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The Historical Society of Rockland County

Vol. 46, No. 4 October-December, 2002

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James A. Farley

The Early Career of James A. Farley

James A. Farley and Robert Burghardt Converse IN THIS ISSUE

“The Political Hero of the Hour:” The Early Career of James A. Farley, 1911-1928 ...... PageS The author, Thomas T. Spencer, is a history teacher in the South Bend Public School Corporation and an adjunct professor of history at Indiana University, South Bend. He wrote his doctoral dissertation at the University of Notre Dame on the 1936 election, which sparked his interest and admiration for James Farley. The author and Farley met for an interview in 1994 and corre­ sponded until Farley’s death..

James A. Farley and Rockland Post Offices...... Page 13 Photographed by Marjorie H. Bauer

James A. Farley and Robert Burghardt Converse...... Page 16 When he was the chairman of the Stony Point Bicentennial Commission, Bob Burghardt interviewed James Farley on September 11, 1975. The section of the conversation that could be retrieved was transcribed by Marie S. Koestler on June 19, 2002.

COVER PICTURE. James A. Farley when he was Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission. From the collection of the Historical Society of Rock­ land County.

SOUTH OF THE MOUNTAINS (ISSN 0489-9563) is published quarterly by the Historical Society of Rockland County, 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956; tele­ phone, 845-634-9629; fax, 845-634-8690; web site, RocklandHistory.org. E-mail, [email protected] Single copy price of South of the Mountains is $2 plus 75 cents postage and handling.

While all efforts are made to ensure accuracy in the articles, the society assumes no responsibility for opinions and conclusions expressed or implied by contributors.

© 2002 The Historical Society of Rockland County All rights reserved

Executive Director: Erin Martin Editor: Marjorie H. Bauer Senior Historian: Thomas F.X. Casey Consulting Editor: Marianne B. Leese Senior Historian Emeritus: John Scott

Printing by Ramapo Graphics, Pearl River, New York

2 "The Political Hero of the Hour"

The Early Career of James A. Farley, 1911-1928

by Thomas T. Spencer

ames Farley is one of Rockland the 1920s.* It was during these cru­ County’s most well known political cial years, as a young Rockland County figures. A native of Grassy Point, Democrat, that Jim Farley learned the Jin the Town of Stony Point, he beganart a of politics, which he would later career in local county politics that even­ practice at the state and national level. tually led to his appointment as Democ­ Farley was born in the small Rock­ ratic National Committee Chairman land community of Grassy Point in and Postmaster General under Presi­ 1888, the son of James Farley and dent Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. Ellen Goldrick, both of whom were chil­ Despite serving over seven years in dren of Irish immigrants. His father these national positions, during which died when he was only nine years old, he played a vital role in the politics of and he spent much of his early life the New Deal, little historical scholar­ helping run the grocery store and ship has been done on his career. Far­ saloon his mother had purchased in ley’s two autobiographical volumes, order to support her children. Tending scattered journal articles, along with the saloon acquainted the aspiring brief treatment in standard studies of future politician with many prospective Roosevelt and the New Deal, are the voters, as did his occasional work in the only historical interpretations of Far­ local brickyards. His notoriety as a ley’s contributions during this pivotal semi-pro baseball player, with the nick­ time.l An in-depth study of Farley’s name “Stretch,” also made him known political career remains to be published. to many throughout the county.2 While Farley’s later contributions Farley’s biggest political assets, to the Roosevelt administration are however, were his character and per­ acknowledged, there is little written sonality. He was hardworking, metic­ on his early political education as a ulous, possessed an “imperturbable town clerk, the county democratic good nature” and had a natural ability committee chairman and assembly- to make friends. As a successful man in Rockland County, or of his young salesman, for the United States political relationship with A1 Smith in Gypsum Company, he made use of

^Editor's Note: We can take pride in an exceptional article written by Thomas F.X. Casey, “James A. Farley, The Early Years in Rockland County,” South of the Mountains, VbZ. 32, No. 2. This article gives us some details about Farley’s early personal life and is a good companion piece to the article published here.

3 these traits and furthered his visibility action on individual requests. He throughout Rockland communities. By quickly developed the reputation as a 1911, when he decided to run for Town man who could get the job done. He Clerk in Stony Point, his face was won the next election by 288 votes, already familiar to voters, despite his proving his ability to make friends and youthful age of 23. win support.4 Farley, like many Irish Ameri­ Jim Farley’s success as Town Clerk cans, was a loyal member of the Demo­ established him as a bright young star cratic Party, and although he was on the Democratic horizon in Rockland known to the voters, he faced an uphill County. During the 1916 presidential battle running as a Democrat in Stony campaign, he was named head of the Point, a traditionally Republican Wilson and Marshall League in Stony stronghold. As well, his job as a trav­ Point and helped deliver a 135-vote eling salesman left him little time to margin of victory for President Wilson campaign. Instead he mailed post­ in the predominantly Republican town. cards to voters in the town, reminding In 1918, he was rewarded for his hard them of previous conversations or work and success when he succeeded to meetings, asking their opinions on his first major party position as Chair­ issues or only wishing them well. The man of the Rockland County Democrat­ postcards were simple reminders that ic Committee.5 Jim Farley was thinking of them and As County Democratic Chairman, that he considered their votes impor­ Farley demonstrated his political acu­ tant. The postcards proved successful men with a variety of strategies. He as he pulled off an upset by winning maintained a good working relation­ with slightly more than twenty votes.3 ship with the press, which enabled him The postcard campaign was the to also stay close to public sentiment beginning of what would become a on the issues of the day, and he made a standard Farley trademark—personal special effort to recruit non-registered correspondence. During his later years and women voters. Farley believed in the Roosevelt administration, Far­ that non-registered voters were gener­ ley sent thousands of letters and well ally critical of government and politi­ wishes to political leaders, party work­ cians. By making an effort to register ers and citizens to thank them for them, he was not only increasing their support, and to offer his sympa­ Democratic voter lists, but also lessen­ thy, encouragement or best wishes. In ing the number of chronic complainers 1934 he claimed to have signed over once the candidate was elected. 1900 letters in one day, and, in 1936, The recruitment of women proved he was said to have sent out over even more vital. After the passage of 200,000 Christmas greetings! Farley the women’s suffrage amendment in correctly surmised that if it worked in 1920, Farley was quick to recognize Rockland County, it would work women’s potential political impact. He nationally as well. recommended the appointment of Mrs. As Town Clerk of Stony Point, T. Fergus Redmund as the chairman of Farley worked on perfecting the practi­ the ladies movement of the Democratic cal art of politics. He personally deliv­ party in Rockland County. During the ered licenses to those who could not 1920 campaign he secured a number of come to the clerk’s office, and used his speakers for Democratic rallies influence with town officials to obtain throughout the county, including

4 prominent New York City Democrat Smith, whose support lay largely in and suffragette, Elizabeth Marbury. New York City. Farley worked tire­ Later, as Democratic National Com­ lessly and enthusiastically for Smith, mittee Chairman, Farley continued earning the praise of State Democratic this same active recruitment by over­ Chairman James Kellogg, who congrat­ seeing the formation of the Women’s ulated Farley for the accuracy of his Division of the Democratic Party. 6 reports. Following Smith’s victory, James Farley’s penchant for orga­ Kellogg and George Van Namee, his nization and detail, later trademarks of secretary, responded to Farley’s his tenure as the national Democratic request to serve in some state position chairman, were evident when he was by assuring him that they would do all the county chairman. He created the they could to help him.8 Committee of Five, an auxiliary organi­ Farley received a minor appoint­ zation, separate from the county com­ ment as Port Warden in New York mittee and composed of a representa­ City, a position he left after one year, tive from each of the county’s five in the belief that there was simply no towns. The committee assisted him need for such a job. The relatively with a variety of matters, including col­ minor appointment demonstrated that, lecting statistics and canvassing votes. despite their friendship and good work­ This helped involve additional citizens ing relationship, Smith never consid­ in party work and supplemented the ered Farley one of his closest advisors. work of the county committee.7 Nevertheless, A1 Smith and Jim Farley might have remained noth­ Farley continued to benefit from each ing more than an effective but obscure other’s support. Smith went down to county political leader had it not been defeat for reelection in 1920 but for his relationship with A1 Smith. His returned to successfully recapture the first official encounter with the soon-to- governorship in 1922. Farley was be governor of New York occurred in again instrumental in lining up 1918, when Farley was the young coun­ upstate delegates, and he spoke enthu­ ty Democratic chairman and Smith siastically for Smith at a conference of was the president of the New York City New York State Democrats in Syra­ Board of Aldermen. Farley met Smith cuse. He predicted that Rockland at his office and boldly told him that he County would go for Smith, and made should run for governor —something that prediction stand up in November that Smith was already considering. with a margin of 494 votes. The fact Aside from politics and a commitment that Rockland was one of the few non- to the Democratic Party, the two men urban counties to go for Smith made shared many similarities, which fos­ the victory all the more impressive.9 tered their friendship. They both had 1922 was a turning point in Far­ lost their fathers at an early age and ley’s young political career. His deci­ worked to support their families. Both sion to run for a seat in the state were Irish Catholic and possessed assembly now tested the extent of his engaging personalities punctuated by popularity and political contacts. Local good humor and quick wit. Democratic leaders were optimistic Farley’s support was welcome to about Farley’s chances within the dis­ Smith’s run for the gubernatorial nom­ trict, and Judge Howard Fonda even ination. As an upstate county chair­ urged the young man to run for state man Farley could prove helpful to senator, a challenge that would have

5 forced him to seek support outside of Depew had incurred when he spon­ the county. By now, Farley was well sored legislation that prevented non- known for his service of four terms as real estate owners from serving as Town Clerk and subsequently as school district trustees. The editors of Supervisor of Stony Point, where he the Rockland County Times felt that won praise for helping reduce the Farley would be justified in publicly town’s debt because of delinquent portraying his opponent as incompe­ taxes. State Democratic Chairman tent, based on these issues. 12 Herbert Claiborne Pell told Farley On Election Day, Farley pulled off that he thought the Democrats could a noteworthy upset by becoming the carry the predominantly Republican first Democrat in twelve years to be county and that Farley was just the elected to the assembly from Rockland man to do it. 10 County. He garnered 7086 votes to The Rockland County Times DePew’s 6686 and he ran especially endorsed Farley for the assembly seat strong in Haverstraw, Stony Point over his Republican opponent, Pierre and Congers. The Rockland County Depew. The paper praised Farley’s Times hailed Farley as the “Political qualifications for the assembly, Hero of the Hour,” who undaunted by describing him as a man of the “high­ "overwhelming odds," battled his way est character” and “splendid integri­ to victory. 13 ty,” a worker who knew the working As an assemblyman, James Far­ people. The editors felt that his expe­ ley proved hardworking, conscientious rience as Town Clerk and as Supervi­ and loyal to the Democratic cause. He sor gave him a good knowledge of served on the Committee on Internal town and county affairs. State Demo­ Affairs and the Affairs of Villages, cratic Chairman Pell aided Farley by which provided an excellent opportu­ traveling with him throughout the nity to look after the interests of the county and delivering a number of villages of Rockland. During his speeches. In Clarkstown, a group of tenure he introduced 33 bills, nine­ 40 citizens formed a Farley non-parti­ teen of which eventually became law. san committee to promote his election, Among those was a bill reimbursing while Farley himself directed a voter Rockland County for expenses registration drive that increased entailed in a ten-year-old prosecution Democratic enrollment in Rockland case and a bill amending the county County by 600 votes. 11 law to increase the compensation of During the campaign, Farley the county judge. Farley failed to stressed issues where he believed achieve the passage of an amendment DePew, as an incumbent, was most to the Highway Law, relating to the vulnerable. One particular controver­ disposition of registration fees, which sy was over a vacant lot in Congers was part of his original campaign plat­ and delinquent taxes owed on such form, or of a bill introduced by fellow properties, which put a burden on the assemblyman Jenks to settle the Con­ taxpayers. Farley promised that he gers lot situation. This latter bill would fight for legislation to remedy passed the assembly, but failed to this situation. He also called for a make it through the senate. 14 motor vehicle law amendment that Farley’s voting record in the would enable Rockland County to assembly indicates that he voted fre­ receive more money from auto license quently for progressive measures con­ fees. He capitalized on the hostility cerning conservation, social welfare 6 and labor. He introduced minor letters and distributing brochures that amendments to conservation bills per­ emphasized his voting record, but his taining to hunting and fishing. brief career as an assemblyman came Farley was one of only four assem­ to an end when Gedney won by a total blymen who voted against an amend­ of 1607 votes. 17 ment to the General Business Law, Despite this disappointing defeat, which would have established a Farley’s political fortunes continued to bureau of trade and commerce for rise. His loyalty to A1 Smith, especial­ investigation of illegal business prac­ ly on the Mullen-Gage issue, earned tices. The measure passed in the an appointment from the governor to assembly 141-4. Why Farley voted the New York State Athletic Commis­ against it is not known, but his busi­ sion. Although Farley was again dis­ ness interests were growing at this appointed that he did not receive a time, and he may have considered the more prestigious position, it did give measure unfavorable to the business him the opportunity to spend more community. 15 time in New York City, where his busi­ The most significant vote that ness interests in the building trade Farley cast, however, was in favor of industry were growing. The appoint­ repealing the Mullen-Gage Act, a state ment also provided him with a chance enforcement measure to the Volstead to make further contacts that would Prohibition Act that forbade the man­ enhance his reputation and career. ufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors The appointment also helped in New York State. It was a highly Smith. At the time Farley was named controversial action for the assembly to the commission in January, 1924, to undertake, but one which Governor there was a great deal of criticism and A1 Smith and other “wet” leaders accusations of corruption in the sport wanted passed. Since Rockland Coun­ of boxing, especially in New York. ty was predominantly “dry” country, Some journalists were speculating Farley’s vote would be unpopular with that the state legislature would ban his constituents. 16 the sport. Farley’s selection provided Although Jim Farley would later Smith with a man of honesty and good say that his vote in favor of repeal cost reputation, whom he could trust to him reelection to the assembly, his resurrect the boxing industry, which claim is only partially accurate. Cer­ in turn brought money and publicity to tainly the vote did not help him with the state. Smith and the press were dry Rockland citizens, but other factors convinced that Farley was the right undoubtedly contributed. He was, after man for the job and predicted that he all, a Democrat in a Republican county would “make good” in his new and the Republican candidate, Walter position. 18 Gedney, a popular local attorney, made Farley’s tenure on the New York the task more difficult. A decision that State Athletic Commission, however, Farley had made as Town Supervisor to was not without controversy. In increase compensation for supervisors March 1925, he was elected Chairman came back to haunt him as well. of the commission at a special “infor­ Farley received support from local mal” meeting at which the presiding newspapers, which praised his record chairman, George Brower, was absent. and credited him with doing nothing Farley was criticized for manipulating but “play good politics in Albany.” He his own election in Brower’s absence waged a vigorous campaign, writing by introducing a resolution to rotate

7 the chairmanship every few years. revenues. At the time of his resigna­ Once elected, however, the rotation tion from the commission in 1933, he stopped, and Farley remained the was leading the fight to regulate box­ chairman until his resignation from ing over the radio. Farley also gener­ the New York State Athletic Commis­ ated controversy with his tendency to sion in 1933. acquire and distribute hundreds of More controversial was Farley’s free tickets to major boxing matches, a decision to prevent the New York City move which earned him many friends, fight between Jack Dempsey, heavy­ but criticism as well.20 weight champion, and highly ranked During this time, Farley contin­ contender Gene Tunney. Farley ued to make important political con­ argued that Dempsey must first honor tacts, while his relationship with A1 his prior commitment to fight Harry Smith remained strong. He used his Wills, a black contender. Some officials influence to obtain political favors for were reportedly worried about the con­ friends, and, as County Democratic sequences of a black man winning the Chairman, he worked to obtain title. Promoter Tex Rickard tried to appointments for constituents. Much persuade the commission to change its of the correspondence between Farley ruling to allow the lucrative Dempsey- and Smith during this period deals Tunney fight to take place in New York with patronage and appointments.21 City, but Farley stood firm and the Farley supported Smith in the fight was moved to Philadelphia. This governor’s attempt to win the Democ­ caused New York to lose a good deal of ratic nomination for President in revenue, and Farley endured heated 1924. As early as June of the previous criticism in many circles. The New year, Farley had told Smith that he York News did offer praise, however, thought he could capture the nomina­ for Farley’s commitment to principle. tion and win the presidency. As a del­ He was singled out as a “Rock of egate to the divisive Democratic Gilbraltar,” who stood square against National Convention in the summer of the “dangerous winds of race hatred 1924, Farley gave Smith his enthusi­ and public betrayal,” when others on astic backing and helped lead the the commission did not. 19 demonstration on the convention floor There were other controversies when Smith’s name was put in nomi­ during Farley’s time as the chairman nation. The convention was deeply of the New York State Athletic Com­ divided over the issue of Prohibition, mission that required difficult and not and Smith failed to achieve the nomi­ always popular decisions. During his nation. After 103 ballots, the compro­ chairmanship the commission expand­ mise candidate, John W. Davis, was ed its powers to include the regulation finally chosen.22 of fight gymnasiums, wrestling pro­ The 1924 convention was signifi­ moters and amateur boxing exhibi­ cant for James Farley in other ways, tions. The expanded powers were val­ for it was his support of Smith that idated by a decision won in the initiated his relationship with Supreme Court. It was Farley’s belief Franklin Roosevelt. Farley first met that the commission should have Roosevelt at a reception in 1920, when jurisdiction over all boxing in the the latter was the Democratic vice state, including armory and amateur presidential nominee, although there boxing, which did not generate tax is no indication that the meeting left

8 any lasting impressions. In 1924, how­ Farley away from Smith and closer to ever, Roosevelt endorsed Smith for Roosevelt. president, and Farley felt his addition One such circumstance was to the campaign was important. Smith’s decision, in 1928, to appoint After the convention, Farley and Farley the secretary of the Democratic Roosevelt continued to correspond. State Committee after Hugh J. Reilly’s Roosevelt included Farley on his list of resignation. Farley wrote that Smith key Democratic party figures to whom made the appointment somewhat he sent a letter seeking advice on how reluctantly, a further indication that to unite the party and make it despite their close friendship, Farley stronger. It was a standard letter sent was never an intimate advisor. Smith to a variety of Democratic leaders, but eventually settled for Farley as the Farley was impressed enough to only good choice. In his new position, respond. He prophesized that south­ Farley’s responsibilities were more to ern Democrats would have to change state than to national candidates.24 their tune and accept an eastern can­ Farley attended the Democratic didate if the party was to be successful State Convention in Rochester that in the years ahead. He added that he year, and his support for Roosevelt’s hoped Roosevelt and he could get nomination for governor caught the eye together and discuss his opinions in of Louis Howe, Roosevelt’s most influ­ person sometime in the near future.23 ential advisor. Farley later told Howe It cannot be known with any cer­ that the real support for Roosevelt tainty what kind of impression Farley came from party leaders who not only made on Franklin Roosevelt at this believed that Roosevelt could be elected time. Farley’s experience as an but also hoped to receive patronage. upstate county chairman, however, his Farley believed that Smith did not feel growing number of contacts and his that Roosevelt’s nomination was vital reputation for honesty and integrity to his own success in the state.25 were desirable qualities for the aspir­ Roosevelt entrusted Farley with ing candidate, who would run for gov­ a good deal of responsibility for his ernor of New York in four years. Far­ gubernatorial campaign. Working ley undoubtedly saw in Roosevelt a under Louis Howe’s direction, Far­ committed and devoted Democrat, ley’s primary responsibility was to who, despite his crippling bout with revitalize the upstate counties, which polio, still had a viable political future. had been neglected in favor of New It was Smith’s decision to run York City, Roosevelt’s home base of again for President in 1928 and Roo­ support. Crucial to this task was sevelt’s selection as the Democratic Farley’s ability to obtain accurate gubernatorial candidate to succeed information on the status of county him that eventually cemented the organizations and his success in political allegiance between Farley motivating party leaders to conduct a and Roosevelt. In later years, an vigorous campaign. To accomplish embittered A1 Smith would feel that this, Farley relied upon his favorite he was betrayed by Jim Farley’s sup­ technique of letter writing. Letters port of Franklin Roosevelt, especially were sent to county chairmen, elec­ after they were both contenders for tion inspectors and county committee the Democratic presidential nomina­ members upstate, urging them to tion in 1932. In reality, the necessi­ hold rallies, distribute literature, reg­ ties of political circumstance pulled ister voters and make sure that inde­

9 pendent voters and Democrats made An overview of Jim Farley’s early it to the polls on Election Day. career reveals that it was vital in Jim Farley also helped map out shaping his approach to politics and Roosevelt’s itinerary, and he traveled laying the groundwork for his future with him through the upstate coun­ success. The techniques he employed, ties, introducing him to Democratic while a local candidate and the county leaders. Farley delivered a major chairman in Rockland, would be the radio address for Franklin Roosevelt, same methods he would use later on praising both A1 Smith and Roosevelt as National Democratic Chairman. and criticizing F.D.R.’s opponent, The experience Farley gained here and Albert Ottinger, for equivocating on the contacts he made throughout the the Prohibition issue. In an obvious state made him a valuable ally for A1 reference to the Teapot Dome scandal Smith and Franklin Roosevelt. These of the 1920s, which implicated some formative years in Rockland County key members of former president War­ set the stage for Farley’s future great­ ren Harding’s administration in the ness. He remains one of Rockland leasing of government oil reserves to County’s best known “political heroes.” private investors, Farley referred to ► the Republican party as the “Grand Oil Party.”26 Jim Farley’s efforts, especially ooooooooo upstate, in Roosevelt’s campaign would have to be called at least very helpful in securing a narrow 25,000-vote victo­ Notes ry. The close vote kept Farley worry­ ing for days about a recount, but the 1 The most comprehensive and best significance of Roosevelt’s election, in a summaries of Farley’s life and career year which saw Republican Herbert remain his two autobiographical vol­ Hoover deliver a resounding defeat to umes, Behind the Ballots (New A1 Smith, made Roosevelt a national York,:1938) and Jim Farley’s Story leader in the Democratic party.27 (New York: 1948). Some scholarly The election marked a turning work has been done on Farley. See, point for both Franklin Roosevelt and for example, Gloria A. Newquist, James Farley. From this point on, “James A. Farley and the Politics of their political futures were closely Victory, 1928-1936,” (unpublished doc­ linked. Roosevelt promoted Farley’s toral dissertation, University of South­ nomination for Chairman of the New ern California: 1966), John Syrett, York State Democratic Committee, “Roosevelt vs. Farley: The New York and from this new position, Farley Gubernatorial Election of 1942,” New helped organize Roosevelt’s landslide York History, LVI (January, 1975), 51- reelection, which made the New York 81, and Thomas T. Spencer, “Old Governor a leading candidate for the Democrats and New Deal Politics: 1932 Democratic presidential nomina­ Claude Bowers, James A. Farley, and tion. Roosevelt’s decision to run for the Changing Nature of the Democrat­ President and his selection of Farley ic Party, 1933-1940,” Indiana Maga­ to be his campaign manager would zine of History, XCII (March, 1996), take the boy from Stony Point from 26-45. Farley’s contributions to the the realm of local and state politics Roosevelt administration are treated into the national arena. briefly in most standard studies of the

10 New Deal or in biographies of F.D.R. State of New York (Albany: 1923), pp. See, for example, William Leuchten- 735-737. burg, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the 10 Rockland County Times, August 5, New Deal (New York: 1963), Arthur M. 26, 1922; Recollections of Herbert Clai­ Schlesinger, Jr., The Politics of borne Pell, Oral History Research Pro­ Upheaval (Boston: 1966), Frank Frei- ject, 1951, Oral History Research Pro­ del, Franklin D. Roosevelt (4 volumes, ject, Columbia University, pp. Boston: 1952-1973) and Kenneth S. 394-395. Davis, FDR (5 volumes, New York: 11 Rockland County Times, October 1971-2000), to name just a few. A pop­ 21, December 9, 1922; Recollections of ular and more contemporary account Herbert Claiborne Pell, OHRP, Colum­ is John T. Casey and James Bowles, bia University, pp. 394-395. Farley and Tomorrow (Chicago: 1937). 12 Rockland County Times, October 2 Farley, Behind the Ballots, pp. 4-11, 21, 1922, May 19, 1923. 13,17; Duncan Aikman, “Big Jim Far­ 13 Manual for the Use of the Legisla­ ley,” The American Politician, ed. by J.T. ture of the State of New York (Albany: Salter (Chapel Hill: 1938), pp.224-225. 1923), p. 830; Rockland County Times, 3 Drew Pearson and Robert S. Allen, November 11, 1922. “The President’s Trigger Man,” Harp­ 14 For a survey of Farley’s activities in er’s Magazine, 170 (March, 1935), p. the assembly see New York Assembly 387; Farley, Behind the Ballots, p. 16. Journal, 146 Session, 1923, 3 volumes 4 Aikman, “Big Jim Farley,” p. 227; (Albany: 1923); Undated clipping, Farley, Behind the Ballots, pp. 20-22. Scrapbook, New York State, 1918- 5 Rockland County Times, November 1928, Box 74, Farley Papers, Library 4, 11, 1916. of Congress; Rockland County Times, 6 Casey and Bowles, Farley and January 27, 1923; The Jenks bill Tomorrow, p. 65; Rockland County passed the assembly, but it failed to Times, October 3, 23, 1920. pass the senate and was returned to 7 Rockland County Times, August 26, that body on the last day of the legisla­ 1922. tive session. See New York Assembly 8 Farley, Behind the Ballots, p. 23; Journal, Vol. L, p. 453, Vol. Ill, p. James A. Farley and James C.G. Con- 2849. niff, Governor Al Smith (New York: 15 Among the progressive issues Far­ 1959), pp. 60-61, 64-65. ley voted for were acts dealing with 9 J.A. Kellogg to James A. Farley, the regulation of public utilities and November 11, 21, December 6, 1918, maximum hours and minimum wages George Van Namee to Farley, Decem­ for women and children laborers. See ber 18, 1918, January 13, 24, 1920, New York Assembly Journal, Vol II, Jeremiah O’Connor to Farley, April pp. 1155-1156, 2029, Vol. Ill, pp. 2342, 22, 1920, Alfred E. Smith to Farley, 2408-2409; For bills relating to conser­ January 3, 1919, and Farley to Van vation, see undated clipping, Scrap­ Namee, January 14, 1920, Scrapbook, book, New York State, 1918-1928, Box New York State, 1918-1928, Box 74, 74, Farley Papers, Library of Con­ Farley Papers, Library of Congress, gress; New York Assembly Journal, Washington D.C.; New York Times, Vol. Ill, p. 1787. January 20, 1920, July 8, 1922; Rock­ 16 New York Assembly Journal, Vol. land County Times, July 15, 1922; Ill, p. 2710. Farley, Behind the Ballots, p. 33; Man­ 17 See, for example, Farley, Behind ual for the Use of the Legislature of the the Ballots, pp. 41-42; Casey and

11 Bowles, Farley and Tomorrow, p. 45; 1918-1928, Box 74, Farley Papers, Evidence that his vote on the Mullen- Library of Congress. Gage Act may not have been the sole 23 Frank Freidel, Franklin D. Roo­ issue behind his defeat is provided by sevelt: The Ordeal (Boston: 1954), pp. a random newspaper survey of 22 peo­ 170, 201; James A. Farley to F.D.R., ple before the election. When asked January 7, 1925, F.D.R. Papers, 1920- which candidate they thought would 1928, Group 11, Box 9, Franklin D. win the assembly race and why, not Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New one mentioned the Prohibition issue as York. a reason for voting one way or the 24 Farley, Behind the Ballots, pp. 51- other. Fourteen of those interviewed 52; Clipping, no date, Scrapbook, 1918- were Republican. See undated clip­ 1928, p. 51, Box 74, Farley Papers, pings and James A. Farley to "Dear Library of Congress. Sir," November 1, 1923, Scrapbook, 25 On Farley’s part in the Democratic New York State, 1918-1928, Box 74, State Convention, see Clippings, New Farley Papers, Library of Congress; York State, 1928-1931, p. 20 If, Box 77, Clippings, Nyack Evening Journal, Farley Papers, Library of Congress; May 23, October 23 and undated clip­ Lela Stiles, The Man Behind Roosevelt: pings; New York Legislative Manual, The Story of Louis McHenry Howe 1924, p. 870. (Cleveland: 1954), p. 110. IS New York Times, January 31, 1924. 26 Bernard Bellush, Franklin D. Roo­ 19 New York Times, March 7, 1925; sevelt as Governor of New York (New Aikman, “Big Jim Farley,” p. 230; Far­ York: 1955), p. 23; Newquist, “James ley, Behind the Ballots, pp. 46-50, Edi­ A. Farley and the Politics of Victory,” torial from the New York News, May p. 86; Casey and Bowles, Farley and 15, 1926, Scrapbook, 1926, Box 66, Tomorrow, p. 101; Stiles, The Man Farley Papers, Library of Congress. Behind Roosevelt, p. 112; Clippings, 20 Aikman, “Big Jim Farley,” pp. 230- Scrapbook, New York State, 1928- 232; Wilbur Wood, “New York Boxing 1931, pp. 22-23, Box 77; Speech by Board Sets World Pace—An Interview James A. Farley, November 5, 1928, with James A. Farley,” The Ring, Speech File, October, 1928-November, IX,(February, 1930). pp. 26-27, 69-70. 1931, Box 38, Farley Papers, Library 21 James A. Farley, “Memory for Poli­ of Congress. tics: The Farley Formula,” New York 27 Freidel, Franklin D.Roosevelt: The Times Magazine, April 1, 1956, p. 19; Ordeal, p. 268. For examples of such correspondence, see James A. Farley to George Graves, October 20, 1925, Conservation Department, J-P, 200-30, Alfred Smith to James A. Farley, December 22, 1924, Farley to Graves, October 3, 1924, Farley to Smith, October 8, 1925, Athletic Commission, 200-255, Alfred E. Smith Papers, New York State Library, Albany, New York. 22 Robert K. Murray, The 103rd Ballot (New York: 1976), p. 131; James A. Farley to Governor Al Smith, June 20, 1923, Scrapbook, New York State, 12 JAMES A. FARLEY AND ROCKLAND POST OFFICES

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The United State Post Office on Chestnut Street in Suffern

ames A. Farley was Postmaster General in Franklin Roosevelt’s administration from his appoint­ Jment in March, 1933 until he resigned on August 31, 1940. During his tenure, three splendid post offices were built in Rockland County, under a New Deal Congressional act of 1934. These fine classical buildings, built of brick with stone trim, have finely appointed inte­ riors, featuring marble floors and beau­ FRANKLIN D R.C tiful woodwork. Farley’s name is cast in stone or bronze on these post offices HENRY MORGEN in Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Suf­ OF NEW VC fern. The buildings, along with the G ' H tTARY 0> I HI T K post office in Nyack, built earlier in 1932, are all on the National Register of Historic Places. James Farley’s name also graces the James A. Farley Middle School, Farley Memorial Bridge and Farley Drive in Stony Point and the Plaque inside the Suffern Post Office. An James A. Farley Post Office in New indentical plaque, with the date of 1937, York City. hangs in the Spring Valley Post Office.

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The United States Post Office in Nyack on South Broadway

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Cornerstone on the northwest corner of the Haverstraw Post Office.

Entrance to the United States Post Office in Haverstraw

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The Spring Valley Post Office in the early years of the 20th century. The building was on East Church Street, a block from the current building, shown below. Pictured is John Van Orden, the Postmaster. Collection of the Historical Society of Rockland County

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The United States Post Office in Spring Valley on North Madison Avenue

15 JAMES A. FARLEY AND ROBERT BURGHARDT CONVERSE

The following transcription of an interview between James Farley and Robert Burghardt is in the collection of the Historical Society of Rockland Coun­ ty. The interview took place on September 11, 1975, apparently in Stony Point. The first part of the conversation is missing, but what remains lets us see Farley’s genial personality, his interest in people and the place that Rockland County still held in his heart. When this conversation took place, Farley was an old man of 87. He had lived in Washington during the Roosevelt administration from 1933 until 1940, when he was known as "three-job Jim," for his work as Chairman of both the New York State and the National Democratic Committees and as Postmaster General. After his resignation as Postmaster General, he became Chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation and lived in New York City. Bob was able to line him up as the speaker for the upcoming United States Bicenten­ nial celebration in Stony Point, but Farley died of a heart attack less than a month before, on June 9, 1976.

J.F. ...I should take a chance on tak­ ber that and all I can remember of the ing the trip. I was wondering whether services and ceremonies was Governor or not the services ensuing of course Odell, from Newburg, New York, was were going to be held out in the open the New York governor. He spoke, air and I had a heart attack in ’72 and and the governor from Pennsylvania I watch myself as best I can. spoke, named Pennpacker and he wore I was up in Stony Point the day a beard. It was the first time I was they dedicated that park, back in ever close to a man with a wisp of a 1903,* I think it was. I picked up the beard. It was a goatee and a lot of hair year, I may be wrong as to the exact on the sides. Now, he was there year, but I remember—I can still pic­ because Wayne [General "Mad" Antho­ ture myself and my four brothers ny Wayne] was from Pennsylvania, and walking up the tracks from the Stony that’s the reason he was brought in. Point station. We walked up on that I went over that same road side of the tracks so the downtown myself, that road up to Stony train coming from the north, we could Point.... [Farley is talking about tak­ see it and not be in danger of being hit ing the same route as Wayne and the whereas if we walked on the other American Revolutionary soldiers did side, the train coming in the other when they attacked the British fort of direction, you might get hit. And I Stony Point.] remember it was a terribly hot R.B. I think that they redid that now. day...they didn’t have...accommoda­ J.F. That was the kind of roads they tions there and the only drink being had in those days, there were not served was supposedly cold lemonade, many roads around. What roads there which wasn’t very cold. I can remem­ were were wagon-size, so wagons

* Farley was only off by a year. The ceremony was in 1902.

16 could pass through. They had to have up to work in the brickyards. The Sev- those—swamps so you had to get to the erin (?) family lived in Stony Point. His battlefield. That’s down where the brother, Tony, they had smallpox in brickyards used to be. There was a their family, the younger people did. I swampy space between where they remember we were vaccinated. Fred started and the point itself. You see, at Lewis, Grassy Point, ran the mail ser­ that time, the railroad wasn’t there—it vice... still alive in South Carolina. My hadn’t been built and I didn’t know— brother, John, and I and Frank Brophy’s they went that way because they could brother, his father’s the present post­ sneak in that way rather than the master, were vaccinated by Dr. Sen­ other way because I imagine the other stacken. And Fred fainted dead away. entrance to the Park was guarded. R.B. He couldn’t take it! R.B. That’s right. They had action- J.F. I kidded Fred about it many times free prongs. when I saw him afterwards. J.F. Is that right? R.B. I have a little present for you. R.B. That’s right. I’m an artist besides being a Math J.F. They [the British] had nobody on teacher. this side because they didn’t figure J.F. Where do you teach? they’d come through the swamp. R.B. At Rockland Community College R.B. They weren’t expecting that. in Suffern. And one of the— J.F. What time of night was that? I J.F. Young Clark is out there isn’t he? forgot. He’s the manager or something? R.B. I believe it started at midnight. R.B. George Clark is our Finance Officer. J.F. How long did it last? J.F. Please remember me to him R.B. It was just a scrimmage, maybe two R.B. I certainly shall. or three hours at the most, if that long. J.F. His brother and I went to school Well, anyway, we’re planning on together —his mother was great having what’s called “Main Street USA” friends—they lived—you know where in Stony Point on July 4th, and we’d Wood Avenue is? like to have you as our guest speaker. R.B. I used to have an apartment J.F. Nothing would give me greater there. pleasure, if the good Lord is— J.F. They lived at the bottom of the R.B. Naturally. hill and we lived in the second house in J.F. If he keeps me around and in good the middle, where the Brophys lived health, I’d be delighted to do it, and I and in the other house where they don’t know of anything else that would lived. We lived there when we were interfere with the day. That would be married. Her oldest girl, Jane, got a satisfactory. job in Washington with me, when I R.B. Well, it would not be in the park. was down there as Secretary. She It would be in front of the present town married a boy from Spokane, and lived hall on Main Street, right across from out on Oakland Avenue... the Rose Memorial Library. R.B. Mrs. Clark; I thought his mother J.F. The Senstacken home died about two years ago. R.B. That’s right, the old Senstacken One of the presents I did, I want home to present you a print of it is the old St. J.F. I remember being vaccinated Joseph’s Church at Grassy Point. there. There was a smallpox scare in J.F. I don’t know whether you know it Stony Point and Grassy Point. That or not, but this church and school are was when a lot of colored people came on the baseball stamp.

17 R.B. Yes, I know. I saw it up at Coop- R.B. Was Wilde’s where Darrons is erstown. I had heard the story, and I now in Grassy Point? made a point of seeing it. They have J.F. Yes. They have...they made the an enlargement of it. moulds there, the wheels, they made J.F. I told Roosevelt that was the everything in connection with the stamp I was proud of—the picture of building of the brick machinery. the school and the picture of the R.B. I see. church and gave it to Mr. Hall, who J.F. It was quite an operation—it was was chairman, he was the head of the a very successful concern, it was the Treasury Department. He was the only concern like it this side of the head of that particular division at the Hudson River between New York and Treasury Department, and I gave that Albany. They supplied brick machin­ to him. And, as I recall they kept the ery for use all over the country. cars off the street...it was years later You see, at that time when they before they knew the Catholic started at Haverstraw, at Haverstraw Church—I think it’s the only time the Bay made the greatest contribution of Catholic Church has ever been on a common bricks—New York was built postage stamp. with Haverstraw bricks. From Grassy R.B. We plan on publicizing that fact Point and Stony Point. during our Bicentennial, the fact that Well. Thank you very much. Do I that church is on this stamp. So I keep this? thought you would— R.B. Yes, that’s for you, yes, definitely, J.F. The school is on there, too. for you. As a matter of fact, I gave a R.B. The school is on there too, your talk last night at Immaculate Concep­ old school. I got both— tion School; some of the women signed J.F. Every time I look at the school, I their names for you. remember going into that downstairs J.F. Who are they? one day, and it was cold, and they had R.B. This is Patricia Courtney Wig­ heat on in a potbellied stove, and a fel­ gins, Beverly Beneau (?) Martins, low by the name of Bill Gordon—he Mary Burns, she is the wife of the has some relatives still living up Town Democratic Chairman, Bob there—pushed me, and I tried to pro­ Burns. Sister Mary Scholastica, the tect myself and put my hands on the principal, no that’s Catharine. stove. It was far enough fortunately so J.F. Scotio—she’s still here. it was just a quick hit, and I bounced R.B. She’s still here. I was under the off, otherwise I’d have had a helluva impression she was going to be a can­ burn. Every time I went in that school didate for canonization when she was afterwards I—I remember one time we here last spring. were in this school up on the second This is Mary Mackey and Mari­ floor on the top here, this church was anne Sigala and Bob and Johanna afire—the altar was afire and the men Debois. were on the stairs on the outside where J.F. The Peter Deboises... they carried the statues and everything R.B. That’s right, yes, that’s very true. they could carry down before they got J.F. These other names don’t ring a the fire wagon up from the—there was bell. a hydrant right at the front of the R.B. Well, they had met you. I just school, as I remember, and it took them said if anybody has ever met Jim Far­ some time—the only damage done was ley, please sign your name, so he can to the altar section of the church. have that. This is the envelope with

18 the picture in it. turn west just before you cross the J.F. Thank you very, very much. bridge and walk to a certain point where R.B. You’re very welcome that store is, and then I know I turn left. J.F. If I can help at any time, please I used to get lost going up there. let me know. R.B. Remember when you were a R.B. Sure, Just so, God willing, health young man and the Erie had a spur willing, we can expect you on July 4th. line in Stony Point? That railroad in I will contact you with details. now Central Highway. J.F. How long have you lived in Rock­ J.F. Is that right? That was never in land County, in Stony Point? operation during my time. R.B. Twenty years. R.B. So they tore up the tracks a good J.F. Where are you living? number of years ago, and that became R.B. On Central Highway. Central Highway. So that’s where we J.F. Where is that? live now. Right up the street from us R.B. Between Filers and Washburn is the Jim Farley School. Lane, west of 9W. J.F. I understand they have a room up J.F. I know where Filers Lane is. there...I keep sending material... R.B. It’s a relatively new street. It’s R.B. I’ll see you to the room and check. just west of 9W. J.F. No, you don’t have to. I’m all J.F. I get lost—now I know how to get to right. the school, I go up over that rise and R.B. I just want to say good bye.

BEQUESTS

Making a bequest to the Historical Society of Rockland County is making a commitment to honor­ ing our history and helping to carry the museum and its programs into the future for the next generations. We have a planned giving program, which can be a benefit to you as well. We would be happy to work with you. Please call the Executive Director, Erin Martin, at the Historical Society. The telephone num­ ber is: 845-634-9629.

19 HISTORICAL MARKER new HSRC marker has gone up with a number of local leading business at Viola Road and Cobblestone institutions, and he and his wife donat­ Farm Court in Montebello. It ed the land for the former building of the Amarks the site of the former 200-acreSuffern Free Library. estate and working farm of Henry von Following the death of Mrs. Meyer, L. Meyer and Laura Hard Meyer, who their son, Henry von L. Meyer, Jr., lived there from 1907 until Mrs. inherited the estate. Some of the land Meyer’s death in 1954. would be sold off for building houses Mr. Meyer founded White Labora­ and the Suffern High School, but the tories in Newark, New Jersey. White core of the estate was maintained until Laboratories manufactured nationally 1996, when it was sold to a developer. known Feenament and Aspergum. The land has been subdivided for luxu­ The Meyers were well known for their ry homes, but the magnificent cobble­ philanthropic interests in Rockland stone barn and massive wood-frame County. For many years they were dairy barn remain and have been con­ involved in the State Charities Aid verted into private residences. Association, Rockland Volunteer Aid Placing historical markers around Society and the Boy Scouts. They the county is an ongoing program of were founding members of the Rock­ the Society. HSRC Trustee, Winston land County Conservation Association C. Perry, Jr., oversees the program. If and ardent supporters of the Rockland you are interested in sponsoring a County SPCA. Their farm housed a marker, please contact him through branch shelter for homeless animals. the office of the Society. Mr. Meyer also was connected

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Cobblestone Farm Historical Marker, Novemberl, 2002 Montebello Mayor Kathryn Ellsworth (center) and Montebello Historian Craig H. Long (far right) stand with (left-right) Larry Palumbo, Bob Bowman and Howard Heilman of Cobble­ stone Farm, Inc., developer and sponsor of the marker

20 EDITOR’S CHOICE

The Historical Society of Rockland County offers many fine publications on the his­ tory of Rockland County. Below is a sampling of them. All are available at the History Center Museum, 20 Zukor Road, New City, New York. These will make wonderful additions to your library. Consider also buying one or several as special gifts for friends or relatives. This is a helpful way to support the publishing pro­ gram of the Society, as well as to give thoughtful holiday or birthday presents. Society members receive a 10% discount on all Society publications. Rockland County sales tax at 7.875% is additional. Shipping is available on orders placed outside the county. Please telephone the Society at 845-634-9629 for shipping fees.

ROCKLAND COUNTY: CENTURY OF HISTORY, edited by Linda Zimmer- mann, 2002, 380 pp., illus., index, now in its second printing. Take a walk through Rockland’s past with the people, trends, styles and events of each decade of the 20th century. Through firsthand accounts and original photographs, learn how our home towns have changed, what life was like before and after the open­ ing of the Tappan Zee Bridge and why it is important to preserve our county’s history. Hard Cover, $34.95.

CAMP SHANKS AND SHANKS VILLAGE: A SCRAPBOOK, by Scott E. Webber, foreword by Major General William F. Ward, 1991, 251 pp., illus. The product of more than twenty years of research based on memoirs, records in the National Archives and interviews with residents. A pictorial history of one of the largest staging areas during World War II and the largest low-cost veterans’ housing in the nation after the war ended. Hard Cover, $29.95.

LANDMARKS MAP OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, by Claire Tholl, 34 inches by 45 inches, suitable for framing. The map includes hundreds of historic sites and locations of old stone houses. Your choice of black on white or sepia on buff. $20.

O’CONNOR MAP OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, 1854 Reproduction, 34 inches by 45 inches, suitable for framing. The map denotes the houses, roads and geo­ graphical features of Rockland County nearly 150 years ago. $18.

HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, edited by the Reverend David Cole, DD. This reprint of the original 1884 edition has 555 pages, 59 engraved portraits, 23 maps and views, as well as a name index. Hard Cover, $45.

THE HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY, edited by Frank Bertangue Green, M.D. This reprint of the original 1886 edition has 444 pages with illustrations and a name index. Hard Cover, $34.50.

HOW THINGS BEGAN...IN ROCKLAND COUNTY AND PLACES NEARBY, by Wilfred B. Talman. The author of this salty, candid but carefully researched book was the descendent of three centuries of Rockland County Dutch and Huguenot ancestors. Hard Cover, $23, Paper, $13.

21 .WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS June-September, 2002 Lori Bello, Valley Cottage* Dorothy E. Hines, Suffern* Emily Blue, Nanuet Janet A. Hosking, Piermont Jay & Suzann Boyar, Pomona Bonnie Johnson, New City Carole & Howard Cohen, Gloria J. Kistner, Stony Point Chestnut Ridge Mr. & Mrs. Robert Love, South Nyack Judith M. & Steve Conway, N. MacNeil, Suffern* New Hempstead Dolores Maloney, Nanuet* The Crisci Family, New City* Mary Koval-Minerick, Garnerville* Sharon Dalesandro, Southfields, NY Barbara & Warren Moseman, Michael Darch, Nyack New City* Karen Davidowicz, New City* Mary A. Nedelka, West Nyack Philip Samuel Deloria, Eileen Brady Nelson, Piermont Albuquerque, NM Marilou & William Peters, Ed & Betty Dempsey, South Nyack Rutherford, NJ John J. Donnelly, Pearl River Jean Reardon, Cornwall, NY Suzanne Ducharme, Chestnut Ridge: Mary Ann Reilly, New City* M. Theresa A. Faherty, Stony Point* Roberta Rose, Suffern Kristen & Pat Fasch, Nanuet Allen & Linda Rosenfeld, New City* Molly Franck, New City* Robert R. Rubin, Suffern Joseph & Karin Gauzza, Nyack* James Russell, Sparkill Michael Grecco, West Haverstraw* Paul Seid, New City* Ruth Greenblatt, New City* Chris Stahl, New City* Kathleen Higgins, Stony Point Kevin C. Troy, Nanuet* Florence Hill, Greenville, MI* Michael Trainor, New City

*A gift membership in the Historical Society of Rockland County is a year-round reminder of your thoughtfulness.

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THANK YOU

The Historical Society of Rockland County is grateful to the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation for a matching gift of $60 to that given to the Society by Mr. and Mrs. Koenigsberger. Remember that many corporations and businesses have matching gift programs, and this is a way to enhance your sup­ port of the heritage and history of Rockland County.

22 ______IN MEMORIAM______June-September, 2002 Ann Geraldine Hoyer Paul Peabody Ed Kretschmar* Helen Seely

*A memorial gift has been made in this person’s name and has been entered into the Book of Remembrance

ANN GERALDINE "GERRY" HOYER (1914-2002), longtime resident of West Haverstraw, died on August 3. She was the co-founder of the popular Hoyer’s Ice Cream business on Route 9W in West Haverstraw. In 1976, her house, the Hoyer-Smith House, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. She and her husband, Francis J. Hoyer, Sr., who survives her, lived next door in a new house they built. Mrs. Hoyer was born into the Shankey family of Haverstraw that had busi­ nesses in brickmaking and undertaking. Her grandfather, John F. Shankey, was the sheriff of Rockland County in the late 1880s. She told of her family in an article she wrote for South of the Mountains (January-March, 1999).

EDWIN P. KRETSCHMAR, lifetime resident of West Nyack, died at his home on July 11, 2002. Mr. Kretschmar’s grandparents moved from Brooklyn to West Nyack in 1892. They built greenhouses and established a wholesale florist busi­ ness that furnished cut flowers to the floral trade in New York City. Edwin and his late brother, Herman, continued the family business until 1979. Mr. Kretschmar and his wife, Georgia, who survives him, were sponsors of two historical markers placed by the Historical Society in West Nyack: one, in 1983, at the Clarkstown Reformed Church on Strawtown Road, and the other at Pye’s Corner—the intersection of Strawtown and Germonds roads—in 1985.

PAUL PEABODY, SR., (1931-2002), creator of J. Popplemeyer’s Old Fashioned Marionette Theater, died of a heart attack near his home in Upper Nyack on September 17. He charmed audiences of all ages with his handcrafted, wooden fairy-tale marionettes, which came to life under his spell with their own distinct personalities. His cast of characters included Dr. Jellydom, Coco the Clown, Toby the Dog and Titania the Faerie Queen. From 1984 until last year, Mr. Peabody and his marionettes performed annually for the benefit of the Histori­ cal Society. For 36 years Mr. Peabody worked for the Fellowship of Reconciliation, an international peace organization in Upper Nyack (see South of the Mountains, January-March, 1993). Until his retirement in 1993, he was the assistant edi­ tor of Fellowship Magazine.

23 GahAv Levins. \Jafcerco\jr i\o\i5e Portraits

(845) 735-1028

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2002-2003 Lawrence Codispoti, President, The Hon. Alfred J. Weiner, Patricia D. Cropsey, Hemu Aggarwal, Debra Thomas, The Hon. Joseph Holland, Vice Presidents, Wayne Martin, Treasurer, Caroline Tapley, Secretary, Robert M. Berliner, Jan Davies, Eugene Erickson, Dennis Hughes, Bruce Levine, Steven Perell, Winston C. Perry, Jr., Joseph Schleimer, Michael Trainor, Jimmie Warren, Shirley H. Young, Barbara Zwynenburg, Trustees, Thomas F.X. Casey, Senior Historian, John Scott, Senior Historian Emeri­ tus.

STAFF Erin Martin, Executive Director, Cressie Murphy-David, Curator, Jaime Brody, Educator, Alice Jane Bryant, Director of Development, Kathy Wal­ ters, Office Manager, Marianne Leese, Historian, Terri Kayden, Public Relations Coordinator, Marjorie Bauer, Editor, Patrice Brenner, Bookkeep­ er, Mark Holland, Caretaker.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational insti­ tution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to the county. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a full-service history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House. Basic membership, which includes mailed copies of South of the Mountains, is $35 family, $30 individual, $20 senior citizen (over 65) and student (to age 22), $100 and up businesses. The Historical Society of Rockland County gratefully acknowledges support from Arts Fund for Rockland, a project of the Arts Council of Rockland. The society is also supported in part by the County of Rockland, the New York State Council on the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.