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Secretary's Minutes
ANNUAL MEETING, MAY 22, 1971
The annual meeting of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held at Camelot Inn, Poughkeepsie at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 22, 1971, 112 members attending.
After a buffet luncheon, the business meeting was called to order by the President of the Society, Ralph E. Van Kleeck. The minutes of the last annual meeting, having been published in the 1970 Year Book, were not read upon motion, seconded and carried.
The Treasurer, Baltus B. Van Kleeck, gave a, brief report for the first four and one half months of 1971. He stated there were no accounts payable and accounts receivable amounted to $153, representing unpaid dues for 1971. The Treasurer reported the total assets of the Society amounted to $149,651.71. Of investments, bonds amounted to 77% of the portfolio, 7% was in common stocks, 15% was in interest bearing bank accounts and 1% was in non-interest bearing bank accounts. Upon motion by Mr. Edmund Van Wyck, seconded by Dr. Balch, the Treasurer's report was accepted and ordered placed on file.
Mrs. Albert Powers, Curator, reported that no additional gifts had been received since her last report. She stated that with aid from the Assistant Curator, Miss Mary Jane Hays, the card file was nearing completion, but the catalogue is now a workable file.
Mrs. Paul M. Courtney, Glebe House Chairman, reported that Mr. Robert Burnham had been engaged as custodian of Glebe House. Sunday, June 6th had been chosen for the annual Craft Day. She urged everyone to visit Glebe House on that day to witness candle making, weaving and other interesting crafts. Mrs. Courtney thanked the Glebe House Committee for their continued support and interest in the museum. She especially thanked Mrs. Lauren Straub, co-chairman representing the Junior League, for her able leadership. Mrs. Straub is also a member of the Historical Society.
President Ralph Van Kleeck thanked Walter Averill, our Vice-President for his work as Chairman of the Program Committee in arranging the several very interesting meetings of the Society. President Van Kleeck also expressed his appreciation to Balms Van Kleeck, the editor of the Society Year Book.
The President announced that the 1971 Pilgrimage would take place in October and probably would take place in Usher County. Buses will be used as in past years. Mr. Kenneth Hasbrouck of New Paltz is aiding in making plans for the Pilgrimage.
Mrs. Peter R. Mund, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, was
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unable to be present and the report was rendered by a member of the committee, Dr. Franklin Butts, as follows:
For a term of two years, the following officers: President, Herbert S. Roig Vice-President, Walter Averill II Secretary, Edward V. K. Cunningham Treasurer, Balms B. Van Kleeck Curator, Mrs. Albert Powers
For Trustees, four-year term: Dr. Roscoe Balch Mrs. Albert E. Powers Ralph E. Van Kleeck Edmund Van Wyck.
Trustee, one-year term to fill a vacancy: John M. Jenner
For a two-year term: Vice-President representing the City of Poughkeepsie. Frank V. Mylod
For a two-year term: The reelection of the Vice-Presidents now representing the Towns of Dutchess County.
The President thanked the committee for the report and, upon motion which was seconded and carried, the report was adopted and those nominated were declared elected. The President thanked the nominating committee, Mrs. Mund, Dr. Butts and Mr. Robert Breed.
Mr. Ralph Van Kleeck asked Dr. Roscoe Balch to introduce the speaker of the day, Mr. Joseph Norton of the faculty of Marist College. Mr. Norton is an Instructor in the History Department of Marist College. He holds an M.A. Degree from Providence College and is engaged in dissertation research at St. John's University where he is a candidate for Ph.D. His specialty is American Colonial History, and he is interested in New Left ideas, particularly as these suggest new avenues for historical research.
Mr. Norton gave the members of the Historical Society a very interesting account of a seminar he is conducting at Marist College in colonial history. His students utilized many kinds of Dutchess County records and he stated that members of the Dutchess County Historical Society, especially Mrs. Powers and Mr. Clifford Buck of Salt Point, had greatly aided them. He explained that the research project included the leadership in Dutchess County prior to the American Revolution.
The problem which the research project dealt with was the leadership in Dutchess County prior to the American Revolution. Historians hold different views on this subject of colonial leadership. Robert Brown maintains that "middle-class democracy" was in operation in the colonies whereas Jackson Turner Main states that it was evident the social structure was ruled by the top 10% of the population which controlled great amounts of wealth. An attempt was made to test the validity of the various theses in relation to Dutchess County.
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Using an IBM 1401 Computer and the tax records from 1720, 1730, 1735 and 1770, it was discovered that greater amounts of wealth were found to lie in the hands of a few as time went on. Social stratification based on economics was in operation. A further test of this was the examination of the offices of Assessor and Supervisor in the County from 1738-1787. The information obtained on approximately 76% of the men who held office revealed that 56% of the supervisors and 51% of the assessors were members of the highest income group. An additional indication of the dominance of the upperclass was found in connection with Staughton Lynd's claim that "men of property and rank did not control the militia in Dutchess." The lists of the militia were studied and it was proven that all of the colonels and lieutenant colonels were members of the highest income group.
In looking at Pre-Revolutionary Dutchess therefore, it would seem that a "middle-class democracy" did not exist as it did in other areas of the colonies. The dominance of the upperdass seems evident. Results such as these seem to pose questions concerning the cause of the Revolution and its reasons for being fought in Dutchess County. It is hoped that a continuation of the research project will be able to answer such questions.
At the conclusion of Mr. Norton's address, President Ralph Van Kleeck thanked him for giving the Society such an interesting discourse and expressed hope that he would meet again with the Society when his class had completed its work.
There was no further business and the Annual Meeting of the Society stood adjourned.
Wilhelmina B. Powers - Acting Secretary
TRUSTEE MEETING JANUARY 28, 1971
A meeting of the Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held at the Glebe House at 3:30 p.m. on January 28, 1971. The following were present: Trustees Breed, Butts, Mund, McGinnis, Powers, Smith, B. Van Kleeck, R. Van Kleeck. President Ralph Van Kleeck presided, Baltus B. Van Kleeck acted as Secretary, in the absence of Frank V. Mylod.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as published.
The Treasurer, Balms Van Kleeck, reported a bill had been received in the amount of $50.00, the annual dues of the Hudson River Valley Association. Upon motion, seconded and passed, the Treasurer was authorized to pay the annual dues. The Treasurer reported 1971 dues in the amount of $1073.00 had been received from members of the Historical Society thus far in 1971. He stated that at the end of December, there were 5 joint members and 14 single members who had failed to pay dues for 1970 and that these members had been dropped from the Society. The following resignations were presented:
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Charles T. Brose, Miss Louise Hardenburg, and Mrs. John Tataro.
Upon motion, seconded and carried the resignations were accepted with regret.
The following having been nominated for membership and their dues having been paid, were elected to membership in the Historical Society:
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Wilken, Pleasant Valley
John Winthrop Aldrich, Barrytown
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Giorando, Poughkeepsie
Mr. Robert Wunderly, Poughkeepsie
Mrs. Arthur Manselello, Hyde Park
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nusbaum, Pine Plains
Mr. and Mrs. Frank French, Pine Plains
Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Erts, Fishkill
William J. Ketchin, Jr., Wingdale
Charles H. Fraleigh, Bloomfield, Ontario
Mrs. Blanche E. Greene, Staatsburg
Miss Betty Montgomery, Poughkeepsie
Mrs. George A. Nevers, Poughkeepsie
Mrs. J. B. Owen, Carp, Ontario
Mr. James Sprat, Hyde Park
Mrs. Henry Glasstetter, Poughkeepsie
Mr. and Mrs. David Stairs, Beacon
Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wilhelm, Pleasant Valley
Mr. Lawrence M. McGinnis, Poughkeepsie
Mr. John C. Smith, Poughkeepsie
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Arnold, Poughkeepsie
The following have been nominated for membership and upon motion were elected subject to the payment of the annual dues:
Mrs. Mary Smith, Hyde Park, by Helen Hill Schoonmaker
Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Skinner, Fishkill, by Mrs. Alsdorf
Mr. and Mrs. Raymon Oberley, Rhinebeck, by Helen Harden
Mr. and Mrs. S. Chapman, Poughkeepsie, by Miss Elise Kinkead
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walsh, Clinton Corners, by Mr. & Mrs. T. Mead
Mr. Charles E. Freebern, Poughkeepsie, by Mrs. John C. Smith
The Treasurer reported that the Society held memberships in the following town historical societies: Fishkill, Hyde Park, Quaker Hill and Union Vale. Upon motion which was seconded and carried, applications were to be made for membership in the historical societies of East Fishkill, Amenia, Rhinebeck and Wappingers at annual dues not in excess of $5.00 each. It was reported that our historical society was not eligible for membership in the Historical Society of LaGrange since that organization did not accept membership of organizations.
The President stated that Mr. Frank V. Mylod's illness prevented him from attending meetings of the Society and suggested a replacement in the post of Secretary. Edward V. K. Cunningham was nominated and elected Secretary to fill Mr. Mylod's unexpired term. Several members paid tribute to Mr. Mylad for the long and splendid service he has given to the Society
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as its Secretary. Upon motion seconded and carried, Mr. Mylod was elected Vice-President of the Dutchess County Historical Society, representing the City of Poughkeepsie.
The President announced that Walter Averill, chairman of the entertainment committee, had arranged a meeting to be held at the Mid-Hudson Libraries auditorium on February 18th at 8:30 p.m. Colonel Frederick P. Todd, retired Director of the West Point Museum, will be the speaker. His subject will be "Loyalist New York Regiments during the Revolution".
The President appointed Mrs. Mund, Mr. Breed and Mr. Butts to the nominating committee to report at the annual meeting of the Society.
Mrs. Powers, Historical Society representative to the Dutchess County Historians Association, reported on two meetings of that organization.
Mrs. Mund, for Glebe House Committee, stated that a dining room table had been purchased and would be installed within a short time. She also stated the 1971 budget for Glebe House had been completed and that the Historical Society would share with the Junior League the total budget of $3200.00. Our share, $1600.00, was approximately the same as in 1970.
Reporting for the Finance Committee, the Treasurer stated that the committee recommended purchasing $5,000.00 in 71 /2%, seven-year notes of the Empire National Bank for the Wells Fund of the Society. Upon motion the recommendation was approved.
The annual fall pilgrimage of the Society was discussed and the pilgrimage committee will report at a subsequent meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Baltus B. Van Kleeck Acting Secretary
TRUSTEE MEETING APRIL 22, 1971
At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society held at the Glebe House, Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, on April 22, 1971, at 3:30 p.m., there were present: Ralph Van Kleeck, Balms Van Kleeck, Walter Averill, Joseph Emsley, Edmund Van Wyck, Lemma McGinnis, Wyn Mund, Frank Butts, Robert Breed, Eunice M. Smith, Jean Courtney, Clifford Buck, being the majority of the members of the Board.
The president opened the meeting by the introduction of Edward V. K. Cunningham, Jr. who has been elected secretary of the Historical Society to succeed Frank V. Mylod. Mr. Cunningham then assumed his duties as secretary.
The president then announced that, due to a minor coronary incident which he had suffered prior to the meeting, he must regretfully decline to stand for re-election as president at the election to be held at the annual meeting. However, he stated that he would be very pleased to accept a position as a trustee, if so elected.
The treasurer presented his report and on motion duly made, seconded and carried it was
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RESOLVED that the report be annexed to the minutes as if spread thereon in its entirety.
After discussion of the report, and on motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the treasurer's report be accepted as filed.
During the course of his report, the treasurer suggested that the applications for membership to the society be updated, and the president appointed Eunice Smith to redesign and redraft the applications for membership.
The treasurer then exhibited to the Board a bound copy of the year books of the society, Volumes 49 through 54 for the years 1964 through 1969, stating that the copy was to be presented to the Glebe House, for their permanent library collection. The presentation of this copy was approved by the Board.
The treasurer then discussed with the Board the question of the insurance policies covering the structure and contents of the Glebe House. He had received a letter from the Insurance Company of North America stating that the insurance premiums were in default, and he had proceeded to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the letter. After extensive investigation he determined that the insurance premiums were in fact paid and the policies were in force according to their terms. From his investigation, he learned that the Poughkeepsie Junior League has a blanket policy on the Glebe House and its contents, and he suggested that the extent of the coverage should be investigated. The president then directed the secretary to check on the status of the policies and report his findings at the earliest possible time.
The president requested the report of the nominating committee, and the nominating committee reported that no slate of officers had been prepared as yet. It had been their intention to report that the proposed slate would include Ralph Van Kleeck, but in view of his inability to stand for re-election, other candidates would have to be considered prior to the annual meeting. The nominating committee would be prepared to present a slate at that time.
Mrs. Courtney reported on behalf of the Glebe House committee that the new table was to arrive momentarily, this table to be placed in the dining room. A crafts day was planned for Sunday, June 6, 1971. Mr. O'Kane would be resigning as custodian of the Glebe House as of May 31, 1971, and the committee was looking for a suitable replacement. Mrs. Courtney requested that any members of the Board submit any names of possible custodians.
A discussion then ensued concerning items of the Victorian Period which had been received from the Victorian room maintained by the Junior League in the Arts Center. The question was raised whether items
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of this period were appropriate for being kept in the Glebe House, and, at the suggestion of Balms Van Kleeck, it was decided by the Board that the materials should be taken to the Adriance Library and deposited in the custody of Mrs. Powers. At the request of Mr. Gurnell, Mrs. Powers will contact the president of the Rhinebeck Historical Society, Mr. Peter Troy, Jr., to discuss with him the possible use of any of these items by the Rhinebeck Historical Society.
Mr. Gurnell reported that the Rhinebeck Historical Society is in vigorous operation, and has acquired two cannons which would be made available if requested.
Mr. Buck reported that the Town of Clinton has formed an historical society, having twenty-three members and the appropriate officers. On April 24, 1971, he was to deliver a lecture on "Researching your Old House" at the Little Nine Partner Historical Society. He also reported that the Lions Club was planning a Clinton Corners Committee Day in September.
The discussion turned to the various anniversary dates for the founding of Townships in the County of Dutchess, and Mr. Buck advised the Board as follows: the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Pleasant Valley was to be celebrated on September 3rd; the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Town of LaGrange was in the planning stages; and the Town of Hyde Park was also considering a celebration of its anniversary.
The president then reported concerning the water color entitled "Mill at Poughkeepsie Landing" which was being examined by the Board for possible acquisition. He advised the Board that the Poughkeepsie Junior League had decided that it was in favor of the acquisition of the painting at the sum of $300.00; this decision was made at the regular meeting of the Junior League and Historical Society Glebe House Committee held on April 21, 1971. On motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the check in the amount of $300.00 should be directed to Arthur H. Phillips to acquire the painting, and that the Board should discuss with the Junior League the Possibility of being reimbursed by the Junior League for a portion of the funds expended to acquire the painting.
Mrs. Mund announced that the Planned Parenthood League of Poughkeepsie was going to conduct a tour of historical houses in the northwestern part of the County, the most southerly point being the Anderson School and proceeding northerly to the Town of Red Hook. The tour was to be conducted on May 8, 1971 and tickets were available at various locations.
The president then brought to the attention of the Board the program for the fall pilgrimage, and the matter was discussed in detail. The
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president stated that he had been in contact with Kenneth Hasbrouck, the president of the Huguenot Society and vice-president of the Ulster County Historical Society, to discuss with him a tour as follows: a tour of the Kingston stockade in the morning followed by a luncheon and followed by a tour of some of stone houses in New Paltz. Guides would be provided by the Ulster County Historical Society. A map of the Kingston stockade was reviewed, and transportation arrangements were discussed. On motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the society should continue discussions with the Huguenot Society and the Ulster County Historical Society to further investigate and complete tentative plans for the tour to be returned to the liktrard for its further consideration.
The president appointed a, committee to complete these negotiations as follows: Robert Breed, Walter Averill, Franklin Butts, Wyn Mund, Edmund Van Wyck and Lemma McGinnis.
A discussion then followed concerning the date and place of the annual meeting. The president stated that he had considered various sites including Vassar College, Dutchess Community College, and Ma,rist College. The date would be Saturday, May 20, 1971. The speaker was also discussed. The president then appointed a committee to consist of Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Gurnell, Mr. Buck, and Mrs. Courtney to fix the place and time of the annual meeting and to choose a speaker.
The president then reported that he had received communication from the New York State Historian concerning Assembly Bill 4982, a bill designed to amend the Not For Profit Corporation Law and the Real Property Tax Law in favor of historical properties. The president stated that he had written a letter to Emeel Betros, Assemblyman, requesting him to support this legislation.
Mr. Averill then requested a report of the secretary concerning the operation of historical sites by the Taconic State Park Commission relative to the recent cuts made in the New York State budget. Mr. Cunningham, as a commissioner of the Taconic State Park Commission, then reported the fact that, due to budget cuts, there was serious question concerning whether certain sites would be opened, and the schedule of operation of those sites which would be opened had not as yet been fixed by the commission. A full report would be made at the next meeting concerning the sites which would be opened and the exact schedule of operation.
A discussion then ensued concerning the position of the Board and the Society concerning the operation of historical sites, and on motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
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RESOLVED, that the Dutchess County Historical Society, as a matter of record, urge that all historical sites in the Hudson River Valley be kept open to the greatest extent possible, and that the secretary be directed to advise the Taconic State Park Commission of this resolution.
There being no further business, and on motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjourned. Edward V. K. Cunningham Secretary
TRUSTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 1971
MINUTES of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society held at the Glebe House on September 13, 1971, at 4:30 P.M.
Treasurer's report was read and accepted, and a copy of the report was directed to be annexed to the minutes of the meeting.
Mr. Baltus Van Kleeck reported that the following named individuals have been proposed for membership, their dues have been paid, and on motion duly made, seconded and carried, they were elected to membership: Morna Moore, Robert Pierce, Rhinebeck Historical Society, Amenia Historical Society, George S. Flowers, James V. Forster, Ruth M. Hoyt, Mrs. Harry Huneke, Roland Vern Jackson, H. L. Jaycox, James L. Lumb, Mrs. John Losee, Marist College Library, Peter B. Van Kleeck, Nelson M. Tyrrel, Mildred B. Streeter, Leon L. Scott, Helena G. VanVliet, Mr. and Mrs. Alan McCornac, Dr. and Mrs. Sherman Hirst, Mr. and Mrs. George D. White, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Shirley, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Salvato, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Jones, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Connor F. Haugh, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn George, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Fountain, Dr. and Mrs. Guy Cavallaro, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Buckhoupt, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Loren Straub, and Mr. and Mrs. David Hinkley.
The President appointed the Finance Committee as follows: Balms Van Kleeck, George Gill, and Edward V. K. Cunningham, Jr.
A discussion then ensued concerning the establishment of a regular meeting date. On motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society shall be held on the first Monday of each Monday of each month at 3:30 P.M., at the Glebe House, Poughkeepsie, New York.
Mr. Ralph Van Kleeck then brought to the attention of the Board the matter of the items on display in the Adriance Library which have been donated by the Estate of Mrs. Carey. He noted that the trustees of the estate had examined the display and were somewhat displeased with the condition of the room. There was a need for additional display cases, cabinets and air-conditioning, and there were inadequate funds to make the necessary improvements to the display. He expected that the trustees would inspect the display again in the near future, and he felt that the
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Society should request additional money from the trust to upgrade the display and continue the maintenance of the area in an appropriate style.
There was presented to the Board the request by the Little Nine Partners Historical Society of Pine Plains, New York to be listed in the year book as an honorary member of our Society. It was agreed that our Society would apply for membership in their Society and offer to them in return a membership in our Society.
Mr. Ralph Van Kleeck reported on the plans for the outing and the discussion ensued concerning the scheduled date, method of transportation, the program, and the various items which must be attended to in order to properly plan the event.
Mr. Balms Van Kleeck reported that the year book was proceeding in good order.
Mr. Roig brought to the attention of the Board a letter received from Mrs. Daniel Takacs relating to the preservation of the Oak Grove School on the Old Post Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. It was decided that the President would call her and direct her to other possible organizations that could assist her in the restoration.
A discussion then occured concerning the various celebrations of townships in Dutchess County marking their 150th year. It was noted that the Town of Pleasant Valley and the Town of LaGrange were planning celebrations, and it could be expected that other townships would participate in these various programs.
Edward V. K. Cunningham Secretary
TRUSTEE MEETING DECEMBER 6, 1971
The president reported that due to inclement weather, a quorum was not present. He also advised the meeting that the treasurer was absent due to illness and that the treasurer's report would be presented at the next regular meeting.
The president presented to the meeting communications which he had received. First communication concerned the appointment by the County Executive of a member of the Historical Society to serve on the Dutchess County Bicentennial Committee. The president advised the meeting that he had appointed Mr. John Jenner to serve in that capacity, and the secretary was directed to advise the County Executive accordingly.
The president had received a letter from Charles R. Dietz of the Adriance Memorial Library requesting that the Society consider donating
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$125.00 to the Library for the acquisition of a cassette tape recorder. The president directed that this matter would be discussed at the regular January meeting.
The president then presented a second letter from Charles R. Dietz giving thanks to the Society for a donation of $2,600.00 to the Adriance Memorial Library for the renovation of the Dutchess County Historical Society quarters in the Library.
The president then presented to the meeting a report submitted by Baltus Van Kleeck, treasurer, on the pilgrimage held by the Society during the fall of the year. This report covered the costs and charges incurred by the Society in the conduct of the pilgrimage. The report further covered the estimated cost of renovation of the Historical Room at the Adriance Library and recommended an expenditure of $2,310.00 for the calendar year 1972.
Mrs. Powers made a report of the inventory as of November 1971 of the Dutchess County Historical Publications. A discussion ensued concerning the cost for reprints of certain of the books which were out of print. The president directed that an investigation be made of comparative costs by selected publishers for reprinting.
The president then discussed the prospect of preserving the City Hall in the City of Poughkeepsie. He advised that the building could be bought for $1.00 but the estimated cost for removing the building from the site would be approximately $250,000.00. In addition, it would be necessary to acquire land to receive the building and prepare plans and specifications for the removal and reconstruction of the building. It was his opinion and the concensus of the meeting that there was very little chance of saving City Hall.
The president also advised the meeting that WKIP had offered to put on from time to time 60-second spots relative to the historical significance of the County of Dutchess in general and certain specific sites in particular. It was the responsibility of the society to prepare them and transmit them to WKIP. The president appointed a committee consisting of Joseph Emsley, Baltus Van Kleeck, and Walter Averill to edit the material to be presented on the radio, and he advised the meeting that he intended to send a letter to all trustees asking for vignettes relative to Dutchess County not to exceed 60 seconds.
Mrs. Powers suggested that a quarterly news letter setting forth interesting matters from the minutes and other matters of historical significance be published by the Society and a discussion concerning this program followed.
Edward V. K. Cunningham Secretary
