"10,000 Visited Chiefswood"

People from 18 countries visited Chiefswood from May 1 to Dec. 31 last year, Mrs. Joyce Smoke said Thursday in a report to the Six Nations elected council. Mrs. Smoke is curator of Chiefswood, birthplace of Indian poet Pauline Johnson.

About 10,000 persons passed through the doors of the home, she said.

Group tours by church organizations, women's institutes and historical study groups numbered 28 during the seven-month period.

To date 18 groups have made appointments for tours beginning April 15.

Chiefswood information folders are being sent to Expo 67 and to all tourists information bureaus in Ontario to inform visitors to the province of the historical site.

Mrs. Smoke recommended improvements be made in ventilation and insulation of the building.

Landscaping around the home is to be improved as a centennial project, Mrs. Smoke said.

Improvements are also being made at Chiefswood Indian Village Park adjoining the Johnson home.

A new well is being drilled to provide fresh drinking water. A spring well on the property was found to be inadequate.

A boat ramp at the park has also been improved.