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THE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE

Over one hundred arid fifty members of the Historical Society and their guests participated in the 48th annual pilgrimage of the Society on Saturday, October 5th. The 1968 pilgrimage to one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Hudson Valley included visits to four of the Livingston family estates and "Maizefield" and Christ Church, both in the Village of Red Hook.

Mr. Charles Eggert organized and directed the pilgrimage, and he was assisted by Mrs. Harry H. Hill, Mrs. Louis J. Braig, Mrs. Silas Frazer, Mrs. Jean B. Courtney, Walter Averill, and Baltus B. Van Kleeck, Jr.

The pilgrims assembled at 9:30 a.m. at "Clermont", now part of Clermont State Park in Columbia County, a few miles north of the Dutchess-Columbia County line. "Clermont" was built in 1773 by Robert Livingston, the first of the area Livingston family, and is situated on what was known as the Lower Manor. It was the home of Robert R. Livingston, a drafter of the Declaration of Independence, 1VIinister to France, and collaborator with Robert Fulton in huilding the first steamboat, the "Clermont". The original house was hurned by the British forces during the Revolution at the time Kingston was burned, and the present building was constructed in 1778. The gardens and roads are being put in order and an ample parking space has been provided for visitors.

The Society members assembled on the lawn and porch, and in small groups were taken on a tour of the splendid building which for so many years was the home of the Livingston families. Few changes have been made to the interior arrangements since its constructicn, and many of the furnishings date back to the very early days. "Clermcnt" is open to visitors except during the winter months, and a trip to this historic spot will be found very worthwhile. It is understood that the Taconic State Park Commission is making a study relative to some changes in the mansion to restore the exterior to its original Federal period, especially rebuilding the roof and dormered third floor.

Led by Charles Eggert, pilgrimage chairman, the long line of automobiles left "Clermont" on schedule and returned to Dutchess County via Route 402, stopping west of the Village of Tivoli at "Callender House" where the owners, Mr. and Mrs. -William Osborne cordially greeted the visitors. Built in 1794 by Henry G. Livingston and sold a year later to Philip Livingston, "Callender House" stands on a bluff overlooking the river and the Catskill Mountains beyond. The plan of the house is virtually as it was originally, with but few changes. The siding, once clapboard, is now stucco. It was a memorable experience to examine the interior of this splendid mansion and to see all its treasures, as well as to view the spacious gardens and grounds.

At noon the entourage reached the Village of Red Hook and assembled at Christ Church for a basket luncheon in the Parish Hall. The ladies

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of Christ Church, Mrs. Braig chairman, served coffee and dessert. The

Reverend Leonard F. Neils is rector of the church. Nearby St. Paul's

Church, the Reverend William F. Feickert, pastor, graciously offered to open its Parish Hall if needed. At the conclusion of the luncheon President

Emsley of the Historical Society thanked Mrs. Braig and her aides for the hospitality of Christ Church and called attention to the extensive planning that had been done by the pilgrimage committee. He introduced

Mr. Eggert who spoke briefly about the historic background of the area and about the places we would visit during the afternoon. "Maizefield", the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eggert, is situated on West

Market Street, Red Hook. The members of the Society were cordially welcomed by the owners and the visit to the 1795 brick mansion was greatly enjoyed. The house was built by David Van Ness, and it is typical of many of the brick houses of the period both in dimensions and details, ten foot ceilings, a center Hall, and four large rooms comprising the first floor. The builder came from Columbia County, served as an officer in the Revolutionary War, became a general in the militia, and in later years a State Senator. "Maizefield" gives one the feeling of warmth and of gracious living, perhaps for the most part, because of the warmth of its present owners.

The tour was resumed and the next stop was at "Montgomery Place", the home of Major and Mrs. John White Delafield, and another beautiful estate with one of the finest views of the Hudson and the Catskills to be found anywhere in Dutchess County. "Montgomery Place" was built about 1802 by Janet Livingston Montgomery, the eldest child of Judge Robert and Margaret Beekman Livingston. Mrs. Montgomery was the widow of General Richard Montgomery who lost his life at the battle of Quebec in 1775. The house was originally two stories in height, but additions greatly enlarged the mansion in 1844 and again in 1863, both from plans drawn by the famous architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Prior to visiting the interior of "Montgomery Place" the Society members gathered at the entrance porch and were privileged to have Major Delafield speak about the very interesting history of his place and about its historic contents. "Montgomery Place" is now owned by the seventh generation, and has never been sold, always inherited.

The 1968 pilgrimage ended after a trip through Barrytown to another handsome property on Miller Hill Road east of Rhinebeck, the "Sands House", built in 1796 and owned by Mrs. Rupert W. K. Anderson, a direct descendant of its builder, Robert Sands. This typical Federal house is on land near the "Schuyler House" which was visited by members of the Historical Society several years ago. Robert Sands moved from Long Island to Dutchess County as a young man, and married the widowed mother of Mrs. Philip J. Schuyler, Phoebe Carman Rusten. Robert Sands was a mill operator on the Landsman Kill and also in later years owned sloops for both freight and passengers between New York and Rhinecliff. "Sands House" retains much of its early character and has had only minor changes since its erection. At present the house is not occupied and is being restored by Mrs. Anderson. During its long life "Sands House" has never

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been out of the family ownership. While there have been some additions over the years, the house retains much of its early character and when restoration is completed, it will be a very handsome and attractive example of the Federal period of this County.

The 1968 pilgrimage of the Dutchess County Historical Society will be long remembered by those who were on the trip as one of the most interesting and delightful of the many pilgrimages undertaken by the Society. All of the pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the work done by Mr. Eggert and his committee, and their thanks to those who aided the committee in various capacities. Among those who gave valuable help were Mrs. Rex McVitty, Mrs. Frank B. Tiebout, Mrs. Richard Aldrich, Mrs. John Maynard, Mrs. Charles Garofalo, Mrs. Edward Bergles, Miss Magraret Suckley, Mrs. Richard Crowley, Mrs. Baltus B. Van Kleeck Jr., Mrs. Frank Smithers, Mrs. Helen Ludolph, Colonel Samuel A. Moore, Kenneth E. Pearce, Emil L. Johnson, Alfred M. Madsen, John A. Wolf and Frank V. .Mylod. Harold J. Dyer, manager of the Taconic Park Commission, made the arrangements to open "Clermont" for the occasion and Mr. McVitty was a very gracious host and guide at the mansion.

An Ordinance relating to Fast Driving, passed May 29, 1854,

The Common Council of the City of Poughkeepsie ordains as follows: 1. No person shall ride or drive, or lead by a halter or otherwise any horse or horses or other animals in the City of Poughkeepsie with greater speed than at the rate of five miles an hour. 2. No person, upon turning the corner of any street in the City of Poughkeepsie, shall ride, drive, or lead any horse or horses otherwise than on a walk, under penalty of five dollars for each offense. 3. No horse or horses or other animals shall be suffered or permitted to go loose or at large, or to stand without being tied or held by some proper person in any of the streets of the City of Poughkeepsie.

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IN BRIEF

The membership of the Historical Society numbered 545 on December 31, 1968, an increase during the year of 50. At the year-end there were 3 Honorary members, 35 Life members, 14 Colleges, Libraries and Societies, and 493 Annual members.

Two members of the Historical Society were opponents in the November 1968 election contest for Member of Congress from the 28th Congressional District. Hamilton Fish, Jr., Republican defeated John S. Dyson, Democrat, in a close contest and will represent the counties of Dutchess, Columbia, Ulster, Greene and Schoharie. Both Mr. Fish and Mr. Dyson are residents of 1VIillbrook, New York.

Baltus B. Van Kleeck, a Trustee of the Historical Society was the speaker at the November meeting of the Chancellor Livingston Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Rhinebeck. His topic was "Early Dutchess County and the Rombout Patent".

Alfred Hasbrouck has been serving as vice-president of the Holland Society of New York, representing Dutchess County. Dr. Clyde C. Griffen was the principal speaker at the annual meeting of the local branch of the Holland Society held in Poughkeepsie on October 5, 1968. Both Mr. Hasbrouck and Dr. Griffen are active members of the Historical Society.

The Dutchess County Historical Society records with deep regret the deaths of the following members during the year: Mrs. Diana Adrianna Tucker, Mrs. Charles T. Brose, George V. Kershaw, Mrs. A. N. Mahoney, Charles T. Overdorf, Mrs. Warren Rockefeller, and John Tartaro. Mrs. Mahoney, society vice-president representing the City of Poughkeepsie, was a member of the Society for a great many years and from time to time contributed many articles to the Year Books. She was one of the most informed historians of Dutchess County.

The members of the Historical Society were privileged to have Dr. Clyde C. Griffen speak to them at the annual meeting in May, 1968, of the Society, held at the Aula, Vassar College. Dr. Griffen, Associate Professor of History at Vassar, is serving on the Board of Trustees of the Historical Society and at present is compiling data on the mid-nineteenth certury development of Poughkeepsie, the changes and trends of business and social population, which will be put in book form when completed.

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The speaker described in detail the activities during the period 18501870 when the population of Poughkeepsie increased by 11,000 to a total of 20,000. The two decades were marked by a rapid increase in business activity, including the establishment of new and the enlargement of many cld industries in the city. At this time the shopping area extended eastward from Washington street- to Clinton Square, yet many of the fine stores continued to prosper west of Washington street. Dr. Griffen called attention to the important landings along the river at the foot of Pine, Main and Mill street3, and to the important water-powered mills along the Fallkill. He mentioned the importance of such factories as the Buckeye Farm Machinery plant, the Poughkeepsie Glass Works, the Whitehouse Shoe factory and the Pelton Carpet factory, one of the last to depend on power from the Fallkill.

In the period under discussion the Irish immigrants settled for the most part in the First Ward; the Germans in the Second and Fourth Wards, the former group furnishing a major portion of the unskilled labor, the latter dominating occupations as bakers, brewers and cigar makers. The native born English and Scotch largely filled professional and clerical positions.

Dr. Griffen also traced the residential areas in Poughkeepsie during the middle years of the eighteenth century and the real estate boom eastward toward Arlington and in the vicinity of Vassar College, as well as the impact on the city by the extension of the Hudson River Railroad and the railroad line3 to the east. His lecture was warmly received by his audience, and the members of the Society left the annual meeting with the hope that Dr. Griffen's book about Poughkeepsie's development in the nineteenth century will not be long in reaching the book stores and libraries. It will be an important history of Poughkeepsie that will cover an era not previously explored.

At the Annual Meeting of the Historical Society four new Trustees and four new Vice-Presidents representing townships were elected. The trustees elected were Mrs. Mary Bogardus of Fishkill, Mrs. Jean B. Courtney of Hyde Park, and Mr. Charles Eggert of Red Hook. Mrs. Bogardus, who is actively engaged in the real estate business, finds time to take part in the projects of the Fishkill Historical Society and has written a novel "Crisis in the Catskills," Vantage Press, Inc. of New York. Mrs. Courtney was born in Stanfordville and now resides in Hyde Park. She was graduated from the Poughkeepsie High School and Smith College and has been active in a great many County organizations, including the Junior League of Poughkeepsie, the Day Nursery, the Dutchess County Council of Girl Scouts, and the Red Cross Motor Corps. Mrs. Courtney held the championship of the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club for several years and is also a very accomplished golfer. After serving as an officer in the United States Navy (W.A.V.E.S.) during the second World War, Mrs. Courtney returned to Dutchess County and established the department of Public Relations at Vassar Brothers Hospital, serving as the director for twenty years and until her retirement in 1967.

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Mr. Eggert has been active in the conservation and preservation of our scenic heritage for many years. He is a professional photographer and motion picture producer. Notable among the films he has made are "Wilderness River Trail," which is credited with the saving of the great canyons of Dinosaur National Monument from destruction by reclamation projects, and "The Sculptured Earth," which was accorded by Secretary of the Interior, Steward L. Udall, as a major contribution to the establishing of the Canyonlands area of Utah as a National Park. In 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Eggert purchased and restored the David Van Ness house, "IVIaizfield," in Red Hook, and make their home there.

Mr. Roig is a native of Poughkeepsie and is the construction superintendent and assistant treasurer of Spoor-Lasher Company. He was graduated from Texas A. & M. with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. During World War II he served with the Engineer Corp of the United States Army. Mr. Roig is a member of the Poughkeepsie Tennis, Kiwanis and Amrita Clubs of Poughkeepsie and he and Mrs. Roig reside at 19 Adriance Ave., Poughkeepsie.

Mrs. Silas Frazer was chosen the Vice-President representing the Town of Rhinebeck. She is President of the Starr Institute Library, Registrar of the Chancellor Livingston Chapter D. A. R., Rehabilitation Chairman at Castle Point Hospital for Montgomery Unit American Legion Auxiliary, all of Rhinebeck. To represent the Town of Stanford Mrs. Charles Robinton was chosen. Mrs. Robinton was born in Poughkeepsie and now resides in Stanfordville. She is active in the Little Nine Partners Historical Society and is serving at present as chairman of the Geneology Committee and the Publication Committee. Mrs. Robinton writes a column on geneology which appears in several Dutchess County newspapers. Baltus B. Van Kleeck, Jr. will serve as Vice-President of the Town of Milan. He is a direct descendant and bears the same name as the man who built Poughkeepsie's first house in 1702. Mr. Van Kleeck attended the Oakwood School, Poughkeepsie and was graduated from Princeton University. He is associated with the investment firm Loeb, Rhoades Company at the Kingston office, and is assistant editor of the Barrytown Explorer. Mr. Van Kleeck has been a contributor to the Historical Society Year Books. His residence is 320 Milan Hill Road, P.O. Red Hook. Mr. Walter W. Davis of Millerton was elected VicePresident representing the Town of North East.

Exercises tend to strengthen different parts of the body and to produce harmonious development throughout. The student is recommended to read Blaikie's "How to Get Strong and How to Stay So." Riverview dcademy, Catalogue 1896, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

That old fashioned sausage is great. Try it. 10 cents a lb. Adv. Lyons Bros., head Mill St., Poughkeepsie. Evening Star Nov. 14, 1890

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