This file relates to the Biltmore Forest School, begun by Carl Schenck with the encouragement and support of George Vanderbilt in 1898. The school continued at Biltmore until Schenck's departure in 1909. The file contains letters of inquiry from prospective students and persons seeking general information on Biltmore Forest School.

This file relates to the Biltmore Forest School, begun by Carl Schenck with the encouragement and support of George Vanderbilt in 1898. The school continued at Biltmore until Schenck's departure in 1909. The file contains letters of inquiry from prospective students and persons seeking general information on Biltmore Forest School. October 18, 1906- Catherine Easton, a Librarian at Western University of Pennsylvania, wants to attend Biltmore Forest School to further her goal of working at the Library of the Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C.

Includes requests from men and women wishing to be employed as schoolteachers, laborers, rangers and stenographers. September 14, 1896- Letter of recommendation for F. H. Wheeler.

Correspondence regarding the purchase of products or services. January 6, 1898- Advice on finding manufacturers of bobbins and shuttles in the South.

November 28, 1899- Price quotes on camera from Eastman Kodak Company. Rochester, N.Y.

November 16, 1901- The Export Shipping Company of N.Y. City sent Foresters Uniforms from Europe. They were consigned to them on account of Talbot Root.

August 26, 1904- Eimer & Amend, Manufacturers & Importers of Chemicals and Chemical Apparatus, N.Y. City, sent 4 lbs. of "Acorn Coffee."

Flier for the Eagle Russet Stylographic Ink Pencil No. 27 with Spring Needle. From the Eagle Pencil Co.

Correspondence regarding land sales/purchases. January 16, 1902- Weldon English wants to conclude a land deal. Letter marked [Tract] "353."

Correspondence regarding lumber sales/purchases. People and companies as customers or potential customers of Biltmore Lumber. November 12, 1898 and October 9, 1899- J. D. Eggleston, Supt. of Asheville City Schools purchased wood for schools.

August 25, 1908- Copy of a reply to an inquiry from Estey Piano Company of New York City. They do not carry 8/4 poplar.

January 14, 1909- Copy of a letter from Schenck. Mills were shut down until early November "by the panic." Not turning out any material in shipping condition. They do have some small contracts available on George Vanderbilt's property, tributary to the Murphy Branch of the Southern Railway.

Correspondence regarding lumber sales/purchases. Letters from people and companies selling or wishing to sell lumber.

Letters concerning C. A. Schenck & Co. August 23, 1906- Georgia Coast & Piedmont Railway Company, formerly Darien & Western Railroad Company, would like advice on managing forests on the land tributary of their railroad. There is a map on the reverse side of the letter that shows their railroad route through Georgia.

August 21, 1905- Offer of a young male deer for sale.

August 10, 1903- Frank E. Emery of the American School + College Agency Incorporated, formally of the A. + M. College at Raleigh, N.C., wishes to contract to send students to Biltmore Forest School. He knows Mr. Weston at Biltmore Farms and Mr. Walton who attended Biltmore Forest School. He was hoping Mr. Walton could have got a job in the Forestry Department of the A.+ M. College.

Correspondence concerning rental properties, including individuals who boarded students of Biltmore Forest School.

January 4, 1906- Dr. Schenck writes that he will have copies of his works on Forest Mensuration, Sylviculture and Forest Utilization bound together in one volume. 50 copies will be issued at $5.

Individuals, corporations and government departments sending literature to Dr. Schenck.

August 16, 1907- A party of six ladies from New Orleans and three men wish to camp one night in Pisgah. September 1907- Butler at Biltmore House, [D. Earseman?], was given permission to fish in the Pisgah Streams.

Correspondence from employees and contracted laborers. List, "Bark hauled by D. H. English for G. W. Vanderbilt." Grouping of July and August 1908 correspondence regarding insurance for injured employee Fred E. Behnken and for his treatment by Dr. L. W. Elias.

March 26, 1903- Weldon English did not take out a [trespassing] warrant for Wess Burso. August 31, 1908- English wants payment for his aid in the Gillespie Cairnes & Raynard trespassing case.

Correspondence regarding the Alabama Lumber Manufacturers Association.

April 14, 1904- Letter to Dr. Schenck from Thos A Edison. Letterhead reads, "From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison. Orange, N.J." Schenck sent samples of an unnamed ore to Edison, who apparently wanted to test them for Radium.

March 19, 1909- Schenck responds to a letter on the culture of Eucalyptus. He agrees that no other trees grow as fast as Eucalyptus when standing next to water. Temperature goes down to minus 28 degrees sometimes in Western N.C. and it would not support eucalyptus, however. By the way, the blue gum is doing very well in Southern France where temperature can go down to minus 20 F.

January 6, 1900- "Asheville Daily Citizen" thanks Dr. Schenck for sending papers relating to the Boers' fight for their freedom.

December 28, 1908- Dr. Schenck writes to the Honorable William C. Edwards of Ontario, Canada. He tells Edwards that he believes Edwards is "the most important factor in Canadian forestry." Schenck wants to discuss the three "arch-demons" of Southern forestry: Forest Fires, Forest Taxation and Low Prices for Stumpage. He says Biltmore has for show 3,000 acres of planted forest, 40,000 acres of cutover woodland, mostly pine being rescued from "wretchedness since 1898;" and 90,000 acres of primeval forest.

Correspondence from Jno. J. Earle of Florala Saw Mill Company, Manufactures of Long Leaf Yellow Pine. Paxton, Florida. He wanted Dr. Schenck's advice on a paper he was to present to the Alabama Lumber Manufacturers Association.

Correspondence from Earle & Nelson Feed Brokers. Asheville, N.C. They sold cottonseed hulls, timothy hay and corn to Dr. Schenck. It was used as livestock food. It was delivered to the Nursery Siding.

Correspondence from The Early & Daniel Co. Grain, Hay, Flour, Feed & Salt. Cincinnati, Ohio. They sold oats, timothy hay and corn to Biltmore Estate Forestry Department. It was used as livestock food.

Correspondence from The Early & Daniel Co. Grain, Hay, Flour, Feed & Salt. Cincinnati, Ohio. They sold oats, timothy hay and corn to Biltmore Estate Forestry Department. It was used as livestock food.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. May 13, 1905- Received a lumber order from the Toxaway Co.

Non-dated- Sold Chestnut to Joe Clayton.

Sending cars of lumber to Biltmore Nursery Siding.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. June 18, 1905- Will help Mr. Allen in collecting tan bark. It will be difficult work and require much walking. Trails at road by [English?] Chapel are trimmed. The 4 bridges are built and the road is graded across the ditches.

Sending time reports and lumber reports, not included.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. Eaton asks if he should repair the road in front of Jason McCall's house. Description of the road with references to the church and a swinging bridge.

June 21, 1905- Trustees of English Chapel will not like placement of the road.

June 30, 1905- Took stock of oak at various yards.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. Loading cars with lumber and sending them from yards at Pisgah Forest to Nursery Siding. July 12, 1905- Moved some lumber due to high water.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. July 19, 1905- Eaton believes he is well trained as a lumber inspector. July 21, 1905- Eaton explains how lumber is weighed on cars.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. He sent lumber reports to Dr. Schenck and Mr. D. Marshall.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. He sent lumber reports to Dr. Schenck and Mr. D. Marshall.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. Sending more reports on lumber inspected, not included.

September 24, 1905- Some lumber yards are in poor conditions but Eaton does not wish to make the long walks required to inspect them.

Differences with Mr. Penland.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. Sending more reports on lumber inspected, not included. October 30, 1905- Sold lumber to Joe Clayton of Brevard.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. Settling accounts on lumber sold, especially with A. H. King and Joe Clayton. Sending lumber reports.

Correspondence from S. C. Eaton. Davidson River, N.C. May 6, 1908- Copy of a letter to S. C. Eaton. Explains the newest grading rules for poplar wagon box boards.

Correspondence from Eddy Lake Cypress Co. Port Harrelson, S.C. January 9, 1905- Description of land they wanted C. A. Schenck & Co. to survey.

February 14, 1905- Very happy with the preliminary report from C. A. Schenck and Co.

August 14, 1905- Mr. Tucker came to survey their timber, on which Mr. Lafon made the preliminary survey in February.

Correspondence from Eisenhauer-MacLea Co. Baltimore, MD. They purchased "Taft Poplar" from Dr. Schenck. This was the lumber Schenck advertised in a circular that poked fun at the presidential candidacy of William Taft. Includes "Loading Order for S. C. Eaton, Dated Sept. 18, 1908" and a draft of the same.

Correspondence from Elba Manufacturing Co. Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Schenck bought cotton seed hulls from them.

Correspondence from I. F. Eldridge in Camden, S.C and California. May 12, 1905- Accepted Dr. Schenck's offer for a position as agent of C. A. Schenck & Co. for a job at Eddy Lake Cypress Co. in Camden, S.C.

June 29, 1905- Received check for his job in S.C. Going to California to study white pine.

Exchanging information with Schenck on former Biltmore Forest School students.

January 4, 1906- In camp at California. He can't accept a position for which Dr. Schenck recommended him because he wants to take the Civil Service Exam in CA. that spring.

August 12, 1906- Has recruited two young men for Biltmore Forest School. Jokes that it is "missionary work."

Correspondence from G. Elias & Bro. Buffalo, N.Y. They considered purchasing lumber from Dr. Schenck.

Correspondence from The Enamelite Sign Company. Cleveland, Ohio. They sold 508 signs to Dr. Schenck reading, "Private Grounds. All Persons are Forbidden to Trespass Hereon. G. W. Vanderbilt."

Correspondence from Fannie Emanuel, Principal, Asheville School of Stenography and Typewriting. Asheville, N.C. She did typewriting work for Dr. Schenck.

Correspondence from D. L. English, Attorney. Brevard, N.C. He and his brothers and sisters, including Dr. E. S. English, Nola English and Mallie English; sold Avery's Creek, N.C. land to Dr. Schenck. Letters marked [Tract] 293. Negotiating for Cagle property and the Morris property for Dr. Schenck.

Correspondence from D. L. English, Attorney. Brevard, N.C. January 15, 1903- He and Mr. Gash will complete abstract for A. F. English lands, then take up Clayton lands.

January 24, 1903- Sent an abstract of all M. L. Clayton lands, except Andey's Cove, to Mr. McNamee.

English's family selling land to George Vanderbilt through Dr. Schenck. His sisters did not wish to sign the agreement.

August 4, 1903- Closed the S. L. Hollingsworth deal last week. That should close all deals on Davidsons River except the W. D. Perry matter.

December 9, 1903- Mr. Pickelsimer wishes to hire him to sue George Vanderbilt, though he would rather work for Vanderbilt in the case.

Correspondence from D. L. English, Attorney. Brevard, N.C. January 5, 1904- Dr. Schenck's petition for the discontinuance of the Davidson River road was voted down by the Commissioners.

January 19, 1904- He and Gash won three cases of the State vs. Frank McCall for offences committed on George Vanderbilt's property: burning woods, trespass, and shooting Jesse M. McCall's dog.

January 20, 1904- Abstract of dockets for matters involving Public Roads in Davidson River and Averys Creek.

January 28, 1904- Mentions payments due to his sisters Mallie and Nola.

February 9, 1904- Believes it would be best to leave Averys Creek and Davidson River roads open for a short time yet.

Sent abstracts, not included, of Gloucester roads.

March 23, 1904- Has a deed from Mrs. Morris.

April 19, 1904- Asks for payment for work with Chas. Cantrell and wife and in the Pickelsimer case.

June 11, 14 and 22, 1904- Hears Dr. Schenck has erected a toll gate. Do not charge toll till an agreement for the rate is reached with the Commissioners.

June 25, 1904- Zachary & Breese disputing the toll road.

July 19, 1904- English and his wife lost a young child.

Correspondence from D. L. English, Attorney. Brevard, N.C. March 15, 1905- Sent statement of Dr. Schenck's taxes to D. Marshall.

June 26, 1905- Prosecuting people who seined (fish netted) Catheys Creek.

June 25, 1906- English does not think J. W. Orr should be prosecuted for fishing on George Vanderbilt's property. Tells his sad story.

July 3, 1906- W. A. Gash died on July 2. Funeral at M.E.S. Church in Brevard with burial at the Episcopal Cemetery in Brevard.

Information on the Rod & Gun Club, of which Schenck was a member.

Correspondence from D. L. English, Attorney. Brevard, N.C. More on Rod & Gun Club. February 16, 1909- English prosecuted "two Howell boys and Bob Crawford" for trespassing.

Correspondence from E. S. English, Physician and Register of Deeds, Transylvania Co., N.C. Brevard, N.C. November 10, 1897- Corresponding with Dr. Schenck about roads. A petition was granted for a road in Glocester Township.

October 28, 1901 and December 13, 1901- Please ask Artilees Ducker to pay Dr. English for his wife's care.

December 30, 1901; February 1 and 7, 1902- Dr. Schenck was involved in a land deal with Dr. English's brother, D. L. English. Letters marked [Tract] 293, 353.

Correspondence from E. S. English, Physician and Register of Deeds, Transylvania Co., N.C. Brevard, N.C. March 21, 1903- Dr. English taking a course at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital.

Asking Dr. Schenck to collect from employees who would not pay his doctor's fees.

Sending requisition forms, not included, from employees.

September 14, 1904- Hears a rumor that Dr. Schenck may contract with another doctor for all Transylvania County work. English does not think this is fair since the Transylvania County Medical Society standardizes all doctors' fees in Transylvania County, and as the youngest doctor there he has spent more years in medical school than his colleagues.

February 17, 1909- [Sarcastic?] letter from Dr. Schenck upon paying Dr. English's medical bill for his cousin, Robert English.

May 15, 1909- Dr. Schenck personally paid R. J. English's hospital bill and purchased for him a wooden leg. The leg was slow in arriving.

Correspondence from I. M. English of English Lumber Co. Inc. Asheville, N.C. Lumber tally sheets. Bills of lading. Negotiations over lumber prices and sizes. August 10, 1908- Sent a large lumber order. English was acting as an agent for E. Stringer Boggess of Clarksburg, W.V.

Miscellaneous correspondence from J. M. English & Co. Asheville, N.C.

Correspondence from Mallie English. Pisgah Forest, N.C. Sister to D. L., Nora and E. S. English. She appears to have been a Postmistress. Includes report, "Business Transacted by Pisgah Forest Post-Office and Its Rural Routes from July 1, to August 16, 1907, Which is the Date of the Discontinuance of R.F.D. #1."

Correspondence from Robert J. English. Cousin of Dr. E. S. English. He wanted to sell lumber and land to the Estate. 1909- Dr. Schenck bought him a wooden leg, but it was slow in arriving. See also the correspondence of E. S. English.

Miscellaneous correspondence from R. O. English. Ecusta, N.C.

Correspondence from A. T. Erwin. Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture and Forestry. Iowa State College. Ames, Iowa. Requested letters of recommendation for S. C. Mason and G. L. Clothier for possible Professors of Forestry.

Correspondence from Geo. L. Estabrook, Jr. Secretary, Flat-Top Coal Land Association, Guyandot Coal Land Association. Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Schenck recommended literature and loaned him a book on practical Forestry and lumbering.

Correspondence from A. E. Eve. Buena Vista, N.C. He was involved in a land deal with Dr. Schenck and Mrs. Ledbetter.

Correspondence from Colonel S. T. Everett. Engadine. Davidson River, N.C. He inquired about a pass to take a group to the Pink Beds.

Correspondence from Hamilton G. Ewart, Judge Criminal Circuit Court, Western District, North Carolina. Hendersonville, N.C. He requested camping and fishing permits.

June 14, 1901- Represents all defendants in certain cases brought by George Vanderbilt in Transylvania County, except for H. D. King.

September 3, 1901- Got a compromise in all the suits pending against the McCall's in the U.S. Court of Asheville.

Correspondence from E. L. Ewbank, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, WI. District Agent. Hendersonville, N.C. Interested in Western North Carolina culture. June 2, 1903- Has not heard or seen in print the term "You all," though "You'ns" is common.