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Two hikers climb down a steepslope in alpine landscape, with snow visible on distant peaks and valleys.
Didi Abreu hiking with Swiss Guide Erwin Aufdenblatten. Photo by Toni Frissell, 1966. https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/tofr.49835

Take a Hike!

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For some, recreation is as much a part of holiday tradition as comfort food and relaxation. As they do in my family, short walks and hikes can provide a welcome contrast to the other valuable, but maybe more sedentary, activities that characterize Thanksgiving. If you are craving a bit of physical activity this holiday week, perhaps the images below will inspire you to seek out some fresh air and scenery.

These posters, made for the Work Projects Administration as part of its Recreation Project, promote just that.

Poster has the word "hiking" written in brown in all capital letters, with a view of treas and the outlike of a man below.
Hiking–WPA recreation project, Dist. No. 2. Poster by Beard, 1939. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ds.08071
Poster shows figure of woman hiker next to the word "hiking" written in cursive. Visual representation of a hiking path and mountainous landscape appears before her.
Hiking WPA recreation project–Dist. no. 2. Poster by Shari Weisberg, between 1936 and 1939. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3f05232

Majestic scenes provide a backdrop in some of the photographs of hikers in the collections.

Two hikers climb down a steepslope in alpine landscape, with snow visible on distant peaks and valleys.
Didi Abreu hiking with Swiss Guide Erwin Aufdenblatten. Photo by Toni Frissell, 1966. https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/tofr.49835