Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. It was scanned using Xerox software and equipment at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using CCITT Group 4 compression. The digital data were used to create Cornell * s replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1984. The production of this volume was supported in part by the New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials and the Xerox Corporation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1994.Wife American Scenic anb historic Preservation ^ocictp (?f Rational &ocietp for tfje protection of Natural keener?, tfjc Preservation of Historic Hanb- marks anb tfje improvement of Cities * 3fncor= porateb in 1805(Officers! Jlotioratp ^cesitient J. PIERPONT MORGAN, LL.D ^resilient GEORGE F. KUNZ, Ph.D., Sc.D. ■^Tice^teStlieutjS Hon. CHARLES S. FRANCIS HENRY M. LEIPZIGER, Ph.D.,LL.D. Hon. GEORGE W. PERKINS Col. HENRY W. SACKETT treasurer Hon. N. TAYLOR PHILLIPS Counsel HENRY E. GREGORY, Esq. landscape grcfritect Hon. SAMUEL PARSONS H>ecretarp EDWARD HAGAMAN HALL, L.H.D. ^eafcquarters The Tribune Building New York, N. Y.JSoarb of fErusfteeg A? EDWARD DEAN ADAMS, LL.D. Prof. LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY, REGINALD PELHAM BOLTON, New York, N. Y. Ithaca, N. Y. New York, N. Y. Commander HERBERT L. BRIDGMAN, HENRY KIRKE BUSH-BROWN, D. BRYSON DELAVAN, M.D. Hon. CHARLES M. DOW, Hon. CHARLES S. FRANCIS, Hon. ROBERT L. FRYER, HENRY E. GREGORY, ROCELLUS S. GUERNSEY, FRANCIS WHITING HALSEY, SAMUEL VERPLANCK HOFFMAN, Hon. WILLIAM B. HOWLAND, Hon. THOMAS P. KINGSFORD. New York, N. Y. Washington, D. C. New York, N. Y. Jamestown, N. Y. Troy, N. Y. Buffalo, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. Oswego, N. Y. GEORGE FREDERICK KUNZ,Ph.D. Sc.D., New York, N.Y. FREDERICK S. LAMB, Hon. THOMAS H. LEE, HENRY M. LEIPZIGER, Ph.D., LL.D. OGDEN P. LETCHWORTH, HIRAM J. MESSENGER, Ph.D. J. PIERPONT MORGAN, LL.D. IRA K. MORRIS, JOHN De WITT MOWRIS, GORDON H. PECK, Hon. GEORGE W. PERKINS, Hon. N. TAYLOR PHILLIPS, Hon. THOMAS R. PROCTOR, Hon. J. HAMPDEN ROBB, Col. HENRY W. SACKETT, Hon. CHARLES A. SPOFFORD, Hon. STEPHEN H. THAYER, ALBERT ULMANN, CHARLES DELAMATER VAIL, L.H.D FRANK S. WITHERBEE, New York, N. Y. Stony Point, N. Y. New York, N. Y. Buffalo, N. Y. Hartford, Conn. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. Haverstraw, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N.Y. Utica, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. New York, N. Y. Yonkers, N. Y. New York, N. Y. . Geneva, N. Y. New York, N. Y.mt American Scenic anb Historic $re$erbatton gwrietp ftffc Smertcati fecem'c anb fltetortc JJtesietbatton S>0(tetp was founded in 1895 by the late Hon. Andrew H. Green, “the Father of Greater New York.” It was originally incorporated by a special act of the Legislature of the State of New York (chapter 166 of the laws of 1895) under the title of “The Trustees of Scenic and Historic Places and Objects,” which title was changed by chapter 302 of the laws of 1898 to “ The Society for the Preservation of Scenic and Historic Places and Objects;” and by chapter 385 of the laws of 1901 to “The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society.” It is a national organization of men and women, ani- mated by a love of the beautiful in Art and Nature, and inspired by public spirit and pride in our National Annals, associated for the protection of natural scenery, the preservation of archaeological remains and historic land- marks, and the improvement of cities. aims of tfje &ocietp It aims to protect beautiful features of the natural landscape from disfigurement, either by physical altera- tions or by the erection of unsightly signs and structures ; to conserve forests, streams and waterfalls; and to pre- serve from destruction remarkable geological formations and organic growths possessing an artistic or scientific value. It endeavors to prevent the mutilation, destruction or dispersion of American antiquities; to save from oblitera- 5tion places, objects and names identified with local, state and national history; to encourage original research and promote the publication of original documents and con- tributions relating to American history and scenery; to erect suitable historical memorials where none exist; and to secure the bestowal of significant and appropriate names on new thoroughfares, bridges, parks, reservoirs and other great municipal works. It promotes the beautification of cities and villages by the landscape adornment of their open spaces and thoroughfares, the protection of their parks and trees from deterioration or destruction, and the creation of public parks by private gift or the appropriation of pub- lic funds, for the health, comfort and pleasure of the people. It cultivates by public meetings, free lectures, litera- ture, prize competitions, correspondence and other educational means popular appreciation of the Scenic Beauties of America and public sentiment in favor of their preservation; and it promotes interest in and respect for the History of the Country, its honored names and its visible memorials. Cmpotoereb to $oR> ^ropertp The Society is empowered by its charter to acquire by purchase, gift, grant, devise or bequest historic, memora- ble or picturesque places in the State of New York or elsewhere in the United States, hold real or personal property in fee or upon such lawful trusts as may be agreed upon between the donors thereof and the corpora- tion and to improve the same, admission to which shall be free to the public under such rules for the proper protection thereof as the corporation may prescribe. <©tiajsi=©fftrial Status in Jleto gorfe In the State of New York the Society occupies a quasi- official position, being required to report annually to the 6Legislature, and specially privileged to report at any time, by bill or otherwise, recommendations concerning the objects of the Society. The property of the Society is by law exempt from taxation within the State of New York. practical Results tfje $Jrime Object While the Society takes a natural pride in identifica- tion with the accomplishments of its sixteen years’ labors, yet its principal object is to produce practical results through the best media. From the nature of its work, many impulses which it gives to public and individual sentiment find their ultimate expression through other channels, and, in such results, the Society feels as much satisfaction as in those which stand directly in its own name. The Society also recognizes the valuable work done by cognate organizations and is ready to cooperate with, advise and otherwise aid them in the furtherance of undertakings designed for the general welfare. precept aitb example The Society not only strives to influence others to perform acts of public beneficence, but it also shows its spirit by the examples of its own members. During the past decade, members of the Society have made personal gifts aggregating $2,347,200 for public parks, statues, tab- lets, and the preservation and restoration of historic buildings. The Society has been chiefly instrumental in the creation of seven State Parks and largely instrumental in the creation of an eighth. It has been the leading influence in securing state appropriations amounting to $3I7»359 for State Parks, and a minor influence in helping to secure appropriations amounting to $2,950,000 for similar purposes. It was the leading factor in securing the creation of Washington’s Headquarters Park in New York City at a cost of $235,000. It is custodian of five State properties. 7^financial Support Although performing functions exercised in some European countries by the Government itself, and in cases to be mentioned hereafter actually representing State and local authorities at home, the Society receives no governmental financial support for its general work. The appropriations of public moneys which it receives are applied exclusively to the specific objects for which they are made without any administrative charges by the Society, The Society is therefore entirely dependent, for the maintenance of its general work, upon its member- ship dues, occasional voluntary contributions and the income from the Green Memorial Fund mentioned here- after. The expenses of the Society during the first six- teen years of its existence have been less than $38,000, which is an indication of the economy with which its affairs are managed and which is an extremely small “percentage of cost” compared with the practical results of its work summarized under the previous heading. The Brooklyn Standard-Union of Oct. 24, 1910, said: “It is morally certain that no organization does more good for less money.” The income of the Society, however, is inadequate to meet the growing and inescapable demands of its work, and it earnestly appeals to the lovers of American scenery and American history for more ade- quate support by membership and by endowment. The Society invites donations of Special Funds, rang- ing from $5,000 to $50,000, the proceeds of which shall be applied either to objects which the Society already has in mind or to special purposes designated by the Donors —such funds to bear the names of the Donors or such other names as they may select, and detailed reports of the administration of the same to be made in the Society’s Annual Report to the Legislature. ittembergfnp mb 2Btte* Any public-spirited person may become an Annual Member, upon election and the payment of annual dues 8of $5; a Sustaining Member by the payment of $25 a year; a Life Member by the payment of $100 at one time, and a Patron by the donation of $500. There is no initiation fee. The Annual Dues of $5 are payable in advance on January 1. New members joining between January 1 and July 1 pay for the full year upon acceptance of election. New members joining between July 1 and January 1 are expected to pay only $2.50 for the last half of the year. glnbreto <6mn JWemotial jfunb On November 12, 1906, Messrs. Oliver B. Green, Martin Green, Andrew H. Green, Wm. O. Green, Samuel M. Green, and Nathan W. Green, Miss Mary Pomeroy Green, Miss Lucy M. Green, Miss Julia E. Green, and Mrs. Mary R. Green Owen, heirs of the Founder of the Society, gave to the Society the sum of $10,000 to con- stitute or be the nucleus of a fund to be known as the Andrew H. Green Memorial Fund. The principal is to remain permanently invested and the interest applied to the work of the Society. The Trustees earnestly hope that those who appreciate Mr. Green’s great public ser- vices and sacrifices will be moved to make additions to this fund, or establish other memorial funds, for the maintenance of the Society’s work. Hectares: anb publications! Every season public meetings are held, to which the members and their friends are invited and at most of which illustrated lectures are delivered by specialists in various branches of art, history and nature work. For seven years the indoor meetings have been held chiefly in the galleries of the National Arts Club of New York. The members also receive gratuitously, from time to time, copies of historical brochures of great value. The following have already have been sent to them, those marked with an * being now out of print: "St. Paul’s Chapel” (New York), by Charles F. Wingate. x 7%n\ 44 pp. and cover. 1901. 9*“The Landmark of Fraunces’ Tavern” (New York), by Mrs. M. F. Peirce; 4° pp. and cover ; illust. igoi. “New York’s Historic Sites,” by Albert Ulmann. 3X" x 5"; 32 pp. 1902. *“Jamestown, Va., 1607-1907,” by the Secretary. 5X" x 7X"; 3°PP- and cover ; map and illust. 1902. *“Stony Point Battlefield,” by the Secretary, with intro- duction by Francis Whiting Halsey. x*7%,f\ 40 pp. and cover; map and portrait of Wayne. 1902. *“The Old Martyrs’ Prison” (late Hall of Records, New York), by the Secretary. 6 ft” x 16 pp. and cover. 1902. *“Fort Washington, New York,” by Reginald P. Bol- ton and the Secretary. 6$4f' x 10124 pp. and cover, folding maps, illust. 1902. Washington’s Headquarters, New York,’’ by Regi- nald P. Bolton. 5Xr/ x 7%n\ 40 pp. and cover; map and illust. 1903. ^“Historic and Pre-Historic Ruins of the Southwest,” by Prof. Edgar L. Hewett, of the Smithsonian Institu- tion; 5X" x 20 pp. 6 plates, folding map and cover. 1904. “McGown’s Pass and Vicinity, New York,” by the Secretary. 5x 7X"; 4$ pp. and cover; folding map and illust. 1905. “The Proposed Dam and Storage Reservoir at Portage, N. Y.” by th Secretary. x9ff> 52 PP- and cover; map and diagrams. 1908. “An Appeal for the Preservation of City Hall Park, New York, with a Brief History of the Park,” by the Secretary. 5%" x 8Ji,f; 40pp. and cover; map and illust. 1910. Through the generosity of one of its members, the Society is about to publish in book form, for free dis- tribution to its members and for public sale, “Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers, N. Y. The Site, the Building and its Occupants,” with maps and illustrations. 10Annual fteport* The Annual Report of the Society to the Legislature of the State of New York is a valuable compendium of information about scenic and historic sites and objects in the United States, and is much sought by universities and public libraries in America and Europe, and by writ- ers and students. Beginning with the report of 1900, the latter part of each report has been devoted to appendices containing extended papers on the subjects named below. The reports are profusely illustrated and contain original matter not to be found elsewhere. Reports marked with an * are out of print. First, 1896. Pages 10. No appendices. *Second, 1897. Pages 6. No appendices. Third, 1898. Pages 4. No appendices. Fourth, 1899, Pages 13. No appendices. Fifth, 1900. Pages 84. Appendices : “ Report of Com- mission Representing the State of New York for the Preservation of the Palisades ; ” “ Report of the Society to the Comptroller of the State on the Lake George Bat- tlefield ; ” “ Report on the Battlefield of Stony Point.” *Sixth, 1901. Pages 97. Appendices: “The Duty of Preserving Places and Objects of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty,” by Hon. Andrew H. Green; “ The Landmark of Fraunces’Tavern,” by Mrs. Melusina Fay Peirce ; “ The Historical Significance of the Hudson and Champlain Valleys,” by Francis Whiting Halsey. ^Seventh, 1902. Pages 125. Appendices: “The Pres- ervation and Restoration of Historic Sites and Buildings in Europe,” by Prof. A. D. F. Hamlin of Columbia Uni- versity ; “ The Scenic Beauties of Fort Washington Bat- tlefield ; and the American Revolution and the Free Press,” by Hon. Andrew H. Green ; “The Battle of Fort Washington,” by Hon. Azariah H. Sawyer ; “ Jamestown: The First Permanent English Settlement in America,” by the Secretary. *Eighth, 1903. Pages 160. Appendices: Address by Gov. Odell at the Dedication of Stony Point Battlefield 11State Reservation, July 16, 1902; Address by Hon. An- drew H. Green at Frounces’ Tavern, Dec. 4, 1902; Ad- dress by Gov. Odell at Frounces’ Tavern, Dec. 4, 1902 ; “ Suggestions for the Appropriate Renaming of Certain Localities, Parks, Avenues and Streets on Washington Heights and at Inwood, Manhattan Island,” by Reginald P. Bolton ; “ Historic and Picturesque China,” by Emil S. Fisher. Ninth, 1904. Pages 222. Appendix: “ Biography of Andrew Haswell Green,” by the Secretary. This appen- dix comprises 113 pages. Tenth, 1905. Pages 247. Appendices: “Antiquities of the Southwest and Their Preservation,” by Prof. Ed- gar L. Hewett of the Smithsonian Institution ; “ Historic Landmarks of Staten Island,” by Ira K. Morris; “ Amer- indians of Manhattan Island,” by Reginald P. Bolton; ‘‘ Fort Brewerton, N. Y.,” by Francis W. Halsey ; “ Har- riet Maxwell Converse, the Indians’ Friend,” by George F. Kunz, Ph.D., Sc.D.; “The Poster Nuisance,” by the Secretary; “ Major Robert Rogers, the Famous Scout, Indian Fighter and Partisan Commander,” by Francis W. Halsey. ♦Eleventh, 1906. Pages 238. Appendices: “The Dis- covery of the Hudson River,” by Gem James Grant Wilson; “The Pioneers of Steam Navigation,” by Win- chester Fitch; “The Physiography of Watkins Glen,” by Prof. Ralph S. Tarr of Cornell University; “Some His- torical Places in New Jersey,’’ by T. N. Glover; and “ The Palisades of the Hudson River: Their Geological Origin, Attempted Destruction and Rescue,’’ by the Sec- retary. Twelfth, 1907. Pages 252. AppendicesWalter S. Logan,” by Miss Myra B. Martin; “ Letchworth Park and Its Donor ” (geological, biographical and narrative), by the Secretary; “ Educational Possibilities of Letch- worth Park,” by Dr. Geo. F. Kunz; “Geology of Letch- worth Park,” by Prof. A. W. Grabau ; “ Last Indian Coun- cil in the Genesee,” by David Gray; “Proceedings at 12Fort Clinton, McGown’s Pass, N. Y„ Nov. 24,1906; ” “An- nals of Olden Days at Watkins Glen,” by John Corbett. Thirteenth, 1908. Pages 278. Contains a review of all historic and scenic reservations owned by the State of New York. Appendices: Complete report of Proceed- ings at the Hall of Fame, May 30, 1907, by Geo. F. Kunz, Ph. D., Sc. D.; “ Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers,” by the Secretary ; “ Robert Fulton Centennial,” addresses ; “ Bi- Centenary of Linnaeus,” by Geo. F. Kunz, Ph. D., Sc. D. Fourteenth, 1909. Pages 310. Appendices : “ Proceed- ings at the Laying of the Corner-stone of the Memorial Arch at Stony Point, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1908“ Revolution- ary History of Fort Lee, N. J.,” by the Secretary ; “ The Spoliation of Niagara Falls,” by Prof. J. W. Spencer; and “ Kanadesaga, the Last Capital of the Seneca Indians ” (Geneva, N. Y.), by the Secretary. Fifteenth, 1910. Pages 446. Contains accounts of gifts of public parks, by Mrs. E. H. Harriman, and others; a list and brief description of all National Parks; a com- pletete list of National Forests and Game Preserves, etc. Appendices : “ Giovanni da Verrazzano and His Discov- eries in North America in 1520,” being the first rendition in English of the newly discovered Cellere Codex, with critique by Prof. Alessandro Bacchiani, translated with introduction by the Secretary ; “ Henry Hudson and the Discovery of the Hudson River,” by the Secretary, with detailed description and plans of the Half Moon ; “ Pro- ceedings at the Dedication of the Fort Tryon Monument in New York City, Sept. 29, 1909 ; ” “ Proceedings at the Dedication of the Memorial Arch at Stony Point, N. Y., Oct. 2. 1909; ” “A Brief History of City Hall Park, New York,” by the Secretary ; and “ Proceedings at the Dedi- cation of the Palisades Interstate Park, Sept. 27, 1909.” Pureau of information To meet the demands made upon it by the National scope of its work and the constant requests of individuals, societies and the press for information or moral support, 13the Society maintains a permanent Headquarters in the Tribune Building, New York, and has at its command the services of some of the best qualified historical and land- scape authorities in the country. Members are free to use the Headquarters as a Bureau of Information; and in their efforts for local projects of a public nature find their effectiveness still further in- creased by their association with an influential body of advisers and colaborers. CujStobian of jftoe £§>tate &egetbatiotuf The five State properties of which the Society is by law Custodian are : Stony Point Battlefield, thirty-four acres on the west side of the Hudson River; Watkins Glen, 103 acres at the head of Seneca Lake; Fort Brewerton, one acre at the foot of Oneida Lake ; Letchworth Park (Glen Iris), 1,000 acres on the Upper Genesee River at Portage Falls , and Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers, in- cluding one acre. Further particulars in regard to each of these follow. Custotuan of &ton? t&fnt iSattleftelb In 1897 the State of New York purchased thirty-four acres of the historic Stony Point Battlefield on the Hud- son River and committed it to the custody of this Society. With the expenditure of $47,300 of State money in pur- chase, improvement and maintenance, and about $5,000 of the Society’s funds, roads and paths have been con- structed ; a public pavilion, a keeper’s house and museum, summer houses and a steamboat dock built; a water sup- ply inducted; the old earthworks marked; and in vari- ous ways the Reservation has been made one of the most interesting and instructive places of its kind in the United States. From the Federal Government twelve cannon have been obtained, two of them being trophies captured by Anthony Wayne from the British. The Res- ervation has also been adorned by a stone memorial arch erected in 1909 by the New York State Society of Daugh- ters of the Revolution. 14CuStobian of Jfort 3iretoerton In 1904 the Legislature of the State of New York passed a bill creating a Reservation for the preservation of the remains of old Fort Brewerton, at the foot of Oneida Lake, and making this Society custodian. In 1906 the property was acquired and is in our custody. Cuotoirian of fEBattutuS <6lett In 1906, after six years’ unsuccessful effort, the So- ciety, with the cooperation of the heirs of the late Andrew H. Green, enabled the State of New York to purchase Watkins Glen for the sum of $46,512, the actual cost of the property to the Green estate, and about half the price asked for it by its former owners. The Reser- vation is in the custody of the Society, and has been maintained and improved with appropriations which, up to and including 1910, amount to $63,297 in addition to the purchase price. Custobtan of Hetdjtoortf) fiarfe In 1906 the Hon. William Pryor Letchworth, LL.D., of Portage, N. Y., after conference with the Trustees of this Society, deeded to the State of New York, for the benefit of mankind, his magnificent estate of Glen Iris, embracing the three beautiful Portage falls of the Upper Genesee River and 1,000. acres of property upon which he expended over $500,000. The scenery ranks second only to that of Niagara Falls in the State of New York. This gift was accepted by the Legislature of 1907, and the park passed into the custody of this Society on Mr. Letch- worth’s death, December 1, 1910. Mr. Letchworth also made the Society his residuary legatee, the proceeds of the bequest to be applied to the purposes of the park. (See Mary Jemison Statue.) CuStobtan of ipbittpge jfflattor 36aU In 1907, after many years of agitation for the preserva- tion of the Philipse Manor Hall, long used as the City 15Hall of Yonkers, N.Y., the late Mrs. William F. Cochran offered $50,000 for the purchase of the building and $5,000 for its renovation, upon condition that title to the property should vest in the State and that this Society should be custodian. In 1908 the Legislature accepted the gift, the actual custody of the property passing to the Society with the moving of the city government into the new City Hall. This generous gift ensures the preservation of a building over two centuries old, known in Europe as well as in America as one of the most interesting an- tiquities of the Hudson Valley, and the only landmark of the ancient feudal system in public possession in the United States. (Sift to ££>abe tfje $alteatoe0 In 1899 Governor Roosevelt authorized a Commission from this Society to act in behalf of the State of New York jointly with a Commission selected by the Gov- ernor of New Jersey in devising a practical plan for the preservation of the Palisades of the Hudson River. The result of these joint deliberations was the legislation creating the Interstate Palisades Park Commission. With the munificent gift of $122,500 by Mr. J. P. Morgan (Honorary President of this Society), generous gifts by other public-spirited citizens, appropriations of $72,500 by the State of New Jersey, and appropriations of $430,000 by the State of New York, the work of acquir- ng the great riparian park from Fort Lee, N. J., to Piermont, N. Y., a distance of thirteen miles, has been accomplished under the administration of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and the Park was formally dedicated on September 27, 1909. (See gifts to Extend Palisades Park.) (Sift tEotoarb tillage Smprobement In 1900 Miss F. H. Williams, a philanthropic member residing in Salem, N. Y., with the cooperation of our landscape architect, beautified the surroundings of the 16ancient church in Salem. In various other ways the Society has promoted the improvement of cities and villages. <@tft of Jfort Qt&agfrington ilonument In 1901 Mr. James Gordon Bennett, a member, gave to the Society $1, 500 for erecting on the site of Fort Wash- ington, Manhattan Island, a monument which was dedi- cated with the cooperation of the Sons of the American Revolution with impressive ceremonies, November 16, 1901. (gift of Jle&reto Cemetery ®aMet In 1903 Mr. Isidor Straus made the Society the medium of the gift of a handsome tablet to mark the remnant of the oldest Hebrew cemetery in the United States, near Chatham Square, New York City. On April 20, 1903, the tablet was dedicated under the joint auspices of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society and the American Jewish Historical Society. ecureb In 1906 the Legislature passed a bill drafted by this Society appropriating $25,000 for the acquisition by the State of the historic blockhouse and colonial residence of Sir William Johnson in Johnstown, N. Y. This famous landmark is now in the custody of the Johnstown Historical Society. 4ttc<©oton’jS Jleto «©orfe In 1906, at the solicitation of this Society, the Depart- ment of Parks of the City of New York suitably mounted the two old cannon which had lain neglected for many years on Fort Clinton, at McGown’s Pass, in Central Park. Simultaneously and with our cooperation, the City History Club erected a commemorative tablet on the pedestal. $al&abeg $arfe extension In 1906, after four years’ effort by this Society, the Legislature of New York passed a bill extending the jurisdiction of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission- ers so as to permit the extension of the Palisades Drive to Stony Point Park and preserve the impressive Hook Mountain from destruction by the trap rock quarry men. In 1910, under the leadership of the Palisades Interstate Park Commissioners, the Society assisted in securing legislation further to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Com- mission so as to include mountain-lands along the Hud- son River as far north as Newburgh, and including the property given by Mrs. E. H. Harriman and others. 24Jlafltt of jfame In 1907, the President of the Society was appointed by New York University the official Chronicler of the pro- ceedings at the second unveiling of tablets in the Hall of Fame. National Jfourtfj of 3T«l? In 1910 the committee appointed by the Mayor of New York to arrange for a “safe and sane ” commemoration of Independerice Day placed the exercises at the City Hall in charge of the Society. As a result of the ration- ally patriotic and humanitarian movement, of which the celebration in New York was a part, the number of acci- dents, fatal and otherwise, was reduced in New York State in 1910 to one-third the number in former years. In the country at large, there were only 2,923 persons in- jured and 131 fatalities in 1910 against 4,449 injured and 446 fatalities in 1903. Matching j£eto §?orfe Citp $aritg Much of the Society’s work is purposely done without publicity. This includes its watchfulness over the City Parks of New York. In one year it brought to New York three of the foremost experts in the country for an examination of the condition of Central Park. During another year it took for examination samples of the so- called “mould” used for “enriching” the park soil, to demonstrate the need for a better administration. And in other ways it has kept a jealous eye on the people’s open-air spaces. Publicly, its voice has been heard in the successful protests against the extension of Brook- lyn Bridge terminal into City Hall Park; the further en- croachment upon City Hall Park for a new County Court House; the reduction of Central Park by the widening of Fifth Avenue ; the erection of a private art gallery in Central Park ; the building of an elevated rail- way in Bronx Park, etc. 25®tee protection The disregard shown by traction, electric power and electric light corporations for the people’s interests, as illustrated conspicuously in the obliteration of the Boule- vard trees in Manhattan Borough and the mutilation of trees along Broadway in Queens Borough, New York, has led the Society to take active steps, in cooperation with other organizations, to prevent further vandalism of this sort. In 1905 it did successful work toward sav- ing the trees along Ocean Avenue, by Prospect Park from threatened destruction by the Subway. Uertfptns ibiteg atib 3fngcripttong In view of the many errors inadvertently made in the identification of historical sites and the wording of the inscriptions on memorials erected to mark them, and in the absence of any public commission to pass upon the same, the Society has cooperated with city officials and with other organizations in verifying localities and au- thenticating the inscriptions placed upon their monu- ments and tablets. In 1904 it passed upon four sites or inscriptions, two in 1905, four in 1906, three in 1907, five in 1908, seven in 1909, and four in 1910. JfiBfrtfns fcr Niagara jfaUb For the past sixteen years the President of the Com- missioners of the State Reservation at Niagara has been either the President or a Trustee of this Society, and at the present time three Commissioners (including the President) and two ex-Commissioners are on the Board of Trustees. During this period the Society has been one of the strongest auxiliaries of the Commission in pro- tecting Niagara Falls from depletion and disfigurement. In 1902 the late President of the Society and of the Com- mission, Hon. Andrew H. Green, proposed the legisla- tion creating the International Waterways Commission (organized in 1905) with a view to an international treaty to prevent the further diversion of water from the Falls. 26The movement thus started resulted in the treaty be- tween the United States and Great Britain relating to the boundary waters between the United States and Canada, the ratifications of which were exchanged May 5, 1910. In 1906 the Society contributed toward the secur- ing of federal legislation for the preservation of the Falls what Congressman Burton, author of the Burton bill, pronounced “ the most complete and elaborate of all the legal arguments on the subject of the jurisdiction of the federal government over Niagara River.” The Society also assisted in securing the repeal by the New York State Legislature of four charters for the diversion of water from Niagara Falls. STamegfoton Manb For eight years the Society has been endeavoring to secure federal legislation for the acquisition of James- town Island, Va., the site of the first permanent planting of Anglo-Saxon civilization in the New World. It is the Society’s earnest hope that eventually Congress will repair the remarkable neglect by which, while it spent millions of dollars in 1907 on an exposition held thirty- five miles away, ignored the site of the event itself except to erect a modest monument on donated land. •pre&rbing American Statiquitieg In 1906, after six years’ agitation by our Society in co- operation with other organizations, Congress passed the National Monuments act (Public Law 209) empowering the President to proclaim as National Monuments land- marks, historic and prehistoric structures and other ob- jects of historic or scientific interest upon government lands. Under this act some of the most interesting American antiquities and wonderful natural growths and formations are now protected from vandalism. &iant ®mg of California For several years the Society cultivated public senti- ment through the press and by correspondence with 27members of Congress for the rescue of the Giant Sequoias of California from the lumberman’s axe. The oldest liv- ing things on earth are these gigantic trees which were saplings when Abraham was a boy. In 1906 Congress passed a law taking under federal protection the famous Mariposa grove. igetrifteli Steed of &ti?ona Another result of the general campaign for the protec- tion of natural wonders has been the placing of the agat- ized trees of Arizona under federal protection. The pet- rified forests are more wonderful even than the giant trees of California, for they reproduce with Inorganic matter the outward form and inner structure of Organic life that flourished geological ages ago, and unite in a marvelous manner the two grand divisions of Nature. Valley In 1908 the Society joined in the movement led by the famous naturalist, John Muir, to prevent the flooding of the Hetch-Hetchy Valley, in the Yosemite National Park, for the purpose of supplying water to San Fran- cisco, on the ground that other sources were available and that the flooding would render inaccessible a canyon little inferior to the Yosemite itself. Secretary Garfield, in 1908, granted the permit. In 1910, however, Secre- tary Ballinger served notice on the Supervisors and the Mayor of San Francisco to show cause why he should not rescind his predecessor’s order, and the matter now remains in statu quo pending a further examination by the Government engineers. <6ranb Canyon Rational ^Monument In November, 1910, President Taft received a Com- mittee of the Society to request the enlargement of the Federal Reservation in Arizona so as to protect the whole 283 miles of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona, only a part of which is now included 28in the Grand Canyon National Monument, and expressed himself as being entirely in sympathy with the prop- osition. (fattier tHnbertafctngsi Among other objects of the Society’s efforts may be mentioned the preservation or restoration of the First Presbyterian Church, New York, old St. John’s Chapel, New York, Trinity Church, Fishkill N. Y., Bruton Parish Church, Williamsburg, Va., and Old Falls Church, Va.; the preservation of the Cincinnati House (Verplanck house), Fishkill, N. Y., Hamilton Grange, New York, Billopp House, New York, Poe Cottage, New York, and Thomas Payne house, New Rochelle, N. Y.; the creation of Inwood Park and Joseph Rodman Drake Park, New York, Verplanck’s Point Park and small riverside parks in towns along the Hudson river ; the restoration of Fort Putnam at West Point and the marking of historic sites in the Military Academy Reservation ; the improvement of the Federal Lighthouse Reservation at Stony Point; the prevention of the mutilation of Storm King Moun- tain; the creation of a Federal Reservation at Ticon- deroga; the prevention of the mutilation of New York City Hall; the exploration for and mapping of Indian and Revolutionary sites on Manhattan Island and vicinity; the identification and marking of the site of the Burr- Hamilton duel; the identification of the site of Fort Lee, N. J., preparatory to the recent erection of the Fort Lee Monument under the auspices of citizens of that State ; the survey and mapping of the Indian Mound and Coun- cil Tree at Geneva; the preservation of the Adirondack forests; the conservation of natural resources with due regard for natural scenery; the prevention of the dese- cration of cemeteries by cattle, as at Stone Arabia, N. Y., where pigs were permitted to root among the graves; the punishment of vandals who mutilate public monuments ; the perpetuation of native American place-names and the bestowal of suitable names where none exist; the suitable 29care of public records; the erection of a memorial to the explorers of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado; the preservation of the old missions of the Southwest, etc. Canadian Scenic anti Historic gbocietp The influence of our example has also extended across the international border, and in 1905 we were officially in- formed of the organization of the Canadian Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. Valuable Cbucattonal OTorfe Testimony as to the unique educational value of the Society’s work has been received from many high sources. Among the institutions which have recently made special request for the Society’s publications are the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum, Cornell University, the New York Public Library, the Division of Educa- tional Extension of the New York State Education Depart- ment, Massachusetts Agricultural College, Amherst, Mass., West Virginia University Library, Morgantown, W. Va.; Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburgh, Md.; Boiling Springs High School, Shelby, N. C.; and the Rijks Uni- versiteit of Leiden, the Netherlands. The New York State Education Department, speaking of the Society’s Annual Reports, says: “ Some of our clubs are wishing to make a study of historic places and find that this report is especially valuable. . . . We are delighted with them. They are goingto be very use- ful in furnishing material for several of our clubs.” Hon. Victor H. Paltsits, New York State Historian, formerly of the Lenox Library, New York, acknowledg- ing the receipt of the Fifteenth Annual report, says: “ It is a creditable publication and serviceable to historians. After fifteen years of memorable service, your Society needs no * bill of health.’ Its work and its Annual Re- ports amply attest its usefulness in promoting in the pub- lic conscience a regard for historical memorials and in saving from ravages and desecration scenic spots draped 30in natural grandeur. These are objects that are now rec- ognized in all progressive countries as worthy of public and official support.” Prof. Edward S. Burgess of the Department of Natural Science, Normal College, City of New York, writes: “ I take pleasure in forwarding my dues for your esteemed Society—one of the most important to promote, in my opinion, of all existing agencies for local and natural welfare. I have put the 15th Annual Report already into good service and could make another copy tell fruitfully in college work.” The Librarian of Massachusetts Agricultural College writes: “ These volumes are of great value to us because of the help which our students in Landscape Gardening, Park Planning, Ornamental Planting, etc., get from them, in addition to the splendid historic and patriotic consid- erations.” The Librarian of the Gloverville, N. Y., Free Library writes: “The historical papers attached to the Report make it especially valuable.” The Director of the Albany, N. Y., Institute writes : “ It contains much valuable information.” Mr. Frederick S. Dellenbaugh, Secretary of the Ameri- can Geographical Society, and a companion of Powell in his second trip through the Grand Canyon in 1871 -'72, writes : “ Where material development is as rapid as in our country today, a disinterested and intelligent organ- ization like the American Scenic and Historic Preserva- tion Society is as necessary to indicate the things which require protection and perpetuation as a legislative body is to enact laws for the preservation of society.” Work MWcomeb tip tt)C ©totoersittiejs The Librarian of the famous Rijks Universiteit of Leiden, the Netherlands, founded by William of Orange, referring to the appendices of the 15th Annual Report, writes: “They are very interesting for the students of 31our country. But besides those appendices, the Report itself seems to be of great value for us, and so I take the liberty to ask you if there could be any opportunity to have also the first fourteen Reports.” The Rev. H. M. MacCracken, D.D., LL.D., when Chan- cellor of New York University, wrote: “All American universities, inasmuch as they are charged with the highest responsibility for the education of American youth, must welcome the existence and activity of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. Scenic and historic places and objects teach patriotism and nourish moral sentiments, while they care also in some measure for the esthetic nature. When once estab- lished, these famous places become unsalaried teachers. They never die, never ask to be retired on pensions, and their voices grow stronger and more convincing with increased age. May your Society be prospered in adding to the roll of these immortal teachers.” The Hon. Seth Low, when President of Columbia Uni- versity, wrote: “The object of the Society commends itself to me warmly. It is easy to mar the beauties of Nature, but difficult to restore them if they have once been injured. Our ancient historic landmarks also ought to be preserved wherever possible. The New World, in the historic sense, is still new; but our national life has already made its sacred places, and it is a true instinct to preserve them, whenever possible, for the inspiration that they hold. I hope that the efforts of your Society may be crowned with conspicuous success.” President Arthur T. Hadley of Yale University says: “ It is needless for me to say that I am in cordial sym- pathy with everything which is expressed in your letter. We can all of us work toward the creation of a general public sentiment which will grow better as time goes on, and which will aid in dealing with these things—a senti- ment to the effect that things which are of permanent interest and value to the Nation must not be made a sub- ject of private money-making.” 32Charles W. Eliot, LL.D., M.D., President Emeritus of Harvard University, says: “I am entirely in sympathy with your general object of saving objects of natural beauty and scenes of historical interest. The widespread organization of such societies is the best means I know of for accomplishing the objects you have in view.” Support ©rgeb bp tfjc Cfmrcf) His Grace, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic See of St. Paul, John Ireland, says: "I am in most hearty sympathy with you. This Society should have among its members influential men throughout the whole country.” The late Right Reverend the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New York, Henry C. Potter, D.D., LL.D., said: “ No citizen of New York can be otherwise than grateful to your Society for your efforts toward the preservation from defacement of the Palisades and other natural features of scenery in the State of New York. You have bdhind you a much wider and more earnest constituency than as yet you realize.” Cornmenbeti bp tfje iPresss The impressions derived from the work of the Society by intelligent observers of current events may be judged from the few quotations following: Paul Dana, Esq., when editor of the New York Sun: “ If there is an organization inspired wholly by public spirit, that of the most enlightened and precious nature, it is the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society.” The New York Times: “Of all the societies which we know collectively as the patriotic societies, none has yet undertaken with quite so much disinterested enthusiasm and intelligent guidance the work of marking and pre- serving places in this country closely identified with his- toric events. Membership is not founded upon descent, nor have efforts been made in any way to dignify indi- vidual members through their ancestors. The Society is animated by a very distinct public spirit.” 33The Outlook: “ In stimulating popular appreciation of the value of saving things for their associations, of pre- serving what is historic and picturesque, and in offering a trusteeship for concentrating effort, whether by gifts or by appeal to State intervention, the Society is quietly but effectively doing a work that reaches in interest far beyond State bounds.” New York Evening Post: “The assertion of public sentiment in that matter”—the project of placing the proposed new county courthouse in City Hall Park, New York—“saved the city from a great and irreparable injury. In this protest, the daily press bore a leading part, but the way in which a number of public-spirited associations—foremost among them, perhaps, the New York Chapter of the American Scenic and Historic Pres- ervation Society—entered into the movement to prevent this injury, is a good reminder of the valuable service which such societies keep performing from time to time when occasion offers.” The Brooklyn Standard Union: “The Fifteenth Annual Report of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society is the most notable so far of the series .... It is quite within the truth to say that the State has never published a report of greater general interest, not only to its own citizens, but to those of all other states.” Thz Literary Digest: “In addition to a formal report to the Legislature outlining the year’s work done by this excellent society in its well-known field, the present volume [the Fifteenth Annual Report] has an appen- dix in which is printed the original Italian text of what is known as the ‘Cellere Codex’, containing the letter of Verrazzano of July, 1524, narrating to King Francis I of France his voyage to the New World along our Atlantic coast. ... of which an excellent English translation ... is given . . . The letter is so interesting that it really ought to get into general circulation.” 34