IMPORTANT DON'TS -- 1926

As we prepare to enter Yellowstone National Park 1926, let’s review the IMPORTANT DON’TS:

DON’T leave your camp fire burning.
DON’T throw away pipe ashes, cigar or cigarette stumps without completely extinguishing the sparks.
DON’T build fire in tree mould or near logs or brush.
DON’T build larger fires than necessary.
DON’T leave your camp uncleaned.
DON’T deface anything in the park with your name or initials.
DON’T cut any green timber.
DON’T collect specimens of any kind.
DON’T feed the bears.
DON’T drive on the wrong side of the road.
DON’T run by STOP signs.
DON’T disregard the Red Flag SLOW-UP marker.
DON’T fail to keep to the RIGHT on all turns.
DON’T fail to signal on blind turns.
DON’T park your car on a turn.
DON’T speed.

“The above DON’TS are intended to lighten the burden of the Rangers in keeping the park and traffic through the park in harmony. The Rangers are well informed on the park and on park customs and if called upon for information can render valuable assistance to the traveler.” [From Haynes Guide, The Complete Handbook – Yellowstone National Park, 1926]

I had to chuckle over the "DON'TS" just because over the years we've become so much more succinct in our expression of the rules: Douse your campfire; crush all smokes dead out; no bonfires; clean your camp before leaving; etc. However, "DON'T feed the bears" remains "DON'T feed the bears" to this day. Keep that one in mind. You'll need it later.