In memory of Sam Ashelman

Dear Editor:

After a long career in the U.S. government, Sam Ashelman and his family arrived in Morgan County back in the 1960s to slow down and take it easy. That did not happen.

He must have been deeply inspired by the beautiful surroundings, because he and his partner Al Capen dreamed up Coolfont Re+Creation. Over almost four decades, Coolfont welcomed tens of thousands of new visitors from around the world to its facilities, its spa and health programs and its fun.

The Morgan County neighbors who still live and recreate at Coolfont today are here because of his vision. We know many of you because so many folks from around the county worked and played at Coolfont. We cherish those connections, and appreciate Sam Ashelman for bringing us together.

We don’t know what the future holds for Coolfont’s lodge and facilities, but our mountainside neighborhood still lives his dream, and we are grateful for his imagination and inspiration.

Jackson Bain
President
Coolfont Mountainside Association