Bill Carson Turns 70 – A Living Legend
L-R, in this photo in 1996 - two years after saving the Orchard -- Annette Quint, Bill Carson, Cindy Medlock, and Barger Moss
from the Barger and Eleanor Moss Collection of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Family Archives
The Blue Ridge Parkway is rich with stories steeped in history and legend; the individuals who built the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the best of my knowledge, are all gone. However, in every Parkway community there is a vibrancy of enthusiam and support for this linear national park which will celebrate its 75th birthday in only two years. If it is not our park alumni, it is our employees, and if it is not our employees it is our Parkway neighbors who have understood what the Blue Ridge Parkway was all about from the very first day that they laid their eyes on it.
Three such people are Bill Carson; his wife, Judy; and his sister, Kit who became personally intimate with the Blue Ridge Parkway when they saved it from development in 1996. Bill Carson was 56 then, only two years younger than I am now. When Bill and I compare notes, which we often do, it is always about our hopes for next year and our vision for accomplishment which never seem bigger than life — always very possible.
I have learned that there is nothing authoritative about declarations from the national park service or even the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, because we can never celebrate all the individuals that deserve to be recognized for their dedication. In my own mind; however, I believe sincerely, eventhough in their humbleness that they will strongly resist this, that Bill and Judy Carson, and Kit Truby are truly living legends.
Each in his or her own way have advanced and embodied the quintessentially American ideal of individual creativity, conviction, dedication, and exuberance. Their personal accomplishments and sense of commitment to “saving the good stuff” have enabled them to provide examples of personal excellence that have benefited others and enriched the Blue Ridge Parkway for generations to come.
