"Caretaker of the River," by Dave Habeck, describes a heroine named Helen Sanvidge, who worked to protect the Wolf River's trout fishery in the 1960s. Music style: folk

[spoken introduction]
This is the story of Helen Sanvidge,
a woman who lives on the Wolf River
near a town called Pearson.
In 1963 Helen was a leader
in stopping a company from building a dam
that would have changed
the Wolf River from its natural state.
This is Helen's story. [end of spoken]

Now just what is that a caretaker does?
She takes care of the things she loves.
A forest or a lake or even a snake that slithers.
For Helen Sanvidge, it was the Wolf River.

Chorus:
These are the words that Helen said:
"You don't own the river, it is loaned to you
You better take care of it,
it's up to you."

In 1963 near a town called Pearson
The Wolf River flowed over rocks and sand.
The fishing was good and the scenery was grand,
but the river was about to need a helping hand.

A company came in- wanted to build a dam
They said it would be good for the river and for man.
It would create a big lake, a lot of people would come.
They'd spend a lot of money and have a lot of fun.

(CHORUS repeated)

Now Helen went to her father, said, "What should I do?
They say the dam will be good for me and for you."
Father said, "Helen, now here is what to do.
If you believe that you're right you have to follow it through."

So Helen and her husband, they laid out a plan.
They started a petition to stop that dam.
She went door-to-door and said,
"Would you sign this please?
This petition will help save our river and our trees."

(CHORUS repeated)

Now a lot of people signed that petition, you see.
It was given to those who make the laws for you and me.
The legislature said, "There'll be no permit for the dam."
Now Helen and the town, they were as happy as a clam.

(CHORUS repeated)

Repeat verse one