Hello! This is sort of a test post. Years have gone by since I've put any blog posts up about Masa here. But that could change. Maybe I'll restart this blog because we have good reason to do so!
Click on the photo above to watch a short video about the Historical Marker that was placed in Asheville on April 8th 2022.
In other BIG NEWS, Janet McCue and I are co-authoring a biography about Masa. For about 3years we have been diligently researching and writing and hope to publish it early in 2024. The Great Smoky Mountain Association is publishing it.
Let me know what you think and if you see this!
Paul Bonesteel
I first heard the name "George Masa" in Mr. Ken Burns' series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea". I was intrigued. I tracked down and watched (several times) your documentary, "The Mystery of George Masa (2002)". Since then, I have attempted to follow developments regarding Mr. Masa, as few as I could find.
ReplyDeleteBrowsing the Internet regarding George Masa and finding little, I eventually lost hope, thinking that little more would ever be done or revealed. Still, as I passed through the Ashville, NC, area or the Smoky Mountain NP area, I would stop at various bookstores and NP centers, asking if there were books, photographs, or publications regarding "George Masa". There were not.
At one point I heard that fine art prints by Mr. Masa were available for purchase, but I could not track that rumor down.
I located Mr. Masa's grave in Ashville, NC, and offered honor to him. I was surprised to note that other kind folks have also visited Mr. Masa there, leaving their gifts and offerings at his burial stone. I happily realized that Mr. Masa was still alive in the hearts of other people, but I could not find those generous people.
Then suddenly, last week by chance, I discovered the recent publication by Mr. Brent Martin, "George Masa's Wild Vision" and have just started reading this fine publication. It is pleasing to know that researchers are continuing work on Mr. Masa. How wonderful!
It is pleasing to know there are folks who recognize the contributions by Mr. Masa and, of course, Mr. Kephart. Their self-sacrificing story is a reminder to us that ordinary people with passion and vision can invoke change. Their story inspires me, and I think that their story can inspire other Americans too, in that we can bring about change through volunteer stewardship programs. We must do this because our natural wonders cannot speak loudly enough for themselves.
Perhaps, gifted souls hear the soft, quiet voice of Nature whispering. It is they that rise above others to strike the alarm that we must pay attention to our great Mother, before time becomes too late.
Thank you for your research, dedication, hard work, and perseverance to bring credit to Mr. Masa. I look forward to hearing and reading about more discoveries.
Thank you for your response! Brent's book is a fine read indeed. Janet and I are really, really looking forward to publishing our new book. It is going to rock the Masa world! Stay tuned for more info on that soon.
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