Читать книгу The History of Orange County New York - Группа авторов - Страница 26

The first view of Cornwall is not attractive. Two rugged hills rise before us, their sides not even clothed with virgin soil, for the loose soil sends down sand and boulders to the street below. They are separated by a rocky ravine, at the bottom of which runs a brook, scarcely visible in summer's drought, but fed in the spring by the melting snow from the hills, becomes a torrent that sweeps away bridges and roads that form its banks. A narrow highway has been cut at the base of each hill, but merges into one road just where the stream is spanned by a pretty stone bridge.

The landing itself is simply a business place without any pretense of beauty. Nathan Clark's store stands as it did in 1824. Some small houses shelter a few families, storehouses line the docks. Taft, Howell & Company's mill has only the attractiveness of utility if we except the emerald velvet robe of Ampelopsis, which almost covers the entire front. The West Shore depot is a more modern structure and past this the black rails sweep north and south.

We will take the right hand road past the post-office, presided over by Miss Young, and ascend a rather steep hill. After we leave the little bridge we are shut out from the sight of civilization. At our right rises an almost perpendicular hill darkly clothed in fir, pine and hemlock. On the left is a substantial hand rail protecting us from the rocky gorge below. It is cool and dark here and we will stay long enough to review a little of Cornwall's early history.

As the Half Moon anchored in the broad bay south of Newburgh, the swift canoes of the Indians shot out from the shore to investigate what kind of a bird their white winged visitors might be. They were of the tribe Warwaronecks, afterwards known as the Murderer's Kill Indians.

On April 15, 1685, Governor Dongan purchased the tract claimed by this tribe, extending from Murderer's Creek to Stony Point, the river forming the eastern boundary. A year previous to this a Scotchman named McGregorie had brought his own and several families to settle here. A document is extant in which Margaret McGregorie states:

"They were not only the first Christians that had settled thereon but also peaceably and quietly and enjoyed their land during the term of their natural lives."

McGregorie was placed in command of the militia and marched with his men to fight the Indians. Before he left he was assured by Governor Dongan the patent for his land should be issued. It never was. He was killed in 1691 and during the trouble with the Leisler government and that of Governor Fletcher his property was sold to Captain Evans. After a great deal of trouble in getting back to his family, who held it until 1727, it was sold to Thomas Ellison.

There is no record of the names of any of his family after his death except his and that of his wife's brother Tosusk, the Laird of Minnevard. The boundaries of this tract were very indefinite until in 1799 when Monroe and Blooming Grove were erected into separate towns. Buttermilk Falls still formed part of our territory, but the mountain made business intercourse so very inconvenient that in 1872 a petition was granted by the Legislature severing this connection, the new village taking the name of Highland Falls.

FREIGHTING.

There were still many hundred acres and those were divided into large farms where cattle, horses and small stock were raised in great quantities. Orange County milk and butter had become famous and Cornwall contributed her full share. Not only the products of our own neighborhood but those of the other counties reached New York by the way of Cornwall landing. A friend recently gone from us, Miss Maria Conser, who was a child at that time, gives the following graphic description: "How we children liked to stop on our way to the old schoolhouse to watch the loaded wagons drawn by three mules abreast lumbering over the rough roads. We were frightened when we met the droves of cattle. The tossing of their wild horns sent us scrambling upon the stone wall until they had passed. Hours would elapse while tubs of butter, forests of hoop-poles, cows, calves, sheep and lambs were placed on board of the night boat. The passengers went to their berths but alas, for their hope of rest; the lowing of cattle, the bleating of lambs and the noise of the crew forbade sleep. About midnight a lull would come; the boat gliding through the softly murmuring water made sleep possible."

In 1805 Isaac Tobias constructed a dock at New Windsor where he built the sloop Hector and sailed it from the landing. A few years later Captain Nathaniel Ketchum ran the Revenge between here and the city. In 1828 the Experiment, the first steamboat that sailed from the landing, was built by Silas Corwin of New Windsor and commanded by Captain Isaac Vanduzer. She had four smokestacks and was but little more speedy than the sloops. After a few years she was sold to Weeks & Griffin who in turn disposed of her to Bertholf & Co. She was finally converted into a barge. Two others, the Wave and General Jackson, were put on, and in 1855 Captain Joseph Ketchum and Henry M. Clark purchased the Orange County and ran her between here and New York. The building of the Erie Railroad to Piermont sent a large part of the freight by that route and we have never recovered our lost prestige. But just about this time a new industry sprang up which partially made up for the freight that had been carried elsewhere. The land was found to be especially adapted to the raising of small fruits—the Hudson River Antwerp raspberries and strawberries being the most successful, and thousands were shipped every night during the fruit season. This too fell off when it was discovered that we had a home market for all we could raise. This was due to the personality of one man, N. P. Willis.

IDLEWILD.

Those who visit Idlewild today and note the miles of gravel walk sweeping where the vista that opens is most beautiful: the rare trees brought from many lands—the acres of lawn, smooth as velvet—the profusion of flowers that meets one at every turn—the luxurious mansion crowned to its eaves with blossoms and vines, can hardly realize the wild grandeur of the scene that appealed to the poet soul of N. P. Willis, and drew from the owner, Mr. Daniel Ward, the question, "What do you want with such an idle wild?"

An unbroken woodland lying about the bank of the river, whose romantic beauty was as yet unappreciated; bisected by a dark ravine at the bottom of which ran a brook only revealed by the music of its waters and thrown into spray by huge boulders obstructing its course. Pines, hemlocks and forest trees centuries old sprang towards the sunlight but at their base grew impenetrable underbrush.

The name has become a household word not only among our own people, but in the lands beyond the sea, and thousands of readers followed with delight every step that was taken to change the scene from barbarism to civilization. "A letter from Idlewild" was published every week in the Home Journal of which Willis and George P. Morris were editors.

While still a boy in college the publication of his Scriptural poems attracted much attention. These were followed by "Pencilings by the Way," a brilliant record of a trip through Europe.

In 1851 he was sent to Cornwall by his physician in hopes of prolonging his life. He was threatened with consumption and had already been warned by the danger signal of several hemorrhages. The medicine prescribed was rest, nourishment and every hour possible spent out of doors. He boarded with a gentle Quaker lady, Mrs. Southerland, over whose home the dove of Peace was brooding. Slowly but sometimes almost imperceptibly came returning strength, but to make it permanent he must remain here and so came the purchase of a home. The Civil War brought financial reverses, for a majority of his subscribers were in The South, but he turned again to work in order to recoup some of his losses, but his health again broke down and he died on his 60th birthday, 1867, in the home he loved so well.

Mr. Willis was twice married—first to a sweet-faced English girl, who only lived for a few years. His second wife was Miss Cornelia Grinnell, daughter of one of our merchant princes. She sold the estate, which passed into the hands of Judge George, a gentleman of culture and refined taste, who carried out many of the improvements planned by his predecessor. He sold it to the late Mr. Courtney, who was then President of the West Shore Railroad. After Mr. Courtney's death it passed into the hands of Mr. Charles Curie, the present owner.

In Mr. Willis's "letters from an invalid," he described the beautiful walks and drives in the neighborhood where he spent his days and the description brought summer visitors seeking for board. Every room was occupied and hundreds went away for lack of accommodation. The next season saw new houses built and others were enlarged, and there seemed no limit to our prosperity. A paper published here in 1874 contained the advertisements of twenty-five houses that were public boarding-houses, besides all that were accommodated in private families. Many who came as visitors purchased building sites and erected summer homes. One of these was Mr. Harvey, of Brooklyn, who built Homeland, adjoining Idlewild. Mr. E. A. Mattheissen secured the next site where Mattheissen Park is now. Mr. Solomon, of New York, chose Land's End for his beautiful home. Mr. Bellows's residence was on Bayview Avenue. Mr. James Stillman and his mother each have a summer cottage here.

BOARDING-HOUSES.

Among all the houses opened for guests the Mountain House stood first, from the fact of its position twelve hundred feet above tide-water in the heart of pine woods, where the visitors found health as well as recreation. The building itself was also attractive. In the early sixties Dr. Champlin, who had been traveling in the East, saw some marvelous cures performed on consumptive patients by the use of kourmis.

Property on the mountain was at this time nearly all held by two families—John Losee Wood and Christian Vought; so when the doctor erected two houses as a sanitarium, no one objected. The architecture was oriental—windows and doors were surmounted by round arches, and the second story was built over the broad piazza which surrounded it on three sides. A number of goats were installed in what is now the Chalet across the road, and two physicians, Doctors Pellatier and Boyd, had charge of the houses, but the enterprise was a failure and it became a boarding-house, numbering among its patrons some of the most exclusive families of New York and Philadelphia.

Many of the wealthier guests who saw that there was a possibility of forming a colony similar to that of Tuxedo, joined in a syndicate to purchase land, to lay out roads and develop its resources. Later it was found desirable to have a place of meeting for themselves, and the clubhouse was built. It was incorporated under the title of the Deer Hill Company in 1890. Besides being able to accommodate many guests cottages were built in the grounds and the Mountain House found its days of prosperity gone. Mr. J. W. Meagher surrendered his lease and fire destroyed two-thirds of the building, when it passed into the hands of Mr. James Stillman. One of the next houses in point of numbers was Mr. James G. Roe's. It has sheltered three hundred guests. The Elmer, had nearly two hundred; the Smith was almost the length of a city block. The Wiley House had ninety feet of broad piazzas. Grand View, owned by Mrs. Alott, is the only one at present that is still in the business. There were many others, and nearly every private family was willing to accommodate city guests. Recently the club has surrendered its charter, and it has passed into private hands.

ROUND TOP.

While we are in the mountain we will stand for a few minutes on Round Top, the home of the late Miss Hussey. Near us is a small chalet, consisting of three rooms with a cedar rail portico in front. Here for sixty years a woman, refined, cultured, and of marked literary ability, dwelt alone. There came a break in her seclusion, when in 1861 she entered the army as a nurse, where she remained until the close of the war. She was a fine raconteur, and many a story of those days entertained her visitors, and she had many, for she and her romantic home attracted nearly everyone who came to Cornwall. She kept a visitors' book, and there were 5,000 names in it before mine. In 1876 she, with two other ladies, Miss McClean and Miss Hayes, edited the first newspaper printed in the town, but it was not a success after the first year, when she abandoned it. She received a pension from the Government, and died about four years ago.

E. P. ROE.

As we have been dealing with personal history, a modest residence with large grounds suggests another name, that of E. P. Roe, the novelist. His childhood was passed in Moodna and the home and surrounding scenery in the background of the picture drawn in "Nature's Serial Story." He studied in Williams College and then entered a theological seminary, but in 1862 resigned to become chaplain in the Harris Light Cavalry. He participated in several engagements, but on being appointed Hospital Chaplain, was granted a furlough, came home and was married to Miss Sands, who accompanied him back to the seat of war. He retained his position until the close of hostilities, when he took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Highland Falls. He visited Chicago after the fire, and that suggested the plot of "Barriers Burned Away." The success of this was phenomenal, several editions following in quick succession. Feeling he could reach a larger congregation by his pen than by his voice, he resigned his charge and came to Cornwall. His mornings were spent in his garden, where his success in fruit raising equaled that in literary work. The afternoons in his study resulted in volume after volume being given to the public in quick succession. His books sold well and his royalties were large, but through the misfortunes of others he became financially embarrassed and sold the royalties of his then published novels for $30,000. He still found ready sale for all he produced, which soon enabled him to liquidate his obligation, and the "children of his fancy were his own again." But the strain told on him, and in 1887 he went to Santa Barbara for rest and recuperation. There he wrote "The Earth Trembled," a story of the Charleston earthquake. He returned in 1887 and began his last work, "Miss Lou," which was never finished. In August, 1888, he was reading aloud in his library, when he was seized with sharp pains in his heart. Two physicians were summoned, but failed to give relief and half an hour after his first attack, E. P. Roe was no more. After his death several gentlemen, among others Mr. Thomas Taft, Mr. Valentine and the Rev. Lyman Abbott, consulted as to what shape a permanent memorial to him would take. A Roe Memorial Park was decided upon, the location being near his home on the side of Round Top, bounded by the Boulevard. It consists of a little more than two acres and is heavily wooded. None of the trees have been disturbed, only the underbrush cleared up and paths made through the grounds. At the top is a large boulder and on top of this was placed a bronze tablet, on which was engraved two branches of chestnuts with their foliage and burrs, some open. Above this is inscribed: "In Memory of Edward Payson Roe," and under this, "Near to Nature's Heart." The tablet was unveiled on May 30, 1894, with very impressive ceremonies and was presented to the village.

COLONEL DUNCAN.

Another name very dear to Cornwall, but one almost forgotten by the present generation, was that of Colonel James Duncan. He was born at Cold Springs, but his parents moved here when he was a small boy, and settled on a farm a little out of the village. He graduated from West Point in 1835, and was appointed Lieutenant of the Fourth Cavalry. In 1838 he perfected an arm of the service called "The flying artillery," and this first brought him into notice. During the Mexican War he rose from the rank of Lieutenant to that of Colonel. He received the appointment of Inspector General of the United States Army, and during one of his visitations at Mobile he contracted the yellow fever and died there in 1849. His body was brought on and buried near his home, but some years later it was removed to the cemetery at West Point.

CANTERBURY.

That part of the town known as Canterbury was probably the first portion settled. Old records give names of path masters who resided here previous to the Revolutionary War, but seemed to have left no descendants. As far back as 1820 we have the name of John Chadeayne, one of whose sons, Mr. Henry F. Chadeayne, was the father of our present supervisor. The early physicians all located in that end of the town. Dr. Tobias was the first one of which we have any record. Dr. Clinton came next, and then Dr. Elisha Hedges, dying a young man in 1824. The house where he lived was occupied until recently by his daughter. His successors were Dr. Heaton and his son-in-law, Dr. Gough, and they cared for all the sick in the radius of many miles. But as the population increased there was found work for others, and Dr. Beattie came to us and died among us in his eightieth year. Dr. Thomas Heaton also lies in one of our cemeteries, one of the most beloved and trusted of doctors. He was a grandson of the first one of that name. Dr. Hotchkiss represented homeopathy, and at his death was succeeded by Dr. Bergen, to be followed by Dr. Chandler of that cult. Beside the latter we have Drs. Winter and Bowdish, of the upper village, and Drs. Shirk and Bayard, of the lower one, at present with us.

CHURCHES.

Presbyterian.—The earliest record of religious worship came from Bethlehem, which was at first the name of the church, and then extended to the neighborhood. It was Presbyterian in form and ministered to by the Rev. Mr. Challoner, who had charge also in Cornwall, New Windsor and Blooming Grove. The building was erected in 1730. In point of seniority it was the third oldest congregation west of the Hudson and north of the Highlands. The second incumbent was the Rev. Enos Ayres, who was followed by Mr. Close in 1764. He remained for forty years, and was chaplain during the Revolutionary War to soldiers stationed in the vicinity. The Rev. Artemus Dean was installed in 1813 and served for twenty-nine years. During his pastorate the church that had stood for ninety-six years was torn down and replaced by the present edifice. In 1872 the Rev. Mr. Atwater was appointed. In 1827 the Rev. James Thorn, of Canterbury, gathered some members of other churches together and, obtaining letters of dismissal from their several organizations, formed them into a congregation. A small church was erected, and in 1828 he was installed by the Presbytery of the North River as pastor for New Windsor and Canterbury. He was succeeded in 1835 by Jonathan Silliman, who remained pastor for twenty-six years. The Rev. Messrs. Baker, Eddy and Clarke succeeded each other for short terms, but in 1872 the Rev. Lyman Abbott took charge. He labored faithfully for many years, and only severed his connection when the call came from Plymouth Church, Brooklyn. His place was filled by Mr. Egbert, who proved to be a thoroughly live man, leaving the impress of his personality not only on his church but the whole neighborhood. A call to a larger field took him away, and his mantle fell on the Rev. Mr. Beattie, who had been taught in that Sunday School. He too gave up and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen.

Cornwall-on-Hudson Presbyterian Church.—As early as 1855 some families residing in what is now known as Cornwall-on-Hudson, felt the need of a church at this place. They held their first meeting in the school-room of Alfred C. Roe, in the building now occupied by the Gold Cure, and "depending on divine aid resolved to erect a house of Worship," and one year later the present building was dedicated. There were only seventeen members and eight of them belonged to the Roe family. Their names were Peter Roe, Mrs. Susan Roe, Alfred C. Roe, Mrs. Caroline Roe, James G. Roe and wife, Mrs. Roe Caldwell, Milton Wiley and wife, Mrs. Mary Jackson, Miss Amanda Adams, Mrs. Mary A. Clark, Mrs. Rachael Bruen, Phebe Greegs, Mary Johnson, Angeline Clark, and John P. Roe. In 1899 there were four survivors, but Mrs. Sarah Wiley died that year, Mr. Milton Wiley following three years later. In 1906 Mrs. Mary Jackson passed away, but was able to be present part of the time in the church at the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary. Her sister, Miss Amanda Adams, still survives.

The first elders chosen were Milton Wiley and James G. Roe, James O. Adams was elected later. The first stated supply was the Rev. Dr. Deyo, who was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Robinson, who died in 1858. Dr. Ledoux followed, who resigned when Mr. Teal was appointed. He was called to a larger field and the Rev. George P. Noble came. In 1891 he dissolved his connection with the church and Mr. Hugh Frasier, the present incumbent, was installed.

The next church in point of age is the plain Quaker meeting house in Canterbury. Previous to its erection, service was held in the house occupied by David Sands, who was a noted Friend preacher, but as the congregation grew it was found a place of worship was needed. About 1790 the present edifice was built and Catherine Sands, a girl of twelve years old, carried the nails for the workmen from New Windsor on horseback.

A division in doctrine caused a separation in the society in 1827. The part retaining the buildings was called the orthodox and the seceders Hicksites, from a member called Elias Hicks, who had promulgated the new belief. These held meetings in private houses for some months, when a brick building was erected in the rear of what is now John Chatfield's stable. Both Mr. Beach and Mr. Ruttenber mention a coincidence in the two buildings. The first marriage in the first house was Catherine Sands to Squire Ring, and the first one in the new building was that of her son, Robert Ring, nearly forty years later.

Methodist.—The early Methodists held their meetings in a school-house, which stood for many years at the Corners, but in 1830 erected the present building on a knoll in Canterbury. It has been almost rebuilt and modernized, and now is a very handsome church. The first pastor was the Rev. Phineas Rice, who had charge in New Windsor, and what is now Vails Gate, Salisbury and Mountainville. In 1863 it became self-supporting, and was detached from the other missions, and the Rev. J. H. Gregory was appointed by the Conference. It has always since had a resident pastor and the present incumbent, Rev. Angelo Ostrander is justly popular and has been returned by the unanimous request of the congregation three successive terms.

Episcopal.—Previous to 1858 there was no separate organization of the Episcopal Church in Cornwall. Those who could do so drove to New Windsor, and those who were unable, joined in the worship with other religious bodies. Many of the strangers coming here at that time were of that faith, and in conjunction with some of the residents took the necessary steps for the incorporation of a parish. On July 17th, 1858, a meeting was held and officers were elected to serve until the following Easter. Alonzo Alvord and William Bayard were chosen wardens, and N. P. Willis, Thos. Cummings, Daniel Birdsall, James Crissey, Nicholas Chatfield, Jr., Francis Barton, Chas. H. Mead and John Chatfield were elected vestrymen. A lot was purchased and a contract for the building made with Messrs. Shaw & Sons, of Newburgh, and on May 10th, 1829, the corner-stone was laid by the Right Rev. Dr. Potter. By the 20th of November of the same year it was opened for divine service. Until 1864, the services were conducted by the resident minister at New Windsor, but in November of that year the Rev. John Webster was installed, who was succeeded in January, 1866, by the Rev. W. G. French. In 1869. the tower and spire was completed, one of our wealthy residents who was a vestryman, Mr. Sherwood, contributing $2,000. The ladies' auxiliary, an organization that has shown the greatest success in collecting funds for church purposes, contributed the clock. Mr. Snowden was the next minister, who died in office. The Rev, Mr. Huntington succeeded him, and was succeeded by Mr. Cleveling, who gave place to Dr. Page, who has charge at present.

The Catholic.—Previous to 1857 the members of the Catholic Church met for service in the home of Mrs. McQuade, in Canterbury, and at the corners in what was then known as the Weaver house. Three gentlemen, John Diffendale, Daniel O. Callahan and John McClean started a building fund, each contributing one hundred dollars. The next on the list was a non-Catholic, Mr. Henry F. Chadeayne with fifty dollars. Mr. Stephen Gillis gave 50,000 bricks from his yard. But a few weeks elapsed before there was money enough to justify their purpose of building a church, and a lot was purchased at the top of River avenue, which commanded a magnificent view of mountains and river. The building was erected by Messrs. Little Brothers & Co., of Newburgh, and would seat about 150. About twenty families represented the entire congregation. But only a few years elapsed when it was found wholly inadequate to accommodate the resident population, and the summer visitors would have filled one three times as large. It was supplied from St. Patrick's, Newburgh, a priest driving down on Sunday morning, and returning after service. After A. E. Mattheissen and the Harvey and Sherwood families settled here, steps were taken to build a larger edifice. The present lot was purchased for $1,000 and nearly $2,000 more was in the savings bank, when an application was made for a resident clergyman, and in 1870 Father Ambrose Keogh was sent by the Archbishop of New York. His health was very delicate, and at first it seemed a task beyond his strength to attempt to erect a church, but the present fine building is a monument of his perseverance and energy. The corner-stone was laid in 1871 by Bishop McQuade, of Rochester, and the following year services were held in the basement. A handsome rectory was built and furnished at the same time. It was connected with a mission at Washingtonville. After five years' service Father Keogh was transferred to Tuckahoe, and was succeeded by Father Mackin. There was a mortgage of $13,000 on the property and Cornwall prosperity had begun to wane, and the churches were among the first to feel it. Meeting the annual interest and current expenses were nearly all that was attempted at that time, with the exception of the purchase of a cemetery for $2,000. At the end of five years Father Ward succeeded to the pastorate, and immediately took steps to complete the upper part. This he did, at a cost of about $8,000, without increasing the mortgage. He was succeeded by Father Gordon, who paid $8,000 of the debt during the five years of his incumbency. His promotion to a large city parish was followed by the Rev. Phillip Ahearn, who was in turn succeeded by the Rev. James Curry. A heating plant, electric light and village water were installed at this time into both church and rectory. Two handsome side altars were built with three costly statues. In 1901 he was appointed to St. James' Parish, New York, and was succeeded by the Rev. James S. Fenton. Under his management the remainder of the mortgage has been paid and plans drawn for a parochial school to be erected on the grounds in the rear of the church. A large Sunday school has always been an important part of the work. In 1907 Father Fenton went abroad for his health, and the Rev. Father Brosan has charge.

FIRE PROTECTION.

As early as 1830 means were taken for fire protection in Canterbury, and each man who contributed $2.50 could become a member. The names of the first trustees were Nathan Westcott, Elias Hand, W. T. Cocks, Geo. Marriott and John M Gough. Soon others joined it, and it was created a body corporate under the name of the Canterbury Fire Company. A hand engine was purchased at an expense of $125. About 1836 a second-hand suction engine was purchased in New York, but as the population increased they realized how important it would be to check any serious conflagration, so in October, 1869, a meeting of property owners was held, which made arrangements for purchasing a lot and engine house. A committee was appointed who finally bought the premises where Hunter & McClean had their market for $2,000. A new engine was bought and called Highland Engine No. 1. During 1905 a very tasteful brick building costing $5,000 was erected. There were sixty members in good standing and many applications for membership when a vacancy occurs. The same year, 1869, that the engine was purchased in Canterbury, a similar project was started at the Corners, and a subscription paper was sent out, but failed to get any definite pledges, each person approached being unwilling to be the first to sign. A public meeting was called, and thirty-five young men responded, each promising to give five dollars. In a few days nearly $700 was secured, and Messrs. Titus, Wiley and John McClean went to New York to see what could be obtained for their money. Steamers had been introduced into the New York and Brooklyn districts, so they found an article that suited them in Engine Goodwill 4 of Brooklyn and it was bought and shipped on the Orange County for Cornwall. They had no house, but procured the use of Carswell's barn. A company had been organized with Wm. J. Quigley, foreman, John K. Oliver, assistant and John McClean, Jr., secretary. A charter was procured in 1870, March 30th, in which A. E. Mattheissen, Stephen Gillis, Hamilton Salmon, David Clark, Jas. Hitchcock and E. H. Champlin, constituting themselves a body corporate, under the name of the Storm King Engine No. 2. Another subscription was solicited, which met with such a generous response that a lot was purchased and a two-story building erected on Duncan avenue. The dues of members supplemented by entertainments, furnished their rooms and met their expenses, but in 1900 they surrendered their charter to the village corporation and were henceforth a public charge. A lot was bought on Main street and a handsome building costing $6,000 was erected. They have a reception room, pool room, and public meeting room, and a large space down stairs for their engine house. Their charter allows only sixty members, and there are always candidates waiting for any vacancy. A company was organized at the Landing and some hundred feet of hose purchased, but it soon disbanded. Last year a hose company was formed on the heights for fire protection.

SCHOOLS.

Public schools were established soon after the Revolutionary War, and each village had its schoolhouse and teacher, for at least the winter months, and as the instruction was confined to the three R's several private schools were started, but were only moderately successful. The earliest of these was that of Madame Rutkai, the sister of the famous Hungarian, Louis Kossuth. Mr. Alfred Roe taught one in Canterbury for a time and in the spring of 1853 purchased the Fowler Griggs property, where he conducted a boarding and day school for young men. It was very successful, but in 1863 he gave it up, entered the ministry and joined the army as the chaplain of the Eighty-third Volunteers. In 1877 he again came to Cornwall and opened a school for young ladies, following the Harvard standard, but the patronage did not warrant its continuance and it was closed in the third year. Dr. Ledoux succeeded in founding a permanent institution. While he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church, he was taken very sick with typhoid fever, and at times was delirious, and then spoke only French, it being his native language. Mr. McCreery, the New York merchant, who was boarding in the neighborhood, was looking for a school for his sons, and after the Doctor's recovery arranged with him to receive his boys into his family. He soon had as many as he could teach, resigned his living, purchased a tract of land on the Heights, and began a most successful career. He sold out to Mr. Cobb, who after a few years sold in turn to the present proprietor, Rev. Charles Stone.

Down to 1869 our public school was taught just long enough every year to obtain the public money, and then some one would continue it as a private enterprise for three or four months. But in that year, some of our summer residents, including E. A. Mattheissen, Chas. Bellows, Mr. Solomon, Stephen C. Gillis, James Dunn, Mr. Hitchcock, James Couser, John McKibben and Dr. Vail, formed a board of education. A lot was purchased from Mr. Hitchcock near the Corners, and a substantial building erected. The school was opened on May 24th, 1869, with Mr. Williamson as principal, Miss McClean and Miss Frances Marvel as assistants. There were then about 80 pupils. In 1896 it was found an addition was needed and a large building was erected across the front at a cost of $8,000. There are fourteen teachers in the building now, and one in the annex on the Heights, and the census of this year shows 500 children of school age. The training school under Mr. Aldrich, turns out wonderful work for boys and girls, and the sewing class in charge of Miss Murray, which has only been established a year, shows how little hands can be trained. The present board of education consists of Mr. Townsend D. Wood, president; Mr. P. Bevins, J. J. Hall, Louis Velton, Carlos H. Stone, George Mailler, Jas. H. Ward, John Noe, and Harris Cox.

VILLAGE OF CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON.

The village of Cornwall-on-Hudson was incorporated in March, 1885, the first officers being: Thos. Taft, president; trustees: Wm. Fogarty, Charles W. Clark and Oren Cobb; treasurer, H. N. Clark; collector, Charles E. Cocks, and clerk, Daniel E. Pope.

In 1891 an excise board was elected, that refused to grant licenses, and since then the town has remained dry. Two reservoirs were built on the mountain, and the pure spring water carried through the town. The outlay was $67,000, but at present the water rents defray all expenses for interest. In 1906 a proposition was made to unite the two villages of Canterbury and Cornwall, but was defeated. The present board of trustees are: John Clarkson, president; Louis Velton, Charles Smith, Norman Chatfield and Ralph Quackenbush; clerk, James H. Ward; collector, John Noe.

CANTERBURY SCHOOLS.

A small building on one of the side roads was used for many years, after it was evident the days of its usefulness as a schoolhouse was over. In 1905 the people voted to raise $30,000 for a new schoolhouse. A lot on Willow avenue was purchased, and a building, complete in all modern appliances has been the result. There are twelve teachers under a most efficient principal, Mr. Woodworth. Both this and the one at the Corners, are high schools under the regents.

VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

The Village Improvement Society was organized in 1900, when a public meeting was called in Mattheissen Hall. Dr. Harrison was chairman, and introduced the Rev. Lyman Abbott, who explained the object of the association, which was that each one should pledge themselves to take care of their premises, and use their influence to abate anything that would detract from the beauty and order of the village. Nearly everyone present agreed to become a member. The following day a meeting was held and officers elected. Mrs. Lyman Abbott was chosen president; Mrs. Seaman, first vice-president; Mrs. Hunter, second vice-president; Mrs. Furey, secretary; Miss Laura Currie, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Dr. Harrison, treasurer. A handsome loving cup was purchased to be given to the person who, in the estimation of the judges, should show the best kept garden for the year. Anyone who should win it three years in succession would own it. Mrs. John Noe held it the first year, Mrs. Milton Couser the second, but the three following seasons it was held by Mrs. John Noe, who then became its permanent possessor. Almost the first work done by the society was offering ten cents a hundred for the nests of the tent worm. Seventy-two thousand were brought in by the school children, with the result that while the neighboring villages lost hundreds of trees the place was free from the pests. Trash cans were placed in different parts of the village, and thirteen hundred posters were removed from trees, fences and telegraph poles.

Many friends have made generous donations; among others Mr. Weeks who, during the past four years, has offered $50 each year as door-yard prizes. A boys' horticultural club has been formed, land rented and a portion assigned to each boy who owns all he raises. The two most successful receive prizes. Enough money has been subscribed to meet the expenses of this work for five years. The second year of the organization, it lost by death the efficient treasurer, Mrs. Dr. Harrison, and last summer the loved president, Mrs. Lyman Abbott, died beyond the ocean and sleeps in a little German graveyard. The present officers are: Mrs. Ernest Abbott, president; Miss Cocks, vice-president; Mrs. Seaman, second vice-president; Mrs. Fleming, secretary; Miss Josephine Youngs, treasurer, and Miss E. M. V. McClean, corresponding secretary.

PAPERS.

In 1877 Mr. John Lee, author of stories of the Hudson, started the Cornwall Mirror, but he died within the year. He was succeeded by Mr. Snelling, who changed the name to the Cornwall Reflector. Mr. Pendell succeeded him as editor, when the title was changed to Cornwall Local, the name which it retained when it passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Goodenough. Three or four efforts have been made to run a second village paper, but they have all proved a failure. Mr. Morehouse started the Courier, which passed into the hands of Creswell McLaughlin but it came to grief. It was resuscitated in 1905, but only lived a year.

INDUSTRIES.

With the introduction of the mountain water into the village, it was hoped that with the fine freighting facilities, manufacturers might be induced to settle here, but such has not been the case. Several applications have been received from outsiders, but when negotiations reached a certain point, they have been quietly withdrawn, and it has been surmised that some of the wealthier neighbors object to the class such work would bring among them. The stream known as Murderer's Creek, and later on as the Moodna, at one time had several factories along its banks. The late John Orr's flour mill is still in business, and abogh"> mile from Canterbury is a settlement known as Firthcliff. In 1869 Mr. Broadhead had a large woolen mill there which after a few years, passed into the hands of an English carpet company. These brought many of their skilled employees with them, and they in turn induced friends and neighbors to come out, so that one corner of the town is an English village. The home works are in England, but the proprietors frequently cross the Atlantic to visit their factory here. Still farther down the stream are the mills of John Orr, at a railroad station that bears his name. A piano factory, owned by John E. Ryder has disappeared, and as the brook nears the Hudson, it passes through a valley which was once filled with homes of the work people employed in the Valley Forge paper mill, owned by Carson & Ide, and the Leonard linen mill. The latter stopped during the war, but the former under different owners produced some material, until a freshet tore away bridge, dam and race and forced the stream into another channel that left the building practically without water.

VOLUNTEERS.

Mr. Ruttenber gives a list of 172 volunteers who went from here during the Civil War, but he has omitted three names, Frederick Lamb, Wm. Couser and George Chatfield. Emslie Post contains the names of some of the surviving on its roster, and on Memorial Day they decorate eighty graves of comrades who have passed over to the great majority. But there are others who sleep on Southern battlefields, and still others who passed from the weary anguish of the hospitals to the "low green tent, whose curtain never outward swings." Captain Thomas Taft is probably the youngest surviving veteran; and among the revered names of those "who came not back" stand Captain Silliman, Major Cromwell and William Emslie, who died in Andersonville. Through the efforts of Mr. Charles Curie, of Idlewild, a soldiers' monument has been erected in the village.

NEW YORK MILITARY ACADEMY.

One of the institutions of Cornwall is the New York Military Academy. In the '70s it was a large boarding house, capable of accommodating two hundred guests. The grounds cover a large plateau, skirting a ravine, and was called Glen Ridge. It was owned by Mr. James G. Roe, brother of the novelist, who when the boarding business failed in Cornwall, sold to Colonel Wright, who opened a boys' school. He was succeeded by Mr. Jones, who has enlarged the already capacious buildings. There are always over 100 young men and boys in the institution, and a large corps of capable teachers. The discipline is secured more by rewards than punishments. The pupils, when visiting the village, are always quiet and gentlemanly. Officers from West Point train them in military tactics, and it is marvelous what a proficiency they attain in a few months.