Autumn 1999
| Volume 2 | No. 3 |
Hart Library Celebrates 80th Year | State and National Registers of Historic Places | 75th Yorktown Grange Fair | Welcome New Members
Hart Library Celebrates 80th Year
For the past 80 years, the John C. Hart Memorial Library has served the public as, not only a place to find good material to read, but also a community-gathering place for programs of interest to children and adults alike. In recent years the library has added computer technology and training to its long list of upgrades in services that it provides, getting it ready for the next century of Yorktowners.
The beautiful old home, which has been the anchor of the John C. Hart Memorial Library, once belonged to the Hyatt and Hart families. It was donated to the town by Catherine M. Dresser, daughter of John Coleridge Hart, who died and left in her will the house and 48 acres for the express purpose of founding a library.
In the Town Board minutes of December 20, 1917, the John C. Hart Memorial Library Fund, with the sum of $11,532.69, was established by the terms of Catherine M. Dresser’s will. On October 14, 1919 the very first Library Board of Trustees was appointed by Town Board Resolution and voted on in the next election of November 4, 1919. On October 9, 1923 the Town Board agreed to hire a librarian…the rest, as they say, is history and no one has told it better than Charlotte Martens Lee in 1970! Charlotte was the wife of Arthur C. Lee and one of the first members of the Board of Trustees. Click here to read Charlotte's article, featured on our July Home Page.
State and National Registers of Historic Places
What are the State and National Registers?
The State and National Registers of Historic Places are the official lists of buildings, structures, districts, objects and sites significant in the history, architecture, archaeology and culture of New York and the nation. The same eligibility criteria are used for both the State and National Registers.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 are the enabling legislation for the National and State Registers programs. In New York, these programs are administered by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, who is also the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).
What are the results of listing?
Registered properties and properties determined eligible for the Registers receive a measure of protection from the effects of federal and/or state agency sponsored, licensed or assisted projects through a notice, review and consultation process.
Owners of depreciable, certified historic properties may take a 20 percent federal income tax credit for the costs of substantial rehabilitation as provided for under the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
Registered properties receive priority consideration from federal and state agencies in space rental or leasing.
There are no restrictions placed on private owners of registered properties. Private property owners may sell, alter or dispose of their property as they wish, although an owner who demolishes a certified registered property may not deduct the costs of demolition from his/her federal income tax.
How does a property become listed?
Sponsors must submit an application and supporting documentation to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation containing detailed historical/architectural information, which can be used to evaluate a property’s eligibility for listing. If the property appears to meet the eligibility criteria, Field Services Bureau staff will advise applicants how to prepare an acceptable nomination. Upon receipt of a satisfactory draft nomination, this office will seek the comments of the owner(s) and local officials and arrange for official review by the State Board for Historic Preservation.
The nomination, along with the Board’s recommendation, is then forwarded to the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Upon approval by the Commissioner, properties are listed on the State Register and nominated to the National Register. National Register nominations are subsequently forwarded to the National Park Service and listing is achieved after approval by the Keeper of the National Register. Please note that the National Park Service will not list an individual, privately owned property for which they have received the owner’s objection.
Nomination Process
For additional information on the National Register, the National Park Service publishes a series of bulletins, which provide technical information on comprehensive planning, survey of cultural resources, and registration in the National Register of Historic Places
Source: New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation web site
.75th Yorktown Grange Fair
The National Grange was founded by a Minnesota farmer and activist, Oliver Hudson Kelley. The Grange was initially similar to the unions that were organizing industrial workers across the country. Farmers were at the mercy of merchants, both for much needed farm supplies and marketing their crops. The Grange provided lobbyists who worked for farmer’s interests, promoted social interaction among rural residents with the building of halls, and were instrumental in improving education to farm families. Rural Free Delivery, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the Farm Credit System all developed as a result of Grange efforts.
In December 1898, Worthy Deputy A.E. Hall of Amenia, NY met with a number of representative farmers from the area to explore the possibility of organizing a Grange in Yorktown. PH #862 was organized on December 30, 1898 and elected the following officers on January 12, 1899: Master, George J. Griffin; Overseer, James N. Strang; Steward, John A. Barnes; Asst. Steward, Lewis W. Mead; Chaplain, Wright A. Moseman; Treasurer, E. Munson Frost; Gatekeeper, Samuel B. White; Ceres, Mrs. Floyd Q. White; Pomona, Alice M. Griffin; Flora, Carrie Moseman; and Lady Asst. Steward, Mrs. John A. Barnes.
This year, on September 9, 10, 11 and 12, the Yorktown Grange Fair Association will present its 75th Fair, rain or shine. Along with its long-time traditions of judging produce and baked goods, country crafts and art, 4-H projects and farm animals, will be the more contemporary addition of amusements, rides, circus acts, vendors selling food and gifts, and music of all kinds. The crowds will be enormous, the mood festive, and once again the Yorktown Grange will unite us in a spirit of community. Click here for our August 1999 Feature Article on the Yorktown Grange