Dear Rangers Doswell and Latham,

               I want to thank you, your staff, and all of the guests that have been a part of Prince Edward State Park for Negroes. As I gaze in admiration at the photos of Twin Lakes State Park, I can't help but to think of the great level of humanity embedded in the faces staring back at me. I know the history of segregation only through books and the words of people in my parents and grandparents generations.   I am quite aware of the degradation and insult our people endured during that time period.

Mr. Latham, Superintendent of Prince Edward State Park for Negroes

                These photos depict endurance with a sense of happiness and pride that can only come from a people not willing to let the world's unfairness cause them to lose heart in God and one another. The staff exudes confidence and professionalism in their smart uniforms and physical fitness. Park guests strike carefree poses and smiles as they were enjoying some time in the sun. I can see that blacks came from miles around as this was the only Virginia State Park where they could rent lodging for a few days, dine in a restaurant with delicious meals, and dance to the emerging sounds of the great music of the 1950's and 60's.

Summer fun was for everyone

                Outside of the park was a very cruel world. The park was formed, in part, because of the cruelty of bigotry. But, you didn't allow the outer forces to ruin your inner humanity. This took just as much courage and dignity as marching to a courthouse or sitting in at a lunch counter. Had it not been for the quiet struggle of maintaining self-worth in the midst of segregation, the more active forms of confrontation against the institution would have been wasted. Sitting here before these photos reminds me of this fact. May your memories be held eternally.

Despite segregation there was humanity and fond memories

Sincerely,

John R. Gresham, Jr.

Education Support Specialist I

York River State Park

Twin Lakes State Park is near Farmville, about an hour southwest of Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 360 West of Burkeville to Route 613 (Indian Springs Rd.). Then go east on Route 629 (Twin Lakes Rd.).