South oh the IfYjountciinS
Transcription
South oh the IfYjountciinS
•South oh the IfYjountciinS published by The of Historical Society Rockland County Orangeburg, New York Vol. 15, No. 2 April - Tune 1971 ENTRANCE TO THE FUTURE Rockland County’s History Center New City, New York ANNUAL REPORT After the report of the acquisition of the Jacob Blauvelt house in New City which appeared in the last issue of South of the Mountains, a sixth annual report of the Society could easily suffer by comparison. Fortunately all of the Society’s regular activities have continued with out abatement at Orangeburg and a good start has been made with a partial restoration of two rooms in the future headquarters at New City. The reports of the committee chairmen follow: ADMINISTRATION Membership secretary Miss Alice Kinney reports that as of March 31, 1971 we have a paid up membership of 1257 compared to 1084 last year. There has been a substantial increase in the number of contributing and supporting members whose dues have helped to increase the Endow ment Funds. Total funds collected for dues this year amounted to $4626, compared to $3881 in the previous year. Successful efforts were made this year in securing new members in those areas mentioned in articles appearing in the quarterly, while William Citti concentrated on enrolling more corporations and professional people as Group Members. Our corporate sponsors have borne a major portion of the publication expense for South of the Mountains and enabled us to continue this quarterly for what is now its 15th year. An Advisory Council has been formed of qualified experts in various fields to assist the Executive Committee when the need arises. The range of our activities is widespread and our advisers will be called on from time to time. The Orangeburg museum continues to be an important phase of our operations and the cataloging of the various accessions and their acknowl edgement is proceeding using the marking procedures which Margery Miller instituted many years ago. We can thank Mrs. Terwilliger and Mrs. Robinson for keeping these records up to date. The Society’s St. Nicholas program and the Indian Dance program both attracted large groups of young spectators. An interesting display arranged with the help of the New York Daily News, featured an exhibit of panels of American flags from the collection of Boleslaw Mastai and pictured in the last quarterly. Empire National Bank assisted with the awards to the high school students at the Strawberry Festival last June at which Mr. Nash Castro gave the address. .... One inovation this year was our participation in the Expo 70 exhibit in the Nanuet Mall which was sponsored by the Industrial Management Club of Rockland County. This type of exposure and appearances at PTA meetings featuring “Know Your Community” are helpful in becoming better known throughout the county. Our one acre lot in Clarkstown on Greenbush Road, West Nyack, bordering on the Orangetown line, is still available for sale. I would be glad to show this property and discuss the sale with anyone interested. 2 Arrangements have been made for the occupancy of a portion of the New City apartment which affords security as well as some rental income. Throughout the year we have had the active help of many scores of volunteers on various projects. To each, I would like to express my personal thanks and appreciation as well as that of the Society for their excellent cooperation and support. R. W. D. Jewett, Vice-President HISTORY This has been a very active year for the Senior Historian not only with increased correspondence in replying to inquiries on history but many more involving genealogy. Two thousand genealogy record sheets have been printed and will be sent to the members during the coming year. All our members are urged to fill out the forms and return to my attention at the Society’s office so that this valuable information on our families may be retrieved and cen tralized. Arrangements were made to microfilm early issues of The Messenger and these are now available for sale to libraries and others who are in terested. In addition to coordinating a 5 session adult education course on North Rockland history, I have represented the Society on many occasions and addressed several PTA and school classes during the year. Mrs. deNoyelles and I have enjoyed the time spent serving as the host and hostess frequently at the Orangeburg museum. In addition to participating in several field trips, the senior historian also served on both the executive and program committees.'It was a year full of activities with a multiplicity of types of work. Daniel deNoyelles, Senior Historian MUSEUM ACCESSIONS During 1970 forty donors presented numerous gifts to the Society. Included are diaries, books of local history, World War II Ration Board Records, genealogies, quilt, maps, carriage robe, clippings from local news papers, photographs and picture postcards of Rockland County. One gift consists of copies of the New York Herald newspaper for April and May 1865 covering the news of President Lincoln’s assassination, August 17 and 18, 1858 issues covering the first ocean telegraph, an issue of the American Citizen for 1804 and copies of the Rockland County Journal. One of the most significant collections ever received by the Society was given by Mr. and Mrs. John L. Gibbons and includes a mahogany grandfather’s clock, Kutani ware covered tureen, Persian rug, Slidell Bible, Hackensack pine corner cupboard, coverlet and an Empire chest. The generosity of the donors is greatly appreciated. A sincere vote of thanks is in order for the members who have given their time to accept and deliver so many of the gifts to the Society. Also, grateful appreciation is expressed to Miss Caroline Venturini for her knowledgeable assistance in the arrangement of displays at the museum. Harriet M. Hasbrouck, Chairman 3 PROGRAMS Two of the stated purposes of the Historical Society of Rockland County have guided the Committee on Programs in its planning this past year, namely, “to promote knowledge of and interest in local and national history,” and “ . . . helping to develope an enlightened public opinion.” In content, public programs have ranged from the fun-time of the autumn cider pressing event to the in-depth examination of the Tappan Patent. Geeographically, meetings have ranged to the three corners of the county: Stony Point, Tappan and Suffem. Details of the year’s programs are given in the Society quarterly, “South of the Mountains.” Our deep appreciation goes to the members of the program, committee for their selfless and competent service: John Bennett, Dan deNoyelles and Jay Ferine; to the various speakers and resource persons; and to those institutions which have made their facilities available to us for open meetings. With the Society’s acquisition in December, 1970 of the Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, a new dimension has been added to our corporate life. This evening’s program by Jay Ferine and the open house on May 23 will afford a first hand introduction to this historic house and future museum of the Society. Each person here is urged to become one of its founders. Ed Egan, Chairman EDUCATION The Education Committee has had a busy year as usual. Over 60 talks and lectures have been given during the year by the following mem bers of the committee: Daniel deNoyelles, Jay Ferine, Ralph Braden, Robert Burghardt and your Chairman. These included talks to classes in schools, clubs and church group meetings, as well as a radio broadcast over WRKL and classes at the Community College. Many school groups were given talks and explanations of our Museum in Orangeburg. The Fireplace Cooking Course was given at my house dur ing January and February. I hope the instructions will bear fruit in the years ahead. Leland Rickard Meyer, Chairman FUND RAISING Net income to the Society from the four activities classed as fund raising was approximately $6,700. The largest contribution to this total ($5,000) was Yankee Peddler Day under the inspiring leadership of “Blackie” Danger. By special arrangement (?) the rain held off on July 25th until the remainder of the County had been well saturated. We hope that “Blackie” will renew the arrangement for July 24, 1971 for which date he has a full complement of dealers signed. Sales of publications and merchandise at the Museum and to book stores generated over $900 net income. A new Society publication “Glean ings from Rockland History” was received from the printer in late Decem ber. It is a 36 page booklet containing reprints of 7 stories from “South of the Mountains.” Demand for the 1854 Rockland County Map necessi tated a second printing of 600 copies and approximately 100 of these have been sold. Gross sales were $2585 but “Gleanings,” map', and merchandise 4 cost $1667. However, our inventory of maps, publications and merchandise at cost is approximately $2,000. Under the direction of Dr. Ochojski, two book sales were held at the Museum which generated a total of $220. The annual theater benefit was well attended and $519 was left for the Society after all expenses. G. R. Sharpless, Vice-President JACOB BLAUVELT HOUSE RESTORATION A meeting of the entire committee was called in February. Almost all members attended the meeting held in the Jacob Blauvelt House in New City. The Committee made a tour of the building. The Committee and the Society are greatly indebted to Mrs. John Gibbons who told us of all the various changes, additions, etc., that had been made in the house over a period of nearly 150 years. This information eliminated the necessity encountered in most restorations of tearing up floors or walls to discover the changes made over many years. With these changes in mind, plans were made for the restoration. Certain work is already in progress so that a part of the house will be ready for the “Open House” on May 23rd. Other restorations will come in the future as funds are available. Mr. Ferine and your Chairman have put in many hours of work on the present restorations. We have been and are aided by hours of labor by Messrs. Royal Taplin, Blackie Langer, Bob Allison, George Sharpless, Dick Jewett, Bob Obst and his brother Paul (one of our youngest members). We will need much further aid of members or friends who can hang wallpaper, scrape and paint woodwork, wash windows, take off storm windows, hang screens. We will need a large crew to clean up the yard. We also need donations of furnishings that will be appropriate in style and age for the house. Such furnishings ought to date no later than 1850 and could date as early as 1650. Right now we need especially: 2 pairs of brass candlesticks, a set of brass andirons, corner wash stand, bedside table and two or more chairs suitable for a bed-room. Later we will need rather elegant furnishings for the parlor and hall. We shall also appreciate furnishings for a small hall bed chamber . . . a low post bed, small chest of drawers and a chair; possibly a small washstand. Cash contributions designated for phases of the restoration will be welcomed. We are indeed grateful Katzenbach & Warren, Inc. for the gift of Williamsburg Restoration wallpapers for four rooms,—the hall, parlor, parlor chamber and the hall bed chamber. Leland Rickard Meyer, Chairman BUILDING COMMITTEE The Building Committee, together with the Trustees and the Execu tive Committee have determined that the Society needs and should have a fireproof museum building at our new location cn the Gibbons’ property. The building which we propose is approximately 48 feet by 88 feet, one story high, and its profile is in keeping with the existing 1830 farm 5 house. We propose to place it in line with and easterly about 40 feet from the existing house. Your Architect is mindful that future needs may re quire more space, and consequently, a structure is being designed that can be added to easily and economically. Mr. Olsen, representing the Archi tects, Walker O. Cain and Associates, and Mr. Quinlan, representing the Consulting Engineers, Seelye Stevenson Value & Knecht, will give you the details. Presently we are fishing around for a budget estimate of the cost of this proposal. We are consciously aware that this building will cost much more than we now have in the Museum Building Fund. After you see the drawings of our proposal, it is our hope that you will be pleased and approve them and help to raise the necessary funds to carry it to fulfilment. James F. Stoner, Chairman It is interesting to note that in 1878 when the Historical and Forestry Society of Rockland County was formed with one of its objectives the ac quiring of the DeWint House in Tappan — unsuccessfully as it turned out to be then — that membership was limited to 75 persons as it was not considered desirable to have too many members, since real property might be involved. How times have changed!; and how, not only this Society but practically all historical organizations are welcoming all persons to partici pate, if they are interested in local history — regardless of their birthplace — their race, creed or color. While local history in 1878 was then and is now the primary focus, our horizons are broader nationally. Our students are finding that local history is a logical stepping stone to the exploration of wide areas of Amer ican history; that General Nathaniel Greene, for instance, who made his headquarters for a time in Palisades during the Revolution and headed the Court of Inquiry for Major John Andre, shortly afterwards was equally well known in North Carolina and contributed mightily to the successful campaign leading to Yorktown and the surrender of Cornwallis. There are many possibilities for programs during the next decade re lating to the Bicentennial Celebration of the Revolution with new horizons that can be both exciting, exacting and worthwhile. Our mission must be to establish our priorities and concentrate on programs that will inspire in those areas where the Society can achieve excellence. The Awards program for high school students interested in history has been firmly established during the past several years. It not only recog nizes those with a high degree of scholarship in the subject but we are hopeful will lead to specialized history studies locally and in the colleges when some of these students enroll. Our Capital Funds drive has opened with contributions being made for the Founder’s Room. It is a challenge to each of us to decide on ways to assist to the limit of our ability while we are still able to participate. There are countless ways to help by sponsorship of areas in the new building or the Blauvelt house and bequests in wills to cover construction or maintenance of the buildings, to mention only a few. 6 Donations of stock, especially when the shares have increased ma terially in value, can be beneficial tax-wise to the donor, as well as very helpful to the Society. You will be interested to know that aside from the Eckerson black smith shop equipment on display at Orangeburg, all the rest of the con tents of the old Spring Valley shop have been transported to New City where they are stored preparatory to being assembled as an operating unit. The Society is indebted to Dr. and Mrs. J. R. Dunham Laird of Stony Point and to the trustees of the Tomkins Cove library for arranging storage for several years in North Rockland and to Orange and Rockland Utilities for help in moving this very heavy equipment. The list of members who have helped is long but we must mention especially three trustees who are retiring from the board as of tonight. “Blackie” Danger has been the coordinator of Yankee Peddler Day for 4 years and has served as chairman of the Site Committee that did all the ground work in securing the property at New City. Happily, for the So ciety, he has agreed to continue as a member of the Advisory Council. Caroline Venturini has most conscientiously arranged for hostess at the museum for years and personally conducted tours for scores of school groups that come each year. Daniel deNoyelles, our historian, besides hav ing a consuming interest in genealogy and North Rockland history, has lec tured repeatedly and served as a fine example of the “good image” that every society needs. We are fortunate that Caroline and Dan will serve on the Advisory Council. Mrs. Roster has again presented a carefully assembled slide program that summarizes the year’s activities. Our Endowment Funds are approaching $33,000. and, with the advice of the Finance Committee are being invested in high grade securities which offer a somewhat greater return than in previous years. These funds will continue to grow through Life and Elder memberships as well as by the excess dues payments which exceed the usual $3.00 annual dues. We are particularly grateful this year to Mr. and Mrs. John L. Gib bons without whose assistance and cooperation it would not have been pos sible to secure the New City home and for the precious documents and many antiques they have contributed which Mr. Ferine is describing later: and to Mr. Irving Maidman whose Orangeburg building has been the focal point of our museum activities since 1958. Mr. Maidman has advised that the Society may continue occupancy at Orangeburg until the new facilities are ready at New City. This is a very helpful offer. Wilfred B. Talman once said that people will remember how well something was done long after they have forgotten how quickly it was accomplished. 7 Continued on page 10 fjf j .'W Walker O. Cain & Associates, Architects PROPOSED FIREPROOF MUSEUM Rendering of [North Elevation Jacob Blauvel|. house at right. Photos by William R. Ran OPEN HOUSE - MAY 23rd 8 9 Harold T. Larsen Harold T. Larsen, who served as the Society’s librarian for several years, died last February. Harold had been editor of technical publications for the American Society of Civil Engineers and devoted many hours at Orangeburg in setting up the operation of the library. It was a system that permitted further cataloging after a book or paper was first recorded so that others later — when time became available — could amplify the original entry. In /a sense, Harold Larsen was thinking in the same terms as Dr. Wal ter Gropius, the well known Boston architect who died in 1969 at the age of 86. It seems appropriate for us, as members of this Society, to ponder on a letter which Dr. Gropius wrote to a group of high school students which had approached him for advice as to their careers, and to relate his thoughts to what we are striving to accomplish at New City. I quote, “For whatever profession, your inner devotion to the tasks you have set yourself must be so deep that you can never be deflected from your aim. However often the thread may be torn out of your hands, you must develop enough patience to wind it up again and again. Act as if you were going to live forever and cast your plans way ahead. By this I mean that you must feel responsible without time limitation, and the consideration whether you may or may not be around to see the results should never enter your thoughts. If your contribution has been vital, there will always be somebody to pick up where you left off.” This is one of the most important years in the Society’s history with major decisions to be made on the new fireproof building, on the restora tion of the Jacob Blauvelt house, on the most effective use of the new facilities, on our publication projects as well as the extent of the Society’s part in the Bicentennial. The one matter of over-riding importance is the appreciation that with volunteers our programs are moving ahead and because our members collectively believe in the worth of this Rockland history center, it will eventually come to pass. In conclusion, I would like to repeat the thanks that the chairmen have given for the help they have received from all our members and to express my own appreciation for the fine support that the trustees have given me during my term of office. April 12, 1971 John R. Zehner, President 10 Photos by William R. Rai OPEN HOUSE - MAY 23rd Mrs. Edwin R. Langer with vice, presidents J. Erwin Ferine and Leland Rickard Meyer of the Restoration Committee. Mrs. Irene Ives and nieces Janice and Allyson Youngman. OPEN HOUSE—NEW CITY A carefully restored section of the Jacob Blauvelt homestead, beauti ful weather and most attractive grounds combined to make the Open House on May 23rd a memorable event for nearly five hundred persons who attended. The visitors had a glimpse of what the trustees envision as an out standing local history center in the state. The possibilities in the use of the grounds, the house and outbuildings for educational purposes are immense but it will take long range planning, much hard work and generous financial support before the whole center can be dedicated. An intensive fund raising effort will be necessary extending into 1973, not only on the part of the membership but also requiring a complete community involvment of many thousands of Rockland residents who believe that a history center “oan give perspective in an age of per plexity”. Of equal importance to the need for funds for construction will be a major increase in the Endowment Fund to provide for the future care and operation of this center. The changing exhibits depicting life in Rockland County over the centuries will deal with the original inhabitants, the Delaware Indians and those who have settled here from many distant lands. A knowledge of their early crafts and modern industries—of the county’s growth and its military history—can broaden our horizons to a point where the Ameri can heritage is understood and truly appreciated—where the Four Free doms take on a new meaning for all who share in the creation and enjoy ment of this center and its many opportunities for service. 11 FINANCIAL REPORT Statement of Society Assets as of March 31, 1971 Land and Buildings—New City ...........................$110,000. 1 acre lot-Greenbush Road, West Nyack ............... 1. Office equipment ...................................................... 1. Special Museum checking account ........................ 2,014. Society Checking Account .................................... 4,983. Endowments (Museum and Society) ................... 32,829. Publication Fund ...................................................... 3,618. Museum Funds .......................................................... 42,391. Stock (AT & T) ...................................................... 269. $196,108. Condensed report of 1970-71 operations $116,147. Cash 4/1/70 Receipts Dues .............................. ....$ 4,626. Sales .............................. .... 2,554. Contributions Museum Fund ........... .... 51,200. Endowment Funds ......... 3,262. 89. Publication Fund ....... County Assistance ..... .... 1,500. Interest & Dividends ........ 6,946. Benefits ........................ .... 8,092. Sponsors ........................ .... 1,200. Founders Room ............. .... 1,100. Rent ................................ .... 1,800. 745. Miscellaneous ................. 82,914. $199,061. Disbursements Museum Operations....... .... 2,275. Society Operations ......... .... 4,155. Benefits .......................... .... 2,254. Jacob Blauvelt property Purchase price ...............110,000. Taxes & Insurance ........ 2,315. Rental Costs & Misc. Restoration ...... 1,049. 823. Architects fee ............. Merchandise and publications ............. .... 1,668. 827. Miscellaneous $125,364. $ 73,697. Cash 3/31/71 Exclusive of Treasury bonds and stocks in amount of $ 12, 409. 12 Members who have antiques which they would like to sell at the Society’s booth on a consignment basis, should contact Jay Ferine, EL 40083, advising the nature of the item and the minimum return desired. The Society will endeavor to sell each item with the understanding that any excess will constitute a service charge to be added to the Endowment Fund. Items should be delivered between 9 A.M. and 10 A.M. on July 24th at the booth where a receipt will be given and the price established. Antique items contributed may also be left at the booth where an acknowledgement of the contribution will be given. * * * * Our increasingly popular Yankee Peddler Day with antique dealers gathered from several states for an outdoor sale, will afford Rockland residents an Unusual Opportunity to purchase the hard to find antiques they have been searching for. JULY 24 YANKEE PEDDLER DAY Spring Valley, N. Y. JULY 24 High School Grounds — Route 59 for the benefit of the ROCKLAND COUNTY MUSEUM 100 ANTIQUE DEALERS — Rain Date July 31 FURNITURE RUGS LAMPS CLOCKS BOOKS MAPS PAINTINGS CHINA GLASS POTTERY JEWELRY COINS STAMPS DOLLS PEWTER TINWARE TOYS FOLK ART GUNS COPPER BRASS TOOLS FIREPLACE EQUIPMENT HARDWARE WOOD WARE BOTTLES DONATION — ONE DOLLAR A Family Event — Children under 12, with adults, FREE 13 XX XX XX XX XX xx =zzxx : ..x 1 NOTICE All Owners of AT & T Stock Rights to purchase AT & T stock are acceptable as TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS to the Society’s Endow ment Fund. If you do not intend to use your rights (which are valueless after July 12th), please endorse and mail PROMPTLY to HIS TORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, Box 587, Nyack, N.Y. 10960. • ** XXTT=rXX XX X JJ X K * [] j Trustees Kraus, Olsen and Langcr stake Mr. and Mrs. A. Roger Kelly examine out location of the proposed new mu- the old sun dial. seum. i + A postpaid card is enclosed with this mailing on which you may in dicate the most convenient time when you can help with Yankee Peddler Day on July 24th. During the next few days, please fill it out and return so that a sufficient number of volunteers will be on hand for the big day. Discount cards are enclosed for admission to the Yankee Peddler Day sale on July 24th. If you can’t come, please turn the cards over to some one who can use them. 14 BOOK OF REMEMBERANCE Mrs. Reeve J. Terwilliger reports that memorial contributions to the Endowment Fund have been made for the following persons in recent months: Betsey Dodge Harold T. Larsen Mrs. Arthur R. (Maude) Thompson OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES Blauvelt — E. B. Olsen ’74 Monsey — P. M. Ochojski ’74 New City — Mrs. D. B. Seifreid ’73 V.P. Gladys G. Weber ’74 * Nyack — Harriet M. Hasbrouck ’73 Corresponding Secretary J. R. Zehner ’72 Pres.* Orangeburg — Mrs. J. G. Dodge ’73 Pomona — J. Erwin Ferine ’72 V.P. * Pearl River — R. C. Braden ’72 G. W. Hadeler ’73 T. H. Quinlan, Jr. ’73 G. R. Sharpless ’73,* Treasurer South Nyack — F. W. Kraus ’74 Spring Valley — L. R. Meyer, 1st V. P. * H. T. Sherwood ’73 Stony Point — Robert Burghardt ’74 Historian J. R. D. Laird ’73 Suffern — J. F. Stoner’72 * Ann Shaida ’73 G. J. Veith Tappan —J. W. Pullman ’72 V. Pres. Upper Nyack — R. W. D. Jewett ’72* Pres. Gwendolyn Ruddell ’74 * Recording Secretary Mrs. R. J. Terwilliger ’73 Valley Cottage — R. B. Allison’74 * Executive Committee Ralph C. Braden ..................... Programs Dorothy Burch ................. Publications Mrs. Robert Deed ............ Hospitality Stephen G. Doig, Jr. ............ Attorney Robert S. Gilliam ............ Publication Alice Kinney ..................... Membership Mrs. Raymond M. Nee .... Publications Sterling M. Nordhouse ............ Finance Mrs. Margaret Robinson .... Accessions John Christian ..................... Custodian W. Robinson Fisher ............ Custodian IN MEMORIAM Mrs. Harry B. Hasbrouck Royal F. Sengstacken, M.D. Harold T. Larsen Ernest V. Strack Margaret Maynard Mrs. Arthur R. Thompson A. R. Merritt Edward J. Smith 15 DATES TO REMEMBER (Please Note on Your Calendar Now) July 24 Twelfth Annual YANKEE PEDDLER DAY—Outdoor AnSaturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. tique Sale with 100 dealers—High School grounds, Route #59, Spring Valley. Food, refreshments and free parking available. Bring the family and enjoy the chance to browse among some outstanding collections. Edwin R. Langer, Co-ordinator, PE 5-2856. August 15 Sunday 2:30 p.m. 150th Anniversary program honoring Major John Andre and his interrment in Westminster Abbey on Nov. 28, 1821. First Reformed Church, Tappan, N.Y. Consult the newspapers for further details. September 13 Monday 7-9 p.m. Open House, Orangeburg Museum. Especially for new members and newcomers to Rockland County. Refreshments. December 2 Thursday 8:30 p.m. “The Chalk Garden” presented by The Players at Antrim Playhouse, Suffern. Save this date for the Society’s annual theater benefit. Orangeburg — The museum is open to visitors each Sunday and Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge. You are cordially invited to join the Society. Annual dues of $2.00 per person (Family — $3.00) may be forwarded with your name and ad dress to the Society, Box 587, Nyack, N. Y. 10960. GENEALOGY Daniel deNoyelles will forward copies of genealogy forms for family ancestry to all Society members requesting them. Compliments of Avon Products, Inc. Bringing every good wish for continued success.