N. Smith, Ticket Agent, Chesapeake Line Steamers.

Philadelphia, Pa. — 828 Chestnut Street: C. W. Westbury, District Passenger Agent.

T. B. Martin, Traveling Passenger Agent.

R. C. Horner, City Passenger Agent.

Raleigh, N.C. — 215 Fayetteville Street: J. O. Jones, Traveling Passenger Agent.

S. D. Kiser, City Ticket Agent.

Richmond, Va. — 907 E. Main Street: S. E. Burgess, Division Passenger Agent.

E. A. McDonald, City Ticket Agent.

Rome, Ga. — Second Avenue and East Second Street: D. E. Lowry, Jr., City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Savannah, Ga. — 141 Bull Street: Geo. G. Walker, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

San Francisco, Cal. — 874 Market Street: Joseph N. Harrison, Pacific Coast Passenger Agent.

James H. P. Mason, Traveling Passenger Agent.

J. B. Hey ward, City Passenger Agent.

Seattle, Wash. — 212 Hinckley Building: E. S. Sullivan, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Selma, Ala. — 224 Broad Street: G. C. Robson, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Alfred P. McPeters, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.

Spartanburg, S.C. — 113 W. Main Street: R. C. Cotner, Passenger and Ticket Agent.

St. Louis, Mo. — 719 Olive Street: T. J. Connell, District Passenger Agent.

C. N. Smith, Traveling Passenger Agent.

John H. Gentry, City Passenger Agent.

J. W. Armstrong, City Ticket Agent.

St. Paul, Minn. — Nos. 116-118 Endicott and Arcade Buildings: R. H. Graham, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Tampa, Fla. — First National Bank Building: F. B. Pinson, Traveling Passenger Agent.

Washington, D.C. — 705 Fifteenth St.. N. W.: L. S. Brown, General Agent.

H. L. Bishop, Passenger Agent.

John T. Richmond, City Ticket Agent. O.C.—905 F. Stn

Washington, D.C.—905 F. Street, N. W.: J. F. Riley, Ticket Agent.

Washington, D.C.—1300 Pennsylvania Avenue: F. L. Jenkins, District Passenger Agent.

Winston-Salem, N.C.—236 Main Street: A. M. Frazier, City Passenger and Ticket Agent.