Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 051 1966

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE: PAWLING AND QUAKER HILL A large number of the members of the Dutchess County Historical Society and their guests participated with our hosts, the Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Vicinity on a pilgrimage to the eastern part of Dutchess County on September 24, 1966. The day was clear and sparkling, weather that Dutchess County usually enjoys in the fall of the year. Mrs. Fred C. Daniels acted as chairman, assisted by Mr. Frank Alylod.

The members first met at the hcme of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Rack, East Main Street, Pawling, where we were very cordially received

by Mrs. Rack and members of her family. The house is one of the oldest in the area and in October 1778 served as George Washington's headquarters. After a tour of the house Mrs. Daniels gave an interesting paper concerning the long and important his'‘Tory of the house during the Revolutionary period.

The cavalcade then proceeded to the Akin Library, Quaker Hill, for a basket lunch with coffee and tea provided by our hosts. After visiting the Natural History and local Americana Museums which are situated at the Library, Mrs. Geoffrey O'Hara, president of the Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Vicinity, welcomed the guests and introduced Mrs. Raymond Thorbury who told about the founding of the Library and the two museums.

The members then walked across the Green to the site of the Mizzentop Hotel where now stands Akin Hall, Christ Church Quaker Hill. Akin Hall was built in 1880 and given to the community by Albert J. Akin. It was moved from its original site north of the Akin Library and completely renovated. Dr. Ralph C. Lankier, the resident minister, greeted the guests, and after a brief business meeting of the Historical Society, Dr. Lanker gave a very interesting discourse about the church itself and its long service to the community for interdenominational worship.

The pilgrimage then moved north to the Quaker Meeting House, known in the history of Dutchess County as "Old Oblong Meeting House of the Society of Friends," built 1764, and still used for worship during the summer months. Miss May K. Hoag presented an interesting paper tracing the long history of the Meeting House and indicated steps would be taken to make some necessary repairs and renovations to the building within a short time.

The "Barn," the Quaker Hill Country Club, was the last stop of the pilgrimage. Mr. Lowell Thomas took over the property some years ago and converted the old and spacious barn into a club house.

The Trophy Room contains a large collection of photographs and memorabilia, including the famous ball team known as the "Nine Old Men." The large main room of the structure contains the fireplace which is built of archeological stones from every corner of the world, some dating back to 200 B.C. Mr. Thomas spoke to a very appreciative audience, describing the origin of many of the stones of the fireplace 13