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Blackburn looked up amazed to meet the steady gaze of Dederick Shafer.
The place was growing too hot for him. His insulted betrothed had moved away with her friends, leaving him to the tender mercies of the "Boors," and there was nothing for him to do but follow the example of his illustrious predecessor. Solitary and alone, he rode hastily away in the gig that was destined never to carry the fair form of the un- forgiving Nanchie Houslander. She never changed her name: and if she ever regretted "what might have been," Dederick did not.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH
OF THE WALLKILL VALLEY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION
BY WILLIAM C. HART
[ a session of the Board of Directors of the Wallkiff Valley Farmers' Association held at Walden, N. Y., May 18, 1907, the Secretary, William C. Hart, was requested to prepare an historical sketch of the Society, to be published in the Annual Souvenir of the Wallkill and Hudson River Valleys. In compliance with that request, the following has been written :
On a delightful autumnal day in 1889. the late Chauncey A. Reed suggested to the writer the advisability of the farmers of the Wallkill Valley uniting in an effort to secure the appointment of a Farmers' Institute, to be held under the auspices of the New York State Depart- ment of Farmers' Institutes. An hour later, in consultation with Nicholas J. Fowler, it was decided to invite representative agriculturists to meet at his office on the evening of November 11, at which time a local society would be formed. The result of this meeting was highly satisfac- tory. William C. Weller was appointed Chairman, William C. Hart, Secretary, and Nicholas J. Fowler, Treasurer, with com- mittees on finance, music, addresses, etc. On November 25, at an adjourned meeting, the executive committee reported an enrollment of one hundred and sixty-eight members, with liberal responses in contributions to defray expenses.
THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET
The Institute held at Scofield Hall, De- cember 19, 20 and 21, proved successful be- yond the anticipations of its promoters and immediately suggested the desirability of forming a permanent organization. The idea was greatly strengthened on February 10 at Coldenham, N. Y., when Mr. George T. Pow- elf of Ghent, N. Y., gave a stirring address on the importance of carrying forward the movement, which appealed strongly to all. At this meeting Mr. J. D. W. Krebs read by request a Constitution and By-Laws, which was adopted by the members present. A glee club, under the direction of Mr. Edwin Knapp, furnished excellent music. Thus started the movement which has resulted in the present organization-an association that has done more to unfoll the beauty and charm of the Wallkill Valley and spread its fair name to remote localities than all efforts put forth by similar attempts in this direc- tion. We believe that as we describe the progress of this work that it will be a pleas- ant reminder to all who have witnessed the life of the Association.
72
TABULATED LIST OF DIRECTORS
Joseph B. Hadden. 1893-1899
Lewis Woolsey. 1898-1907
Isaiah W. Decker
1893-1907
W. H. Hallock. 1898-1907
John D. Mould.
1893-1907
W. S. Hartshorn. 1898-1907
Harvey N. Smith
1893-1902
Horace D. Thompson. 1899
Arthur Mckinney 1893-1900
Frank Garrison. 1 899
William C. Hart. 1893-1907
Ralph LeFevre 1900
George W. Folsom.
1893-1900
P. E. Hawkins.
1900-1907
Robert B. Crowell.
.893-1907
Edward B. Walker
1900-1906
Edwin Knapp
893-1904
C. E. Alliston
1900
P. E. Haukins
1900-1907
Adam Wiley
1901-1897
Adam Fetter
1903
Charles Sears
1901-1905
Jonas Dubois
1893-1904
Lewis Borden.
1901-1907
John Ahrens
1893-1907
Anson J. Fowler
1901-1905
George B. Andrews
1893-1900
J. M. Hawkins.
1902-1907
William Dunn
893-1907
Asher Johnson 1903-1907
H. S. Burrell.
. 1893
Elting Harp. 1903-1907
Cyrus A. Bowne 1895-1907
John H. Reid.
1903-1907
William C. Weller 1895-1899
Philip Hasbrouck 1904-1907
John P. Covert. . 1896-1902
John K. Brown. 1904-1907
A. S. Embler 1896-1898
Allen Bryson. .. 1905-1907
Charles D. Wait. 7897-1907
Samuel V. Schoonmaker 1905-1907
William N. Dubois. 1897-1900
Charles S. Wells.
1906-1907
Jesse Booth
1997-1901
Charles E. Stickney
1897-1901
Harry Seely.
1906-1907
Samuel H. Knapp 1898-1904
OFFICERS 1889-1907.
PRESIDENT.
VICE-PRESIDENT.
SECRETARY.
TREASURER.
SUPERINTENDENT
1889-W. C. Weller, Chairman.
WV. C. Hart
N. J. Fowler
T. W. Decker
1900-W. C. Weller ... J. K Brown
1891-
1892-
W. H. Gillispie.
1893-
.R. B. Crowell. W. C. Hart
1894-J. B. Hadden .. . G. W. Folsom.
1895-
.T. D. Mould.
..
..
66
1896 66
J. P. Covert.
.C. R. Fowler.
1897- 66
H. N. Smith.
A. S. Embler.
1898 66
A. J. Fowler ..
.6
S. H. Knapp. 66
1901 ---
1902-E. B. Walker .. . W. H. Dunn.
1903-L. M. Borden ... J. W. Decker
1904-I. W. Decker. A. Wiley ..
.6
..
1905 ----
1906- 66
66
..
16
..
..
1. Wiley .
66
=
16
1907-
66 6%
6
1890-
1900-I. W. Decker 66
61
66
66
66
66
66
60
.4
66
66
..
66
66
66
..
66
16
.J. K. Brown 66
William T. Snider 1906-1907
66
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OBJECTS OF ORGANIZATION
The realisation of the inestimable majesty; the unspeakable goodness of God as revealed in this marvelous valley, thus indirectly leading the thought of humanity into the valleys and rivers of life eternal.
The attainment of knowledge which comes of well ordered discussion. Increased skill in the methods of labor.
The mutual improvement of its members by disseminating reliable and valuable information tending to promote the best interests of the Wallkill T'alley.
Such advantages as may be derived through associated effort to promote a higher degree of excellence in farm, garden and agricultural affairs generally.
The introduction and testing of flowers, shrubs, forest and ornamental trees.
It is the primary object of the Society to awaken interest in and promote the progress of that noblest of all human callings, Agriculture, and it is the policy of the Board of Managers to interest all in its Annual Outing-and not only as an exhibition of the prosperity and progress of the farming section, of the growths of field and orchard and garden, of intelligent competition in stock- breeding and dairy interests, but as a demonstration of the public spirit, intelli- gence and prosperity of the entire productive and business community.
74
While we indite these lines all nature is robed with a wealth of luxuriant growth. The sweet-scented clovers, the beautiful daisies, the stately golden rod, the fragrant grasses, the closing harvest scenes on many farms, when the garnered crops from the hillside and valley show the ingathering of a bounteous harvest. It is amid such scenes that we go forth among our sturdy farmers, for rest and recreation, and are received with such frank cordiality that for the time being we throw aside all business cares and seek the green fields, the forest dells, linger along the running brooks, by the margin of beautiful lakes, with their silvery waters, beneath tall trees, with shadows of the woods, and the murmuring of the summer breeze, that comes like the refrain of some sweet melody.
Our drive requires an early start, while the myriads of dew- drops glisten on the entire landscape, we pass along well-remembered scenes of the long ago. We approach and pass well kept farms, with their respective herds of cattle, are attracted by beautiful lawns and often extensive floral growth of rare and beautiful plants. The quiet influence of flowers upon the human heart exerts a wonderful power JOSEPH B. HADDEN Walden, N Y for the good of humanity. All should cultivate these gems of nature. "Oh, the unrivaled language of flowers," sweet flowers, the glory and beauty of nature! Their fragrance is at the marriage hour, their beauty a solace and cheer to the weary and afflicted, upon the bier they are reverentlv laid in loving
remembrance of the dead. Flowers, beautiful emblems of God's love; who would not recognize their priceless worth ?
It is our purpose in this article to place in profile and make brief mention of such members who have been or are Directors of the Association, who, in response to the writer's request, have given personal co-operation in the effort to place in enduring form the historic data of the Society. All have been invited to join with us, while comparatively few have failed to respond.
THE OUTING DAYS AND OLD HOME WEEK
As the Society grew and prospered it was decided to establish a social side to the many interests represented. Arrangements were made with much enthusiasm on the part of its membership to hold beneath the open sky an 'outing that would have a tendency to attract the farming community with their guests and friends that might prove advantageous to all. September 3, 1892, Mr. Cyrus A. Bowne welcomed to his fine estate, Woodlawn Farm, a mile south of the village of Walden. The adjacent grove of S. H. Knapp made a pleasing combination with the Bowne tract circling on its edge.
HARVEY N. SMITH Montgomery, V. Y
MEMORABLE DAYS-DATES AND LOCATIONS OF THE OUTINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
1893-August 23, at Woodlawn Farm. 1894-August 15, at Borden's Home Farm.
1895-August 21, at Woodlawn Farm.
1896-August 13, at Woodlawn Farm. 1897-August 26, at Woodlawn Farm, Walden.
1898-August 10, at Scofield's Grove, Walden.
1899-August 9, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1900-August 8, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1901-August 14, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1902-August 13, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1903-August 12 and 13, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1904-August 17 and 18, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1905-August 16 and 17, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1906-August 15, 16 and 17, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park. 1907-August 14 and 15, at Gillespie's Grove and Walden Driving Park.
SAMUEL H. KNAPP
75
NICHOLAS J. FOWLER
Few men have done more for the advancement and growth of Walden and its environs than Nicholas J. Fowler. Ever alert to seize upon an opportunity that foreshadowed some feasible opening, that would add to the general prosperity of the town, always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to a worthy man struggling to get a start in life. Mr. Fowler for many years conducted a large hard- ware business at the establishment of Home Farm. The late John G. Borden purchased largely his immense supplies, machinery, etc .. and found promptness and dispatch in the delivery of goods.
Mr. Fowler soon after coming to Walden formed the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Millspaugh. Their marriage proved congenial and happy, their home life restful and ennobling. Three sons brought cheer and joy to the home circle. The eldest, Joseph M., of Kingston, an attorney of distinction, who has represented his district in the legislative hall at Albany: Anson J., an attorney, having offices at Newburgh and Walden, and who has been very successful in the development of unimproved property and who enjoys a large legal business: Fred, who has been highly successful in the electric light and telephone interests of Walden and adjacent villages. Mr. Fowler has been confined to his home for several years, and in his declining days enjoys the kindly ministrations of his family.
William C. Hart was born at Montgomery, N. Y .. December 18, 1843. Mr. Hart was the only child of Henry C. Hart and his wife, Hannah Jane Overheiser. His parents removed to the vicinity of East Walden during his early childhood, where the subject of this sketch has since resided on the well-known farm, "Sycamore Place." On November 18, 1860, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mould, the youngest daughter of the late Hamilton Morrison. Two sons were born of the union, Henry Melvin, who has held important educational positions in the capacity of high school principal at Pueblo, Colorado: Butte. Montana, and Spokane, Washington; and Rubert Clarence, a prominent and enterprising agriculturist, by whose efforts the fame of Sycamore Place in recent years is largely due.
During a long life spent on one of Orange County's most fertile farms, Mr. Hart has engaged in general farming and. also, in the production of fruits and flowering bulbs. A magnificent collection of American and foreign dahlias, covering several acres, is one of the attractions at Sycamore Place during the late summer and fall, when hundreds of visitors come to admire a wealth of beautiful flowers. A large flock of thoroughbred fowls and a Holstein dairy are also maintained.
Mr. Hart is a member of the First Reformed Church at Walden, has served as school trustee and for many years a trustee of the Wallkill Valley Cemetery Association, in which he has taken great personal interest. and contributed for a former issue of this booklet a very full, accurate and com- plete article under the head of the "Silent City," valuable data relative to cemeteries at large. For
many years he served as secretary and treasurer of the Orange County Sunday School Association, and by his personal effort in August. 1865. in connection with the late Rev. J. M. McNulty. Dr. M. V. Schoonmaker. Rev. E. E. Pinney and the Hon. H. B. Bull, at a meeting held in the office of Mr. Bull at Montgomery, N. Y .. organized the first Town Sunday School Association, the purpose of which was to hold monthly meetings on Sabbath afternoons throughout the town, the respective schools uniting in the exercises of the hour. Success crowned united effort from the first and for years this was a strong incentive in ad- vancing the cause represented.
Mr. Hart is a director of the Orange County Agricultural Society. He was a founder of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association and has served on its directorate and as its secretary almost continuously since 1880. But it is as the editor and pub- lisher of the Historic Wallkill and Hudson Valleys, an annual souvenir devoted to the interests of this marvelous region that Mr. Hart is best known. The publication has made its appear- ance yearly since 1804, and is a welcome guest in all homes where it finds an abiding place, and is largely filed as a historical publication in many prominent libraries and historical organi- zations as valuable and accurate information
WILLIAM C. HART
76
Mr. Walker, who is now consul at Burslem, England, for our government, was until he received his high official position, very active in the life of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Associa- tion and ably served as a director and president for a term of years.
Mr. Walker is a lawyer, and learned and eloquent in his profession. During campaign seasons he has often been chosen by the managers of his party as speaker, filling the most im- portant appointments.
Mr. Walker is deeply interested in the prosperity of the Society, and under date of July 10 writes: "I read with a great deal of interest of the extension of the work of your Associa- tion, and I congratulate your people upon your enterprise and public spiritedness. My thoughts are with you, and you know without my saying it that I hope for you the greatest success in every line of your work that tends to develop such a lovely and fertile valley, of which there are none more beau- tiful.
Robert B. Crowell, son of Robert B. Crowell and Sarah Jane Burns, was born at St. Andrews, Orange county, in 1847, where he attended the district school before entering the New- burgh Academy. After com- pleting his academic course he studied law with Judge John J. Monell of Newburgh, after which he entered Albany Law School, where he graduated in 1868, being admitted to the bar the same year.
EDWARD B. WALKER
In 1870 he married Catharine Garrison of the town of Newburgh and located on his father's farm near Wallkill.
In 1882 he purchased "Echo Hill Farm" at West Wallkill, where he has since lived with his family of five children, conducting a large fruit and dairy business.
Mr. Crowell has always manifested an interest in progressive agricultural enterprises, being for many years a director of the W. V. F. A. and an enthusiastic granger.
Edwin Knapp was born on the Goodwill Church farm, in the town of Montgomery, July 25, 1847. He is the fifth son of James and Harriet Knapp, who were of Holland ancestry, and grandnephew of Uzal Knapp of Revolutionary fame.
In 1857 his parents moved to Coldenham, at which place he re- R. B. CROWELL ceived a common school education. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a blacksmith, with Henry Taylor of Pine Bush, at which he served three years, then secured a position in Goshen, where he remained three years. He finally came to Coldenham in 1871, where he started the business of blacksmith and carriage making.
Mr. Knapp has been active in church work since 1867. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Montgomery, where he has held every office in the church, and for many years was Superintendent of its Sabbath School and leader of the choir.
He is a loyal Republican, interested in the welfare of his party. Also drum major of the Walden Cornet Band; for many years Clerk and Collector of the School District; Director of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association and Postmaster for three years.
On August 25, 1869, he married Miss Thomasena Armstrong, of New York City. They have one son, James Edwin of Cornwall, N. Y., and one daughter, Mary Emma at home.
Adam Fetter has long been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of the Wallkill Valley, and extensively engaged in the milk busi- ness. During later years he purchased a tract of land near the piant of the New York Condensed Milk Company and erected a residence and barns. Mr. Fetter has served as Director of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, and is honored and esteemed in the community as a representative citizen.
EDWIN KNAPP
77
78
Courtesy Park and Cemetery, Chicago
BRONX RIVER, BRONX PARK, NEW YORK CITY
Beauty and majesty on either hand Have shared thy waters with their common realm.
-K. M.
IN THE GLEN, HOME FARM, WALLKILL, N. Y.
79
A MEMORABLE OUTING ON THE BORDEN HOME FARM AT WALLKILL, N. Y.
The remembrance of pleasurable events is always a source of delight to those who participate in the incidents that combine to make such days of more than passing interest. The Annual Outing Day of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, 1904. will long be a pleasing recollection in the memory of the thousands who were enabled to assemble upon the acres of the largest and most renowned farm within the boundaries of the Empire State. The members and friends of this asso- ciation must have heard, with pardonable pride, the statement of one of high authority, that of all the agricultural organizations of their State, the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association stood first in its ability to pay noble tributes to the occupation of the farmer. Those who stood upon the crest of the hill, near the Borden homestead, early in the morning of "Outing Day," beheld a not easily for- gotten picture, as they watched the continued procession of fine equipages and gaily decorated vehicles, slowly ascending the hill. In the words of Mr. George T. Powell, "When that magnificent line of teams, extending nearly two miles, was ascending the sightly elevation of Home Farm, with flags and banners floating to the breeze of that delightful day, and from the cannons' mouth burst forth peal after peal, not in the spirit of war, but of peace and good will to all engaged in and
OUTING DAYS AND OLD HOME WEEK, AUGUST 18 and 19, 1903 Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, Walden, N. Y.
dependent upon agriculture, I felt it was the dawning of a new day in farming, and the future was full of promise."
THE ATTENDANCE.
The most reliable sources give evidence that during the day between three and four thousand carriages entered the various approaches to Home Farm, and between twelve and fifteen thousand people visited some part of the estate. Four thousand souvenirs of the day, in the form of an ele- gantly-printed book, adorned with many views of special points of interest on Home Farm, and articles from the pens of Hon. James G. Graham of Newburgh, and Rev. W. II. S. Demarest of Walden, were presented to parties who registered their names. From this record we find, among others, the following :
Rev. Hiram Vrooman, Baltimore, Md. W. A. Bushfield, Jersey City, N. J.
Dewilton B. Dow, Racine, Wis. I. Schoonmaker and wife, Paducah. Ky. Hiram W. Deyo, Buffalo, N. Y. A. S. Burtch, San Francisco, Cal. Charles Leonard, Wilkesbarre, Pa.
William Clifford. Wilkesbarre, Pa. Philip Maguire, Elizabeth, N. J.
Luther Terwilliger, Monroe, N. Y.
W. J. Keatis, Toronto, Canada.
P. B. Neff. Altoona, Pa.
William G. Mastin, Wassaic, N. J. H. D. Carroll, New Orleans, La.
So.
View from Fort Montgomery.
Buttermilk Falls, Highland Academy and West ShoreR!
7
-
Anthony's Nose.
Storm
"King.
SCENES ON AMERICA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL RIVER, ALONG WEST SHORE RAILROAD.
Roll on! Roll on! Thou River of the North! Tell thou to all The isles, Tell thou to all the continer.
Soa
Edward H. Cook, Floral Park. L. I. Charles L. Ostrander. Wassaic, N. J. Miss Jennie Follete, New Brunswick, N. J.
George Hawkins, Lincoln, Kansas.
David Mould, Sioux City, lowa.
M. E. Ensign, Hartford, Conn. Miss M. S. Barcker, Paterson, N. J.
Miss E. E. Snyder, Paterson, N. J.
Anna S. Dunn, Port Richmond, Staten Island. Araminta Long, Gateswood P. O., Virginia. John P. Pratt, Green Cove Springs, Florida. Mrs. Isaac Schoonmaker, Paducah, Ky.
Miss M. Manry, Chicago, Il. Miss M. Finsley. Federal Point, Florida. Mrs. Dr. Robinson, Newark, N. J. Mrs. J. D. Birdsall, Grand Rapids, Mich. Mrs. Annie D. Haley, Stapleton, Staten Island. Mrs. Estelle Harrington, New Haven, Conn. Miss Ethel Eisemann, Bridgeport, Conn. Miss Maude Walker, Providence, R. I.
Miss A. M. Ahrens, Jersey City, N. J.
Miss Edna M. Vansaun, Cortland, N. Y. Mr. Harry C. Vrooman, D.D., E. Milton, Mass.
THE PROGRAM.
A large platform for the officers, directors and speakers was created on the side of a small eleva- tion which rose opposite to the eastern slope of the main hill which was encircled with broad drive- ways and winding brooks. From the platform the speakers commanded a full view of the assembled thousands seated opposite them. Below and to the right, was arranged a platform for the Wall- kill Cornet Band. Directly beneath were seated the following members of the newspaper fraternity : W. F. Doty, Orange County Farmer; Lyman H. Taft, Montgomery Reporter; 11. Scott Corwin, Kingston Freeman; C. E. Westervelt, Marlborough Record; C. D. Allger, Kingston Argus; H. Wing, Southern Ulster; C. A. Reed, Walden Herald; E. 11. Abell, Walden Citisen; N. E. Layman, Charles R. Johnson, Newburgh News; E. M. Ruttenber, Newburgh Sunday Telegram; W. B. Westervelt, Newburgh Press; George W. Brome, Newburgh Journal; Ira C. Baldwin, Independent Republican, Goshen; Thomas B. Scott, Poughkeepsie Eagle; E. D. C. Craine, Middletown Daily Press.
To stand upon this platform and watch the constantly increasing number on the other side was a most inspiring sight, and must have given inspiration to the brilliant speakers of the hour.
THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY GAIL BORDEN, WALLKILL, N. Y.
Mr. President: Allow me to extend to you and to my fellow officers of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Association, over whom yon so ably preside, as also to their guests assembled here today in such flattering numbers, a hearty welcome to Home Farm. That it is an honest and heartfelt welcome I trust you will believe, and while I have the opportunity, allow me to publicly acknowledge the honor of membership in an organization so disinterested, and whose first and best efforts have been to benefit their fellowmen.
RESPONSE ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION BY REV. WALTER W. WINANT, BEREA, N. Y.
Mr. Borden: In behalf of the Wallkill Valley Farmers' Associ- ation allow me to thank you, sir, for this hearty welcome to Home Farm, and to say that what enhances our appreciation of it is the fact that we know it is heartfelt and sincere.
This generous welcome, sir, is only another of the many tokens by which you have shown your interest in, and appreciation of, the aims and efforts of the Association, which has the honor of enjoying GAIL BORDEN your hospitality today. Nor is this the first time that the Association has been indebted to yon-in other ways you have shown your interest in its workings heretofore, so that it has come to regard von as one of its staunchest friends and most generous supporters.
But, sir, while we extend to yon our sincere appreciation, we cannot forget the one whose energy and enterprise made this possible. He who sought as little ostentation in life as in death, was one of whom I believe it might be said truly that he went about doing good.
I am told that when some one asked him why he employed so many men on his farm when a smaller number would have done, that he replied that "That was the way in which he liked to spend his money.'
He was one who never oppressed the poor or "the hireling in his wages," and though founding this beautiful estate, which this day through your kindness it is our privilege to enjoy, and the equal of which I have never seen neither in the West, nor in the North, nor in the South, yet we believe that he carried on this great work largely with benevolent purposes. So I am not surprised at the great beauty of Home Farm, when I know something of the beauty of the character of him whose mind conceived it, and of the motives with which I believe that conception was carried out. And I am sure, sir, that while we return you our hearty thanks, we cannot-as we look over this beautiful
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