The Everglades National Park Association County Court House Miami, Florida Telephone President Halsted L. Ritter Vice-Presidents Thomas J. Pancoast John O. Shares David Sholtz Treasurer F.L. Wall Executive Council Ernest F. Coe, Chairman Advisory Council Charles D. Leffler, Chairman Clayton Sedgwick Cooper, Vice-Chairman January 21, 1935. His Excellency, The Governor, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla. Dear Governor Dave:- I have read your recent letter to Judge Halsted L. Ritter. How to proceed most widely with the Everglades National Park project is ever before you, and those you ask to assist, that early results will accrue. Your concern as to how best to handle this matter expeditiously is appreciated by all close to the project. Just when the Everglades National Park Commission can most effectively begin its work, and who most advantageously can compose its membership are matters that give you no little concern. The purpose of this Park Commission is to exercise authority in the acquisition of the Park land, authority which neither the federal government or private interests can command. If I understand correctly, this is the [principal] reason for, and purpose of this Commission. The question of how best to accomplish that vast amount of preliminary work which must be done before the Park Commission can best perform its almost sole purpose is before you. You, a charter member of this Association have continued to be in intimate touch with its activities, as it has concerned both State and federal legislative matters, and promotion of public awareness in favor of the Park project. The personnel of our Association today has within This association was organized and is maintained for the purpose of promoting acquaintance with the primeval wonders of America's continental tropics included in the Cape Sables and nearby Everglades region of South Florida--its scenic interests, varied plant and animal life. All of this native wild life is fascinating and many species are confined to this region. To cooperate with measures leading to the preservation of this region as a great national park wherein all its forms of wild life will be protected, and its other varied charms of glades, tropic jungles, azure seas, emerald isles, lakes, rivers and beaches will be forever consecrated as a nature sanctuary. Membership-annual members, $3.00 per year; sustaining members, $60.00 or more per year. All members will receive bulletins and other printed matter issued from time to time.