THE VILLAGE OF WAPPINGERS FALLS CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL by Dorothy B. Alsdorf Dutchess County Historian
Early in 1968, a representative group of citizens of the Village of Wappingers Falls met for the purpose of considering the question "Shall we plan a centennial celebration in 1971?" An affirmative decision was reached and a committee was duly set up. This committee brought the celebration of the village's birthday through a glorious year. The first event was held in January of 1971. It was an evening of ballet presented by the Estelle and Alphonso School of the Dance. The presentation of the ballet was made in the Wappingers Central Junior High on Remsen Avenue. An old-fashioned skating party was the next event. This was planned and given by Sister M. Patricia of St. Mary's School. Local firemen prepared the ice so that it would be in fine condition for those taking part in the skating. Students from St. Mary's prepared and served hot chocolate, coffee and other refreshments. This event was particularly pleasing to the long time residents of the village for it brought to mind the skating parties of olden days. In May, a monument was erected and dedicated to the memory of Dan Brouthers, Wappingers Falls contribution to the world of baseball. The speaker for that day was no less than the Curator of the Doubleday Baseball Museum of Cooperstown, New York. Relatives of Mr. Brouthers came from their homes far removed from Wappingers Falls. The Brouthers Memorial is in Veterans Park near the Little League ball diamond. It has been customary for some years for the Lions Club to present musical and other cultural programs in the village park during the summer months. As their contribution to the Centennial, that organization erected a redwood and concrete band shell for the village which is placed in Mesier Park in front of the natural amphitheater. This is a most welcomed facility as it improves the acoustics of the place. Our local firemen are always to be depended upon to do their share in making any project a success. As their contribution to the Centennial, they purchased and erected a fine granite monument embraced by a low brick wall to the memory of the firemen of Wappingers Falls who have served voluntarily to keep fires of the village under control. This writer cannot refrain from expressing her personal opinion that the most meaningful project of all was that of the small group of ten to twelve year old boys who, through their own efforts, were able to have a new pump put into the well in Mesier Park. When this was accomplished, the water was tested for purity and now one is able to get a drink of most excellent, chlorine-free water while enjoying the other park facilities. These children really have a good feeling for their village, and have shown that, when permitted, the younger generation can truly act constructively. 41
