Why SCOTUS does not want to visit Asheville
Image from The Grove Park Inn.
The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., is standing by to house the U.S. Supreme Court in the event of an enemy attack.
Never mind that the agreement for emergency accommodations was signed with court officials in 1956. The hotel’s marketing director, Tracey Johnston-Crum, tells the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) that the contract remains in effect because there was no termination date. “As far as the Grove Park Inn is concerned, we would be happy to welcome the court,” Johnston-Crum said. A court spokeswoman declined to comment.
Formerly secret documents detailing the plan were unearthed by Bill Geerhart, described in the article as a “Cold War trivia maven.” The agreement says the Supreme Court would immediately take possession of hotel facilities upon attack. Follow-up negotiations would provide for a formal lease and rental compensation.
Several current and former justices “said they were unaware the court had readied for the first Monday after Armageddon,” the story reports.
“My wife has been suggesting a trip to Asheville for some time,” said Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., “but I don’t think this is what she has had in mind.”
