While still a librarian in the bustling city of St. Louis, Horace
Kephart developed a passion for outdoor sports as a chance to escape
urban life. Soon his professional publications mingled with avocational
writings on outdoor subjects. When Kephart moved to western North
Carolina he committed himself to writing full time. Continuing to
write magazine articles, Kephart's first full length book Camping
and Woodcraft in 1906 focused on the outdoor lifestyle and sports.
He ultimately became an international authority on the topic, particularly
in the area of camp cookery.
Camping and Woodcraft
Very few pages of Kephart's writing drafts remain available to
show this part of this writing process. The subject of moccasins
provides a unique glimpse into Kephart's writing process since documents
remain showing changes in his treatment of the subject through research,
drafts, two publications and personal correspondence.
Hunting
While Kephart was certainly capable of hunting for the basic needs
of the table, he was primarily a sport hunter, seeking a wide variety
of game as part of his search for the frontier experience and a
better challenge for his marksmanship. His quest to perfect hunting
methods led to his role in developing some equipment including the
Kephart Sheath Knife.
Fishing
Fly fishing offered the outdoors enthusiast an almost enchanting
appeal. As all fishermen, Kephart collected a variety of lures and
favorite fishing spots.
Camping
Kephart was well acquainted with a variety of camping techniques
from simply bedding down in the open for a single night to building
a "fixed-camp" to be comfortably used for months at a
time.
Original spelling and syntax retained in all quotations within
this exhibit.
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