Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 055 1970

Year Book Dutchess County Historical Society Volume 55

1970

Baltus B. Van Kleeck, Editor The Year Book is published after the end of the year and includes reports of the activities of the society during the year. Copies are mailed to those members whose dues are paid for the current year. Address: The Dutchess County Historical Society, Box 88, Poughkeepsie, New York.

Copyright 1971 by the Dutchess County Historical Society

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DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS—MEMBERSHIP—DUES

MEETINGS: At least two meetings of the Society are held each year, the annual meeting in the spring and a meeting and pilgrimage in the fail.

Other meetings and social gatherings are arranged from time to time.

MEMBERSHIP: Anyone with an interest in history is welcome as a member. Membership in the Society may be obtained by making application to the Secretary, Box 88, Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon the payment of dues members are elected by the Trustees or at a meeting of the Society.

DUES: Annual dues, $3.00; Joint membership (husband and wife), $5.00; Life membership, $75.00. Annual dues are payable on January 1st. of each year. These payments carry with them the right to vote, to hold office, and to take part in the proceedings of the Society.

YEAR BOOK: Upon the payment of dues at time of election, a new member will be mailed a copy of the last published Year Book. Year Books are mailed only to those members whose dues are paid to date. One copy is mailed to a joint membership.

DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Incorporated under the laws of the State of New York December 21, 1918 Certificate of Incorporation filed in the office of the Clerk of Dutchess County Book 10 of Corporations page 153

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OCCASIONAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1916—PAMPHLET, Troutbeck, A Dutchess County Homestead; by Charles E. Benton. Out of print.

1924—COLLECTIONS, VOL. I; Poughkeepsie, The Origin and Meaning of the Word; by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $5.00) 1924

COLLECTIONS, VOL. II; Old Gravestones of Dutchess County, New York; collected and edited by J. Wilson Poucher, M.D., and Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $20.00)

1928—COLLECTIONS, VOL. III; Records of the Town of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York; edited by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Edition exhausted.

1930—COLLECTIONS, VOL. IV; Notices of Marriages and Deaths in Newspapers printed at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 1778-1825; compiled and edited by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $5.00) 1932—COLLECTIONS, VOL. V; Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of New Hackensack, Dutchess County, New York; edited by Maria Bockee Carpenter Tower. (Price $10.00) 1938—COLLECTIONS, VOL. VI; Eighteenth Century Records of the portion of Dutchess County, New York that was included in Rombout Precinct and the original Town of Fishkill. Collected by William Willis Reese. Edited by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. Edition exhausted.

1940—CoLLEcnoNs, VOL. VII; Records of Crum Elbow Precinct, Dutchess County. Edited by Franklin D. Roosevelt. (Price $10.00) 1958—CoLLEcnoNs VOL. VIII; Family Vista, the Memoirs of Margaret Chanler Aldrich. (Price 500 1967—PAMPHLET, illustrated, VOL. IX; The Glebe House, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1767., Edited by a committee of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie. Price 500) Historical Society Year Books, Vol. 1 through Vol. 54 (Price: $1.75) each Vol. 55 (Price: $3.00) each Dutchess County Historical Society Mrs. Albert E. Powers, Curator c/o Adriance Memorial Library Poughkeepsie, New York 3

CONTENTS Secretary's Minutes

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Treasurer's Report

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Curator's Report

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Glebe House Report

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Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, 1880-1970 Joseph W. Emsley

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Die Pfaltz James L. Lumb

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Rochdale Edmund Van Wyck

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Lane Brothers Joseph W. Emsley

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Lane Motor Vehicle Co., Advertisements

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Dutchess County Quakers and Slavery Dell T. Upton

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Annual Pilgrimage

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Shultzville Ruth M. Hoyt

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Clinton Corners Friends Church Mabel K. Burhans

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Westminster Presbyterian Church Rev. Carl T. Voth

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Early Railroads in Dutchess County Lyndon A. Haight

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The Reverend Mr. William Whittaker Judith K. Stewart and Clifford Buck

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Society Meeting, November 19, 1970

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Appointed Historians of Dutchess County

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Historical Societies of Dutchess County

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Historical Society Membership List

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The Dutchess County Historical Society cannot be responsible for statements made by contributors, although an effort is made for historical accuracy in the publication.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ralph E. Van Kleeck Walter Averill, 2nd Frank V. Mylod Balms B. Van Kleeck Mrs. Albert E. Powers

President Vice President at Large Secretary Treasurer Curator

Terms ending 1971 Mrs. Peter R. Mund Mrs. Albert E. Powers

Roscoe A. Balch, Ph.D. Edmund Van Wyck

Terms ending 1972 Mrs. Mary Bogardus Mrs. Paul M. Courtney

Joseph W. Emsley Herbert S. Roig

Terms ending 1973 Mrs. John C. Smith Thomas J. Boyce

Clifford M. Buck DeWitt Gurnell

Terms ending 1974 Mrs. Lawrence M. McGinnis Robert B. Breed

Franklin A. Butts H. Wilson Guernsey

VICE PRESIDENTS REPRESENTING TOWNS AND CITIES Mrs. J. E. Spingarn Mrs. Irving Picard Mrs. F. Philip Hoag James Budd Rymph George Whalen Mrs. Charles Boos Miss Edith Van Wyck Mrs. John Mulford Hackett Miss Hazel Skidmore Baltus B. Van Kleeck, Jr. Walter W. Davis Mrs. Fred Daniels Mrs. William B. Jordan Miss Agnes K. Bower Miss Annette I. Young Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Miss

Charles E. Robinton Donald E. Norton Silas Frazer Roland F. Bogle Louise H. Tompkins

Town of Amenia City of Beacon Town of Beekman Town of Clinton Town of Dover Town of East Fishkill Town of Fishkill Town of Hyde Park Town of LaGrange Town of Milan Town of North East Town of Pawling Town of Pine Plains Town of Pleasant Valley Town of Poughkeepsie City of Poughkeepsie Town of Stanford Town of Red Hook Town of Rhinebeck Town of Wappinger Town of Washington 5

SECRETARY'S MINUTES ANNUAL MEETING, MAY 16, 1970.

The Annual Meeting of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held on May 16, 1970 at the County Home and Farm Center, Route 44.

The President of the Society, Ralph Van Kleeck, presided and about fifty members were present. Refreshments were served prior to the meeting. Mrs. Paul M. Courtney and Mrs. Albert Powers were in charge of the arrangements for the meeting.

President Van Kleeck announced that since Secretary Mylod was not able to be present, he had appointed Mrs. Albert Powers to act as Secretary.

Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the reading of the minutes of the last annual meeting were omitted since the minutes had been published in the 1969 Year Book.

Mrs. Powers, Curator, of the Society, reported that the Society collection at the Adriance Library is being catalogued and she invited the members to visit the Library to see how the collection is arranged and to make use of the valuable articles and records stored there.

Mrs. Courtney, chairman of the Glebe House Committee, gave a report and announced the 1970 Glebe House Committee. Representing the Historical Society. In addition to the chairman the following have been appointed to the committee: Mrs. Lawrence Heaton, Mrs. Ralph Van Kleeck, Mrs. Peter Mund, Balms B. Van Kleeck, and Edmund Van Wyck. The Junior League is represented by Mrs. Loren Staub, Jr., Mrs. Walter Averill, Mrs. Andrew Mund, Mrs. Sue Blodgett, Mrs. Candy Lewis, Mrs. Samuel A. Moore, Mrs. Nancy Miller and Mrs. C. B. Schmidt. Mrs. Warren Partridge will act as a consultant, and Mrs. Arlene Bondos, community representative. Mrs. Courtney reported that the slide collection of the Glebe House had been shown many times at many schools of the County during the past winter and called attention that the slides were available to anyone wishing to show them. The Glebe House chairman stated that during 1970 it was the hope of the committee that some more furniture will be acquired for Glebe House.

Secretary Frank V. Mylod, in a letter dated April 7, 1970, recommended the passage of a resolution which had been submitted to the members in the notice of the annual meeting, as follows: "Resolved that the Dutchess County Historical Society's Certificate of Incorporation be amended by adding a new provision to be numbered I-A, reading as follows: • In pursuing its purpose the Society shall not engage in propaganda or political activity; shall not be operated for profit and all income and earnings shall be used exclusively for the purpose of the Society; no part of the net income, earnings or assets shall inure to the benefit or profit of any member and in the event of dissolution, all of the assets of the Society, after the payment or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities, shall be distributed to the Historical Society or Societies of Dutchess County which at the time shall qualify as exempt organizations, all to be

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in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and any amendments thereto."

Upon motion by Mr. Van Wyck, seconded by Mr. Robert Breed, the resolution was passed.

The Treasurer, Balms B. Kleeck, reported that the annual report had been published in the 1969 Year Book. He stated that at this date, May 16, 1970, the Society had no accounts payable and $166.00 in accounts receivable represented by the unpaid dues of 46 members. He stated the membership of the Society consisted of 2 Honorary members, 31 life members, 187 Joint (husband and wife) members and 370 single members, a total of 714 individuals and organizations. The total assets of the Society, bank accounts, bonds and stocks at investment value amounted to $143,330.75.

He also reported that the securities of the Society continued to be kept in a safe deposit box at the Dutchess Bank & Trust Company, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The nominating committee for 1970 was composed of Mrs. Courtney, Walter Averill and Balms B. Van Kleeck, chairman. The chairman gave the following report of those members chosen by the committee to fill the various terms as Trustees of the Society: Trustees for a term of four years: Mrs. Chalmer L. Strain Robert B. Breed H. Wilson Guernsey Mrs. Lawrence M. McGinnis Trustee for a term of three years to fill a vacancy: Mrs. John C. Smith Trustee for a term of two years to fill a vacancy: Joseph W. Emsley Trustee for a term of one year to fill a vacancy: Edmund Van Wyck The President called for further nominations from the floor. It was moved, seconded and carried that those proposed by the nominating committee be elected.

The Treasurer announced that the following had been elected to membership: Dorothy E. Smith, Mrs. Sheldon Travis, Mr. Frank Pultz and Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ferens.

He also announced with regret the deaths of three prominent members of the Society: Dr. Monroe Bevier, Kenneth Vincent, and Dr. Henry Noble Mac-Cracken.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned upon motion made.

President Ralph Van Kleeck welcomed and introduced the speaker of the day, Mr. Harry Rigby, Jr., the well known historian of Ulster County.

He gave the members a very interesting address which was entitled "A New Look at the Hudson Valley". His detailed account of the Valley was of great interest to the members present who were indeed privileged to have Mr. Rigby join us at the 1970 meeting of the Dutchess County Historical Society.

Wilhelmina Powers, Acting Secretary 7

TRUSTEE MEETING JANUARY 29, 1970 A Meeting of the Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held at the Adriance Library, January 29, 1970 with the following present: Ralph Van Kleeck, President, presiding and Trustees Averill, Balch, Powers and B. Van Kleeck present. Due to the absence of Secretary Frank Mylod, Balms Van Kleeck was asked to take the minutes of the meeting.

The report of the Secretary was read. Resignations from the Society were received from John Gindele, Miss Laura Delano, Miss Gertrude Allen and Ralph Winans, and were accepted with regret.

The following new members had qualified for membership, their dues having been received: Donald Lane, Jr., Carl Joseph Vicoli, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Giorando, and Mrs. Charles Robinson.

The following have been notified of their election to membership subject to the payment of the annual dues: Richard Medrick, Joseph Braswell, Mrs. Philip Fisher, Mrs. Warren Partridge, Jr., Mr. F. Sydney Smithers, 4th., Mrs. Karen Hong, Mr. & Mrs. Gene Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Labrinos, Mr. & Mrs. John Green, Mr. & Mrs. Shelby, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Green.

The Secretary reported 17 members had been dropped from the list due to non-payment of dues. After some discussion it was the feeling of the Board of Trustees that the Treasurer should bill those whose 1969 dues were unpaid again on the first of February.

For the Glebe House Committee, Balms Van Kleeck reported a new caretaker had been engaged, Frederick Meier. He also stated that the stoverefrigerator was worn out and would have to be replaced at a cost of about $500.00. It was voted to increase the Glebe House budget to $1,800.00 for 1970 hoping this increase of $200.00 would cover our share of the new equipment.

Ralph Van Kleeck reported that he had appointed the following to serve on the Glebe House Committee for 1970: Mrs. Arlene Bondos, Mrs. Ralph Van Kleeck, Mrs. Jean B. Courtney, Edmund Van Wyck, Mrs. Jane Heaton, Mrs. Peter Mund and Balms Van Kleeck.

The Treasurer gave a summary of the 1969 report, the full report to

be printed in the Year Book. He stated the total assets of the Society amounted to $141,094.94, composed of Savings Bank accounts, Bonds, Stocks and a checking account, and that the asset figure was based on the investment value in the case of bonds and stocks. He stated that 60% of the dues for 1970 had been paid. The Treasurer also reported a gift of $1,000.00 from Mrs. A. Curtis Bogert of Baltimore, Maryland with the request that the gift be added to the Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Fund. Mrs. Bogert is a Life Member of the Historical Society. A motion was passed 8

thanking Mrs. Bogert for her splendid donation and ordered it added to the Reynolds Fund.

President Ralph Van Kleeck announced the appointment of Walter Averill chairman of the Entertainment Committee, and that two meetings were scheduled at the Mid-Hudson Library, February 26th. and March 19th.

A letter dated January 9, 1970 to the Secretary Frank V. Mylod from the Internal Revenue Service stating the Tax exempt status of the Society was being studied by the I.R.S. at their Manhattan office.

The Trustees made an inspection of the Historical Society room on the third floor of the Adriance Library and it was decided to discuss with Mr. Arnold Sable, Librarian, ways and means of improving the room so that it would be more usable and comfortable for those wishing to study our materials stored in that area.

The Meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

Balms B. Van Kleeck Acting Secretary.

TRUSTEE MEETING APRIL 9, 1970 A meeting of the Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held at Glebe House on April 9, 1970. President Ralph Van Kleeck presided and the following Trustees were present: Herbert Roig, Walter Averill, Mrs. Courtney, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Bogardus, Dr. Balch, Mr. Van Wyck. Balms Van Kleeck acted as Secretary due to the absence of Frank V. Mylod.

The minutes of the January meeting were read and accepted.

The Secretary's report stated that the following had been proposed for membership in the Society, that their dues had been received and that the Secretary recommended their election: Mrs. Peter Haslem, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Reifler, Mr. & Mrs. Shelty, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Green, Mrs. P. B. Clark, Mrs. Catherine Hayden, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark, Mrs. Isabelle Woodin, Mr. & Mrs. Leon Froats, Mr. & Mrs. John Green, Mr. & Mrs. Edward VK. Cunningham, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Takacs, Mrs. Arthus Hayden, Mrs. Warren Partridge, Jr., Mrs. P. B. Maguire, Mr. & Mrs. Manley L. I3erhans, and Mr. & Mrs. Lyman DePuy. Upon motion they were elected to the Society.

The Secretary further reported that the following had been proposed for membership and he recommended they be elected, subject to the payment of dues: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Murell, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Tschudin.

Upon motion which was passed they were elected subject to payment of dues.

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The Secretary reported with regret the death of the following members: Miss Elizabeth Hasbrouck, Miss Florence McCaleb, Mrs. Gerald Morgan, a life member.

The Treasurer reported the total assets of the Society as of April 9th were $142,014.77 consisting of a checking account, accounts in mutual Savings Bank, common stocks and bonds. There were no accounts payable and $243.00 in accounts receivable consisting of dues. The April payment to the Junior League had not been made, pending a statement from the League.

The Treasurer reported that the Society had been made honorary members of the Little Nine Partners Historical Society and of the Amenia Historical Society and an active member of the Fishkill Historical Society.

Mr. Averill, chairman of the Entertainment Committee, reported on two winter meetings of the Society held at the Mid-Hudson Library Building. Mr. Averill was the speaker at the first and Mr. Kenneth Hasbrouck at the second meeting. Over a hundred members and their guests attended.

The Annual Meeting of the Society was scheduled for Saturday, May 16th at the Farm Bureau Building, Millbrook. N. Y. Notice of said meeting will be mailed to the membership and said notice will contain a provision to be added to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Society in order to insure the tax exempt status of the Society.

An extended discussion followed concerning a report from the special committee for Glebe House furnishings which indicated it was the feeling of the committee that only original pieces of furniture be acquired hereafter and suggesting that the Historical Society allot the sum of $1,000.00 per year for such furniture. It was the feeling of all trustees present that Glebe House be developed as a usable place with furniture of a suitable period and that reproductions of furniture and fixtures should be used from time to time. It was recommended that the Glebe House committee be informed of the Trustees' attitude, also that if and when furniture became available the Society would look with favor on making purchases.

Mrs. Bogardus advised the Trustees of certain plans of the New York State Highway Department for making Fishkill's Main Street wider thus destroying all the trees and changing that lovely street materially. Several trustees were very much aware of this proposal and felt strongly that our Society should lend weight in stopping the proposed changes. Mr. Roig will head a committee to investigate further this unpleasant situation.

Mr. Ralph Van Kleeck asked Mrs. Courtney, Mr. Averill and Mr. Baltus Van Kleeck to serve on a nominating committee to report at the annual meeting in May. He asked Balms Van Kleeck to act as chairman.

The Trustees discussed continuing membership in the Hudson Valley Association and it was voted to continue membership at a cost of $50,00 for the year 1970.

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Mrs. Powers gave a report on her work as Curator. Her work during the past years has increased a great deal due to the fact that so many things of historical interest are being sent to us almost every day, as well as a large increase in letters of inquiry. It was voted to increase Mrs. POwers' fee to $150.00 per year, which is an added $50.00 and to engage, if possible, Miss Mary Jane Hays at $100.00 per year, to assist Mrs. Powers.

A letter was read from Dr. Lewis L. Tucker, Assistant Commissioner for State History, Albany, calling attention to bills before the State Senate and Assembly clarifying the responsibilities of the Office of State Historian including the appointment of a County Historian in each New York State County. The Board went on record of approving the bills and our representatives are to be so notified.

The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Balms B. Van Kleeck Acting Secretary

TRUSTEE MEETING JUNE 18, 1970 The following members were present: Mir. Walter Averill, Dr. Roscoe Balch, Mr. Thomas Boyce, Mrs. Mary Bogardus, Mr. Robert Breed, Mrs. Jean B. Courtney, Mr. Joseph Emsley, Mr. H. Wilson Guernsey, Mrs. Lawrence McGinnis, Mrs. Peter Mund, Mrs. John C. Smith, Mr. Ralph Van Kleeck.

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Ralph Van Kleeck, President, who said Frank Mylod, Secretary, was still ill and that Baltus Van Kleeck, Treasurer and Acting Secretary, had been called out of town unexpectedly. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting was dispensed with. The President read the Treasurer's report which the Treasurer had left at the Glebe House just before the meeting.

Treasurer's Report, June 18, 1970 There are no accounts payable and the accounts receivable consist of dues for 1970 still unpaid. Bills for dues were mailed June 1st.

The Finance Committee recommends that after the second quarter interest on savings accounts is credited the Society purchase about $10,000 in bonds for the Reynolds Fund, bonds that are legal for Trust Funds and Savings Banks in the State of New York. (Mr. Mylod was not present at the committee meeting. Mr. Gill and the Treasurer were present).

The Finance Committee recommends that the fee paid to Mrs. Joyce Ceroni be increased from $100.00 per year to $150.00 per year. Mrs. Ceroni is devoting a great deal of overtime due to the illness of Mr. Mylod.

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Dr. John Platt, representing the Estate of Miss Louise Platt, presented the Society with about 30 Society Year Books as well as a box of old newspapers and reports of the Associated Press dating back many years. The items will be delivered to the Library as soon as Mrs. Powers returns from vacation.

The Treasurer again calls attention to the fact that the Dutchess Bank has no record of the election of Ralph Van Kleeck, President, or Walter Averill, Vice-President and their signatures do not appear on the record for entry to our safety deposit box. The bank should be notified of their election in May 1969 and they should then stop at the Dutchess Bank. Due to Mr. Mylod's illness the Society cannot gain entrance to our box at the bank. ( signed) Baltus B. Van Kleeck Treasurer The Treasurer's report was accepted.

A motion was passed that the fee paid to Mrs. Joyce Ceroni, Assistant Secretary, be increased from $100 to $150 per year. A resolution was passed that Ralph Van Kleeck, President, and Walter Averill, Vice-President, as well as Frank Mylod, Secretary, and Baltus Van Kleeck, Treasurer, be appointed agents of the society to have access to the box in the vaults of the Dutchess Bank leased by the society. As the by-laws provide that two of these four officers be present for access to the box, this will permit the Treasurer to enter the box during Mr. Mylod's illness.

The resignation of trustee Mrs. Chalmer Strain was accepted. The President said the nominating committee will propose a replacement at the next meeting.

The President read a letter dated May 14 from Mr. L. L. Tucker, Assistant Commissioner for State History, the State Education Department, thanking the society for its support of the bill to reorganize the Office of State History, establish a State Archives and clarify the duties of the local historian. Mr. Tucker said the bill had been introduced late and did not pass, but he would ask that it be introduced early in the next session of the Legislature. There was considerable interest in the better preservation of historical documents. The President said he would again ask Senator Rolison and Assemblyman Betros to support the bill.

Mrs. Powers, who was not at this meeting, had reported that two men from the Mary Flagler Cary Trust had visited the society's room at the Adriance Library, inspected the material donated to the society by the trust, and were interested in improving the manner in which it was displayed and preserved. The President reported he then phoned Herbert Jacobi, administrator of the trust in New York City, and told him the trustees of our society were interested in rearranging and air conditioning our room, and asked whether funds might be available from the Trust. Mr. Jacobi said this was possible and it was agreed an estimate would be pre12

pared for further discussion. The President reported Mr. L. L. Tucker said he would send Mr. William Crocker of his staff to help with the estimate.

He said Mr. Crocker is experienced in designing archives. Walter Averill said he was meeting with Mr. Tucker the next day and would ask when Mr. Crocker would be available.

Mrs. Mund asked whether the Dutchess County Museum for Modern Living project was still active. It was recalled that some members had favored reconditioning the Poughkeepsie City Hall for the purpose, even though it might have to be moved to another site in the urban renewal area.

We discussed other sites which may become available and Mr. Guernsey was asked to investigate and report at the next board meeting.

Thomas Boyce spoke of the death of Kenneth Vincent of Dover Plains and of his work as assistant to Mr. Boyce as chairman of last year's pilgrimage of the society. A resolution was passed that Mrs. Vincent be notified of the respect of the society for Mr. Vincent and their appreciation of his work.

Preliminary plans were made for the 1970 annual pilgrimage. It was agreed to use busses and to set the tentative date for Saturday, September 26.

After discussing the features of the Beacon, Kingston, Millbrook and Town of Clinton areas, the Town of Clinton was agreed on. It was agreed that Joseph Emsley would work up a tentative itinerary with Clifford Buck and arrange for a trip over the route for timing. The President appointed the following to the pilgrimage committee: Walter Averill, Robert Breed, Clifford Buck, Dr. Franklin J. Butts, Mrs. Paul M. Courtney, Joseph Emsley, H. Wilson Guernsey, Mrs. Lawrence M. McGinnis and Balms B. Van Kleeck.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Ralph Van Kleeck Acting Secretary TRUSTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 1970 The Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society met at Glebe House on September 17, 1970. Ralph Van Kleeck, President of the Society, presided and the following were present: Mrs. Bogardus, Mrs. Powers. Mrs. McGinnis, Mrs. Smith, Messrs. Breed, Emsley, Van Wyck and B. Van Kleeck. Clifford Buck was also present by invitation.

The Secretary, Frank V. Mylod, was not present and Baltus Van Kleeck was asked to act as secretary of the; meeting.

The minutes of the June meeting of the Trustees were read and upon motion were accepted and ordered placed on file.

The Treasurer reported that there were no bills payable and accounts receivable amounted to $77.00, represented by the dues unpaid by seven 13

joint members and fourteen single memberships. The Treasurer reported the deaths of the following members: Mrs. Edwin S. Knauss, Mrs. Gerald Morgan, and Mr. Egbert Green.

A report from the Secretary stated that the following had been proposed for membership in the Society: J. Spotts McDowell of Pittsburg, Pa., and Mr. & Mrs. Robert MacGuiness of Poughkeepsie. They were elected by the Trustees.

Resignations of Trustees Strain and Wollenhaupt from the Board were presented and accepted with regret.

The nominating committee composed of Trustees Averill, Courtney and B. Van Kleeck recommended that the unexpired term of Mr. Wollenhaupt be filled by the election of Mr. Clifford Buck and that of Mrs. Strain be filled by the election of Dr. Franklin Butts. Upon motion which was seconded and passed, Mr. Buck and Dr. Butts were elected Trustees.

The nominating committee also reported that the Vice-Presidency representing the Town of Pawling was vacant due to the death of Mr. Egbert Green and the committee suggested that Mrs. Fred Daniels be elected to fill the vacany. Upon motion which was seconded and carried, Mrs. Fred Daniels was elected a Vice President to represent the Town of Pawling.

The committee called attention that the post of Vice-President representing the City of Poughkeepsie was vacant since the former representative had been elected a Trustee of the Society. It was decided to fill this vacancy at the next meeting of the Trustees.

President Ralph Van Kleeck stated he had met at the Adriance Library with Dr. Lewis L. Tucker, Deputy Commissioner of Education for the State of New York History, Mr. Kenneth Brock, Archivist of New York Education Department and our Curator, Mrs. Albert Powers. A survey had been made of the space at the Adriance Library devoted to the possessions of the Society. He stated that a report with recommendations would be forthcoming from Dr. Tucker and Mr. Brock.

Mrs. Courtney reported on the recent meeting of the Junior League and Historical Society joint Glebe House Committee. Mrs. Courtney stated that the City of Poughkeepsie suggested the installation of an air conditioning unit at Glebe House and that such a unit was available. She was requested to confer with officials of the City and make further investigation of the matter. Reporting further for the joint committee, Mrs. Courtney stated that the joint committee was continuing efforts to find proper furnishings for the Glebe House dining room. After a discussion by the Trustees it was voted to notify the joint committee that the Society would make available immediately the sum of $500.00 for the project and that when needed, the further amount of $1,000.00 would be forthcoming from the Historical Society.

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Continuing her report, Mrs. Courtney stated that the Glebe House committee had entertained at dinner on September 10th, 1970 representatives of the Poughkeepsie City Government. Those invited to attend were: The Mayor, the members of the Board of Aldermen. Commissioner of Finance, the Superintendent of Public Works, the City Manager, representatives of the Poughkeepsie Garden Club, the Junior League and the Dutchess County Historical Society. Those attending the dinner were: Aldermen Runza, Babiarz, Saintomas, Ose, and Aubrey B. Coons, John W. Nelson, Jr., James J. Mukare, the president of the Junior League, Mrs. David R. Hinkley, the president of the Poughkeepsie Garden Club, Mrs. Eugene B. Krieger, Ralph Van Kleeck and Balms Van Kleeck representing the Historical Society, Mrs. Lauren Straub and Mrs. Courtney representing the joint Glebe House Committee. Mrs. David Petrovits, Mrs. Albert Watson, Mrs. Peter Killiner, Mrs. Lawrence O'Clair and Mrs. Michael Graham, Provisional Members of the Junior League also served on the joint committee.

Mrs. Courtney stated that she felt the party had been a great success. The guests, after making a thorough tour of the house and grounds, expressed satisfaction with the property. The Trustees thanked Mrs. Courtney and Mrs. Straub and their assistants for their efforts and work in connection with the dinner party.

After a prolonged discussion, a majority of the Trustees voted to pay dues for the years 1969 and 1970 in the amount of $50.00 per year for membership in the Hudson River Association.

The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

Balms B. Van Kleeck, Acting Secretary.

TRUSTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 1970 A meeting of the Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held at Glebe House on Thursday, November 12, 1970. President Ralph Van Kleeck presided and the following Trustees were present: Emsley, Smith, Powers, Bogardus, Butts, Mund, Roig, McGinnis, Courtney, Van Wyck, Buck, and B. B. Van Kleeck. Because of the absence of the Secretary, B. B. Van Kleeck acted as the Secretary of the meeting.

The minutes of a meeting of the Trustees held September 17, 1970 were read and upon motion were accepted.

The Treasurer reported that there were no bills payable and that the accounts receivable amounted to $58.00, representing unpaid dues of five joint memberships and eleven single memberships. He also reported that the expenses of the Annual Pilgrimage had amounted to $418.75. The following had applied for membership in the Society since the last Trustee 15

Meeting: Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Kenealy, Dr. & Mrs. Austin Ehleider, Mr. & Mrs. Walter M. Steppacher, 3rd., Mr. & Mrs. C. B. Schmidt, 2nd., all of Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Blanche E. Greene of Staatsburg, N. Y., Dr. Russell B. Booth of Millbrook, N. Y., Mr. & Mrs. C. B. Podmaniczky of Pleasant Valley, N. Y., Mr. & Mrs. George A. Darlington of Hyde Park, N. Y., Mr. & Mrs. John Geisler of Verbank, N. Y., and Dr. & Mrs. John Jeanneney of Clinton Corners, N. Y. Their annual dues having been received, they were elected by a vote of the Trustees. The Treasurer further reported that Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Page of Hyde Park have been proposed for membership.

They were also elected to membership, subject to the payment of dues. The Trustees accepted with regret the resignation from the Society of Mrs. Mary C. Spofford of Poughkeepsie and recorded with deep regret the death of Mr. Arthur A. Wollenhaupt a former Trustee of the Society.

A letter from Mr. Kenneth Brock, relative to a survey he and Dr. Lewis L. Tucker, Deputy Commissioner for State History of the New York State Education Department made of the possessions of the Historical Society stored in the Adriance Memorial Library, was read. The communication contained many important suggestions for improving the care of our documents, books and maps etc., and included plans for more space in the Library if an addition is undertaken. It is a very through and valuable report. The president appointed a committee composed of Mr. Roig, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Emsley to study the report and to confer with our Curator, Mrs. Powers. A report of this committee will be made at a subsequent meeting of the Trustees.

A letter addressed to the president from Mr. William E. Seeley, a former resident of Poughkeepsie was read. Mr. Seeley expressed his willingness to contribute an article in the near future for publication in the Society Year Book for 1970.

The attention of the Trustees was called to a meeting of the Society to be held at the auditorium of the Mid-Hudson Library on November 19th at which time Dr. Lewis L. Tucker will speak. His topic is George Washington — Myth and Reality".

The president expressed the appreciation and thanks for the membership to Mr. Clifford Buck and his aides for the planning and management of the annual Pilgrimage held in October. About 170 members and their guests enjoyed this event.

A pilgrimage for 1971 was briefly discussed and President Van Kleeck appointed a committee for this event composed of Dr. Butts, chairman, Mrs. Mund and Baltus B. Van Kleeck.

Mrs. Albert Powers, our representative to the Dutchess County Historians Association and the Hudson Valley Historians Association, reported on meetings of these two organizations which had been held recently. Mrs. Powers also called attention to the Trustees to the fact that the supply of several publications sponsored by the Historical Society was now exhausted 16

and that the supply of others was very limited. She suggested that information be obtained relative to the possibility of having certain volumes which are in great demand reprinted. Mrs. Powers was asked to gather information in this regard and that the Trustees would study the matter as soon as possible.

Mrs. Courtney, Historical Society Chairman of the Glebe House Committee, repotted that the Glebe House custodian, Mr. Fred Meier, had died recently as the result of an accident. She stated that Mr. Meier had been very valuable in his position at Glebe House and that he would be sorely missed.

Mrs. Courtney stated that a committee representing the Historical Society and the Junior League was endeavoring to find a replacement for Mr. Meier and that several applicants had been interviewed. Mrs. Mund of the Glebe House Committee stated that a new lighting fixture had been purchased for the dining room and that it would be installed without delay. She informed the Trustees that a committee was considering other furnishings for this room. A lengthy discussion concerning rental of Glebe House took place and the representatives of the Glebe House committee from the Historical Society were asked to confer with the Junior League representatives relative to a future policy of rentals.

President Van Kleeck stated that the next meeting of the Trustees of the Historical Society would be held at Glebe House on January 21, 1971 and that a tentative date for a winter meeting of the Society had been selected, the third Thursday in February 1971.

There was no further business and the meeting stood adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

Baltus B. Van Kleeck Acting Secretary

SECRETARY'S REPORT On December 30th, 1970 the Dutchess County Historical Society has a membership numbering 626. There were 583 residents of New York State, 9 California, 1 Connecticut, 3 District of Columbia, 4 Florida, 1 Illinois, 3 Maryland. 2 Massachusetts, 1 New Hampshire, 7 New Jersey, 1 Oklahoma, 1 North Carolina, 3 Pennsylvania, 1 Rhode Island, 2 Vermont, 1 Virginia, 1 Utah, and 2 Canada. The membership included 17 Colleges, Historical Societies and Libraries. 68 new members were elected during 1970.

The Society records with regret the deaths of the following members: Egbert T. Green, Vice-President representing the Town of Pawling, Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, former President of the Society and an Honorary member, Mrs. Gerald Morgan, a life member, Miss Elizabeth Hasbrouck, Mrs. Edwin S. Knauss, Miss Florence McCaleb, Miss Louise B. Platt, Arthur F. Wollenhaupt, former Trustee, C. Kenneth Vincent, Dr. Monroe Bevier, and Dr. John M. Coulter.

Frank V. Mylod, Secretary 17

TREASURER'S REPORT Year Ending December 31, 1970.

Checking Account, Dutchess Bank & Trust Co. Balance January 1, 1970 Receipts $ 1,594.00 Dues 15.00 Donations Sale of Rights 22.00 Fund Transfers 8,156.76 $ 9,787.76

$ 1,420.21

9,787.76 $11,207.97

Disbursements Glebe House Postage Fees Dues Transfers to Reynolds Fund Pilgrimage & Meetings Year Book Binding Publications Petty Cash, Curator Miscellaneous

$ 1,746.14 120.40 400.00 157.00 3,305.00 643.34 1,429.40 81.37 20.00 51.40 $ 7,954.05 $ 7,954.05 3,253.92

Balance December 31, 1970

$11,207.97

GENERAL FUND Balance January 1, 1970 Receipts Interest

$ 4,649.18 $ 235.22 235.22 $ 4,844.40

Disbursements None $ 4,844.40

Balance December 31, 1970

$ 4,844.40

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HELEN WILKINSON REYNOLDS FUND (Publications) Balance January 1, 1970

$10,008.83

Receipts Interest Sale of Publications Transfer from Checking Account

$

600.68 398.05 3,300.00

$ 4,298.73 4,298.73 $14,307.56 Disbursements None Balance December 31, 1970

$14,307.56 $14,307.56

WILLIAM PLATT ADAMS FUND (Glebe House) $25,072.18

Balance January 1, 1970 (Bonds at Investment Values) Receipts Interest

$ 1,753.76 1,753.76 $26,755.94

Disbursements Transfer to Checking Account Balance December 31, 1970

$ 1,753.76 25,072.18 $26,775.94 $26,775.94

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WELLS FUND (General Purposes) $100,000.00

Balance December 31, 1970 (Bonds, Stocks at Investment Value, Savings Accounts) Receipts Interest Dividends Sale of Rights

$ 6,195.68 428.00 22.00 $ 6,645.68 6,645.68 $106,645.68

Disbursements Transfer to Checking Account Balance December 31, 1970

$ 6,425.00 100,220.68 $106,645.68 106,645.68

Balms B. Van Kleeck Treasurer.

Legislature passed bill changing Vassar Female College to name of Vassar College.

Diary of Matthew Vassar, Jr. January 23, 1867.

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CURATOR'S REPORT, 1970 The Curator has had a great many inqueries during the year concerning genealogical research, through the mail and at her desk at the Adriance Library. Historical Society publications continue to be in demand, especially the "Records of Crum Elbow", "Old Gravestones of Dutchess County", "Marriages and Deaths from Old Newspapers", and the volumes of Year Books of past years. A study is being made of having reprints made of certain of our publications that are no longer available.

The Historical Society has received many important additions to its collection of historic data during the past year. Mr. Joseph B. Bisbee has sent several items concerning the opening of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, Mr. Joseph Petz contributed an interesting "Day Book 1877-78" used by William Frost, a plumber, and Mr. Edmund Van Wyck continues to add many interesting articles to the collection. Miss Katherine Wodell of Millbrook sent the Society seventy three items: deeds, mortgages and leases pertaining to properties in Dutchess County, and Miss Mary Hicks, Wappingers Falls, also added deeds and letters in connection with County lands.

The space assigned to the Historical Society at the Adriance Library is rather limited. A committee of the Society Trustees is studying the matter and it is hoped that before long more space, better lighting and perhaps air conditioning will improve the area.

Wilhelmina B. Powers Curator, Dutchess County Historical Society.

Ice boats on the River. Race to New Hamburg and back, 12 miles in 11 minutes. Greatest record.

Diary of Matthew Vassar, Jr. February 21, 1871.

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GLEBE HOUSE REPORT The Glebe House at 635 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, stands not only as an example of an 18th century house, but also as an example of what can be accomplished by the combined interest and effort of civic minded groups working together.

The property is owned by the City of Poughkeepsie. The Dutchess County Historical Society and the Junior League of Poughkeepsie lease the property from the City and are its joint custodians; the Poughkeepsie Garden Club continues its program of improving the grounds in accordance with a long range landscape design which was purchased by the Club a number of years ago.

In April the Poughkeepsie Garden Club presented three lilac bushes which were planted in traditional fashion by Mrs. Eugene B. Krieger, Garden Club president, Mrs. David R. Hinkley, Junior League president, and by Seventh Ward Alderman Edward G. Ose. Following the tree planting ceremony, the Garden Club members were honored at a tea which was attended by James J. Mulcare, City Manager; John Nelson, Superintendent of Public Works; Herbert W. Saltford, Superintendent of Parks; Police Officer Bailey, and Alderman Ose, in addition to many members of the Garden Club, Junior League, and Historical Society. The affair was arranged by Mrs. Samuel A. Moore and the delicious and unusual cakes and tea sandwiches were provided and served by Provisional members of the Junior League.

On September 10, 1970, as an expression of appreciation for their cooperation, the Poughkeepsie City officials and aldermen were entertained at dinner at Glebe House. Mrs. Hinldey and Mrs. Krieger joined the Glebe House Committee as hostesses for the guests who included Messrs.

Mulcare, Nelson, Coons, Runza, Babiarz, Saintomas and Ose. Completing the roster of 1970 special events at Glebe House was the Christmas Open House of December 6th. More than 500 guests entered the 18th century home and were greeted by charming hostesses in costumes of the period. "Dutch Christmas" was the theme carried out in the decorations and refreshments. Also, Dutch cookies and breads were on sale.

General chairman for the event was Mrs. Albert J. Blodgett, Jr. Again, Mrs. S. Vein-ia Pugsley served as decorating consultant. Other committee members for this successful party were: Mrs. David E. PetroVits, decorations; Mrs. Peter Killmer, baked goods; Mrs. R. Tallbot Miller, publicity.

Although special events play a very important role in the life of the Glebe House Committee, there is also a great deal of day to day activity — and work. The house is open for visitors every day except Wednesday and Sunday between 1 P.M. and 5 P.M., or by special appointment. During 1970 a total of 1,927 people, some individually and some in groups, were taken on guided tours of Glebe House by the custodian.

In October we were saddened by the death of our custodian, Mr. Fred Meier following a tragic automobile accident. As a result, the house was closed for about a month. The committee felt fortunate in securing Mr. Jeremiah O'Kane to take over the duties of custodian in November, at which time the house was reopened on the regular schedule.

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The fine slide series, with the accompanying taped commentary has been shown by Junior League members in many area schools and at a meeting of the Wappingers Historical Society. It should be noted that this program is available to any organization upon request directed to the chairman, Mrs. R. Tallbot Miller, Sunset Trail, Clinton Corners.

Mr. Nelson and Mr. George Pascoe have been most helpful in having necessary maintenance work done this year, including: scraping and painting inside and outside window frames and sills; repairing outside patio door in east kitchen; repairing shingles across back roof; nailing and painting siding on frame addition in rear; connecting burglar alarm; bringing electric outlet to center of dining room ceiling and installing new fixture; repairing, scraping and painting windows at head of stairs; repairing and painting plaster in bathroom; painting and repairing flashing around master bedroom chimney.

A used central air-conditioning unit has been given to Glebe House and will be installed soon.

A new kitchen unit composed of a four burner electric stove, oven, refrigerator and sink has been installed and is in use.

A light fixture, Ruby reproduction, has been installed in the dining room; and a Hepplewhite style dining room table has been ordered and will be in place soon. Mr. Edmund Van Wyck has given a beautiful chair which has been placed in the Glebe House parlor.

It has been a real privilege for me to serve with Mrs. Straub and other members of the Glebe House committee from the Junior League, the Historical Society, and the Poughkeepsie Garden Club.

Respectfully submitted, Jean B. Courtney Historical Society Co-Chairman GLEBE HOUSE COMMITTEE 1970 Mrs. Lauren C. Straub, Junior League Co-Chairman Mrs. Paul M. Courtney, Historical Society Co-Chairman Mrs. C. B. Schmidt, 2nd, Secretary Miss Monica Gosse, Treasurer Mrs. Albert J. Blodgett Jr., Special Events Mrs. Samuel A. Moore, Special Events Mrs. R. Tallbot Miller, Publicity Mrs. Herbert S. Roig, Junior League Sustaining Representative Mrs. Walter Averill, 2nd, Garden Club Representative Mrs. ' Chalmer L. Strain, Garden Club Representative Mrs. Andrew R. Mund HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVES

Mrs. ,Peter R. Mund, Chairman of Restoration Mrs. Warren Partridge, Consultant Mrs. Lawrence Heaton Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Van Kleeck Mr. Baltus B. Van Kleeck Mr. Edmund Van Wyck 23

Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken 1880-1970 24

DR. HENRY NOBLE MAC CRACKEN 1880-1970

by Joseph W. Emsley

Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, outstanding 20th century president and leader in Vassar College's development, and a civil rights leader in the educational field of the United States, also found time to become a champion of Dutchess County's place in history. He topped his sure place as an educator in the community with a two-volume history of Dutchess which adds immeasurably to other leading annals of his chosen home county.

During his leisurely days as president emeritus of Vassar College, Dr. MacCracken found time to write "Old Dutchess Forever" and "Blithe Dutchess" in not only a scholarly review of the development of the county, but an excellent story about its people and their comings and goings in the burgeoning growth of the community. A liberal and a progressive, Dr. MacCracken applied his scholarly background and pursuits to tell us many things we didn't fully realize about ourselves. And for the most part his writings are highly readable because of constant entertaining wit in his treatment of the subjects at hand.

The Dutchess County Historical Society is indebted to Dr. MacCracken because his activity included three years service as president of the society and his contribution of articles to its Year Book. Moreover, he made frequent appearances before interested audiences and added to his listeners knowledge about their home county. Although seldom departing from his scholarly approach to his subjects in such appearances, he was never high brow and livened his talks with wit and fund of entertaining tales and sidelights on local history.

Dr. MacCracken's most meaty contribution to Dutchess County history probably was in his first volume about the development and early growth of the County. In this book, "Old Dutchess Forever", he drew upon his special work, after retirement from Vassar College's presidency, assembling and assimilating thousands of old records in the Dutchess County Courthouse as a job for the county.

But Dr. MacCracken's appraisal of old documents presented a new, more penetrating review of early Dutchess developments as a whole than had ever been done before. Helen Wilkinson Reynolds, an equally brilliant and excellent County historian had done scores of specialized articles about Dutchess, many of them much more painstaking, it seems, than Dr. MacCracken's. His salutes to her were in grateful acknowledgement to her, no question. However, he broadened his own outlook to embrace a comprehensive and captivating review of the county's early development. This does not discount such outstanding works of Miss Reynolds as "Dutchess County Doorways", and "Dutch Houses of the Hudson Valley". She undoubtedly did a more thorough job than any other County historian.

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Dr. MacCracken told fascinatingly of the emergence of the early inhabitants of Dutchess — the Indians, the Dutch, the Palatine settlers from Germany, the Scots, the Irish. By singling out the exploits of such early dwellers as the Wappinger Indians' Chief Daniel Nimham,, Catherina Brett, daughter of patentee Francis Rombout, whom he hailed as the first lady of Dutchess, and William Prendergast, the eastern Dutchess agrarian, a champion of poor peoples' rights and their possessions, he pictured the early train of events in the slow but sure growth of the county.

NOt diminishing the worth of the Dutch settlers and the arrival of such nationality families as the Scoth and Irish, he said, gave "color to the sober Dutch, and their gaiety, impetuousness and spice made a good component to the decoction of the Dutchess temperament."

As for Madame Brett, Dr. MacCracken credited her with remarkably fair treatment of the Indians in the transfer of properties. Holder of one of the largest patents, southweastern Dutchess, he complimented her with smart business dealings and yet conciliating the native Indians. Other historians had much to say about Madame Brett, but she really comes to life in the late college president's writings. As a linguist, he was captivated by her documents, all highly intelligent, he said, but in phonetic spelling.

She rode on horseback as she surveyed her extensive holdings, from the present Beacon northeast over a wide acreage into the present Town of Poughkeepsie and beyond. She apparently got along well with the Indians, protecting them in their property holdings to their apparent satisfaction.

As for personalities such as Daniel Nimham, the southern Dutchess Indian chief, Dr. MacCracken related with obvious relish in his defense of property rights, Nimham's voyage to England and an audience with King George the Third to present his land grievances. The Wiccopee chieftain made his trip in what Dr. MacCracken described as the nick of time. Six months later, he said, Nimham might have been jailed. As matters turned out, Nimham and his aides were showered with presents and fancy gear for their appearance before the King, and no end of liquor with the colorful receptions.

Always the defender of property rights of the disadvantaged, Dr. MacCracken wrote at one point that "The settlement of the country had been attended by such dishonesty and graft in the land-grabbing that any verdict which set matters to right would be sure to furnish a precedent for upsetting other patents and the whole rotten edifice would tremble."

Nimham somehow received better treatment in his defense of the Indian land claims than had been anticipated. Madam Brett, among the personalities involved, received at least a part of the credit for having befriended the Indians and having dealt fairly with them.

Dr. MacCracken was a staunch defender of the activities of William Prendergast, the agrarian, during an anti-rent period in the development of land holdings of early Dutchess. The late Vassar president said that Prendergast's purpose was "to restore poor people to their possessions." In 26

this connection, the historian said that the so-called anti-rent period initially was marked by a question of land titles rather than rent. The Palatines from Germany, who initially occupied lands of the Lord of Livingston Manor in what is now upper Dutchess and lower Columbia counties, were to some extent, he wrote, involved in land disputes, always seeking to be self supporting.

The Palatines were none too happy over jobs assigned to them of producing tar and turpentine from pine timber lands. These settlers sought to work the lands for their own sustenance and independent living.

Dr. MacCracken warmed to his recital of events which marked William Prendergast's determination to go all out in his defense of the poor and their possessions. The story turns to Prendergast's report to Beverly Robinson, storekeeper, that he, the agrarian, was motivated to fight the land rents because of the "largeness of the debts and shortness of leases". This was the cause of the area uprising which he headed, he said, not because he paid any rent, because he didn't but because "this is for the good of the county and I am so far engaged I will not turn back."

Prendergast was arrested for treason and tried at a special session of court in Poughkeepsie. He was convicted and sentenced to be hanged, but a recommendation for mercy was included by the jury. Going to Prendergast's rescue was his wife, Mehibatel Wing Prendergast, a young mother of five. On the completion of the trial, she sped on horseback to New York where from Governor Harry Moore she obtained a reprieve for her husband and "good hopes" of a pardon, which ultimately was received.

The family finally settled at the lower end of Lake Chattaugua where Prendergast's son, James, was celebrated as the founder of Jamestown. With typical great, good humor, Dr. MacCracken said of the turn of events for the Prendergast family, "The history of New York would have contained brighter pages if all its Irish-Presbyterians had married all of its Quaker maids.

There were not enough Mehibatel Wings to go around."

One of the principal achievements of Dr. MacCracken historically was to detail the developments of Dutchess County's acquisition of some 50,000 acres of land by the Treaty of Dover, signed May 14, 1731. Thus a strip of land on the eastern Dutchess County border, known as the Oblong, was transferred to the County. The local historian said, again with regard to civil rights, the Oblong settlement provided the legal basis for the celebrated case of John Peter Zenger that establishes the law of libel and freedom of the press.

The strip extended south into the present Putnam County. Dr. MacCracken said that without the Treaty of Dover, Putnam County would never have been named for a Connecticut general who commanded troops in defense of Dutchess County. He added that "Sybil Ludington, our Dutchess Revere might not have ridden through the night to rally her father's militia to the defense of Danbury nor men of Danbury marched away to fight at 27

Saratoga." Actually, the terms of settlement were not finally reached by action of Congress until 1881. The Oblong was some 60 miles long and four-fifths of a mile wide, 50 miles of the strip remaining in Dutchess before, as the historian put it, Dutchess "trimmed Putnam's flounce off her skirt."

Dr. MacCracken's interests were so universal that he was frequently reminded of the helping hand he had given to many persons. This was particularly noticeable during his still active years as president emeritus of Vassar College.

We were reminded in early 1968 of a particular way in which his friendships to others were rewarded — that of books that were dedicated to him. In 1967 he received two additions to an already long list of persons and institutions setting forth their appreciation of his aid. One was to Dr. MacCracken from Stephen P. Mizwa, editor of the "Great Men and Women of Poland", which was published by the Kosciusko Foundation. Dr. MacCracken, as the dedication page set forth, was co-founder of that foundation and during its first three decades served as its president and board chairman.

Dr. MacCracken and also Dr. J. Howard Howson, who was professor of religion at Vassar, were honored by a dedication to the book, "Old First", a history of the Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie written by the Rev. Edwin C. Coon, pastor of the Fair Street Reformed Church of Kingston.

The diversity of interests of both Dr. and Mrs. MacCracken were recalled in the dedication of the book "Great Men and Women of Poland".

The couple befriended Pitirim A. Sorokin, who became a member of the Harvard University faculty. Professor Sorokin is recalled to have received help from Dr. and Mrs. MacCracken when he first came to the United States. They aided him in his study of the English language and in his first lectures, some of them before Vassar students.

Dr. MacCracken was 89 when he died Thursday, May 7, 1970, having made his home with Mrs. MacCracken at their home at 87 New Hackensack Road, Town of Poughkeepsie. He was president of Vassar College from 1915 to 1946.

The Vassar president's defense of civil rights and particularly those of young women was first strikingly demonstrated when he came out in favor of women's suffrage. This was a shocker to some of the Vassar officials. To many persons women's colleges were regarded as finishing schools for protected young ladies. But Dr. MacCracken, probably having founder Matthew Vassar in mind, for he was well aware that Vassar wanted to increase young women's opportunities, stuck by his position in favor of extending voter's rights to women.

Dr. MacCracken was an early civil rights worker in race relations activities as early as 1945. At an international conference of Christians and Jews at Oxford, England, in 1946, the college president, as an American 28

delegate, said in part, "Religious hatred is a disease. It is contagious and epidemic."

Dr. MacCracken's college work did not bar him from taking part in outside activities. In 1917 he became chief of the Division of Instruction, Resource Mobilization Bureau of New York State. He became national director of the American Red Cross taking charge of its junior memberships and school activities. During World War I he was a member of the Committee on Lectures and Entertainment in training camps for the national YMCA. He became a member of the National Committee of the League to Enforce Peace. In the summer of 1920, he represented Howard P. Davison at the League of Red Cross Societies and in the development of Red Cross organizations in Europe.

Among numerous scholarly pursuits, Dr. MacCracken lectured on American education at Copenhagen, Lund, Stockholm, Upsala, Helsinki, Reval Dorpat, Riga, Kovna, Konigsberg, Warsaw, Vilno, Lemberg, Cracow, Poznan and Prague. At Geneva, during the same period, he lectured before the Third International Congress on Moral Education.

During the summer of 1925. he was a delegate to the National Education Association and chairman of the Committee on World University at the World Federation of Education Associations at Edinburgh. The same year he addressed the International Red Cross conference at Paris on relations between education and the Red Cross.

Dr. MacCracken had the benefit of broadening influences by birth and from boyhood in a family which was in the education field. Born at Toledo, Ohio November 19, 1880, he was the son of Henry Mitchell MacCracken who was chancellor of New York University for many years. A brother, John Henry MacCracken, was one of the presidents of Lafayette College.

Dr. MacCracken lived in New York City as a boy and was graduated from New York University in 1900.

He taught English at the American College of Beirut, Lebanon, and wrote a book while there. Returning to the United States to recover from typhoid fever, he remained to take his master's degree at New York University in 1904, and his doctorate at Harvard University in 1907. His teaching career included a job as John Harvard Fellow, 1907-1908, and English instructor at Sheffield Scientific School, Yale, 1908-1910; and assistant professor of English at Smith School, 1913-1915, before coming to the Vassar campus. His writings included studies and work in English literature and the drama with emphasis on Shakespearean plays and Chaucer, the English poet.

Dr. MacCracken was married to Marjorie Dodd in New York City June 12, 1907. His son, Calvin, is an engineer and inventor. James, another son, is an associate director;of the Church World Service. A daughter, Mrs. Joy Dawson, is head of the kindergarten department of the Mahopac Central School, Putnam County, and Maisry, his other daughter, for a 29

number of years has been associated with the Moral Rearmament movement. He had seven grandchildren.

The Vassar president had the happy capacity of funning with faculty and students. No stuffed shirt, he played baseball with the faculty against the students and took part in student plays and had picnics with them.

On one founder's day, he rounded up 12 Scottish employees who dressed in kilts and danced to bagpipe tunes. Scotch-Irish himself he was forever cheerful. Mrs. MacCracken was more often than not on •hand to join in the fun making.

The Board of Trustees at the college respected his suggestions and more often than not approved his policies. Today's goings on in the colleges would have, in Vassar's situation, presented a real test for "Prexy" MacCracken. Certainly he would insist on high moral standards. His years at the college gave him a stout hearted admiration of Vassar's entire program, born of old Matthew Vassar's proud financing and faith in a college for women. Dr. MacCracken lost not one iota of that sturdy faith and devotion to the college and its student development.

That is why he was fighting mad when confronting the 1967 prosal that Vassar be moved to Yale at New Haven. Publicly denouncing the plan, he called it "the most outstanding instance of educational rapacity, even in these days of highway robbery". He added that the proposal was "fantastic, irresponsible, dangerous and disingenuous", and said it was an "operation of big business". "What on earth could the citizens of the Hudson Valley", he asked, "be doing more important than the preservation of this century-old institution."

Himself continuing as a resident of the college's immediate neighborhood, Dr. MacCracken made it plain in deploring the move to Yale plan — which fell flat — he certainly was not opposed to expanding Vassar's S. erings, even establishing an area university on some of the college's unused 750 acreas. His su estions included one that such a university honor the late Thomas J. Watson, founder of Poughkeepsie's International Business Machines industry plant and the late Frederick H. M. Hart who, prior to IBM's coming to the city, was a consultant to Watson and was believed to have had an important part in inducing IBM to locate in Dutchess.

Dr. MacCracke , in a chapter of his book, "Blithe Dutchess", told of Franklin D. Roosevelt's early electioneering for State Senator in Dutchess, and the respect Mr. Roosevelt showed for his home county after he had begun his first of four terms as President of the United States. The "Happy Days" chapter recounted stories told of how Roosevelt got his start in politics. Happily, too, in reporting on the President's 1933 talk at the Vassar campus, he called attention to Mr. Roosevelt's love of local history, his assertion that the name of Dutchess was well known far and wide 'in the country long before he held the highest office in the land. At Vassar President Roosevelt spoke of his Good Neighbor policy and said this 30

policy marked the people of Dutchess, whom he always respected. After pointing out that he appreciated the "fine spirit of understanding with which the people of my home county have gone along with the great national effort to set our national house in order", Roosevelt said he was grateful for the backing of his neighbors at home.

Dr. MacCracken did not appear to broaden sufficiently his unswerving championship of social reforms or write about them in relation to his earlier association in the state government with such political leaders as Governors Alfred H. Smith and Herbert H. Lehman.

However, in his chapter on "Thoroughfares of Freedom", reminding the reader, too, of his own constant references to Dutchess county's development and the fight of its earlier leaders for civil rights, Dr. MacCracken did emphatically call attention to Franklin Roosevelt's concern for his described "four freedoms". Toward the end of "Blithe Dutchess", Dr. MacCracken spoke of Dutchess itself as a "Thoroughfare of ideas".

Dutchess, he wrote, "has been a thoroughfare of ideas. Of tolerance toward the Indians, Quakers, and many others who did not conform. Of law, studied and practiced as livelihood to make living useful. Of neighborhood as the principle of society as against rank. Of initiative, originality, invention. Of sport, recreation and frolic, of good times. And always a thoroughfare of freedom, for none of these could thrive without it. The State and National Constitutions, here written or debated, dealt with freedom, and their adoption hung on that point. And here a President passed his youth, who concerned himself with four freedoms. Here he learned his political primer. But long before him, before rail or paddlewheel, our farmers stood for their fields and freedom of organization."

John Guy Vassar's work entitled "Twenty Years Around the World", just issued from the press contains 160 chapters descriptive of nearly all parts of the Globe.

Diary of Matthew Vassar, Jr. January 20, 1862.

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DIE PFALTZ A History of the Early Settlers in the Wallkill Valley

by James L. Lumb*

My own background is within the fairly recent immigration of my English and Scotch ancestors to this country in the 1840s. This is brash and new compared to the blood lines of some whose forebears came to this area as the first Dutch farmers in an unsettled eastern shore of the Hudson.

My people were weavers from Yorkshire, artisans from Scotland with a small admixture of old Dutch on my mothers' side in the Heermances who had settled here when New York was New Amsterdam.

This heritage surely didn't mean much to me when I was growing up — blood lines were not as important as sports, college, friends and occupations. The present, not the past, was important to me and to the household in which I grew up. We were middle class people directed toward the idea of living and getting along in this competitive world.

I did not marry a native Dutchess County girl. Quite the reverse, I carried my torch across the Hudson River to that foreign land called Ulster County. And, not so much now as then, it was a county quite different in outlook from our area and conscious of its past. With unconscious bravado, I wooed and carried back to cosmopolitan Dutchess County a lovely girl who was, although I did not at first realize it, a bud from those great clans in Ulster that were well aware of their history and deeply involved in it.

This is an interesting facet in the lives of the people whose families have been a part of the fairly secluded Wallkill Valley for many generations.

My bride was related, on her mother's side and on her father's side, to the families of the original settlers in New Paltz — originally Die Pfaltz — the famous patentees that we should know more about because of their involvement in the Hudson Valley for so many years.

At our wedding reception, after a ceremony in the Old Dutch Church in New Paltz (anywhere else would have been heresy) I should have become distinctly aware of the families of this territory: LaFevre, Dubois, Elting, Hasbrouck, Deyo, Freer, Bevier and Crispell were frequent names for the unremembered faces in the line of guests passing through the receiving line. It was mostly a blur to me until my bride introduced a fairly short lady to me as "Aunt Gussie Deyo". Next, in line, she introduced a tall, stately lady as "Aunt Gussie Deyo". I was a little taken aback by this but my bride meant every word of it. These were both Mesdames Deyo, their husbands no doubt second cousins and the first names a normal happenstance in this closely related community. * Mr. Lumb is the president of the Lumb Woodworking Company of Poughkeepsie, one of Poughkeepsie's oldest industries, established by his grandfather Levi P. Lumb.

James L. Lumb was graduated from Williams College and returned to Poughkeepsie to be associated with his father, Henry T. Lumb, in the company. Both Mr. Lumb and Mrs. Lumb, the former Miss Josephine Pratt of Ulster County, are identified with many important civic projects.

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As time went on and we lived principally in or near Poughkeepsie, our friends were naturally from the east side of the river and the story of Ulster County and its interesting people did not loom very importantly in my mind.

However, about 10 years later when my daughter was growing up, there came a day when I must go to Kingston on business. My daughter Barbara was, for some unremembered reason, not in school that day, and I asked her to go with me for the ride and on our return pay a call on her Great Grandmother Deyo in New Paltz. This old lady was living at the time in a hostelry on Old Huguenot Street called "The Old Fort". This building is the earliest of the stone houses erected by the original settlers of the New Paltz patent and under its original terms, as a bastion and protection from the Indians in that area.

I have no idea why I started to tell my daughter about her heritage and her relationship with the Huguenots who settled in those lands: who they were, how they came to settle there and a brief history of their advent to the Wallkill Valley. But I did tell her of this most unusual religious, ethnic and determined group of people who established themselves so long ago — nearly 300 years — in the fertile valley of the Wallkill River, in Ulster County, in and around New Paltz.

I told her what kind of people these were, why they had left their homeland in northern France and later the Rhine Valley, to come to a new, raw land with courage, determination and a willingness to work hard for their very existence. Here they could hope to live as their consciences directed. They, too, were pilgrims with the same drive as many others who came to Massachusetts and other parts of the eastern seaboard, who refused to live save under their own conditions.

The other day my daughter Barbara was at our house and, thinking of this paper, I asked her if she remembered our trip, the visit with her Grea,t Grandmother Deyo, and my dissertation about her ancestors. To my satisfaction, the trip and talk made a deep impression on her. And it may be that she will always keep this in her memory and, possibly, feel it worthwhile to impress it on her children in turn.

The Beviers, the Pouchers, the Crispells and others in Poughkeepsie have relations stretching back to the old people in New Paltz. All of us outsiders have quite different ancestral beginnings and relate to other blood lines and countries as the people and lands that gave us birth and ethnic origins. However, the stories of this Huguenot clan or these families is so typical — yet atypical — of early American settlement that it should be retold.

Their story of coming to settle in and stay in the Wallkill Valley for centuries is so normal yet so unique that it should be related as a companion to the well researched histories of Dutchess County.

The two areas of Ulster and Dutchess County are geographically very 33

different, of course. Dutchess is in the main stream of Hudson and Harlem valley tra,ffic. Emigration and immigration are so easy that movement of individuals or families to other areas has been really the norm rather than the exception. Few families have kept the majority of their members within the confines of Dutchess County generation after generation. If the grass was greener in the Mohawk Valley or farther west, south or elsewhere, it has always been easy to move from Dutchess County. Marriage ties between families decade after decade do not recur and recur as they would in an area restricted by long journeys to traffic arteries. In Dutchess County there are few homesteads looked upon as "the old home" by descendants who live near and far. Unlike much of Dutchess County, New Paltz was in the midst of a fertile farming area, watered by the Wallkill River that usually overflowed in the spring bringing, like the Nile, a new layer of silt to cover over the flats over Springtown way. This homeland was well out of the stream of traffic, a back water keeping its people in place. One couldn't go to a Hudson River landing easily to take a sloop to New York, Albany or the Erie Canal and the west. Wiltwyck — later Kingston — was quite a long trip from the Wallkill flats and may be an end in itself.

So these families in the Wallkill Valley formed a community for generations, content to farm their land, leave it as a livelihood to their children, build their churches and worship in them, govern themselves, and make plans for better education for the coming generations. As far as we can read, it became a settled land, a place of hard work but contentment, an area restricted mostly to one ethnic group which chose to stay there.

The history of this band of people starts in France in the 16th century when the middle ages were past and a new outlook on life was opening the eyes of thinking people, especially the bourgeoisie. In that century, the Reformation was spreading like wildfire through most of Europe, especially in the north. We all know of the dissatisfaction of the intelligensia and the middle classes with the established Roman Catholic Church at that time.

These deeply religious people objected to the materialism in the Church and its selling of indulgences. For the payment of a sum of money you could receive absolution for a sin however great that you had committed or would commit. There were corrupt practices, excesses of many kinds; absolute power had corrupted the Church of Rome. Luther, Calvin, Wycliffe, Huss, Erasmus, Zwingli, to name the most prominent, were leaders in this very considerable movement to return religion to the people and to its simpler forms. These leaders stirred up the thinking populace, nobles, the educated and the bourgeois, towards the formation of a religious recreation or re-birth based on the original tenets of christianity. Of course, the established Roman Catholic Church fought back to preserve its status, its properties, its authority and its perquisites. There were wars, massacres, oppressions on both sides and a resurgence of dedication to christianity both in the new Protestant churches and in the Church of Rome, as opposed to the old church practices.

In each country the results of this struggle differed. Some countries became generally protestant -- Scandinavia, England, Switzerland, many 34

German principalities. Some remained mainly Roman Catholic — Italy, Spain, Ireland and other German areas. France, like Germany, remained a battle ground for decades between the two factions. As we see it now, the clergy and most of the nobility stayed with Rome. The middle class gave the impetus to reformation in a more unequal struggle, for there was a less strong middle class in France than in the north and east, in Britain, Scandinavia and parts of Germany.

The Reformation gathered strength among the merchant classes in the north and northeast of France along with some of their nobility.

Southern France could be counted out of the battle — it had been thoroughly purged of any argument with strict catholic dogma during the terrible pogrom carried out by the Church in its crusade against the Albigenses in the 13th Century. At this time, Southern France, a happy land, the home of the Troubadors but a county of people devoted to their idea of religion which was divergent from the Roman dogma, were attacked by a heavy crusade task force. The Albigenses (white people) were totally defeated, decimated, their lands taken or laid waste. This group was never to be strong enough to again stand up and defend their idea of a concept of religion. But during the struggle in northern France, the Calvinistic churches did flourish, the middle classes advanced their protestant religious thinking along with their bourgeois business progress at the expense of the position of the nobility, the Clergy and the hoi polloi, these were the serfs, the poor and others of the lower classes. The comparative bourgeois prosperity was gained at the expense of envy and resentment on the part of the rest of the populace. And this was to cause them continuing troubles.

The animosity which was a principal reason for the ultimate founding of New Paltz grew to threatening proportions. The old Orthodox establishment plotted secretly to crush these "Nouveau Riche" Bourgeois, these religious separatists. In 1572 on August 24th, St. Bartholomew's Day, came the backlash from the Catholics. At least 10,000 Huguenots were murdered and the pogrom continued six weeks. The most prominent of the nobles and middle class leaders were eliminated from the movement. This protestant minority was crippled and its effectiveness was diminished. Here had been the most able, effective, intelligent, productive minority in the country and most of it was gone. And France was to suffer from this loss for centuries. It is still noticeable in that country's economic political condition today. Things veered from bad to better to worse for the remnants of the protestants. The Edict of Nantes in 1598 gave freedom of worship in about 75 towns in the north of France and guaranteed the protestants their rights as French citizens. For nearly 90 years this sect existed under this edict and probably began to prosper again. But with the increasing threat of oppression they had second thoughts about their future in France.

In 1685, the Edict of Nantes was revoked. Here was final proof, to the Protestants, that their homeland was no longer a friendly country for free and liberal thinkers. They could become second class Catholics or 3rd class citizens or they must leave.

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Within a few years before and after 1685 many of them with strong religious beliefs, natural pride, or concern for their children emigrated.

They went to all the countries where they would be accepted and be permitted to follow their consciences and gain a livelihood. Among them were many who settled in the Rhine Valley, the Palatinate as we call it, or in their words "'lie Pfaltz". Their sons often married the daughters of like families, and expected to make their home there. A new community, among German neighbors, sprang up, determined to live in accordance with their consciences. lut France took to the warpath; her power seemed irresistable and the Huguenot security in the West German provinces vanished.

Family after family emigrated again. Some went to England, South Africa or wherever they could be safe from oppression. Some came to this new country of the Americas, to areas like New Rochelle (named after La Rochelle in France, that great fortress town of the Huguenots). Some came into New York harbor and up the river to the settlement of Wiltwyck.

There, and at an outlying village called Hurley, they made their homes among the predominately Dutch settlers. This New York colony had been English since 1664 and was governed by a rather capable Englishman, Edmund Andross, of whom we shall hear more. Government was not oppressive, rather favorable in fact. The land gave a reasonable, if hard won, living, the Dutch neighbors were probably tolerant and the Indians could be counted on being usually bearable though occasionally annoying to say the least. In and around Wiltwyck one Huguenot family after another gathered to make a pretty strong ethnic minority; living together seems to have made for a closely knit community.

Very soon the Indians did, without premeditations I am sure, give impetus toward a settlement in the Wallkill valley by the Huguenots. The term Huguenot was originally very disparaging, like Yankee or Mick or many others. But after a term of years living by themselves, this people adopted it as a prideful self nomenclature, and they still wear it like a badge today.

The local red men near Kingston became annoyed with the aliens or had too much trade liquor and became caught up with the idea of pestering the town of Hurley. Somehow things got out of hand, some houses were burned, some of the residents protested strongly and had to be scragged including blood lettering and hair removal. In their exuberance, the braves strongly urged several of the Huguenot wives to accompany them on their outward journey. Among these women, one Catharine DuBois was kidnapped and forced to travel with the war party southward along the Wallkill River, to the hills to the west and into the Indian village. As far as anyone can tell this village was located in the Trapps, a valley between what is now Mohonk and Minnewaska lands. To locate this more clearly for you, think of crossing the Mid-Hudson bridge and taking Route 55 through Highland, Clintondale, Ireland Corners and up toward the Shawangunks.

As you climb the mountains toward the top, you drive under a steel bridge (built to convey the carriage road from Mohonk to Minnewaska in days gone by).

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Just beyond this bridge, the road enters the side of a bowl or valley of a stream that empties toward the west, north of Kerhonkson. This valley was formerly known as the Trapps — an Indian bastion in the 17th century.

Until recently it was always quite isolated and during the late 18th and 19th centuries was inhabited by poor whites much like the mountaineers of the Appalachin mountains. My grandfather remembered them coming in decrepit wagons to Poughkeepsie once a year to sell their only cash crop — charcoal. A rough, illiterate, ill clothed inbred people they must have been, but probably pretty proud and self reliant.

Catharine DuBois with a child in arms and two other children holding her skirts plodded wearily along with the Indian invaders south from Hurley into the Wallkill valley, past today's New Paltz and up into the forbidding upland bowl of the Trapps. Not until three months later, possibly after the harvest chores, was there an expedition undertaken under Captain Krieger to rescue her. At least, her husband was a member of the task force. Story has it that she was about to be burned at the stake. This sounds more like Joan of Arc than an Indian persecution of a young woman, and, to put off the evil moment, she started to sing the 137th psalm.

The legend goes that this really created a pause in the plans of the noble but savage red-skins; preparations for the bonfire were somewhat lelayed. At this propitious moment (history is surely a queer romance at times) the relief expedition, with husband DuBois, arrived on the scene, fired their arqubuses, fusils of whatever and panicked the natives. Catharine DuBois, it is told, started to flee with the tribe but her husband quoth "Trina, if you go any further, I'll shoot you". This was a nice family corrective effort and, we are told, she stopped, returned to him, went back with the rescue party and the other rescued women and children to Hurley. Hardly a propitious beginning of a second honeymoon!

On the way toward the rescue, the party was already beginning to look at the valley of the Wallkill as a pretty good living for farmers. The return journey reinforced the idea and we can well see these second class resident of Dutch Wiltwyck and Hurley being vitally interested in good land where they could be first class citizens or even proprietors. Here was level land ideal for cultivation. The spring overflow of the Wallkill River would usually equal a dressing of fertilizer. Get rid of the forest cover and this was better than all of Wiltwyck and Hurley except for the alluvial flats of the Esopus which the Dutch settlers were already wise enough to have preempted for themselves.

The pursuit and rescue of Catharine DuBois started some, deep thinking and discussion among a group of Huguenot families. Maybe they'd like some better farm land, maybe they weren't all that happy among the settled inhabitants of purely Dutch ancestry, rather stolid phelgmatic people compared to the more excitable, passionate French. Some can, I am sure, tell how realistic and pragmatic ancestors were and how the old settlers might not have been too pleased with this lively, romantic and boluble people from the Ile de France.

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Soon some action was taken to provide a new and separate homeland for this group of Huguenots; a place away from the Dutch settlements that this people of French descent could call their own.

We do not know just what conversations and meetings took place in Wiltwyck and Hurley after the fortunate rescue of Catharine DuBois plus the other wives and children. Probably these prisoners had had their fill of savage living in and near the Wallkill valley. But, fertile land and a future of good living beckoned to these farmers and, as time went on, the terrors of the Indians probably faded into the memory of those wives and children who had experienced it.

They must have realized that this really could be a new and better homeland, rich and productive in comparison with the more marginal fields left over by their good Dutch neighbors near Kingston.

At all odds, Abraham Hasbrouck, a Huguenot, seems to have been persuaded to act as leader of a movement to occupy the Wallkill valley so recently surveyed by the rescuers of Catharine DuBois. Abraham happened to be a good and close friend of New York Colony's royal governor Edmund Andross, and was understood to have considerable influence with him. There was hope that this friendship with the governor would obtain a land grant. On top of this, the colonists well knew that one of the governor's needs was to enlarge the settlement of the colony and extend its protection against the warlike savages.

You can imagine a great deal of talk, many meetings for planning and plotting the establishment of this new Eden. Or maybe these people, in spite of their Gallic heritage, were practical and prosaic enough to discount the idea of Eden for a determination to secure a reasonable, secure and unrestricted environment. The Huguenot men of Wiltwyck and Hurley were enthused by the idea of a new land for themselves and their families, although probably their wives had reservations about the safety of their men, their children and themselves. You can imagine that the less dominant, the less courageous males gave up the idea of emigration and had good excuse for staying in the comparative safety of their established settlement.

This great adventurous idea, which originally stirred up a large part of the Huguenot population, simmered down to the determination of 12 men — seven families really — who were determined to form a new settlement.

Together with Abraham Hasbrouck, they met with the leaders of the Indian inhabitants. They had a palaver and ended up with a big real estate deal. For the following goods: 40 kettles — 10 large and 30 small, 40 axes, 40 adzes, 40 shirts, 400 fathoms of white net work, 300 fathoms of black net work, 60 pairs of stockings (half small sizes), 100 bars of lead, 1 keg of powder, 100 knives, 4 kegs of wine, 40 oars, 40 pieces of duffel (heavy woolen cloth), 60 blankets, 100 needles, 1 measure of tobacco, 2 horses, 1 stallion and 1 mare they bought a new homeland. This was a better deal for the Indians than they received for Manhattan Island and also a better living area today for its inhabitants than that crowded, polluted and anti38

social tract bounded by the North, Harlem and East River. The Indians had ceded an immense tract to the white men. The agreed boundaries of the deed started at Sky Top above Mohonk (Moggonck as it was then called) and extended East, Southeast to Hudson's River. This south line ended at a point somewhere near Milton. The boundary extended up the Hudson River to the location of an island, probably Esopus. Thence the north line extended west to the Shawangunk range and back south to Skytop. This is a truly awesome amount of land. Highland — or New Paltz landing as it was then known — was lost in the area purchase. Lloyd, Clintondale, Ardonia and their hamlets were contained in it. It was a grand tract for the homeless Huguenots to hold for themselves and their progeny. They had negotiated well, as middle class Frenchmen would, and considering everything, had paid well and fairly for it. The patentees had purchased lands from the Indians before William Penn performed a likewise gracious arrangement in Pennsylvania, with similar peaceful results.

Now that they had half of the title to their land, the next task was to make firm this title with the King of England and his representative Edmund Andross, Governor. Again, Abraham Hasbrouck was just the man for the job and he pulled it off. Andross granted a patent for this great estate to 12 patentees: Hasbroucks, Freers, DeYos, Lefevres, Crispells, Dubois, Beviers and some 5 of their sons and brothers. There were no Eltings — they were Dutch and would come later.

In 1678 they moved into their lands from the Kingston area and started to occupy the most fertile parts of their patent along the Wallkill near New Paltz and north to Bontecoe. This hamlet was also on the Wallkill but not on any present day map.

The whole area, so far as we know, was virgin territory previously inhabited by Indians who continued to visit. It was a home for the natural fish and animal life of our climate. Wolves, of course, were normal inhabitants. The Indians still considered it a part of their natural territory and some of them frequented it for decades. Once planted, the land would yield very satisfactory crops but there was a great deal of clearing, home building and pest control to be accomplished. These rugged Huguenots accepted the normal work and risks of a, new settler. They built temporary houses, divided the land among themselves into plots that were more than large enough to sustain the livelihood of their families, lived, so far as we know, together in peace, held off the annoying occasional Indian visitors, the wolves, and probably envious outsiders who wished to acquire a share of the lands this people had secured from King and Indian.

It is a shame that no newspaper was published in the Huguenot settlements of the 17th and 18th century. It could have told us of the day-to-day annoyances between the patentees, the stirrings among the younger generation, pollution in the Wallkill, misunderstanding among the land holders about boundaries, annoyances with alien intruders in the Huguenot establishment, arguments about education for the undeserving young who would be spoiled for farm work by book learning, and general degredation of the

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environment by land clearly, killing wantonly the wild inhabitants, Indians and wolves, and other ecological monstrosities. You can well imagine the excitement a bustling reporter could give us about the contracts between the settlers in this expansive patent.

But there is something rather hush hush about the lack of human interest reporting of the first 200 years of this community, especially as it is reported by their admiring descendents. According to the existing writ that I have found these families came to the Paltz, settled legally, begat and begat but never, with one exception, disagreed with or feuded with their neighbors.

Surely none is naive enough to think that in a community, especially such an isolated community, life flows on gently with no irritation. We are talking of a lusty, courageous self-interested people and their history of property, line disputes, arguments about politics and eligible young girls, religious or language differences. There must have been often eye opening if not hair raising schisms. But at least the community lived through its minor problems even though there is little reported history as evidence of what they were.

Even to this day there seems to be a strong feeling of their Protestant faith, diluted as it might seem to the original patentee. In the early days this faith was almost entirely the reason for their actions. They must worship together and re-affirm the belief in a direct appeal to their God with no intervention by the established Church of Rome. As soon as could be, a French-speaking Calvinist minister was called to New Paltz, and a church was built with Gothic fervor for their devotion to their faith. The data available says that the first church was erected in Poughkeepsie. As need required, other French-speaking dominies, mostly from the Huguenot areas in New Jersey, were called to preach the Gospel in their ancestral tongue to their Protestant deity. Soon, however, the French language became a lost effort in New York Colony. Dutch was still a common tongue; English became naturally the established language. And soon among the available clergy there were only Dutch-speaking candidates for the Church who were, of course, more acceptable than heretics from the Church of England.

The elders of the New Paltz church, after 50 years of services in French, must needs calls a Dutch-speaking dmoinie. You can imagine what a turmoil and a revolution went on. But with no French-speaking candidate the die was cast, the choice inevitable. Thence for 70 to 80 years, services were held in Dutch and the everyday language was no longer French. The descendents of the original Patentees had changed their language but not their strong adherence to free churchmanship. And, by now, they were no longer subjects of the English King, who never probably loomed very tall on their horizon, but free citizens of the combined colonies and later the new United States.

During this span of years, old traditions were making themselves evi40

dent in the settlers' way of living. First houses in the Patent were shelters of wood, the easiest material for construction. It was available, easy to work and plentiful. As far as we can tell, much of the wood was long leaf yellow pine. Even today beams in the old houses on Huguenot Street are of this wood and seem to prove that four or five hundred years ago the climate was mild enough for this species of tree to live and propagate as far north as our valley.

These early wooden houses were at odds with the remembrance and instincts of northern Frenchmen. Who ever sees a wooden house in France today? On the contrary they are virtually all of stone and have been for centuries. So, evidently a permanent, safe home for these French emigrees must be of stone, whether for fire resistance, safety or status we cannot know. By 1695 the new pattern in home construction was established. Louis DuBois, with much help no doubt, built a stone home and fort for safety from Marauding Indian bands. This house, as many other homes on Huguenot Street in New Paltz, stands strong today. Loop holes show in the walls where settlers' muskets could sweep the red-skin attackers. It was built large enough to be a refuge for all the settlers in case of a raid. You can see its likeness, as well as those of subsequent Huguenot stone houses, anywhere in the country side of north-eastern France today.

This first house and fort built to satisfy the terms of the patent granted

by Governor Edmund Andross. The patent required that a fort be built by the patentees for their protection from the natives and "Fort" it is called even today.

Many of our ethnic groups of immigrants have received patents, land grants, permission to settle and have prospered, often in less attractive locations.

In New Paltz, however, we are dealing with a strong, thinking middle class band of people. The valley of the Wallkill was surely a fertile area of farm land capable of supporting this pioneer band and its families. Even just remembering their early years of survival and continued existence would make a story. But this group of people was a cut above the usual influx which left its homeland under pressure of religion, politics or poverty.

This was the band of people who introduced representative government to our continent. It must have been part of their hardy heritage under oppression as a similar government was established by other Huguenots who had emigrated to South Africa. New England had a complete democracy in its town meetings. There the whole populace of small settlements has gathered regularly once a year for centuries, discussed community affairs and decided by majority vote how the township would be regulated for the subsequent year. Other areas were run by colonial governments administered by appointees of the far off King in England.

By 1728, the patentees, their relatives and, later the johnny-come-latelys in the area, met to elect by popular vote a duzine to administer the affairs 41

of this commonwealth for twelve months period until the populace should meet again to elect their successors.

It seems as though the patentee families probably retained control at first, as each of these families continued to have a member serve in the duzine. A duzine was an assembly of 12, therefore a dozen today.

So, in New Paltz, came into being the first representative government in our country. Here is our first republic and a lasting one, and it must have been successful and viable to have endured. The duzine was granted authority to run community affairs of the settlers, mostly problems about land borders, the sale of lands to outsiders, and the day to day disputes between the inhabitants. It came to collect taxes for public works, use the public moneys for necessary services. Also, some authority must decide what outsider would be eligible for residence or for the purchase of farm or woodland in the patent.

It was not until the late 19th or early 20th century that the members of the patentee families began to disperse to other areas of this country.

Today they live in all parts of the United States even to the shores of the Pacfic. The descendants are in all walks of life — engineers, mid-west and far-west farmers, admirals, hotel keepers of note, publishers, politicians and, possibly neer-do-wells. For a variety of reasons, they relate to their heritage in the valley of their ancestors. Recently, a professor of anthropology at New Paltz College tried to explain this. He said, this ethnic group lived together and inter-married so long in this fairly secluded area that they acquired the clan attitude. Unlike most of the immigrants but maybe like the southern mountaineers, they stayed together so long a time and acquired such a strong identity with their area that they still relate to their homeland no matter where they go.

New Paltz today is probably a result of this clannishness. Most of the old stone houses on Huguenot Street belong to family societies that have bought and maintained them. The houses, symbols of their family histories, are kept in repair and exhibited to the public especially on the annual Stone House day. Family members from all over the continent belong to the associations, pay their dues to maintain the homes and keep the histories and genealogies up to date. Each family has its duzine to run its affairs. And all of them see to it that the younger generation knows its heritage and keeps its roots firmly embedded in the New Paltz Patent. Of course, not all of the descendants of the Patentees have left their birthright. Lefevres, DuBois, Hasbrouck and others still live in and near New Paltz on the banks of the Wallkill. The alluvial lands are still cultivated and fertile. Just a few weeks ago during the spring run-off, the Wallkill overflowed its banks again with a depth of 3 feet of water over the farm lands. When the water receded, once again a top dressing of silt was left on the fields and a new fertility came to the land. The State College, heir to the establishment long ago of a school in New Paltz by its inhabitants, looks over the valley. And many of the lineal descendants of the original 12 still call this area home, carry on the traditions brought here nearly three centuries ago, and treasure the name and heritage of the Huguenots.

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ROCHDALE

by Edmund Van Wyck

Rochdale in Dutchess County began its history as Whippleville and was the home of a cotton mill operated by Taylor and Forbus with power obtained from turbine wheels in the Wappingers Creek. The first recorded owner of Whippleville, present day Rochdale, was Amos Whipple and his wife Lydia. It consisted of about 40 acres and a mill. Title of the mill property changed in 1831 when James Taylor and a partner, a Mr. Forbus, purchased an acre of land and the mill from Whipple for $40.00. It was probable that the mill purchased by Taylor and Forbus was christened Rochdale. James Taylor was a native of that large industrial city in northern England, Rochdale in Lancashire. Whether or not his partner Forbus, also came from England's Rochdale is not known.

The mill of Taylor and Forbus when purchased was made of brick and was sixty or seventy feet long, fronting on Rochdale Road and thirtyfive or forty feet on Titus Road. It was a two story structure at the front and three in back where the ground sloped down to the Creek. Downstream from the mill, between Titus Road and the Wappingers Creek, were two large wooden warehouses, housing vats for bleaching the cloth after weaving as well as space for drying, storing and shipping. Space for raw material was also available. A ford crossed the west branch of the Creek to the island just below the warehouse. There appears to be no record of when the factory was built or who built it. Taylor and Forbus are old and well known names in Dutchess County and perhaps they established the mill.

But that does not explain "Whippleville", and it makes one think that it had that name before a mill was built there. Perhaps someday it will be learned whether or not Amos Whipple was the builder.

The mill was owned and operated as a woolen mill by the Titus family well before 1900. Their principal product was blankets, those lovely double length wool sheets which felt so nice when one crawled between them on a cold winter night. That pre-dated central heat and electric blankets!

Sheep raising was big business here in Dutchess during the last threequarters of the 1800 years. Choice rams brought high prices, up in the thousands of dollars. The long valley, east of Little Rest on Route 343 before starting down Plymouth Hill, was called "Mutton Hollow". It was said the grazing sheep made the hills look "like snow in summertime".

An island in the Creek at this point made it necessary to maintain two dams. The main dam was a masonry affair of considerable height and equiped, of course, with flood gates, flume gates, etc. It was situated about one-third the way down the west side of the island. The second dam was at the head of the island to cut off the east branch of the stream. This was made of plank and timber with the big square bottom members held down by rocks and boulders.

43

The operation ceased about at the end of the century and the mill itself was destroyed by fire in 1904. Rochdale slept quietly through the years. The "Titus House" at the north end of the street was mostly unused, the four-family house just behind it was occupied by families whose heads worked on farms nearby. The school house was turned into a dwelling, some houses remained empty and only the pump in the middle of the village continued in business as usual.

The island made two fords necessary. High water makes them impassable; floating ice made them dangerous for animals and the two fords were the basis of political argument between the towns of LaGrange and Poughkeepsie. Two streams — two bridges! The bridge over the main stream (town line) was built by combined effort and the bridge over lesser stream by one town alone. Which is the main stream? Answers: LaGrange — "The East Channel"; Poughkeepsie — "The West Channel".

And Rochdale slept on peacefully until awakened many years later by the sound of the internal combustion engine!

Election this date for raising or voting $12,000 to pay for bridges in the City and for police. Vote against by 200 majority. City extravagance too great and people will not submit to it. October 9, 1872.

Much excitement. Common Council dismissing the police and closing streets to bridges. They say are not safe. October 11, 1872.

Excitement continues. City street light are now OUT this night. Citizens tober may put street lights in front of their own houses. A THREAT. 13, 1872.

Diary of Matthew Vassar, Jr.

44

LANE BROTHERS Steam Automobiles and Hardware

by Joseph W. Emsley

Resurgent interest in such widely differing manufactured articles as coffee mills and early automobiles, what with the nationwide search for antiques, has happily landed on an almost forgotten Poughkeepsie riverfront industry, Lane Brothers, hardware specialities manufacturers.

The Lane Brothers enterprise, not to be confused with the present-day W. T. Lane, Inc. canvas basket manufacturers, was located at lower Prospect Street and like the massive one-time Adriance Platt and Company farm implement manufacturers, was buried in the city's upcoming urban renewal area.

Poughkeepsie, older residents will recall, gave birth to a couple of automobile manufacturing industries, the Fiat, in one of the present North Road Western Printing Company buildings, and the Lane Steam Wagon, in the Prospect-Pine Streets area. Relatively short lived though it was the six seater Lane Steamer tourer was marketed during the first two decades of the present century.

The Lane Brothers manufactory actually had its start in Harts Village, Millbrook about 1808, and was an outgrowth of Beriah Swift's inventions and the Swift coffee, spice and drug mills which were first produced in the Town of Washington community. In 1845, Mr. Swift built a coffee mill factory on a part of the Oakleigh Thorne property between Millbrook and Washington Hollow, the first and only enterprise of its kind in the country.

Attached to his works was a small foundry to cast such parts of his inventions as were required. Mr. Swift died in 1866 but his sons carried on the business.

The Lane family first became associated in the manufactory after William J. Lane, the inventor-manufacturer, added the production of a horse drawn wheel rake to the industry. However, Swift and Brothers, as the firm was known, did not continue manufacturing but sold its rights to other companies.

John G. and William J. Lane, cousins of Beria,h Swift, moved the industry to Poughkeepsie, and in addition to the coffee mills, made barn door hangers, automobile jacks, and such devices as blocks for block and tackle apparatus as well as a device which would stop the rope and act as a brake.

The inventive skills of the Lanes, and particularly William J., were nourished in the Beriah Swift enterprises. Swift was credited with inventing a cutting machine which was used in the dyewood industry, and locally by the Innis dye works, in North Water Street.

45

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This is the Lane Carriage, which was awarded a

First-Class Certificate In the New York to Rochester Endurance Contest. It went through without a break or any delay whatever and did not miss a single control.

THE LANE MOTOR VEHICLE CO., Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 46

Another branch of the Lane family was responsible for the establishment in 1894 of the firm, W. T. Lane and Brothers, manufacturers of the canvas bags of various sizes, and shapes and uses. Included from the early days of the company were coal bags, car seat bags to carry babies and slings to carry wood to fireplaces.

John G. Lane married Anne J. Swift of Millbrook and after her death Elizabeth Swift Wills. John G. Lane had no children and his death occurred in 1899.

Many residents of Poughkeepsie will recall William J. Lane the inventor-manufacturer, who lived to the age of 100, making his home in the later years of his life at 23 Garfield Place. He died in 1941, passing the century mark February 13th of that year.

Both branches of the Lane families in Poughkeepsie came here from Westchester County. William J. was born on a farm in New Castle, the farm having been continuously owned and occupied by the Lane family for four generations, since 1750.

Soon after he moved to Millbrook as a young man, Mr. Lane married Susan Underhill, of Brooklyn. The three children of the Lanes were George and Silas, both associated for a time in the Poughkeepsie manufacturing business, and one daughter, who became Mrs. Howard Taylor, of Philadelphia.

Mr. Lane, a modest person, was a member of the Friends Meeting. He traveled widely both in the United States and abroad, circling the globe in in one trip. He was fond of big game hunting and journeyed several times to the Canadian Northwest for that purpose. He liked boating and during one period maintained a launch on the Hudson River.

An interesting experience in his youth was that of teaching at a district schoolhouse in the North Castle area, in King Street, south of Chappaqua.

His two brothers, David H. and John G., took turns with him teaching at the school.

The barn door hangers and auto jacks were the meat and potato lines of the Lane Brothers hardware specialities firm. The Lane steamer car, an invention of William J. Lane, and made by the Lane Motor Vehicle Company, was a costly vehicle to manufacture and was never a large seller.

Manufactured from 1901 to 1912, it was a sturdy six seater which featured such safety controls as a self-closing throttle. The Lane steamer weighed 3,200 pounds and attained a speed up to 15 miles per hour. The 30 horse power tourer had spoke wheels and resembled some of the earlier gasoline powered automobiles. The New England manufactured smaller Stanley steamer of 1897 probably was more popular because of a lower price, but the Stanley company faced a decline in sales during the World War I years, after a price of $2,600 for the vehicles reduced sales to some 600 cars per year. Members of the Lane family confirmed that the steam car was expen47

sive to manufacture and that the volume of business of the Poughkeepsie firm was developed from the sales of auto jacks and the barn door hangers.

Smith DeGarmo, Silas Wodell and John I. Lane, of the Lane canvas bag firm, were among local purchasers of the Lane steam wagon. More than 100 of the cars were said to have been manufactured here. One of them is among the exhibits of Franklin Museum in Philadelphia.

One story about the Lane Steamer was its entry in a race from New York City to Buffalo in 1901. Traveling over dirt roads of that day the locally manufactured car competed with a Penyard racer from Paris. Although its time was no better than 12 miles per hour, one report said the best the Penyard racer could do was 23 miles an hour.

About 1916 the business was taken over by Mr. Lane's sons, George and Silas, who conducted it for some time until it was sold to employees.

The late Reginald Flewelling, long connected with the company, took over the business, moving it to 110 Main Street. The concern was continued under the name of Lane Brothers, and Flewelling carried on the manufacture of block and tackle parts, door hangers and other small machine shop articles.

He continued the business until his death in 1968.

Killed a muskrat in Mill Street this morning.

Diary of Matthew Vassar, Jr. March 12, 1854

48

THE LANE STEAM AUTOMOBILES WHY STEAM POWER?

BECAUSE IT'S WORLD'S POWER?

It was the first practical mechanical POWER, and after all these years it PROPELS OUR GREAT SHIPS, PULLS OUR RAILWAY TRAINS, RUNS OUR FACTORIES. Whenever power is used, almost without exception, STEAM is the great source of energy. If one goes around the world it's by STEAM POWER. STEAM holds its high position because it's the most powerful and obedient FORCE KNOWN TODAY.

BEST ADOPTED FOR YOUR AUTOMOBILE

GUARANTEE: We guarantee all carriages for one year as to materials and workmanship, and agree to replace free of charge at our factory, anything deficient in either of these respects.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the tires which are guaranteed by the makers.

The above does not mean a free REPAIR SHOP, but only applies to defective materials or work that was clearly improperly performed, TERMS:

Net Cash on delivery, F.O.B. Poughkeepsie. When orders are booked for future shipment ten percent of the purchase price must be placed as a guarantee of good faith on placing the order. The balance is due on receipt of notice that the vehicle is ready for shipment. Failure to complete payment within two weeks of said notice annuls the contract and forfits the deposit.

LANE MOTOR VEHICLE CO.

Note: The Editor is very much indebted to Mrs. Margaret T. Lane of Troy, New York, for furnishing the Year Book with the advertising materials used by the Lane Motor Vehicle Company, 1900-1912.

49

NO.O. RUNABOUT This is our smallest carriage. All the tanks are forward and easy of access. The engine is under the foot-board and the boiler under the rear seat.

It is a two-passenger vehicle; however, packages or a third passenger may be carried forward, at the discretion of the owner.

Weight Wheels Tread

675 lbs.

28 in.

4 ft. 7 in.

Boiler 16 in. Diameter 21/ 2 in.

Tires Wheel Base 59 in.

Price

$750.

Solid Panel Seat, extra

$75.

Solid Seat, Buggy Top

$125.

50

THE LANE STEAM AUTOMOBILES Run without any perceptible vibration whatever.

Are practically noiseless — no puffing.

Are under perfect control as to speed and power both forward and backward.

Can practically climb any hill and run at any speed.

Have a brake that holds in either direction.

Have a perfectly flexible frame and four springs under body.

Use no detachable device for starting.

Have only one valve that need be operated to fire up.

Can be left in one minute after lighting match.

Have valve to cut off fuel without leaving seat.

Will stand indefinitely under steam.

Can be run in coldest weather without freezing.

Maintain their own air pressure automatically.

Heat the feed water pumped to boiler.

Impossible to carry water level too high in boiler.

Boilers have seamless high test STEEL shells.

Have reliable low water alarm.

Have try-cocks connected direct to boiler.

Have good auxiliary hand water pump.

Exhaust in water tank saving large percentage of water.

Run hundreds of miles on one oiling.

Have engines encased, no cleaning necessary.

Have ball bearing steering axles, steering head journalled to body.

HOW MANY OF THESE POINTS ARE POSSESSED BY OTHERS?

LANE MOTOR VEHICLE CO. POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y.

51

52

LANE TOI

PRICE, $2,250.

THE SMOOTHEST AND QUIETESS RUNNING CAR BUILT General Specifications.

Chassis, Steel.

Body, Aluminum, detachable.

Side Entrance Tonneau.

Wheel base, 97 inches.

Tread, 56 inches.

Wheels, 32 inches diameter.

Tires, 4 inches, double tube.

Horse Power, 15.

Boiler, 20 inch, Lane Type.

Burner, Lane Tublar.

Engine, Compound 31/ 8 and 514/ by 3112 / .

Water Tank, 20 gallons.

Fuel Tank, 17 gallons.

Water Level Automatic.

Air pressure Automatic.

Independent Auxiliary Steam, Air and Water Pumps and Tank Filler.

No Heat Under Seats.

Combustion and Warm Air from Condenser turned downward under car.

Weight, filled and ready to run 2,220 pounds.

The Lane Touring Car No. 6 is the development of six years experience in building steam vehicles. It is heavy enough for stability, large enough for comfort, hung on easy springs, and luxuriously upholstered, while the power is ample and the motor is noiseless and gives no vibration.

There is no heat under the seats. The functions pertaining to power generation are all normally automatic. No pumping or cranking of engine to start, but simply the elastic and positive power of a steam engine under throttle control drawing from a source of constant pressure.

The BOILER possesses the economy of the flash type combined with the reserve power of those carrying a water level. It furnishes steam uniformly superheated under all changes of load. The combustion is free and perfect, and the products are thrown off but slightly warmer than the feed water. Only water cooled surfaces are exposed to the hottest flame, therefore no burning.

The feed water enters upper part of flash coil and passes out at the bottom as steam and water into centrifugal separator at the side, from which steam passes to the upper part of shell and water to lower part. The large, closely set fire rubes permit free internal combustion. Steam is drawn from top of shell.

The water level is controlled normally by thermostatically operated bypass. A pipe taps shell at desired level and connecting passages are filled alternately with water of steam as level changes, heat and cool — expand and contract — which by suitable mechanism opens and closes a by-pass according to water level in the boiler. In emergency the device maybe cut out entirely by closing one valve and hand by-pass used on independent auxiliary steam pump.

LANE MOTOR VEHICLE CO. Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 53

LANE BROTHERS COMPANY Established 1845.

Hardware Specialities

Sliding Door Latch

Automobile Jack

Parlor Door Hangers

Carriage Jack

Auditorium Door Hangers

Joist and Timber Hangers

Garage Door Hangers

Steel Barn Door Hangers

Store Ladders

Hinged Door Hangers

Tackle Blocks

Tublar Hangers

Spice and Coffee Mills

Trolley Barn Door Hangers

Electric Coffee Mills ( Advertisement)

54

DUTCHESS COUNTY QUAKERS AND SLAVERY, 1750-1830

by Dell T. Upton*

Although many people are unaware of it, Dutchess County was an important center of Quakerism in New York State during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Among the many contributions of Dutchess County Quakers to the County, and to their Religion was that of goading the Society of Friends (the official name of the Quakers) into taking a firm stand against slavery.

After the issue of war, slavery was perhaps the most important problem confronting Friends in this era. They came to see that slavery violated the Quaker principle of the Inner Light, "that of God in every man," by infringing upon the freedom which the presence of God granted to every man, black or white. But they did not reach this position easily, as this paper will attempt to show.

In the earliest years of Quakerism, Friends thought little of the problem, but as early as 1688, some uneasiness began to stir the sect. In that year, in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, a question about the justice of slavery was expressed in the form of a concern ( the Quaker term for "a deep interest in some spiritual or social matter, an interest so deep and vigorous that it moves to action"). In 1711, the Chester (Pennsylvania) Quarterly Meeting passed a minute discouraging the further enslavement of blacks

by Quakers.'

There the matter rested until John Woolman, the famous New Jersey Quaker preacher, began agitating the question in the 1750's. By 1755, the meetings in America had taken a stand prohibiting slave trading by Quakers.

This is made clear by the fact that the meetings felt free to deal with those who did so. Woolman's contribution to the development of antislavery feeling among Quakers was to show them that it was no less evil to hold slaves than to buy and sell them. As a result of his efforts, a few Quakers of tender conscience began in the early 1760's to send apologies or "acknowledgments" to the New York Yearly Meeting for their holding slaves, although that body had as yet taken no stand on the issue.2 The next important step was taken in Dutchess County. In 1767, Oblong Monthly Meeting held at Quaker Hill, N. Y., adopted a minute expressing its feelings on the matter, and sent it to the Quaterly Meeting at Purchase for consideration. The minutes of Purchase Quaterly Meeting report that In this meeting the practice of trading in Negroes, or other slaves and its inconsistency with our religious principles was revived, and the inconsiderable difference, between buying slaves, or keeping * Dell T. Upton, a member of the Dutchess County Historical Society, is a resident of Pleasant Valley, N. Y. A graduate of Colgate University, at present he is a graduate student at Brown University. Mr. Upton's article is an excerpt from a longer work "A History of the Quakers in Dutchess County, New York, 1728-1828", which was written as an honor thesis in History at Colgate University.

55

those in slavery we are already possest of, was briefly hinted at in a short query from one of our monthly meetings, which is recommended to the consideration of our next yearly meeting; Viz If it is not consistant with Christianity to buy and sell our fellow-men for slaves during their lives, and their posterity after them, whether it is consistant with a Christian Spirit to keep these in Slavery that we already have in possession, to purchase, gift, or other ways.

The action of Oblong Monthly Meeting was "the first action of a legislative body in New York State upon the freeing of slaves."3 At the Yearly Meeting in Flushing, Fifth Month (May), 1767, it was concluded, perhaps reasonably, to consider the issue for a year, to allow Friends to wrestle with their consciences. The next year, however, they dodged the issue again. It is to the discredit of that Society that, while they were so uncompromising in their concern over lesser moral issues, to the extent that they alienated or expelled many well-intentioned members and repulsed prospective ones, they should, on this great issue, back down, and avoid making a definite statement, in order not to alienate slaveholders among them. It is not a question of indecision, for the statement clearly indicates that they saw their duty, but one of a lack of resolve.

We [their minute read] are of the mind that it is not convenient ( considering the circumstances of things amongst us) to give an Answer to this Querie, at least at this time, as the answering of it in direct terms manifestly tends to cause division and may Introduce heart burnings and Strife amongst us, which ought to be Avoided, and Charity exercised, and persuasive methods pursued and that which makes for peace. We are however fully of the mind that Negroes as Rational Creatures are by nature born free, & where the way opens liberty ought to be extended to them, and they not held in Bondage for Self ends. But to turn them out at large Indiscriminately — which seems to be the tendency of this Querie, will, we Apprehend, be attended with great Inconveniency, as some are too young, and some too old to obtain a livelihood for themselves.

By 1770, the Yearly Meeting saw its way clear to make official the policy forbidding the selling of slaves, except under stringent control of the Monthly Meeting.4 In 1769 the Oblong Monthly Meeting held at Quaker Hill and the Nine Partners Monthly Meeting held in the present day village of Millbrook, became the first Meetings to free slaves as an action of the body.

Emancipations grew in number until, by 1773, they were appearing regularly in the minutes and record books of the Dutchess County Monthly Meetings. The manumissions were supervised by the Meetings which saw to it that the documents were strictly legal, and then preserved a copy in their record books.5 (see the Appendix for a typical manumission) 56

The Nine Partners Monthly Meeting formed a committee in 1774 which was charged with attempting to persuade slaveowners to free their slaves. Oblong formed a similar committee the next year.6 Finally, in 1775, the New York Yearly Meeting capitulated to its duty, declaring "our solid judgment that all in profession with us who hold Negroes ought to restore them to their natural right to liberty as soon as they arrive at a suitable age for freedom." After this, it was made clear that anyone who failed to comply promptly would be disowned (expelled) .7 Complete emancipation followed quickly in Dutchess County. Under the dual pressures of the slaveholders visitation committees and the Yearly Meeting's declaration, members of Nine Partners Monthly Meeting emancipated 17 slaves, with three children still enslaved until their majority. These three were freed much earlier than that however, and by 1780, no slaves were held in that meeting!'

By 1776, there was one slave left in the Oblong Monthly Meeting.

He was Philips, the servant of Samuel Field, who, though he was a member of Oblong Monthly Meeting, lived in Peach Ponds, Westchester County.

After repeated visits from the committee, Field gave in and freed Philips in 1777.9 To their credit, Friends realized that they had a duty to the freedmen after emancipation. All the monthly meetings formed committees to visit former slaves and masters to determine whether the ex-slaves were getting the proper attention from their former masters. Purchase Quarterly Meeting reported that We are informed by four of our Monthly Meetings that a visit hath been performed to most of the friends who have set Negroes free, and also to the Negroes set free, and Inspection has been made into their circumstances, many of whom Appeared Satisfied with what their [former] masters have done for them, rho Some of them Think there is considerable due to them for their past labour which it is apprehended is the case, and some friends appeared willing to Submit to the Judgement of the committee thereto appointed with respect to a Settlement between them but there are others who object to submit to Settlement of the committee appointed to that Service [119 Other Friends undertook personal action to alleviate the condition of slaves. In 1765, Stephen Haight Delivered to this meeting an acknowledgment for Buying a Negro man With a proposal of keeping him a Slave 10 years from the time he Bought him Which is the 3:mo [sic] 1764 and then to Let him Free After haveing obligated Sd Negro to Lay Up £2= a Year During his Life and the Money to Be at the Negros own Disposal at his Decase [sic] Unless it is Wanted by him in time of an Extraordinary Exigency thro 57

poverty Sickness or other Necessity and the Sd acknowledgment & proposal is By this Meeting thought Well of [.]

Haight later infuriated the Meeting by selling the man, contrary to his agreement, and was summarily disowned. Roulof White surprised Nine Partners Meeting in 1782 by submitting a manumission of a black man, causing the Meeting to reply that it "Thinks it Necessary to make Inspection how the Said friend Came by the Said Negroe and the Circumstances of his being thus discharged." It was discovered that White "Bought Said Negroe in Charity to him in order to obtain his freedom without any Sinister View." His explanation was nervously accepted, with the stipulation that Friends should not make even these concessions to slavetrading in the future without the advice of the meeting.11 Later in this period, the Quaker a,ttitude developed even further. In the anticipation of some modern movements, such as the one to resist war taxes, some Friends conceived that it was unfitting for Quakers to partake of any of the products of slave labor, insofar as they could avoid doing so.

John Woolman was among the first to articulate this sentiment. Later it was taken up by such diverse Quaker leaders as the theological conservative David Sands and his liberal enemy Elias Hicks. At Stanford Quarterly Meeting in 11 month 1818, Hicks was led to call Friends' attention to the fundamental principle of our profession and to show the drift and design of those precious testimonies, as good fruit naturally emanated from a good tree; especially those two, the most noble and dignified, viz: against war and slavery . . . with regard to slavery . . . although we had freed our own hands from holding by active force, any of this oppressed people, the Africans and their descendants, in unconditional slavery; yet, whether so long as we voluntarily and of choice, are engaged in a commerce in, and the free use of the fruits of their labour, wrested from them by the iron hand of oppression, through the medium of their cruel and unjust masters, we are not accessary [sic] thereto, and are partakers in the unrighteous traffic of dealing in our fellow creatures, and in a great measure lay waste our testimony against slavery and oppression.

These subjects were largely opened [i.e., expounded], and the inconsistency of such conduct placed before the minds of Friends; accompanied with strong desires, that they might have their proper effect, in convincing them of the unrighteousness of such conduct.

Dutchess County reaction to this position was generally favorable. For instance, William Dean wrote Hicks a letter thanking him for his stand on slave products. Many Quakers followed Hicks' example. David Irish of Quaker Hill, for instance, abstained from using slave-produced goods believing that "Whoso gives the motive makes his brother's sin his own." The sentiment was not unanimous, however. Hicks visited the Quarterly Meeting of the Nine Partners in 11 month 1815, and found that it "was in the main an instructive favoured season, although considerably interrupted by the imprudence of a Friend, in his unwarrantable opposition to a concern, which 58

was opened to draw Friends off from the too free and unnecessary use of articles, which were the produce of the labour of the poor enslaved black people . . ."12 Quaker concern for the slave passed on beyond this period into the better known activities of such Quakers as Lucretia Coffin Mott (a graduate and former teacher of the Nine Partners Boarding School) and the Grimke sisters. The building which later came to be Susan Moore's Floral Hill boarding house, at Moore's Mills, was, when it was the Moores' family home, an Underground Railway station maintained by the Friends of Oswego Meeting. These more glamorous activities have achieved greater notoriety, but they are no more important than the earlier efforts of Friends in Dutchess County.13 NOTES 1. Henry Kalloch Rowe, The History of Religion in the United States (New York, 1924), p. 98. New York Yearly Meeting of Friends, Faith and Practice (New York, 1968) ,p. 95. William Warren Sweet, The Story of Religion in America (New York, 1950), P. 416.

2. See for example Oblong (Men's) Monthly Meeting [hereafter abbreviated MM], MS. Minutes, 8 mo. 18 1757 to 1 mo. 17 1781, Haviland Records Room, New York Yearly Meeting, New York City, Meetings of 7/19/1759, 7/21/1763, 12/15/1763. Rufus Jones, The Quakers in the American Colonies (New York, 1966), p. 256.

3. Oblong MM, 1757-1781, Meeting of 4/15/1767. Purchase (Men's) Quarterly Meeting, MS. Minutes, 6 mo. 3 1745 to 7 mo. 1793, Haviland Records Room, New York City, Meeting of 5/2/1767. Jones, p. 257. Warren H. Wilson, Quaker Hill — A Sociological Study (New York, 1907), p. 25. Henry Noble McCracken, Old Dutchess Forever! (New York, 1956), pp. 197-98. Wilson, p. 26.

4. Wilson, pp. 25-26.

5. Stephen H. Merritt, - The Brick Meeting House at Nine Partners," Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook, VII (1922), 17.

6. Nine Partners (Men's) Monthly Meeting, MS. Minutes, 2 mo. 23 1769 to 1 mo.

22 1779, Haviland Records Room, New York City, Meeting of 7/22/1774.

Oblong MM, 1757-1781, Meeting of 9/20/1775.

7. Wilson, p. 26. McCracken, p. 198.

8. Nine Partners MM, 1769-1779, Meeting of 4 / 14 / 1776.

9. Purchase QM, 1745-1793, Meetings of 4 / 17/1776, 8/14 / 1776. Oblong MM, 1757-1781, Meeting of 8/20/1777.

10. Nine Partners (Men's) Monthly Meeting, MS. Minutes, 2 mo. 19 1779 to 9 mo.

19 1783, Haviland Records Room, New York City, Meeting of 8/17/1781.

11. Oblong MM, 1757-1781, Meeting of 6 / 20/1765. Nine Partners MM, 1779-1783, Meetings of 8/14/ 1782, 11/20/1782.

12. John Woolman, Journal of John Woolman, edited by Janet Whitney (Chicago, 1950), p. 20 and passim. David Sands, Journal of the Life and Gospel Labors of David Sands, (New York, 1848), p. 18. Elias Hicks, Journal of the Life and Religious Labours of Elias Hicks (New York, 1832), p. 348. Bliss Forbush, Elias Hicks, Quaker Liberal (New York, 1956), p. 205. Phoebe T. Wanzer, David Irish — A Memoir (Quaker Hill, 1902), p. 10. Hicks, p. 244.

13. McCracken, p. 53.

59

APPENDIX A MANUMISSION1 Know all men by these presents that whereas I Jacob Thorn of Charlotte Precinct in Dutchess County and Province of New York being Intitled by Inheritance to a Negro man Named Primas as also a Negro woman Vilote and being Convinced in my Judgment of the Iniquity of Keeping Slaves Do out of tenderness of Conscience and to Render to them their Just Right of freedom do by these Presents manumit free and fully Discharge them the sd Negro man and woman Named as Aforesaid as far as my right to them Doth Extend and this manumition is Intended that Neither me my heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns Shall have any Right of Claim or Demand of Property to them the sd Negro man Named Primas and Negro woman Named Vilote after the date hereof in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twenty third day of the Third month one thousand seven hundred and seventy six Zopher Green

Jacob Thorn

Tripp Mosher

Dorothy Thorn

1 Nine Partners (Men's) Monthly Meeting, The First Book of Friends Records . . . 1769-1798 [MS. Marriage and miscellaneous records], Haviland Records Room, New York Yearly Meeting, New York City, p. 186.

60

THE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE The annual pilgrimage of the Dutchess County Historical Society took place on Saturday, September 26, 1970. Over one hundred and sixty-five members and their guests spent a very enjoyable day in the Town of Clinton, driving many miles in the countryside of this beautiful part of Dutchess County and visiting many places of historic interest. The pilgrimage was planned and directed by one of the County's best informed historians, Clifford M. Buck of Salt Point, and he was aided by a committee consisting of Walter Averill, Robert B. Breed, Mrs. Dayton Burhans, Mrs. Paul M. Courtney, Joseph W. Emsley, Mrs. John Green, H. Wilson Guernsey, Leonard Kinne, Mrs. Lawrence McGinnis, Frances Van Auken, Baltus B. Van Kleeck, Miss Helen Van Vliet and Kelsey Wirehouse.

Those members living in the southern portion of the County and in the Poughkeepsie area met at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank at Main and Innis Avenue and traveling by bus, joined the pilgrimage from the northern points at the Town of Clinton Recreation Park, a short distance west of Salt Point. The route taken by the three large buses and a few automobiles was the original road to Clinton Hollow, Halstead and Browning Roads.

The iron bridge used on Halstead Road was used many years ago to cross the creek at Clinton Hollow. At Clinton Hollow the upper store was originally opened in 1890 by George Gazley and, presently maintained as a, typical country store by Frank Saunders, was originally the site of a grist and saw mill built by a Mr. Carpenter in 1797. The lower store, once occupied by George Gazley is presently owned by the Cooper family and crafts of local residents are sold there. A brown frame house near by dates back to 1797 and was used as a carriage house. The present dwelling house of the Cooper family was the village blacksmith shop until the early 1900's.

Proceeding north on Schoolhouse Road the caravan passed District 5 schoolhouse. Reaching Fiddlers Bridge Road, we were told it acquired that name because a fiddler lost his life by falling off the bridge on his way home from a long night of fiddling at a local Saturday night dance. On the way to our first stop, the farm of George White, several houses were passed that dated back to the 1700's including the Wile residence, and the McNair farm. A cordial greeting by Mr. White and members of his family awaited the pilgrims at this family farm. Francis Van Auken told of the history of the place and the pilgrims thoroughly enjoyed the display of farm machinery that had been assembled.

The journey was continued; Long Pond Road and Lake Road to Bull's Head Road to the Slate Quarry on Schultz Mountain. Leaving the vehicles the visitors walked through the wooded area to examine the abandoned slate quarry which is recorded to have been in operation in 1798. The slate was hauled to the Hudson River at Rhinecliff and loaded for delivery in New York City. Records indicate that the owner of the quarry in 1865 was John Stoutenburg who sold the operation to the Hudson River Slate Company of New York for $500,000. Evidently the business did not prosper after the turn of the century, for Dutchess County bought the site in

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Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Anderson

1910 for taxes amounting to $14.95. At present the Town owns part of the quarry property that is used for refuse disposal, and a much larger portion of the acreage is owned by the Casperkill Gun Club.

Proceeding on Bulls Head Road past Silver Lake to Milan Hollow Road, the pilgrims were welcomed at the old stone house of 1764, known as the Teller House, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Chris Anderson, who are making extensive renovations and restorations of this beautiful property.

The pilgrimage proceeded via Bulls Head and Pumpkin Lane to Schultzville for a visit at the Town Hall where we were cordially welcomed by Mr. Leonard Kinne, Supervisor of the Town of Clinton. Miss Ruth Hoyt, Historian of the Community, gave a very interesting story of Shultzville and the vicinity and a portion of her address appears in this issue of the Year Book. Mrs. John F. Green, Librarian, also spoke briefly about the establishment of the Library in the Town Hall and the plans for its further development.

The trip continued to the Schultzville-Clinton Corners Road, passing the residence of former Supervisor Horace Kulp, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Adriance's Salt Box house, and the beautiful residence of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Webster which formerly was the home of Assemblyman James C. Allen.

A noon-day stop was made at the Clinton Corners Community Friends Church where the pilgrims were greeted by members of the Church. After a box luncheon a very interesting history of this part of Dutchess County was given by Mrs. Dayton Burhans. Her address is reported in part in this Year Book. After a visit to the Grange Hall the pilgrimage continued south through Clinton Corners toward Hibernia passing the Fountain house which was once a harness shop, St. Joseph Church organized in 1889, to the beautiful estate of Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Spencer, situated next to "big" Wappingers Creek. The residence was built in 1874 and was owned formerly by the Doty and the Sands families. The Quakers crossed the Wappingers here by fording the Wappingers Creek to reach the Meeting House in Clinton Corners, and thus it was named the "Creek Meeting".

We were welcomed warmly by Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and some time was taken by the Society members inspecting the beautiful grounds and gardens.

The Central Baptist Church off Route 82 was the next stop. This church is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its history was described to the visitors by a charter member, Mr. Harry Braddock. A short distance south on Route 82, we visited the mill which is on the site of the Isaac Bloomwill. The present building was operated as a mill until recently whcn it was purchased by Mr. Donald Salvato who is remodelling the interesting old structure for a residence.

The 1970 pilgrimage terminated in Salt Point at the Westminisrer Presbyterian Church where we were privileged to hear a very interesting history of the Church by the minister, Reverand Carl Voth.

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The members of the Historical Society are very grateful to Mr. Clifford Buck and to the members of his committee for the planning and the conducting of one of our finest pilgrimages. In addition to the committee and those mentioned in the account of the pilgrimage, there were many others who took important parts in the planning and management of the trip: Miss Ruth Hoyt of Rhinebeck, Mrs. Henry Burkowske, Clinton Corners, Mrs. Oscar Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Race, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Donald Salvato of Salt Point; Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Fountain, Mark Tellerday, and Mrs. Allen Webster of Clinton Corners.

SCHULTZVILLE

by Ruth M. Hoyt

In 1807, John F. Schultz purchased 22012/ acres of land of David Johnston. This land was a well-watered, limestone tra,ct situated somewhat north of the center of the town of Clinton. Shortly after 1807 Mr. Schultz erected a substantial farmhouse and a grist mill on the nearby stream. A dam was built making a good sized pond which remained until the early 1900's. Sometime later the general store was built and houses sprang up, it making a small village. There was a blacksmith shop which remained in operation for many years, and at various times a harness shop, cigar making shop and other small industries were in operation.

John F. Schultz had a son Daniel who, according to records, was a very enterprising business man. He added extra acreage to the original farm. The general store, also run by the Schultz family, sold whiskey in addition to other staples, and rumor has it that some of the land was acquired in payment for the other farmers' thirsts.

Daniel Schultz was thrice married. When he married Louisa Conger, his third wife, he built the big house on the hill for his bride. The farmhouse across the way was then occupied by the farm manager. There was one son, Theodore Augustus, whose mother was either the first or second wife. Louisa bore him a son and two daughters. The son Daniel died at the age of ten, the same year that his father also died. Theodore died at the age of 26. He bequeathed money for the erection of a church and a masonic hall, Warren Lodge. Until that time the meeting had been at La Fayetteville. The two daughters were Susan who married Timothy Palmer. and Ida who married James Tripp. Neither had children, and after the deaths of their husbands the sisters lived for many years in the big house on the hill with their maid and man of all work.

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Land for the school was given by the Schultz family and was located on a hill east of the blacksmith shop. It was a fine hill for coasting and in winter we would take our sleds to school, hurry through lunch and spend the rest of the noon hour riding down hill. By going up the road a bit one could ride down past the store, and if you had a good sled, down the mill hill. I was forbidden to go that far as once a local boy had run into one of the bridges and broken his leg. Many times I heard about my father and another young man helping my grandfather, the local doctor, set a leg on the kitchen table. There were three bridges at the foot of mill hill and I remember lying in bed on a summer evening and hearing the planks rattle on all three as the local farmers went home after an evening visiting at the store. The years brought many changes of course. I do not know who succeeded the Schultz's as owners of the store. My earliest remembrance is of William Henry Sleight who kept the store and he always gave me a peppermint stick when I went shopping with mother. He died when I was six and the store was kept first by Melvin Sweet and then by Benjamin Bradley who operated it for many years. During the holiday season of 1933 the store and the adjoining house and garages burned. The store was rebuilt and was in operation until a few years ago.

Theodore Schultz's gifts to the community, the church and masonic hall, are still serving their purposes well. The blacksmith shop is still standing and is used as a garage and the clang of the ha,mmer shaping horse shoes is just a memory. In 1910 George Budd purchased the farm and operated it for many years. The old farm house is now empty and badly in need of restoration. Mrs. Palmer died in 1914, and shortly after Mrs. Tripp sold the big house on the hill and moved to Rhinebeck.

There are few descendents left of the old families and most of them are scattered about the world. Such names as Waltermire, Green, Denny, Budd, Sheak, Sleight, Lyon and many more are remembered only by the old timers.

Now and then a new house is added to the community. We have a hard road which is well plowed in winter and Poughkeepsie is a short drive. Most of our residents work there and we have a far different life compared to the days of my girlhood. Daniel Schultz and Louise would be quite amazed were they to return. The old school house still stands and has been converted into living quarters. You see the old bell, here before you, placed here through the efforts of Horace Kulp. This building was given to the town by another native son, John Lyon. Time does not permit telling all the interesting history of our little hamlet, but I have tried to touch on the highlights as I remember them.

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THE CLINTON CORNERS FRIENDS CHURCH

by Mabel K. Burhans

If you follow Jameson Hill road to the top of the hill you will look down on a lovely valley through which a little stream meanders on its way to the Wappingers Creek.

Different families settling in this valley in 1771 "numbered five men and three women heads of families". A minute reads "Friends over the Creek desired a meeting which was granted by the parent meeting, Nine Partners." The name Creek was given to this meeting because the people from Nine Partners had to ford the Wappingers Creek to come here, calling it the meeting "over the creek". This meeting was held at the house of Jonathan Hoag.

Before the first house was built the Quakers placed stones to mark the spot, and would gather around to conduct worship. One record says that once they were joined by some rough looking men, however since they behaved in a seemly manner, they were not questioned. In 1776 the meeting was moved to a little log house belonging to Paul and Phebe Upton. The meeting increased rapidly in numbers and was removed to Elijah Hoag's barn during the summer, and to his dwelling house during the winter.

A committee was appointed in 1775 "to pitch upon a place" for a meeting house. Abel Peters gave the land for it and for the cemetery, although he was not a Quaker. "He was already established as a merchant and innkeeper, a successful man of integrity who did all the public business required by the people of those primitive times" (Smith's History of Dutchess County).

Meetings for worship were held regularly and were often attended by a number of raw, rustic looking people, most of whom were not Quakers.

They would gather together near the Upton house before meeting time and engage in disputes about the war, sometimes with high words and angry looks, but when the appointed hour came, Phebe Upton would come to rhe door. All controversy would cease and the company sat down with apparent reverence to wait upon the Father of Mercies. This seems to be the first move toward community worship. There is good reason to believe some who were not yet members of our society afterward joined in religion's fellowship and became united in bearing Christian testimony against wax by patiently suffering the spoilage of their goods. "Surely it is the Lord's doings and marvelous indeed."

The building of the stone meeting house was begun in 1777, but it was several years before it was finished. Because of their stand against war and violence they became the target of persecution and harassment. Not only was their worship interrupted by scoffers and enemies of their faith, but bands of Tories and lawless gangs often attacked the builders, driving 66

them away and destroying the work that they had done. Some of the builders left the area to avoid conscription, some were arrested and fined and one, Elijah Hoag, was imprisoned and banished to Esopus Island.

Mary Bedell Burkowske, whose home is in Clinton Corners, heard these tales from her grandfather whose grandfather told them to him. When Mr. Ben Haviland for whom Haviland Junior High School is named, visited Upton Lake Grange, he loved to tell of his great grandfather who severely injured his back lifting one of the large stones in the northwest corner of the building.

I am now quoting from Smith's History of 1876: "Thus in the midst of toils and dangers was the Church nourished and built up; and in the Church yard cemetery lie the Church fathers, calming resting from all their trials and persecutions. The walls of the building are as firm as when first built and, with a little care, will stand the storms of another century. Within its sacred enclosure the fervent prayers of godly and women have been offered up to the Giver of all good for a century. Men have stood up in all the pride and glory of manhood, and passed away and their places have been taken by others until three generations have gone by, and yet the old house stands, a beacon on the ocean of time."

After the war new members moved into the area and other settlers

became convinced Friends. The old stone house became well-filled with worshippers. Sometimes there were visiting ministers, sometimes silent meetings. All accounts agree to the presence and power of the Spirit and the impress made on the neighborhood. Then in 1828, under the brilliant preaching of Elias Hicks, who decorates the family tree of several families in the area, dissension arose on points of doctrine. Religious dissension was not confined to Quakers, but was a tendency of that period, occurring in other denominations, and also in the Free Masons who were strong at the time.

Those who chose to follow Elias Hicks called themselves Hicksites.

Those who held to the old doctrine were designated Orthodox.

Early minutes of Creek meeting were presumably lost by fire, but we find in the women's minutes of the 6th month, 10th, 1828: "After leaving the stone house that day, we concluded to move to the house of Cornelius Austin, which was kindly offered by him for our present accommodations.

7 month 28th 1828 Asa Upton was appointed Clerk and it was concluded that Creek monthly meeting, Preparative meeting, and meeting for worship were to be held for the present at the home of Paul Upton."

This was a trying time for Friends. For some leaving the old meeting house was too great a step, and others were influenced in the decision by family ties, so that real members in the separation probably do not represent the exact difference in belief. The total membership at the time of division was the large number of 256. Of these 168 remained in the stone house and 88 removed, and the next year built the shingle meeting house on the site of the present Upton Lake Cemetery.

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The members in the Orthodox branch number 22 men — 31 women — 32 minors.

Whatever the fundamental differences in doctrine, there was little difference in the manner in which they conducted their meetings. There was very little effort in either group to try to get new members. If a member married out of meeting they were promptly disowned. There was a rigid culling out of members not in harmony with the meeting.

The Hicksite branch dwindled to the point that they gave up holding meetings, and at the turn of the century they rented the stone building to Upton Lake Grange. The Grange purchased the property in 1927.

The Orthodox meeting struggled on with very small attendance.

One of the bright spots in this period was the work of our station of the underground for runaway slaves. A Friend tells me she well remembers how Elihu Griffin and others sheltered the slaves and helped Alfred Underhill fit out his carriage to start in the dusk of the evening for John Goulds in Hudson, where there was another Quaker meeting to send them on to Canada.

The year 1876, one hundred years from the founding, a change was begun by the Orthodox Quakers. Until then there never had been a resident minister. Now Thomas and Mary Kimber came to us and ushered in the Evangelistic period. The Gospel was preached with power, and these meetings resulted in a marked awakening of the membership and in several conversions of people in the neighborhood. From that time to now there has been a gradual increase in number and in the influence of our meeting in the community.

In the fall of 1877 Thomas H. Leggett, an elder, and Hannah H. Legget, a minister, moved to a farm near Salt Point with their family. They continued the evangelistic spirit.

The meetings were larger than before, but probably due to being outside the village, did not grow in numbers. Thomas Legget agitated building in the village for some time. A small afternoon meeting of another church had been started in the hall of the village, if Quakers were to occupy the field, removal would be necessary. We were indeed community minded back in those years.

To the older members this seemed impossible of achievement but, 9th month 1889, Thomas Leggett was authorized to solicit funds. William M. Birdsall was present at this meeting and recorded it. All eyes turned to Egbert S. Bedell to speak for the membership. He hesitatingly arose and stated that he did not see how it could be done, and that the meeting could not consent to going into debt. But if the money could be collected, he believed no opposition to removal would be made by the meeting. Upon this slender encouragement Thomas Leggett started out, traveling extensively for about a year and collecting money from all parts of the United States 68

and even some from England. Charles Hicks gave the land on which to build and others gave as they could after it was found possible to build.

On 1890 the building was completed as the meeting stipulated "free from debt."

The Leggetts served 17 years without pay. They were part of the meeting.

In the 1890's it was decided that we should become a pastoral meeting. Some support was given, but as the neighborhood had not been used to giving regularly, the sum was not large. During this time great progress was made toward our community church.

The meeting in the village hall that had continued was given up, and the members joined us. Sabbath morning offerings were taken and finances were put on a sounder basis.

An organ had been used in the Christian Endeavor room before music became a regular part of the Church services.

Bloomvale Chapel, a branch of the Dutch Reformed Church of Millbrook, was laid down and members came to us. There was much community visitation by the members, and organizations for all ages flourished.

More room was needed, and on 10th month 1914 it was decided to build a new church across the front of the old. On June 4th 1916, the new Church was dedicated to the service of the community. The old building was fitted for a gymnasium and church hall.

History shows the Quakers in this area had always had a sense of responsibility toward the community. In 1962 it became the Community Friends Church officially, based on this thought. The basis of Our Fellowship is an inward experience, and the essentials of Unity among us are: The love of God and the love of man conceived and practiced in the Spirit of Christ.

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The Westminister Presbyterian Church of Salt Point, New York.

Built 1861.

THE WESTMINISTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SALT POINT, NEW YORK.

by The Reverand Carl T. Voth

The Westminister Presbyterian Church of Salt Point, New York is one of the structures selected by the Dutchess County Planning Board as "architecture worth saving in New York State." The building is included among the Board's choices of "Landmarks of Dutchess County, 1683-1867."

It is by no means an "old" structure as compared to those numerous buildings in the county which date from the Revolutionary War period, for it was built in 1861, the year following the organization of the Presbyterian congregation in the village of Salt Point.

In the year 1697 the English Crown, under the reign of William and Mary, issued a grant of land in the Colony of New York to a group of men known as the "Nine Partners." The "Great Nine Partners Patent" had the Hudson River as its western boundary, and it extended eastward from the river to the Connecticut line.

In time, there were further divisions made of the Nine Partners Patent.

The Colonial Legislature divided the tract into seven precincts in the year 1737. One of these was known as the Crum Elbow Precinct. In 1763. at the request of the settlers, the Crum Elbow Precinct was further divided into two unequal precincts. The larger one which bordered on the Hudson River was known as the Charlotte Precinct and the smaller one, lying just to the east, was called the Amenia Precinct.

By the time this last division was made, there was already a Presbyterian Meeting House built and in use near the center of the Crum Elbow Precinct in the area we now know as the village of Washington Hollow.

Built in the year 1746, it was the first Presbyterian church within what are now the boundaries of Dutchess County, and the sixth church without regard to denomination. It was known as the Pittsburg Church. Philip H. Smith in his "General History of Dutchess County" has this description of the church: "The Old Presbyterian Meeting House stood not far from Wheeler's Hotel. It was a plain, square building, quite large, two stories in height and was furbished with a gallery on three sides. The land on which it was built was deeded for the purpose by Isaac German, a large landowner. The cemetery ground here was originally connected with this church. During the Revolution this edifice was used as a prison." 2 -* Mr. Voth came to Dutchess County in 1967 to become the minister of the Westminister Presbyterian Church of Salt Point, N. Y. A native of Kansas, he was graduated from Bethel College, Newton, Kansas, and from Princeton Theological Seminary where he received B.D. degree. Mr. Voth serves in an area team ministry together with the Reverand Marlin Steward. Three of the Presbyterian churches in Dutchess County are involved: The Westminister Presbyterian Church, the Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley. Mr. Voth preaches each Sunday in Salt Point and Pleasant Plains.

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The Colonial period was difficult for the non-conformist churches.

Congregations, especially in the vicinity of New York City, were required to support the established Church of England as well as voluntarily supporting themselves. Even then, sometimes the hand of the law would reach out and arrest for religious dissent. The Pittsburg Church was a part of this struggle. Educated clergy were scarce in those days in the Colonies.

For 16 years the Pittsburg Church had a building . . . but no pastor.

The reason the Pittsburg Church has significance for the Westminister Presbyterian Church is that it was the "grandmother" church of all the Presbyterian churches in this area. Out of her came the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church which was organized in 1765. The Pleasant Valley Church has been a veritable "mother of churches:" the Poughkeepsie Church in 1817; the Freedom Plains Church in 1828; the Pleasant Plains Church in 1837; and the Westminister Presbyterian Church in 1860. The old Pittsburg Church was eventually absorbed by the Pleasant Valley Church and the lot later came into the hands of the Methodist Church.

The village of Salt Point, in which the Westminister Presbyterian Church stands, was once known as Gazely' Mills. The name "Salt Point" is first mentioned in a mortgage contract dated May 5, 1816. Probably the name did not come into common use much before 1800.

Clifford Buck. a well known resident of the village, has compiled a paper on the History and People of Salt Point. A part of his paper is devoted to recalling several traditions regarding the origin of the name, Salt Point. One story, which has a number of variations, suggests that the area was used by the Indians as a salting place for deer. Presumably the deer were then killed by the Indians. To support this tradition, some evidence has been found that Indians did frequent the area.

Another story has it that cattle being driven to market, then located in Arlington, were fed salt somewhere near the village so that they would drink large quantities of water and thus weigh more!

A third account recalls that a man stopped at the tavern one day and asked to buy a pint of spirits. Some young fellows, wishing to perpetrate the prank of the day, put salt in the whiskey . . . hence, the "salty pint" . . . Salt Point!

The first settler in what is now the village seems to have been a certain John Gazely. Tax records exist for the years 1753-1775 in which he is listed. He probably lived on the property now owned by the Hasbrouck family. There was a tenant house on the property until about 1920 at which time it was destroyed by fire. It is thought that this building was the original house occupied by John Gazely.

The Gazelys were Presbyterians. Baptism records exist in the Church Register now in the possession of the First Presbyterian Church of Poughkeepsie for the children of John and Anna Gazely: John, 1750; Daniel, 72

1752; Anna, 1754; and James, 1758. From the records of the Pleasant Valley Church we find that Anna, the wife of John, was received into membership on August 14, 1768. From that date on there are listed many Gazelys.

Most of the land in and around the village was settled by the year 1775 and there was a post office there as early as 1828!

In 1860 the Rev. A. C. Frissell, released from the Presbyterian Church in South Amenia, came to Salt Point and conceived the idea of starting a Presbyterian Church in the area. Prior to that time, religious services had occasionally been held in the village school house with help from the pastors of the Pleasant Valley and Pleasant Plains churches. Mr. Frissell began calling in the homes of the people in the area and the people gathered for preaching services in the school house on the Sabbath. Soon a petition was drawn up and presented to the North River Presbytery requesting that Presbytery authorize the establishment of a church in Salt Point "if the way be clear." Presbytery acted favorably and appointed a commission consisting of the Rev. Francis Wheeler of Poughkeepsie, the Rev. B. F. Wile of Pleasant Valley, the Rev. Sherman Hoyt of Pleasant Plains, the Rev. A. C. Frissell and Mr. Rodman Mead, an Elder from Pleasant Valley.

On December 20, 1860, seventeen members from the Pleasant Valley Church were dismissed so that they might organize themselves into the Westminister congregation. On January 12, 1861 eight more members from Pleasant Valley, one member from Pleasant Plains, two members from Washington Hollow and one on Confession of Faith joined with the original seventeen. There were now a total of twenty-nine members.

Almost immediately, the people resolved to build a sanctuary. Pledges were sought in the amount of $3000. Ninety-three people made pledges which totaled $2858 and the contract was let to Mr. David H. Doughty for the sum of $2830. The entire cost of the building, its furnishings, stone work, sheds and fences came to $3408 . . . the cost above subscription list being met by a note signed by the Trustees. The land on which the church stands was donated by Charles Brown at the request of his daughter, Mrs. William Herrick.

The Westminister Church has always been a struggling church. Never does the membership seem to have gone beyond 91 members. There were 82 in 1875, 68 in 1936. Membership is now at its peak. Pastors were sometimes called by the congregation and sometimes appointed as "stated supplies- by Presbytery. Often their tenure was one year or less. There have been at last thirty two pastors in the church's 110 year history. Considering the fact that one pastor remained for a period of seventeen years, it is an almost unbelievable parade of men.

There have been moments of glory. In December of 1867, the Rev. Sylvanus Nye Hutchison was called to fill the Westminister pulpit. In the winter of 1869, a revival series was held. In the Communion Service in 73

March of that year, 41 persons united with the church — all on confession of faith — as a result of that series of revival meetings.

Gasoline lights were installed in 1920. Electric lights came in 1924.

In May of 1926, the plaster ridge molding at the peak of the ceiling fell to the floor crushing some of the pews. The plaster molding was replaced immediately with the wooden molding which remains today. A pipe organ was installed in 1927 and later replaced with an electric instrument.

At present, the Westminister Presbyterian Church is joined in an Area Team Ministry with the Pleasant Valley and Pleasant Plains Presbyterian churches. Pastors and one lay person serve on the staff. All three churches now have significant programs and ministries, seeking to be the Church of Jesus Christ in our time.

Notes 1. Landmarks of Duchess County, 1683v1867, Architecture Worth Saving in New York State Prepared by the Dutchess County Planning Board Published by the New York State Council on the Arts, 1969 2. Philip H. Smith, General History of Dutchess County, p. 326

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EARLY RAILROADS IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

by Lyndon A. Haight*

Promotion of a railroad in Dutchess County was begun as early as 1842 by well-known Poughkeepsians: Matthew Vassar, Thomas L. Davis, Isaac Platt and E. B. Kelley. The first to be built was the Hudson River Railroad which connected Poughkeepsie with New York in 1849. Another raidroad on the eastern boundary of the County, The New York 8z Harlem was completed to Dover Plains in 1849 and to Chatham in 1851, where it connected with the Boston & Albany which had already begun through service from Boston to Albany in 1841. However this brief story deals with the short lines built in Dutchess County. In March 1832, even prior to the promotion of the Hudson River Railroad, a charter was issued to the Dutchess County Railroad Company to build a railroad from Poughkeepsie to the Connecticut State line. A route was surveyed in 1833 to Amenia through Pine Plains and the township of Northeast, but no action followed. The promoters were unable to raise funds since most people favored a canal. (In the Poughkeepsie Journal of June 12, 1822 there is an item concerning a canal to run from Sharon, Dover and Mt. Pleasant to the Hudson River.) In 1826 another charter was issued under the same name as above for the construction of a line from Poughkeepsie to Pine Plains and through a part of Columbia County to the Massachusetts State line. Again, nothing came of this.

Nineteen years later, in 1855, the idea was revived, but still no progress was made. Promotion began again in 1865 when a meeting was held in Washington Hollow. Here a controversy arose as to whether Poughkeepsie or Fishkill should be the terminus. The advocates for Fishkill were in the majority and the Poughkeepsie people withdrew. At a later meeting held in Bangall, an organization under the general railroad law was proposed to build from the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie via Pine Plains to Ancram or Copake, and thence to the Connecticut State line, with a branch at or near Salt Point. The line would pass near Washington Hollow and connect with the New York & Harlem Railroad at Wassaic. Surveys for this plan were completed at a meeting held in Washington Hollow in February 1866. It was announced that the complete cost would be $1,002,000 for construction and equipment with receipts estimated at $219,000.

So on April 13, 1866, 34 years after the first organizational meeting, the Poughkeepsie & Eastern Railroad Compa,ny was chartered. The road did not run through Ancram or Copake, but through Ancram Lead Mines Ancramdale) to Boston Corners where it connected with and crossed the New York & Harlem, continuing another six miles to State line. The 43 miles were completed in October 1872 at a cost of $1,499,920. Between * Lyndon A. Haight of Auburn, N. Y., a member of the Dutchess County Historical Society, is an authority on the subject of the railioads of Dutchess County and has written many important articles on the development and operation of the Central New England System.

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Stissing and Pine Plains, the Poughkeepsie & Eastern leased trackage rights from the Dutchess & Columbia Railroad at an annual rental of $6,000.

Between 1874 and 1907 this same 43 miles of track changed hands four times, losing six miles by transfer in one operation. In June 1874 the P & E went into receivership. It was sold and reorganized as the Poughkeepsie, Hartford & Boston Railroad Company in 1875 but continued under the P & E management. In 1886, the P, H & B was sold under foreclosure and reorganized in January 1887 as the New York & M,assachusetts Railway Company. Financial troubles continued and the New York and Massachusetts was sold under foreclosure in March, 1893. The property of the N Y & M was acquired by the Poughkeepsie & Eastern Railroad Company, its original name, and chartered in 1893. In June 1898, it again went into receivership. In 1907, it merged into the Central New England Railway Company.

A second Dutchess County Railroad was chartered on September 4, 1886. This was the Dutchess & Columbia, for the construction of a railroad from Plumb Point (Fishkill) to connect with the New York & Harlem Railroad at Baines Station (Hillsdale). This road was largely promoted by New York bankers who had financial interests in the town of Washington.

Several towns along the proposed route, Fishkill among them, bonded themselves to aid in the construction of the road. It was said that hesitation on the part of the townships in Columbia County, through which the road would pass, to obligate themselves for financial assistance, and the influence of some politicians in the northern section of Dutchess County, caused the promoters to drop the idea of reaching Baines Station. As a result the line turned sharply east and went over the mountains to Millerton by way of Bethel, Shekomeko and Winchells.

With construction started in 1866, the road reached Pine Plains in 1869 and Millerton and State line in 1871. Here it connected with the Connecticut Western. Up to 1879, the road had cost $2,258,342. The Clove Branch Railroad Company, under the control of the D & C, was chartered in 1869 to reach the iron mines at Clove Valley. Finished in 1869, the line ran from Clove Junction to Sylvan Lake, being extended to Clove Valley in 1877. It was abandoned in 1898.

The Dutchess & Columbia Railroad prior to its completion, was leased to the Boston, Hartford & Erie which was building a line from Hartford to Hopewell Junction. After their failure in 1870, the D 8z C took over the operation. In 1871 and '72 the Dutchess and Columbia became involved in a series of consolidations with lines which were projected, under construction, or already constructed, for the purpose of forming a through line from New York to Canada. After its receivership in 1874 and the takeover by its bondholders, the D & C operated as an independent unit. While a part of the consolidation attempt, the D & C operated as a division of the New York, Boston & Montreal. After going into bankruptcy in 1876, it became, upon reorganization in 1877, the Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut Railroad Company under which name it operated until it was purchased 77

by the New Haven for $1,000,000 and merged into the Central New England System. The D & C ran a ferry, the "Fannie Gainer" between Denning's Point and Newburgh. This service was discontinued when the New York & New England (successors to the Boston, Hartford & Erie) in 1882, built a line from Tioranda (Wicopee Junction) to Fishkill Landing and took over the ferry operation. The ferry was discontinued after the Poughkeepsie Bridge was built.

A railroad bridge across the Hudson River at Poughkeepsie first proposed in 1869. Business men of Poughkeepsie and the promoters of the Poughkeepsie & Eastern Railroad incorporated The Poughkeepsie Bridge Company in 1871. Construction was started and the cornerstone laid in 1873, but the financial panic of 1873 resulting in the withdrawal of one of the largest capital subscribers halted the project. After new backing was obtained, Construction began in 1876 but stopped soon afterward. Further financial troubles caused a ten year lapse, and work was resumed this third time by the Manhattan Bridge Company. On December 29, 1888, the first train crossed the newly completed bridge. In February 1892, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad which had financed the Bridge went into receivership.

The property rights and franchises were sold in July 1892 and the Poughkeepsie Bridge and Railroad Company was incorporated. And so a bridge had been built with no railroad to cross it. The bridge builders had planned to acquire the Poughkeepsie, Hartford & Boston on the east side, but not being able to do so, had formed in 1888 the Poughkeepsie & Connecticut Railroad Company. This new line would parallel the one they had not been able to acquire. It would run 27 miles from Poughkeepsie to Pine Plains, then northerly 312/ miles to connect at Silvernails with the Hartford & Connecticut Western. As for the west side of the river, the Hudson & Connecting Railroad was chartered in 1887 to construct a line 26 miles from the river to Campbell Hall. There connections were made with the New York, Ontario & Western, the Wallkill Valley and the Pennsylvania, Poughkeepsie & Boston. This latter was formed by merging a number of small railroads, and with some additional construction to connect with the Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad. The Hudson Connecting and the Poughkeepsie & Connecticut were completed in 1889, thus opening a direct line from Hartford to the numerous connections in Orange County. These two roads were consolidated in 1889 as the Central New England & Western Railroad Company. This latter company then leased the Hartford and Connecticut Western, and in 1892, the Dutchess County Railroad (incorporated in 1890) which had been built to connect Poughkeepsie with the New York & New England Railroad at Hopewell Junction.

In January 1892, the Philadelphia & Reading Company purchased from the Delaware & New England Railroad Company, a holding company, the capital stock of the Central New England & Western which went into receivership soon afterward. The Reading people formed the Philadelphia, Reading & New England Railroad Company to consolidate the Central New England & Western and the Poughkeepsie Bridge company. They also acquired by lease the line of the Dutchess County Railroad. When in 78

1893, the P R 8z N E defaulted on their interest payments, foreclosure proceedings were started. In 1899 the road became the Central New England Railway Company. In 1907 the Dutchess County Railroad; Poughkeepsie Bridge Railroad Company; Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut Railway Company; Poughkeepsie & Eastern Railroad Company; and the Central New England Railway Company became one — The Central New England Railway Company. The Rhinebeck & Connecticut Railroad ran across the north western corner •of Dutchess County with its western terminus at Rhinecliff. It was organized in 1870 by the owners of the Roundout & Oswego Railroad. The plan called for a railroad from a point opposite Roundout on the Hudson River 42 miles to the Connecticut State line and later a bridge across the river from Roundout to Rhinebeck, thereby creating a continuous line from the Great Lakes to Oswego and Boston. Construction was started in 1871 and in 1875 the road was opened to Boston Corners. Connections were made from Boston Corners to State line over the Poughkeepsie, Hartford & Boston (6 miles). Up to 1879 the cost of the road and equipment had been $1,440,000. In 1882 the property and franchises were conveyed to the Hartford & Connecticut Western for $800,000 in stock. The Connecticut Western was the railroad over which the four Dutchess County railroads made connections into New England.

In 1889 it leased the railroad property to the Central New England & Western for one year and in 1896 for fifty years.

The primary reason for building these railroads was to move the coal of Pennsylvania into New England and the manufactured products of New England to the west. The Dutchess & Columbia was expected to move the iron ore from the mines of Dutchess and Columbia Counties to the smelters, which it did until the mines closed. The Clove Valley was an ore railroad.

When the Poughkeepsie Bridge was built, the Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut was reduced to the status of local hauler. The Poughkeepsie & Eastern was also a local line. It had connections at Poughkeepsie with the New York Central and the river boats, as did the N D & C at Beacon and the Rhinebeck & Connecticut at Rhinecliff. The R & C had no ferry connection with the west side of the river. Ice on the river was a wintertime hindrance to boat traffic, but the Poughkeepsie Bridge eliminated that problem. After the formation of the C N E System there was considerable freight traffic over the bridge and the P & E through Pine Plains and Ancramdale to New England. There was heavy traffic during World War I years, and for a short time thereafter. Eighty percent of the freight handling came from other lines. Of the 1,000,000 tons moved in 1904, only 200,000 originated with the C N E. More than 50% of the originating freight was New England's manufactured products; 12% was ore from New York State lines, another 12% was lumber, and farm products accounted for the rest.

To the people of Dutchess County the railroads provided transportation of goods, people and jobs. There were many milk receiving plants along the railroads, which processed milk mainly for the metropolitan areas.

Carloads were hauled daily by the railroads to the consumers' market. The harvesting of ice was a wintertime occupation which provided many jobs.

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A Northern, Dutchess & Columbia Train nearing Bangall, N. Y. in the Early 1900's.

The New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Station, Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 80

Both the milk handling plants and the railroads were heavy users of ice.

Ice harvested at Pine Plains was shipped to the ice houses of the Central New England at Maybrook for use in icing refrigeration cars. Mail, newspapers, and nearly all articles sold by local merchants were received by rail.

I have taken home bread still warm from the oven, which had been shipped to my home town by rail. In order to encourage passenger traffic, the railroads issued a promotion bulletin extolling the small towns along the railroads as excellent vacation spots. Local people took in "summer boarders" as they were called in those days, and this was a source of income for many families. How they made money at the advertised rates is a source of wonder to us today. Room and Board per person ran from four to ten dollars a week, the average being about six dollars. Also interesting is the rate of pay railroaders earned. I have a copy of a payroll for May 1902, which I am told was for a twelve-hour day. Of course with no deductions for income taxes or social security: A coal heaver earned from $1.25 to $1.50 a day, an engine watchman $1.50, a car inspector $1.90. A CNE rule book of 1906 gives the following rates for crews on passenger trains — for Conductors $4.60 per day, for Baggage Masters $4.25, and for Brakemen $2.00.

The Central New England operated a substantial passenger service.

Daily trains operated from Hartford to Campbell Hall with connections with the Harlem, the Hudson River Division of the New York Central and with the New York, Ontario & Western, the Erie and the Lehigh & New England. The Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut in 1905 operated eight passenger trains — two each way between Beacon and Pine Plains and two each way running through to Millerton. The N D & C also ran a daily round trip from Millerton to State line where connections were made with a Central New England train. The Poughkeepsie & Eastern ran three daily trains each way between Poughkeepsie and Boston Corners, where connections were made with the Harlem. Since these railroads ran through Pine Plains, this little town was served by four Central New England, eight Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut and six Poughkeepsie & Eastern trains daily — a total of 18 daily trains. From this impressive service dwindled in 1933 to a single daily round trip between Copake and Poughkeepsie and one between Pine Plains and Beacon. The service stopped completely on September 11, 1933. The C N E ran no Pullman cars except those hauled on the through service from Boston to Harrisburg on the Day Express. The Federal Express operated by the New York and New England from Boston to Washington, ran over the Poughkeepsie Bridge route until the Hell Gate Bridge was opened in 1917. A Central New England & Western timetable for June 30, 1880 lists a Day Express with Pullman Buffet Parlor Cars between Boston and Harrisburg, leaving Boston at 8:00 A.M. and arriving at Harrisburg at 12:10 at night. The eastbound train left Harrisburg at 1:25 A.M. and reached Boston at 9:30 P.M. These trains ran on the CNE & W crossing the Poughkeepsie Bridge. A timetable of 1899 lists connections from Boston over the C N E to Detroit and Chicago. A Boston & Maine Railroad timetable for 1892 lists connections from Portland, Maine and Boston over the C N E to Philadelphia, Balti81

more, and Washington, and to Chicago. Connections with other railroads were made at Maybrook. Freight service continued for a few more years but as early as 1925 parts of the lines were abandoned, more in 1932 and 1935 and in 1938 the remainder except from the Poughkeepsie Bridge to Hopewell Junction and Danbury which service is still in operation. The railroads had accidents, some tragic and some with a twist of comedy, but space does not permit recounting them.

Like the horse and buggy, the railroad had its place in the development of the areas it served. It met a need when highways were poor and practically impassible during parts of the year. It brought the city and country close together carrying to each the benefits the other had to offer.

But the automobile and truck, and the improved highways which followed in their wake made the railroad, especially the short line, obsolete. Today, a railroad journey is a nostalgic experience, chosen for its flavor, not as the most practical means of reaching one's destination. However, we 111 recognize the enormous role played by the railroad in opening up our 3000 mile expanse of country in its early days.

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THE REVEREND MR. WILLIAM WHITTAKER* During the time of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Pleasant Valley, New York, Presbyterian Church, one project was to find pictures of all the ministers who had served the congregation. Some were easy to find and some required much searching. One that was never found was a likeness of the Reverend William Whittaker who had been pastor of the Church 1873-1879. However we did learn much about the man.

He was born in England about 1809 and several accounts state that he was graduated from Oxford at the age of twenty-two, although research in England failed to verify this fact. Mr. Whittaker served as pastor of rhe following churches: Pastor of the Universalist Church, Hudson, New York 1832-1838; his whereabouts are unknown from 1838 to 1844. In 1884 he embraced Presbyterianism and served in the following Presbyterian Churches: Plainfield, New Jersey 1844-1854; Greenport, New York 1854-1859; Valalie, New York 1860-1863; Greenbush (now Renssalaer), New York, 18631867; Champlain, New York 1868-1871; Pleasant Valley, New York, 18731879.

On July 3, 1868 his wife, Mrs. Jane Whittaker and a daughter, Beulah, were received by letter from the Dutch Reformed Church at Kinderhook.

On March 4, 1870 Minnie and Alice Whittaker, •his daughters, were received by letters from the same church, and on May 21, 1873 Mrs. Whittaker and three daughters Beulah, Alice and Minnie were dismissed to the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church. From February 1873 until April 22, 1879 Mr. Whittaker served as pastor of the Pleasant Valley Church.

After retiring from the Pleasant Valley Church he lived at 61 Montgomery Street, Poughkeepsie until 1833, and after that lived with his children at various places. Mr. Whittaker's wife, Jane, who was a sister of Judge Theodore Miller of Hudson, New York, died June 8, 1880 at the home of a daughter, Cornelia Wendover, of Valatie.

Mr. Whittaker died on February 18, 1889 at the home of his daughter Beulah at Rye, New York. Both Mr. Whittaker and his wife and members of the family are buried in the City of Hudson Cemetery, not far from Judge Miller's plot. The Whittakers had a son, William, who lived on Creek Road and also at 3 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie, and died March 13, 1918. A son, Theodore, died several years ago. Two other sons, William F. was a resident of California, and Harold who at one time lived at 31 College Avenue, Poughkeepsie, moved away from the area in 1940.

The notice of Mr. Whittaker's death appeared in the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle on February 20, 1889:

The information about the Reverend Mr. Whittaker was obtained by Mr. Clifford Buck of Salt Point, New York, a Trustee of the Historical Society and by Mrs. Judith K. Stewart, wife of the Reverend Marlin B. Stewart, Pastor of the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church and Moderator of the Hudson River Presbytery.

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"A telegram to Mr. Martin W. Collins Tuesday morning conveyed the sad intelligence of the sudden death of the Reverend William W. Whittaker, for several years a resident of this city, which took place at the residence of his daughter, Beulah, at Rye, Westchester County on Sunday the 18th.

Mr. Whittaker was born in England about 80 years ago and came to this country while yet a young man. He graduated from college at the age of 22 and we are informed he began his pulpit career as a Universalist clergyman. At the age of thirty-five he embraced Presbyterianism, and up to the time of his death was identified with that denomination. He had charge of the Presbyterian Churches at Hudson and New Lebanon in Columbia County, at Lake George and Champlain, New York, at Plainfield and Fort Lee, New Jersey and at Pleasant Valley this County, which was his last pastorate and continued about five years.

He gave up preaching about nine years ago and since that time has lived in the city and since the death of his wife which occured about six years ago, he lived with his daughter in this city, and in Orange and Westchester Counties.

He married early in life Miss Eliza Miller, a sister of Judge Theodore Miller of Hudson. A son and four daughters survive him.

Even at an early age he was a preacher of marked ability, though small of stature, his powerful sermons, characterized by close reasoning and forcible expression, gave him a commanding position as a pulpit orator. Readers will remember Mr. Whittaker's short sermons published in the Eagle for several years, and they will remember that he was a clear thinker who expressed himself concisely and in choice language. He was a great reader and book buyer, and left a large library. While a resident of the city he was a frequent visitor at the Eagle sanctum and would load himself with exchanges, which he took home with him, thus acquainting himself with the passing events of the world. He was passionately fond of poetry, and constantly quoting it, not only in private conversation, but in his sermons and writings.

Mr. Whittaker was a man of strong convictions, and commanded the full respect and esteem of all, by the uniform purity of life. He was sensitive about what he considered his rights, yet diffident and unobtrusive.

The death of his wife about six years ago was a great blow to Mr. Whittaker. She had been the companion of his early manhood, and together they had passed through many, many years side by side. The severance of the tie affected his after life. About two years ago he had a stroke of paralysis, from which he partially recovered, but it left him physically weak.

The funeral will take place at the house of Judge Miller, Hudson on Thursday February 21st. Those from here who wish to attend will go up on the 12:30 train."

The Hudson Daily Republican February 21, 1889 Thursday contained the following report. "The funeral of Rev. William Whittaker will take 84

place today from the Hudson River Railroad Station on arrival of the 1:48 train from New York. One son and two daughters survive him. A Poughkeepsie paper says that the Rev. William Whittaker was some years ago one of the best known Presbyterian ministers in Dutchess County, having preached at Pleasant Valley for several years. He was a brother-in-law of Ex-Judge Miller of Hudson and also related by marriage to Ex-Senator Wendover of Stuyvesant. Mr. Whittaker was considered one of the best orators in northern New York. He preached at Hudson, Albany, Whitehall, and other places in that end of the state and when his health began to fail he accepted a call from the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Valley where his labours would be light. His health improved and during the five years that he remained there he was scarcely ever without an invitation to lecture some place in Dutchess County. His lectures and sermons were quoted extensively and in all matters regarding the Presbyterian Church and its teachings, he was considered an authority. He was a graduate of Oxford College, England."

While searching old newspapers for further information about Mr. Whittaker we came across a series of letters written to the Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier and here we get a picture of different viewpoints of laymen regarding a minister, so characteristic to this day of the layman's point of view of ministers and others serving the public. Portions of the letters follow: Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier, February 16, 1879 Vicinity Correspondence

Clinton Corners

After a long absence and perfect restoration of health, I am again with my friends at this place. It was a little amusing to see the people stare as I came in the village. My heavy beard and healthy complexion was probably an unexpected surprize to them. However I mean to piece out my blanket and live as long as the goods hold out. I am a good catchword for some of the old spinsters. I hear they have had me dead and buried since my departure from Clinton Corners. They must believe me in the land of the living and ready to be assailed by them when they see my name in Lhe Courier. It is a way they have and they are to be pitied. But without our old maids to make conversation lively, I feel the fireside would suffer. The old rut is about the way things go here. Our boys have more time to sit around in the winter, and all the lounging quarters are secured early in the day. It is a noticeable fact that the cellar part of the pantaloons is threadbare first — the store is a jolly place in the evening; all sorts of sitting places are improvised as the "boys" crowd in. One can hardly find standing room at times and the clouds of tobacco smoke would astonish even an inveterate. All sorts of talk is indulged in and some is pretty laud. Horses sometimes are discussed and Dan Mace would be enlightened if he could only sit by the class one evening. We have among us one who is the oracle on "hogs". I hear he is going to hire a hall. When the treat comes off I'll advise you . . . The present low prices of produce troubles the soil tillers.

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They had large crops and plentiful pastures, but for all the yield was large and double that of many years, still the grumbling continues. I think it is inherent to this class of people to be bewailing their condition and the general outlook of things. If Dennis Kearny could have been persuaded to keep his engagement with our people last summer, all things would have been straightened. All the laboring man needs is a little encouragement from such statesmen as "Denny" . . . I hear a little trouble again has been brewing in the church at Salt Point. It is astonishing that such a handful of people cannot live peacefully together and worship God without continually growling. We invite them up here and offer them free sittings in our "1777". While on the subject of churches, I am reminded of my delightful visit to Pleasant Valley a Sunday or two since. I was invited by a friend to attend divine services at the Presbyterian Church. I accepted and listened to one of the most instructive and lucid sermons it has been my good fortune to hear in a long time. It was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Whittaker, and when I said to my friend "how can so talented a man as this be contented in such a narrow, forlorn place as Pleasant Valley", you can imagine my surprise at his answer. Said he "These people have even had the cheek to ask Mr. Whittaker to take a less salary than $1000, and even then some of the Godly think him too high toned for them. The fact is his family are of too good stock to be handled by the kind of people who rule things here." Well I was astonished. To think a man of such rare abilities should be cuffed about by such a lot of people as I witnessed in that congregation, exception, I admit was a poor appreciation and encouragement for brains. If we could only have such preaching up here our people would be delighted.

Signed "UNO"

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier

March 2, 1879

Vicinity Correspondence, Pleasant Valley AN OPEN LETTER TO UNO And as you think our dominie at Pleasant Valley is a man of rare abilities, and his family of too good stock to preach to such a congregation (or "Lot" as you term us) as we are, and that brains are poorly appreciated hereabouts. What's the matter with the people of Pleasant Valley in your estimation of them? It is my private opinion, publicly expressed, that the native stock of the congregation of the Presbyterian Church would prove, on thorough investigation, to be as good in every way as the imported article. The people of that Church as a body, are law abiding, honest, upright people, who are not to be despised because they obey the divine command "six days shalt thou labor". Granted that we do not appreciate the "rare abilities" or the ornaments bestowed upon us, nevertheless I can tell you what we would appreciate, and that is a man whose preaching was 86

to call to sinners to repentance; not the plying of his trade merely for the filthy lucre of the saints; a man with talents not too rare to visit the poor, the afflicted, or the sinful, and help them to a purer and better life; a man who should go from one house to another not to display his abilities and to sound his own praises, but with the precepts of the Master, teaching truth, sobriety, honesty and virtue; who because he had much culture, forgets not that God made of the blood of all nations of the earth one who was watchful of the soul of the poor sinners as of Dives we should appreciate the man who called the flock to follow not himself, but the Good Shepherd; the man who came to minister, not to be ministered unto; who meeting in his calling sinfulness, rebukes it; folly, shames it; ignorance, enlightens it; weakness, strengthens it; a man when adverse criticism should not depress, not flattery lift up; a man willing to work and weed the vineyard of sin and folly; ( for if there was no work why call the laborer) and to commence if necessary at Jerusalem; a man who disbelieves in any aristocracy; save only born of truth and Holiness; who preaches and believes in the Universal Fatherhood of God, and brotherhood of man. We may not as a body of people be highly cultured, but it does not follow of necessity that we are weak, or sinful above others. If Christ Himself should come in his carpenter's garb to the front door of many as abode of high toned cultured people, he would be looked on with disdain and asked to step around to the kitchen, or leave the premises altogether, for the servants through culture, refinement and dainty living, have come to consider themselves better than the Master. If our dominie has the homely quantities I have spoken of, he will be appreciated by the "lot" you met with, and I do not say that he lacks in any particular, but as a people I hope and trust we worship God, not man.

Signed

Ino"

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier Vicinity Correspondence

March 9, 1879

Pleasant Valley

Mr. Nichols: I am quite amused at the article signed "INO" in your issue of a week ago. It was supposed by the writer that the article signed "UNO" from Clinton Corners would stir up the pretentious Godly in our village. We have many blatent pretenders in our midst who are ever ready to censure the doings of anyone, and the Presbyterian Church has its share of the ready-to-find-fault-kind. I am in daily converse with many of its members, and frequently have dealings with them, and I know that religion is a great cloak. Some years since we had the Rev. Mr. Wile here, a man much beloved by the old stock, and a Christian gentleman. This man did just as "INO" expects a minister of the gospel to do; but what was the result? Some of the saints became offended because they thought the dominie had a little more "lucre" than they, and as the way was planned to reseat the good old man. He left and I am unable at this writing to think over how many changes have been made, but remember several, and unless such change comes over the people connected with the Presbyterian Church at 87

Pleasant Valley, vacancies are likely to occur just as frequently. "INO" is, probably, just as well acquainted with Dominie Wile affair as any of the congregation of the Church, therefor this information is not intended for "INO", but for those who did not know Mr. Wile so well.

Some years since a sociable was held in the Presbyterian Church, arrangements were made for the edibles, as is customary on such occasions, and the question of coffee was meeted. It was finally agreed to have coffee, but then the difficulty of having it hot presented itself. "Oh" says one, "we can easily arrange that with mine host Armstrong at the hotel. He and his good wife will furnish us with fire for that purpose surely." Then what a burst of indignation arose from that godly assemblage. "We eat or drink anything cooked at a place where liquor is sold! absurd! not we." Now what can one think of such a "lot" of bigoted, fanatical people as I have described? Isn't it enough to sicken everybody or religion to find people calling themselves Christians. "INO" is contented to call them Christians, and I suppose we shall be obliged to accept the term.

Does "INO" mean that our Dominie is plying his profession merely for the "filthy lucre" of the saints? Heaven forbid! A man would starve to death on all the "lucre" he could collect out of the disaffected in the Church. "Lucre" seems to be the trouble with the people who want Mr. Whittaker to go. They don't want to pay any more for the religion they get than is absolutely necessary. Watch the collections when they are made from the Congregation and you will see the pith of the whole matter.

Dee adjuvante, non timendum Signed X Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier Vicinity Correspondance

March 16, 1879 Pleasant Valley

To whom it may concern: And so good brother has found among the Presbyterians of Pleasant Valley only "blatant pretenders", without religion, save a pretense of it for a cloak. Well I pity you and would advise you to keep out of such comany; you know evil communications corrupt good manners. I know a,mong that congregation numbers of genuine Christian men and women, against whose lives of purity, self denial, and charity, no words can be truthfully spoken. There may be exceptions, for even among the twelve chosen of Christ, was one Judas; among the trusted generals of Washington was one Arnold; so it is in the Church, in all churches. But to denounce the whole congregation for the defection of a few, is a base thing for any man to do, be he minister or layman. You make fault-finding a test of Christian character. You will find the very prince of fault-finders is the Presbyterian Church, but in the pulpit, not in the pews. About the festival coffee, all I have to say in reply (and you may count me in with the bigots if you choose) I think they acted per88

fectly right. If they had said we won't have it made at Armstrongs because he is a Methodist, or Episcopalian, or Quaker, it would have looked like bigotry; but it was because he sold liquor, a business that leaves a stain on the fairest reputation, that makes homes desolate, children to grow up in ignorance and poverty, and sends many a one who God intended for better things to a dishonored grave and a possible hell beyond. Narrow minded bigots we all are, eh? Very good; a stream may be exceedingly narrow and yet be clear as crystal and pure as the dew, while many a broad one may be actually the reverse. My Bible says pure religion and undefiled is to visit the widow and fatherless, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. I don't remember its advising us to visit liquor saloons or bar rooms, and have yet to learn that virtue (or morality even) springs from such places. You have forgotten the number of changes? In the last half century the Church has three pastors, Wile, Acker, and Whittaker. Our Methodist brothers are wiser than we; they change every one, two or three years, knowing it is not in human nature to sit under the sound of one voice from one's cradle to the grave. You remark that I probably know as much about the Wile affair as anyone in the congregation. On the contrary I know very little about it, being too young at that time to be much interested in such matters and I shall not take the trouble to inquire about the village at present concerning it, but have always supposed the beginning of the trouble grew from a political root, not a religious one. Mr. Wile and Mr. Acker have both gone to their accounts and many pleasant memories come up at the mention of their names. Whoever sought the parsonage in those days, though never so poor or plain, but met a kindly welcome; if in trouble, genuine sympathy; if trying to walk in a better path, the tenderest encouragement and direction? But they had old fashioned notions of a minister's duty, but a later interpretation is vastly different. The latter interpretation meaneth, that a minister is to have no dealings with sin or sinners, in fact no trouble in any sort of way, but just have a congregation of nice rich Christians to whom he lectures learnedly on religious topics and be duly praised therefore, while the poor, the uncultured and the plainly dressed, are classed with the lazy, lying, drinking, thieving crew who are not wanted inside church doors here, and may as well slink into some unheard of world hereafter. We want to get our religion as cheap as we can, you say. Most assuredly yes. If we can get a man for six hundred dollars a year, who will do as much work and preach as much gospel truth as another will for a thousand, I say hire him, and pay the balance into the treasury of the church and apply it on the church debt. The remuneration for all kinds of work is less than a few years ago, then why not the ministers also; But I have read in the Bible that "religion is without money and without price", but according to your showing, the congregation has none, so all the money we have paid out in that way has been in vain. If all our money goes to keep up a stylish ministerial establishment, how are the hungry to be fed or the naked clothed? We want a Shepherd here who will go out like one of the old and look up the sheep gone astray, not to shear them safely at home. A man, no matter who he is, who takes a large sum of money for preaching the gospel, and uses it for himself, has no more reason to expect any further reward for 89

his labors than the farmer who diligently hoes his potatoes. One secures money, the other potatoes. What more reward has God for one than the other? I hate pretense and hypocracy wherever found; unlike you, I like consistency and temperance. Don't get your mind muddled with coffee dregs that Armstrong did not boil; and let me add one thing more; A man may be outwardly very much of a gentleman and yet no Christian, but he cannot be a Christian without being a gentleman. You, like some others, look too much to outward things, forgetting that "The rank is but the guinea's stamp A man's a man for a' that."

One upright man was found in the cities of the plains. You have looked through our congregation and have found less. If I had a like experience I should gather up my household "lares and lenates" and go where a different class abounded, and leave such a place and people as far behind as possible; but if you should leave us don't imitate Lot's wife INO

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier Vicinity Correspondence

March 23, 1879 Pleasant Valley

DEAR EDITOR COURIER: — Much ado about nothing. First Salt Point came waltzing into public notice to the tune of a church organ. Freedom Plains followed suit by falling into line over the shoulders of its pastor, and now Pleasant Valley, not to be outdone, makes her bow before the curtain for public inspection, because someone said a few words in favor of a most worthy gentleman and minister of the Gospel, that happened to excite the indignation of a member of an opposing clique. I say opposing clique out of a spirit of generosity, for I hope they have the merit of being truly opposed to Mr. Whittaker, and are not talking merely for the sake of getting free advertisement in your really valuable paper. Perhaps they might with propriety be classed with that most estimable lady who fell into a swiftly running stream. Her husband who witnessed her misfortune ran several rods above to look for her, giving as reason, "She was so contrary, he felt certain she would float upstream." Now I would like to ask in the name of common sense who wants every week to be treated to a rehash of the coffee that would not boil at Armstrong years ago. If they think it is a sin to mix the rum of the publican and the sinner with the coffee of the ecclesiastic and saint I am sure they need not do so. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Armstrong has always liberally done his share toward the Church, and if "INO" was as very susceptible of contamination that he has not fully recovered from its effect until this late date, I fear that his extreme sensitiveness would cause him to draw up his garments in holy horror at the approach of even a minister of the gospel, if he had come direct from "the hut of the lowly, the widow and the fatherless".

Dear Editor, no one will accuse me of exaggeration when I say that many 90

of our Christians who are the foremost to have their say in every public discussion are the very last to help in the work "INO" has set apart for their model minister to perform. Not that I wish to be understood as saying that such work should not be done by a minister of the Gospel, but I do say most emphatically that it should meet with the earnest approval and support of his flock, and I would like to ask "INO" in all good feeling if they axe qualified to come before a tribunal and show their own handiwork being any different from what they so much condemn in Mr. Whittaker? I, as an outsider, am truly ashamed that a church should fall to quarreling over trifles when the needy poor are suffering on every hand for some of the aid and sympathy that "INO" has extended to them on paper, and proposes to extend in a more substantial manner when the model minister has arrived, and who is to wrestle with the gentleman with a cloven hoof and horns, pray, hoe his own potatoes, head liberally every subscription for the relief of the heathen, give two or three hundred dollars every year to the needy poor, help pay the debt of the church, support a family and keep up the dignity of a high toned congregation, upon the salary of five or six hundred dollars a year. Now I say let this play of "You tickle me and I'll tickle you" come to an end. We are sick of the whole affair and do protest in the name of common sense and decency to have the name of a gentleman of refinement and education used as a stepping-stone, whereby some embryo Shakespeare can vault into public favor.

Signed "WE ALL NO"

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier Vicinity Correspondence

March 30, 1879 Pleasant Valley

Third Epistle to the tribe of UNO "Oh to be nothing, nothing."

Where will it end, asks WE ALL NO of Pleasant Valley? I can't say for a certainty where or when, but any time you stop asking questions and misrepresenting matters, not before. First, you say it all came because some one said a few words in favor of a most worthy gentleman and minister of the Gospel. The matter came before the public not because the dominie was praised but because the congregation was slandered. We would all take pride in having him well spoken of, but I think very few of us are such man-worshipers that we would willingly be denounced as a lot of nobodies without one redeeming virtue, and lacking even in common sense just for the sake of having him undeservedly praised. But the matter endeth not here; the good minister of the Gospel was gratified beyond measure at the fulsome flattery bestowed upon himself and family, and fully as much pleased that his congregation was held up to ridicule in public print. You that are willing to call yourselves fools and hypocrites to please him can do so and welcome; you can count me out of that crowd.

If that is a Christian spirit, give me something different. If the coffee troubles you why did you mention it; that came from your clique, not 91

from me. You say Armstrong has always given liberally to the church. I do not doubt it; the liquor dealer's money comes easy, but it is my impression that such ill-gotten gains are given to build up and support the house of God, the offering is regarded in the same light as was Cain's. You say I would doubtless hold up my garments in holy horror if a minister of the Gospel came from the hut of the widow and fatherless. That would depend altogether on what sort of woman the widow happened to be, and also how her children happened to be without a father. You say the work set apart by me for the model minister to perform should meet with the approval and support of the flock. It would, from all but yourself and about a dozen of your set. Why don't you help the poor, if you commiserate their condition somuch; don't be alarmed lest your left hand should find out what your right hand has been doing. Parson James Beecher says many of the needy are the devil's poor and deserve no help. Have we any such in Pleasant Valley? Of course we want a dominie to keep the gentleman with hoofs and horns out of the parish; but if our leader beats a hasty retreat on the approach of the enemy, what can you expect of the rank and file. "Hoe his own potatoes." No, I said nothing about it, but as you have mentioned it, I will remark here and now that it would be an excellent exercise, with two objects in view, health and potatoes. Lyman Beecher not only cared for a large vegetable garden but sawed and split all the wood used in his household, and when had New England a better Christian or a sounder theologian than he? "Head liberally every subscription for the relief of the heathen." I did not say anything about it. "Give two or three hundred dollars to the needy poor." I specified no amount, five dollars would be a liberal gift for some. "Help pay the debt of the church."

I said nothing about his doing anything of the kind. If you employ a man, in what proportion do you pay him, (if you pay him at all) according to what he earns, or according to his ideas of what he ought to have to enable him to keep up a given style of living? If we pay a minister enough to live as well as any of his parishioners, that is enough. We are not duty bound to do more, and if he is dissatisfied, the world is wide, let him harken diligently for a call that has a better ring .of metal than ours.

Every man should be paid enough for his labor (if he earns it) to enable him to feed and clothe his family comfortably until they are old enough to care for themselves. I don't know about increasing it year after year just because it was required in their household, but not earned. If you feel very generous put your hand in your pocket, but keep it out of mine. And let me add a little piece of advice before you undertake to slay the whole Presbyterian flock. Sharpen up your dull old sword and let the point be Truth; falsehood does no execution. When our model minister comes I hope he may not be so vast a personage that all his flock will be in the depths of hypocracy and ignorance in comparison. And now a valiant son of Little Thunder, "Weallno" and all the rest of creation, if you are agreed, I am with you in this one thing: "Let us have Peace."

Signed INO 92

Poughkeepsie Sunday Courier Vicinity Correspondence

April 20, 1879

Pleasant Valley

On Sunday morning last, Rev. William Whittaker gave notice that a meeting would be held on the following Tuesday at the Church to appoint a committee to visit the Presbytery. At the meeting held on that day, Mr. Isaac Smith was appointed.

Miss Alice Whittaker has returned after a long visit at Kinderhook.

It has just leaked out among a few persons who "INO" is. Women-like they could not keep it!

DR. LEWIS L. TUCKER Guest Speaker at Society Meeting.

About 100 members of the Historical Society and their guests were on hand to greet the speaker of the evening, Dr. Lewis L. Tucker, at a meeting of the Society held on November 19th, 1970 at the auditorium of the Mid-Hudson Libraries, Market Street, Poughkeepsie. Dr. Tucker is the Deputy Commissioner for State History, New York State Education Department. Ralph Van Kleeck, President of the Historical Society, presided and asked Walter Averill to introduce the speaker of the evening. Mr. Averill welcomed the speaker's return to Poughkeepsie and announced his topic: "George Washington, Myth and Reality".

Dr. Tucker is a great admirer of George Washington and also of his Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton. and has done an enormous amount of research in connection with the era of these two men. He has been also a teacher of American History, and his lecture showed clearly his intimate knowledge of his subject.

Dr. Tucker pointed out that in the 19th Century writers of history had somewhat degraded George Washington with their development of what may be termed "Myths", whereas more modern historians have done a great deal to place the Father of Our Country in a truer and more realistic light, a great leader at the time of the Revolution as well as in the subsequent years until his death in 1799.

Following his lecture, Dr. Tucker very graciously asked for questions and comments. His audience readily responded, and Dr. Tucker continued the presentation of his subject to his enthusiastic listeners. It is always a great privilege to have Dr. Tucker come to Poughkeepsie and meet with his many friends of the Historical Society.

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APPOINTED HISTORIANS OF DUTCHESS COUNTY County Historian Mrs. Dorothy B. Alsdorf 107 East Main Street Wappingers Falls, N. Y. 12590 LaGrange City Historians Mrs. J. Edward Johnson Beacon Moores Mills Mrs. James V. Mead Pleasant Valley, N. Y. 12569 34 North Avenue Milan Beacon, N. Y. 12508 Mrs. Barbara Thompson Poughkeepsie Box 311, RD #2 Frank V. Mylod Red Hook. N. Y. 12571 10 Grand Street North East Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601 Chester F. Eisenhuth Simmons Street Town Historians Millerton, N. Y. 12546 Ainenia Pawling Mrs. Catherine Leigh Mrs. Helen G. Daniels Amenia, N. Y. Pawling, N. Y. 12501 12564 Beekman Pine Plains Mrs. Mary B. Hoag Mrs. Helen Netter Pleasant Ridge Road Pine Plains, N. Y. Poughquag, N. Y. 12570 12567 Clinton Pleasant Valley Miss Helena Van Vleit Mrs. Gail Crotty Staatsburg, N. Y. 12580 Quaker Hill Road Mrs. Mable Burhans Pleasant Valley, N. Y. 12569 Clinton Corners, N. Y. 12514 East Fishkill Theron Van Scoter Hopewell Junction, N. Y. 12523

Red Hook Maynard Ham 30 Fraleigh Street Red Hook, N. Y. 12571

Fishkill Mrs. Willa Skinner Charlotte Road Fishkill, N. Y. 12524

Rhinebeck De Witt Gurnell 38 Mulberry Street Rhinebeck, N. Y. 12572

Hyde Park Mrs. Beatrice Fredriksen 43 Circle Drive Hyde Park, N. Y. 12538

Stanford Mrs. Elinor Stanford Stanfordville, N. Y. 12581 94

Wappinger Mrs. Dorothy B. Alsdorf 107 East Main Street Wappingers Falls, N. Y. 12590

Millerton Chester F. Eisenhuth Simmons Street Millerton, N. Y. 12546

Washington Mrs. C. W. O'Brien Sharon Turnpike Millbrook. N. Y. 12545

Rhinebeck De Witt Gurnell 38 Mulberry Street Rhinebeck, N. Y. 12572

Village Historians Fishkill Mrs. Willa Skinner Charlotte Road Fishkill, N. Y. 12524

Tivoli Mrs. Joan Navins 2 Friendship Street Tivoli, N. Y. 12583 Wappingers Falls Carolyn P. Wixson 86 East Main Street Wappingers Falls, N. Y. 12590

MRS. DOROTHY BALDWIN ALSDORF, COUNTY HISTORIAN A member of the Dutchess County Historical Society, Mrs. Dorothy Baldwin Alsdorf, has been appointed Dutchess County Historian by County Executive David C. Schoentag. Mrs. Alsdorf, who is a resident of Wappingers Falls, New York, succeeds Frederick C. Smith who has served for several years as County Historian. Mrs. Alsdorf was born at Chestertown, New York and came to Dutchess County in 1931 to teach in the Wappingers Falls village school. She was married to Ira L. Alsdorf in 1932 and they are the the parents of a son, Charles Alsdorf, a teacher of Industrial Arts in the South Colonie School District. Since coming to Dutchess County, Mrs. Alsdorf has been very active in many fields of volunteer work in the Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls areas. She assisted in the organization of the Friends of Grinnell Library and of the Wappingers Falls Historical Society, and takes an active part in the work of the Zion Episcopal Church and the rehabilitation of the Brewer-Mesier House in Wappingers Falls. Mrs. Alsdorf also has worked in forming the Dutchess County Historians Association and the Hudson Valley Historians Association. Recently she was elected President of the County Historians Association. Dutchess County is fortunate to have a person of Mrs. Alsdorf's capabilities serving as Historian.

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HISTORICAL SOCIETIES IN THE TOWNS OF DUTCHESS COUNTY Union Vale Historical Society Mrs. James Ventura, President Verbank, N. Y. 12585

Amenia Historical Society Edward O'Neill, President Amenia, N. Y. 12501

Quaker Hill & Vicinity Historical Soc. Hyde Park Historical Society Mrs. Beatrice Fredriksen, President Mrs. Norman Mitchell, President Hyde Park, N. Y. 12538 Pawling, N. Y. 12564 East Fishkill Historical Society William Haupman, President Stormville, N. Y. 12582

Upper Red Hook Historical Society Mrs. Herbert Petz, President Red Hook, N. Y. 12571

Rhinebeck Historical Society Richard Crowley, President Rhinebeck, N. Y. 12572

LaGrange Historical Society Mrs. J. Edward Johnson, President Pleasant Valley, N. Y. 12569

Fishkill Historical Society Felix Scardapane, President Fishkill, N. Y. 12524

Wappingers Historical Society Mrs. Robert McDowell, President Wappingers Falls, N. Y. 12590

During the year, the Dutchess County Historical Society has participated in the forming of two new historian organizations, the Dutchess County Historians Association and the Hudson Valley Historians Association. The Dtitchess County Historians Association is composed of appointed historians of the appointed historians of the villages, towns and cities, the Dutchess County Historian, as well as one representative from each historical society in the County. The State makes it mandatory that each City, county, village and township appoint an historian, and suggests that each county of the State form an association of these historians for the exchange of historical data and questions that are pertinent to each section. Mrs. Albert Powers will be the representative of the Dutchess County Historical Society as an associate member of the Dutchss County Historians Association. The officers of the Association are: Dorothy Alsdorf, President; Helen Netter, Vice-President; Willa Skinner, Secretary; Joan Navins, Treasurer and Beatrice Frederiksen, Publicity.

The Hudson Valley Historians Association is comprised of the appointed historians of eleven Hudson River counties: Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, Orange, Columbia, Rockland, Greene, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Albany and Westchester. The object of the association is to encourage interchange of historical data and ideas of an historical nature. Mrs. Alsdorf will represent Dutchess County. The officers elected are: Edgar Leaycraft, Chairman, Woodstock; Donald Clark, Vice-chairman, Fort Montgomery; Mrs. Alison Bennett, Secretary, Delmar; Jean Bartlett, Treasurer, Bronxville.

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IN BRIEF: Mrs. Louis P. Hasbrouck, a charter member of the Dutchess County Historical Society, celebrated her 100th birthday on August 16, 1970 at her summer home "Locust Grove", Salt Point, New York. The property, which is a part of the Great Nine Partners Grant, was purchased by two brothers, Charles and John Brown in 1823 from Stephen Gazlay. Mrs. Hasbrouck, a direct descendent of Charles Brown, was the daughter of William and Mary Harris Herrick. Her marriage to the late Louis P. Hasbrouck of Poughkeepsie took place at "Locust Grove" in 1898. Mrs. Hasbrouck received many messages of congratulations on her birthday from her many friends in the Salt Point area and in Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Hasbrouck's winter home is at 143 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie.

Fred Meier, custodian for the past year of Glebe House and well-known resident of Poughkeepsie for many years, was killed when he was struck by an automobile on October 25, 1970. The members of the Historical Society extend deep sympathy to the members of Mr. Meier's family. He will be greatly missed by a host of friends, especially those members of the Poughkeepsie Junior League and the Historical Society who were associated with Mr. Meir in the management of Glebe House.

Edmund Van Wyck, a Trustee of the Dutchess County Historical Society and former President, was honored on May 22, 1970 by the Poughkeepsie Grange with the award of a Golden Sheaf pin and certificate symbolic of fifty years of continuous membership. Mr. Van Wyck of the Town of LaGrange served as Master of the Poughkeepsie Grange in 19291930 and again in 1938. Other members of the Historical Society who attended the meeting were Miss Ruth Halstead who has been a member of the Grange for seventy-one years and George D. Halsted a sixty-four year member, both of the Town of LaGrange.

Mrs. Richard F. Meyer and Baltus B. Van Kleeck, members of the Dutchess County Historical Society, are serving as Trustees of Old Museum Village of Smith's Clove, Monroe, New York. Mrs. Meyer is Vice-president of the Board of Trustees of the Museum which was established by her father, Roscoe W. Smith, many years ago. The Museum Village contains a great many articles from Dutchess County including carriages from the Frederick Vanderbilt stables and the first ambulance used at Vassar Brother Hospital. During the 1970 season over 125,000 individuals visited Old Museum Village. A history of the Museum appeared in the 1969 issue of the Historical Society Year Book.

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The Adriance Memorial Library reports that a limited number of copies of "Eagle's History of Poughkeepsie" by Edmund Platt are available.

This three hundred and twenty-eight page history was published in 1905

by Platt & Platt of Poughkeepsie and for several years has not been obtainable. Mr. Platt was the editor of the "Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle", the morning paper in the city for many years. Its famous motto was "Neutral in Nothing". Mr. Platt was one of the County's foremost historians and was well-known throughout the Hudson Valley. He served as Representative in Congress from the 28th District for several terms. His "History of Poughkeepsie" is a very complete history of the City from its early days to the first years of the Twentieth Century, and contains over one hundred photographs and copies of the early maps as well as many portraits and biographies of prominent citizens. The price of the history is $25.00.

The Historical Society has been fortunate in receiving from time to time copies of the Year Books from members who no longer wish to retain them. Our Year Books are in constant demand by libraries, historical societies, and by those doing research. Our •Curator, Mrs. Albert Powers, reports that we have available most of the fifty-four issues. The supply of Year Books for the years 1922-1934-1959 is exhausted at present. Please do not discard your Year Books, but return them to the Society.

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DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP LIST December 31, 1970 Honorary Members Hillery, Rev. Horace E. Tompkins, Louise Ver Nooy, Mrs. Amy P.

Life Members Anderson, Mrs. Edgar V. Arnold, Elting Asher, Mrs. Robert W. Badgley, George A. Bogert, Mrs. A. Curtis Bullenkamp, Mrs. Grace Dows, Stephen Olin DuRocher, Mrs. Linus F. Ellis, Mrs. Walter J. Francke, Mrs. Spraher Gill, George M. Hoag, Mrs. F. Philip Lynn, Mrs. C. L. McCormick, Mrs. Cyrus Moore, Mrs. Samuel A. Nestler, Harold R. Osborn, Mrs. William H. Poucher, John L. Reese, Willis L. M. Ridgeway, Mrs. Robert F. Rodenburg, Mrs. Carl A. Rymph, Carlton L. Rymph, Ernest A. Rymph, Mrs. Harvey J. Rymph, James B. Scott, Henry L. Traver, Albertina A. Van Kleeck, Peter Van Wyck, Edmund Zabriskie, Christian F.

Annual Members Acker, Mrs. Ernest A. Adriance, Marguerite P. Albanese, Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph A. Aldeborgh, David A. Aldeborgh, Erik H. Aldrich, John Winthrop Aldrich, Louise R. Aldrich, Mrs. Russell Allen, Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Allen, Sinclair T. Alsdorf, Mr. & Mrs. Ira L. Andersen, Mr. & Mrs. David F. Anderson, Mrs. Rupert W. K. Anderson, Mrs. V. V. Annin, Thomas B. Archibald, Mrs. Wilbur Austin, Mrs. Vera A. Averill, Mrs. Walter

Averill, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Balch, Dr. R. A. Bastion, Dr. & Mrs. Edward A. Barlow, Ruth Bates, Mrs. Joseph M. Baumbarch, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond G. Baylis, Roger Becker, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen R. Behrens, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Beneway, Almon G. Benton, Ezra R. Bergles, Mrs. Edward H. Berry, Mr. & Mrs. Carl A. Bevier, Mrs. Monroe Bisbee, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bogardus, Mrs. Mary Bogle, Mrs. Roland F. Bollinger, Mrs. Henry R. Bookman, Mr. & Mrs. George B. Boos, Mrs. Charles Booth, Dr. Russell B. Bower, Agnes K. Boyce, Thomas J. Braig, Mrs. Louis J. Breed, Mrs. James R. Breed, Mrs. R. Huntington Breed, Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Briggs, Mrs. Anthony J. Briggs, Frank Briggs, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth R. Brose, Charles T. Bruns, Mrs. John H. Buck, Clifford M. Burford, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Butler, Mrs. Joseph A. Butler, Mrs. Robert E. Butts, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Butts, Alfred D. Butts, Mrs. Charles A. Butts, Mr. & Mrs. Franklyn A. Buys, Mrs. Douglas C. Caldwell, Brent B. Cameron, Mrs. Donald P. Cameron, Mr. & Mrs. Donald P., Jr. Capers, Mr. & Mrs. Ellison H. Carman, Mrs. William Carroll, William Carter, Mrs. Norman Case, Calvin C. Case, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cassidy, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Caven, Mrs. Alexander Child, Mrs. Roland S.

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Chypre, Louis J. Christ, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Clark, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Close, C. Fred Coleman, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Colvin, Mrs. George H. Connelly, Raymond J. Connevey, Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Conrad, Mrs. Frederick L. Conway, Mrs. Claire Cook, Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Cooke, Charles J. Coote, Mrs.James W. Costello, Mrs. Hazel M. Coulter, Mrs. John M. Courtney, Mrs. Paul M. Covert, Mrs. Albert Cross, Raymond G. Crum, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Cunningham, Mrs. Edward V. K. Cunningham, Mr. & Mrs. Edward V. K., Jr. Daniels, Mrs. Fred G. Darlington, Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Darrow,Mrs. John H. Davies, Mrs. Hugh R. Davis, Mrs. Elsie 0.

Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Putnam Davis, Walter W. DeGroff, Elizabeth P. Delafield, Mr. & Mrs. John W. de la Vergne, Charles Detjen, Gustav DePuy, Mr. & Mrs. Lyman Deuel, Mr. & Mrs. Newton D. Dickson, Mrs. Chauncey C. Diddell, Mildred Diane Dodge, Bernice F. Donato, Mrs. Natale J. Drew, Mrs. F. Reginald Drewry, Dr. Elizabeth B. Dutcher, Mrs. George N. Dwelley, Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Dyson, John S. Eastwood, Robert Edelston, Mrs. Frederick Edmunds, Vincent E. Eggert, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Effron, Jesse Ehleider, Dr. & Mrs. Austin J. Eidle, Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Eidle, Mrs. M. Kenneth Eisner, Lester M. Emsley, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Erck, Dr. & Mrs. Theodore H. Fairbain, Mrs. Helen L. Felter, Mrs. E. K. Ferens, Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Fichen, Marie L.

Fink, Mrs. Mapledoram Finkel, Mrs. J. M. Fisher, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Fortington, Mrs. H. A. Foster, Esty Fouhy, Mrs. Robert C. Fraleigh, Charles H. Frazer, Mr. & Mrs. Silas Fredriksen, Beatrice Froats, Mr. & Mrs. Leon A. Frost, Barbara V. Furlong, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Galle, E. C. Jr. Gardner, Mrs. James E. Gardner, Mr. & Mrs. John R. Gartland, John J. Jr. Geisler, Mr. & Mrs. John Gillert, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Germiller, Estelle M. Gindele, Herbert H. Giordano, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Jr. Glastetter, Henry A. Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Frederick I. Glover, Maria A. Grey, Mrs. Kenneth R. Green, Mr. & Mrs. John Greene, Mrs. Blanche E. Greene, Mr. & Mrs. Francis M. Grey, Mrs. Edward Griffin, Charles C. Grissy, Mrs. John E. Grover, Victor E. Grubb, John B. Guernsey, Mr. & Mrs. H. Wilson Gurnell, DeWitt Hackett, Mrs. John M. Hadden, William M. Haida, Fred H. Haight, Anna S. Haight, Lyndon A. Haight, Mrs. Paul J. .

Hall, Mrs. Florence Y. Halstead, George D. Halstead, Ruth Ham, Mrs. J. Frederick Hambleton, Mrs. William H. Hamlin, John 0.

Hammond, Wilbert John Hanley, Dr. & Mrs. Harry Harden, Helen Hardenbrook, Louise Harrington, Mrs. James T. Hart, Frank A. Hasbrouck, Alfred Hasbrouck, Mrs. Louis P. Hasbrouck, Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Haslam, Mrs. Peter Hart, Mrs. Herbert F. Hautman, J. John Hayden, Mrs. Catherine V.

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Hayden, Dr. Benjamin Hays, Mary Jane Heaney, Frederick, W. Heaton, Mrs. Lawrence A. Heidgard, William Heitman, Mrs. Johnson Hemroth, Mrs. George Herles, Valeria C. Hicks, Mary C. Hill, Mrs. Harry H. Hoch, Mrs. Adolphus Hoe, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hoe, Mr. & Mrs. Robert, Jr. Holden, Edward J. 3rd Hong, Karen McCully Howard, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Van A. Howe, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence K. Howe, Mrs. William L. Hubbard, Mrs. E. Stuart Jr. Hunt, Mrs. A. Seaman Hunt, Mr. & Mrs. Hobart D. Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. Wright W. Jaminet, Mrs. Leon Jarmel, Mrs. Benedict Jeanneney, J. P. Jeanneney, Dr. & Mrs. John Jenner, John M. Johnson, Mr. 8z Mrs. Edward Johnson, Mrs. Emil L. Jones, Mrs. Theodore I. Jordan, Mrs. Julia S. Kelley, Arthur C. M. Kenealy, Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Kennedy, Mrs. Alexander M. Kester, Charlotte Tuttle Ketchin, Mrs. William G. King, Mrs. Margaret De G. Kinkead, Elsie H. Knauss, Mr. & Mrs. William D. Knickerbocker, Mrs. Williaim Labrinos, Mr. & Mrs. Louis F. La Motte, Mr. & Mrs. Louis H. 3rd Lane, M. Donald Lane, Mrs. Margaret T. Lass, Dr. & Mrs. Paul M. Lawlor, Denise M. Lawson, Mabel V. Leahey, Mary A. Leigh, Mrs. Catherine F. Lewis, Mrs. Howard A. Liesenbein, Dr. & Mrs. William H. Lippman, I. Jack Logan, Mrs. Joseph S. Love, Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Ludlam, Mr. & Mrs. Henry A. Ludolph, Mrs. Helen Lumb, Mrs. George J. Lyons, Mrs. Philip A. MacGuinness, Mrs. Robert B.

MacKenzie, Mrs. E. Gordon Madden, Mr. & Mrs. John C. Madsen, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred M. Maguire, Mrs. P. B. Mangold, Harold Mansfield, Mrs. E. Stuart Martin, Mrs. Robert W. Mastmann, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Mather, Mrs. Frank D. Maxwell, Clarence William McAllister, F. J. McCabe, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph C. McClay, Mrs. Harold McCormick, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McCullough, Mrs. David G. McDonald, Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. McDowell, J. Sports McGinnis, Mrs. Lawrence McGowan, Mr. & Mrs. J. Joseph McPartlin, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene F. Mead, Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Meyer, Mr. 8z Mrs. Richmond F. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. john M. Millett, Stephen C. Mills, Mrs. Harold S. Millspaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Mitchell, Mrs. Charles A. Montgomery, Betty Moore, Mr. & Mrs. Davison F. Moore, Lt. Col. Samuel A. Morgan, Mrs. Frederick N. Morganteen, James F. Morey, C. Allerton Moser, Mrs. Clifford M. Mosher, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mosher, Mrs. Charles F. Mund, Dr. & Mrs. Andrew L. Mund, Dr. & Mrs. Peter R. Murphy, Mr. 8z Mrs. Robert L. Murtaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Mylod, Charles Mylod, Frank V. Mylod, Mary V. Nalle, Mrs. John M. Nelson, Mr. & Mrs. Victor E. Nevers, Mrs. George A. Nichols, Mr. & Mrs. William Niessen, Harold T. Norris, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley J. Norton, Donald E. Opperman, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Overocker, Mary L. Owen, Mrs. J. B. Owens, Mrs. William J. Parker, Julia A. Parker, Mrs. Thomas E. Partridge, Mrs. Warren Pearce, Edith Pearce, Kenneth E.

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Peckmann, Pamela B. Pete, Catherine Picard, Mrs. Irving Pierce, Madelene E. Pierce, Mrs. Richard T. Place. Mr. & Mrs. Hermann G. Podmaniczky, Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Polhemus, Norman H. Polhill, Mrs. Milton Pollock, Paul Pomeroy, Mr. & Mrs. R. Watson Potter, Mr. & Mrs. John N. Poucher, E. Graeme Powers, Mrs. Albert Pross, Mrs. Albert Pultz, Mrs. Frank H. Quimby, Margaret D. Quigley, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Jr. Rawson, Mr. & Mrs. Edmund G. Rees, Mrs. William D. Reichert,Henry Reifler, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Richards, Mrs. Keene Richardson, Mrs. Fred M. Rikert, Carroll Rinaldi, Dominic P. Robinson. Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Robinton, Mrs. Charles E. Rockefeller, Warren W. Roig, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert S. Rovere, Richard H. Rubin, Nathaniel Saltford, Herbert Sanford, Mrs. David N. Sator, Mr. & Mrs. Ferdinand Sattenthwaite, Mrs. J. Sheafe Sage, Mrs. William S. Schmalz, Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Schmidt, Mrs. C. B. Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. C. B. 2nd Schoentag, David C. Schoonmaker, Mrs. Helen Hill Schwartz, Edward A. Scott, Mrs. Crandall Seegar, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Shelby, Dr. & Mrs. David S. Sheldon, Mrs. Obed W. Shultz, Herbert A. Simpson, Mr. & Mrs. Alan Simpson, Albert A. Skidmore, Hazel Smith, Dorothy E. Smith, Elliott W. Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene C. Smith, Frederic A. Smith, Mrs. John C. Smith, Mrs. Malcolm Smith, Mr. & Mrs. William M. Smithers, John A.

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