Page 45 - USA ROAD TRIP SUMMER of 2000

agriculture stopped and casinos popped up. The housing was

poorer and there were the ubiquitous cannibalized car carcasses
in the yards. In general, a less outwardly affluent way of life than

the surrounding countryside.

In the distance, we could see the sudden outcropping of the very

low line of hills named the Turtle Mountains. We drove up into
them and got into very dull woodlands. This was supposed to be a

scenic drive but paled in comparison to the flatter cropland.

The Peace Garden entrance lies on the border between a

Canadian and a USA border patrol stations placed about 100 yards
apart. One can get to the Garden without inspection, but will have

to go through customs when leaving. The tourist brochure tells
you this after you get into the grounds. Further, it states that a

thorough inspection of a vehicle is done not on a level of suspicion
but rather on a numerical basis. We were horrified at the thought

of having to empty out our car and the topper and then put it all
back. Lois suggested if they pulled us over, we might ask if we

could go around and get another number. That one might have
resulted in a strip search.

The Garden was dedicated in 1932 but was only fully developed in
the 1960’s. It is over 2000 acres of formal display and natural

habitat. In the spring, they plant 100,000 annuals so the grounds
are quite beautiful. The CCC was involved in the original

construction. In the museum, they have exhibits chronicling the
experiences of some of the men who worked here for years.

The “boys” were allowed to work for the CCC between the ages of
17 and 24. They received $30 a month of which $25 was sent to

their folks at home. They received food and shelter and the other

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