1949 1950 -Jr. letter @ beavers to Hadley - - C. Elcot II adole (8/50) on Boundaries of ANP - C Eliot II (10/18) i orgin of a Dis position of land Jr. received HCTPR + coolfr. funDars estate (5/2.4) - Hadley letter to Jr asking for help (which is u fused) saving Dorr property (not rand by Nursary purchaser) from Sch-dissism 2/25/49. - hawagers letter (5/21) to Jr. ri property sale w from land acquired for GBO Estate GROVER ONEILL & CO. 20 EXCHANGE PLACE TELEPHONE DIGBY 4-0690 ESTABLISHED 1924 New York. March 2, 1949 Mr. Benjamin L. Hadley Storm Beach Cottage Oldfarm Road Bar Harbor, Maine Dear Mr. Hadley: You will recall our very pleasant conversation when we were in Bar Harbor in the summer of '47. At that time you expressed the opinion that you saw no real use for certain Dorr furniture then remaining in Oldfarm. I called on Mr. Drury and Mr. Tolson, in the Park Department, the following spring, and I have just had a letter from Mr. Tolson, in answer to an inquiry from me, informing me that you have been authorized to dis- pose of the items of furniture not needed by the Service. I would like, for sentimental reasons, to acquire as many of these items as I can, provided the price is reasonable and fair. I was wondering whether you have come to a decision as to how this can be handled. I would be very glad indeed to talk to you over the telephone about it. I also thought it might be a good idea if Mrs. Sylvia were able to go to Oldfarm and look the furniture over and advise me concerning it. Moreover, I told Mr. Drury and Mr. Tolson that you had undoubtedly been promised some memento by Mr. Dorr, and I hope that in the process of acquiring these things I would obtain the desk which could then be presented to you as coming from him. I suspect that the commercial value of many of these items is not particularly high, and I hope to keep the price down as low as possible as things have not been too happy in recent times and if it took many dollars I would not be interested in going through with it. I would be very glad to hear in regard to the situation, and if you wish to talk to me on the telephone about it, I shall be only too happy to take care of the charges. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, Gover thing 0 UNITED STATES Pg.1.022 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine March 30, 1949. Mr. Robert W. Shankland, 417 East 86th Street, New York 28, New York. Dear Mr. Shankland Mr. Dorr was born in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1853, and died at Bar Harbor, Maine, on August 5, 1944. He was a few months laoking of 91 years of age. Mr. Dorr was of Boston-Salem ancestry; his father's people tracing their origin through the Boston records to about 1635, his mother's people representing the Salem influence to practi- cally the same early date. His mother's people were the Wards and Grays of Salem who were prominent in the East India and China trade in the days when Salem had so many ships sailing to all the ports of the world. It was the fortune on his mother's side thus accumulated which, o ombined with that of his father's people who, I understand, were importers of foreign goods, gave Mr. Dorr his financial background. Mr. Dorr's own personal background was cultural rather than financial although it was the family money that permitted him to build the Park. It was his cultural background and a natural love of nature that prompted him to build it. As a boy he attended Mr. Eppes Dixwell's private school in Boston. His formal education was completed at Harvard from whose classic halls he graduated in 1874. The conclusion of his formal education was but the beginning of his real education. He traveled widely in Europe, the Middle East and Egypt as well as this country. He read and studied the classics, not only in the English language but in French, Italian, and Greek. This cultural background was probably the greatest factor in influencing him in later life to engage in his Park work. The second factor undoubtedly was his mother's enthusiastic love for gardening. In the early days of Bar Harbor fame as a summer resort the Dorr gardens were among the most extensive and best kept. One of the ohi of practical factors in his success as a Park builder was his social position. Coming as he did from the top level of New England aristocracy, every door of the socially elite, the wealthy and the influential in public life was open to him. You probably gained that impression when you read the first of the two volumes. I have always held the opinion that if Mr. Dorr had chosen to become a politician, he would have outshone any and all the great political figures of his time. If any specific question come s to your mind respecting his Park work, I shall be glad to answer it if I have the information. Sincerely yours, B. L. Hadley, Superintendent. [Note: Robert W. Shartland is author OF the definitive biography of Steve Mather.] A / UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine September 15, 1:49 Purchasing Agent State of Maine State House Augusta, Maine Dear Sir: The government is desirous of disposing of certain buildings in the par% situated on the property known as uldfarm. The buildings are: House and outbuilding known as "Compass Harbor Cottago". bungalow type house known as the "Chauffeur's Cottage". Bungalow type house known as the "Maid's Cottage". Two outbuildings known respectively as the "Ice House" and the "Laundry". Large cottage known as "Oldfarm House". The buildings have been offered for public sale, but before a sule can be consumated, they must be offered at no cost to agencies of the state county or municipalities. If any agency is interested in one or all of the buildings, they may make a formal request for them. If taken, the accepting agency must agree to recove them at its own expense and to leave the site raked clean. will you please let me know as promptly as may be whether or not the State of Maine is interested in any of these buildings. Sincerely yours, B. L. Hadley Superintendent H.M. ORR STATE OF MAINE PURCHASING AGENT BUREAU OF PURCHASES AUGUSTA MAINE S Sept. 19, 1949 Mr . B. L. Hadley, Supt. Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine Dear Sir: This will acknowledge your letter of September 15 offering certain buildings on the property known as Oldfarm. This office does not know of any State Agency which would be interested but we have referred your letter to the office of the Bovernor in the event that he might know of some agency which would be interested. You will probably hear from him. Very truly yours, seman H. M. Orr State Purchasing Agent HMO:ajf B CITY OF ELLSWORTH MUNICIPAL OFFICES ELLSWORTH, MAINE September 21, 1949 Mr. . B. L. Hadley, Superintendent, Arcadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Hadley: Thank you for your letter of September 15, offering the City of Ellsworth buildings on the Oldfarm property, but we feel that we are unable to take advantage of the offer, because of the location. Very truly yours, SEP 2: ADEDIA NATIONAL PARK Charles A. Haynes, City Manager UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine September 15, 1949 Purchasing Agent State of Maine State House Augusta, Maine Dear Sir: The government is desirous of disposing of certain buildings in the park situated on the property known as Oldfarm. The buildings are : House and outbuilding known as "Compass Harbor Cottage". Bungalow type house known as the "Chauffeur's Cottage". Bungalow type house known as the "Maid's Cottage". Two outbuildings known respectively as the "Ice House" and the "Laundry". Large cottage known as "Oldfarm House". The buildings have been offered for public sale, but before a sale can be consumated, they must be offered at no cost to agencies of the state county or municipalities. If any agency is interested in one or all of the buildings, they may make a formal request for them. If taken, the accepting agency must agree to remove them at its own expense and to leave the site raked clean. will you please let me know as promptly as may be whether or not the State of Maine is interested in any of these buildings. Sincerely yours, B. L. Hadley Superintendent Pg 10F2 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine October 19, 1949 Mr. Gerard L. Austin SEE MINNTES 8/20/29 Bar Harbor, Maine Dear Gerard: Yesterday I showed you the record of the vote of the Trustees of the Public Reservations which authorized the President and Vice- President to convey all land them held by the Trustees (August, 1929) to the government, excepting the Champlain Monument piece and five acres on Barr Hill. For your information I quote from a deed from the Trustees to the Government, dated July 22, 1931: "Eighth: Also all real estate and interests in real estate owned by said Corporation or standing in the name of said Corporation on the records of the Hancock County Maine Registry of Deeds situated in said Town of Bar Harbor, and also situated in that part of said Town of Mount Desert lying E of Somes Sound, excepting the lot where the Champlain Monument is on the Cooksey Drive. 11 You will note that no reference appears in the quoted paragraph to the Barr Hill Lot. The answer is: it was conveyed to Mr. Rockefeller prior to July 22, 1931. I have been able to identify three parcels of Trustees land which went to the government under the quoted paragraph. They are Lots Nos. 108, 109 and 112 in the pamphlet "An Historical Sketch and a Record of the Holdings of the Trustees", published in 1939. It is to be particularly noted that the vote of the Trustees at its Annual Meeting in August 1929 authorized the conveyance of all lands then held by the Trustees except the Champlain Monument and Barr Hill Lots. It is to be further noted that the deed of July 22, 1931, conveyed only land lying east of Somes Sound, Which still leaves the 2 Western Mountain lands still in Reservations ownership, but subject to conveyance to the government, under the vote of August, 1929, at any time the President, on concurrence of the Executive Committee, sees fit. The whole of the foregoing is for your information and is preparatory to the report which I hope to present to the Executive Committee next summer. I'm sending a copy to Albert for his information. Sincerely,, Ben B. L. Hadley Superintendent CC: Albert H. Cunningham ACADIA NATIONAL PARK BAR HARBOR, MAINE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, Maine November 3, 1949 Memorandum To: Regional Director, Region One From: Superintendent, Acadia National Park Subject: Sale and Removal of Old Farm Buildings Reference is made to Mr. Cox's memorandum of October 27 on the above subject. Only today have I been able to get a repre- sentative of the last municipal agency to look at the building to see whether or not any were desirable for his purposes. None are. All nearby agencies have declined the offer to take them. The situation comes down to this : there are two houses of size to be disposed of, Old Farm and Compass Harbor; there are five smaller buildings of one story each to be disposed of. I dis- cussed the matter with our General Maintenance Foreman today and we have come to the conclusion that we can demolish the five small buildings without difficulty and without having to ask for special funds. I recommend that this be done. I have a bid on Compass Harbor Cottage for $68 which I recommend be accepted when and if regulations will permit. That leaves Old Farm House. I can try again to dispose of it by sale and might be successful although the bid price probably will be very small. If a sale cannot be made, the only move left open will be for us to demolish it ourselves. To do so will cost in the neighborhood of $3,000, and that much money is not available in any of our maintenance and operation accounts. I shall be glad to have your concurrence in my recommend- ation that we demolish the five small buildings ourselves as well as your opinion as to procedure with respect to Compass Harbor and Old Farm House. B. L. Hadley Superintendent In duplicate 1950 BAR HARBOR MAINE May 9, 1950 Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, c/o Mr. A. H. Cunningham, Clerk, Bar Harbor, Maine. Gentlemen: The Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, a corpor- ation, owns Sheep Poroupine Island in Frenchman's Bay in the Town of Gouldsboro. The Association feels that it is not in a position to maintain this Island as a part of its holdings, which are primarily for the scenic improvement of the Village of Bar Harbor. Sheep Porcupine Island is, in the opinion of the Association, a scenic spot which should be preserved by some group dedicated to a larger area than Bar Harber itself. Then too, the Town of Gouldsboro has claimed taxes should be paid by the Village Improvement Association for the years during which it has held the Island. Under these circumstances the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, by this letter, offers to donate Sheep Porcupine Island to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. The Trustees appear to be the proper body to preserve Sheep Porcupine Island as a beauty spot of Frenchmans Bay, as it has been for so many years. We would appreciate hearing from the Trustees before our annual meeting in August so that formal action could be taken at that time, if necessary, to authorize conveyance. Sincerely yours, Edwin R. Smith, Clerk GSA FORM NO. 30 1. DATE PORTED 2. HOLDING AGENCY NUMBER ANP3 3-1-50 GENERAL SERVI DMINISTRATION This form expires July 5,1950 1 REPORT OF EXCESS f.10 December 31, 1950 3. DATE RECEIVED 4. GSA CONTROL NUMBER REAL PROPERTY 5. TO: ADDRESS GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 6. FROM: (Name of Holding Agency) ADDRESS National Park Service - Acadia National Park Bar Marber, Maine 7. NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE TO BE CONTACTED ADDRESS 3. L. Hadley, Superintendent Bar Marbor, Maine 8. NAME OF CUSTODIAN ADDRESS 3. L. Hadley far Martor, Maine 9. PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION PROPERTY ADDRESS AND FULL LOCATION Oldfarm flours and Compass Marbor Cottage Bar Harbor, Hairs NUMBER OF FLOOR AREA NUMBER OF FLOOR LOAD CLEAR 10. SPACE USE 11. LAND ACRES OR BUILDINGS (2) (SQ, (3) FT. ) FLOORS CAPACITY HEAD ROOM SQUARE FEET (1) (4) (5) (6) (1) (2) a. OFFICE a. FEE 97 an. b. STORAGE b. LEASED C. OTHER (See 10e) 2 12,637 5 See 21 C. OTHER d. TOTAL 2 12,637 5 d. TOTAL 97 so. 12. GOV'T. INTEREST 10e. SPECIFY "OTHER" USE ENTERED IN 10c a. OWNER 2 12,037 Residences, out of repair, no longer usable b. TENANT Repair costs prohibi 13. COST TO THE GOVERNMENT SCHEDULE COST 14. LEASEHOLD DATA a. BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, $ a. TOTAL ANNUAL RENTAL $ UTILITIES AND A MISCELLANEOUS FACILITIES 7,500.00 b. ANNUAL RENT PER SQ. FT. OR ACRE $ b. LAND B 30,000.00 C. DATE LEASE EXPIRES C. RELATED PERSONAL PROPERTY C d. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR RENEWAL d. TOTAL $ 37.500,00 e. TERMINAL DATE OF RENEWAL RIGHTS 15. ANNUAL PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE COST TO GOVERNMENT f. ANNUAL RENEWAL RENT PER SQ.FT. OR ACRE $ (GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR LEASED) $ g. TERMINATION RIGHTS (IN DAYS) LESSOR GOVERNMENT 16. DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS 17. TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION 18. HOLDING AGENCY USE 19. RANGE OF POSSIBLE USES None None feasible 20. NAMES OF INTERESTED FEDERAL AGENCIES KNOWN TO HOLDING AGENCIES lions 21. REMARKS: (6) Clear headroom (11) Houses only are excess. Cidfarm - 10' Compass Barbor - a Sunner residence of forner park superintendent George 3. Dorry residence of estate superintersient. house built 1000-31, Compas Marbor Cottage more than 100 years old. Acquired for addition to Acadia National Park. 22. REPORT AUTHORIZED BY HOLDING AGENCY a. L. Badley Name July 5, 1950 Signature Superintendent, Acadia National Park Title Date GPO-GSA 5 Pg. of 4 THE BOUNDARIES OF ACADIA NATIONAL PARK A Challenge to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations By Charles W. Eliot, 2nd August 1950 A visit early this summer to what in our family is called "God's Country", gave me a chance to review the wonderful work of those who created the Acadia National Park. Because I am a member of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations and made a report on "the Future of Mt. Desert Island" in 1928 for the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, I was especially inter- ested to compare the proposals and purposes of the Founders of the Trustees and of my previous study with the accomplishments towards those objectives. Since 1928 extraordinary progress has been made in the from extension of the park boundaries to include the primary features of the "Beautiful Island of Mt. Desert". In these extensions, the chief factors have been the Trustees of Public Reservations, GED the untiring personal efforts of Mr. George B. Dorr right up to his death, the great generosity of Mr. John D. Rockerfeller, Jr. and the Federal project for purchase of Sub-Marginal lands. A. The Trustees still hold large tracts which presumably are destined for eventual inclusion in the Park. As I understand the situation from Mr. Hadley, the Park Superintendent, some funds and work are needed to clear the titles to some of these tracts. A comparison of my map prepared in 1928 with the help of Mr. Dorr and Mr. Lynam, and checking with the Record of Holdings published in 1939, the Trustees may still own -- Gr t 1. Some 30 acres at the south end of Bubble Pond, and (Hilley) 2. The top of Youngs Mountain -- both east of Somes Sound; and Trustes's 3. Lots 98, 101, 105, 106, 107, 113, 113 (in the Record of Holdings) including Beech Mountain and the east shore and south end of Long Pond. APS lot 124, Helley) Trus ee, 4. Lots 117 and 119 on the opposite or weat shore of Long Pond on the northeast slope of Mansell Mountain. Also 5. A huge area on Western Mountain including the tops of Bernard and Mansell and a wide connection to Seal Cove Truses, Pond. into 45,79 , 49, 114 , 115, 110, 117, 125 and 126 Halley) instees' 6. Two properties - Lota 101 and 102 on the east side of Soal DOTO Pond. smoke be 1.0 (Henry) Tingles' A., l-t 123 of Robert neuma lot it sincerely ( Hilley) 2. This list is probably inaccurate and incomplete, but data in the may and descriptions included in the Record of idings of 1939 is inconsistent and does not correspond with the Topographic Map of Acadia National Park (1942). In addition to these properties it is not at all clear as to what happened in the exchange of the Trustees property at the Champlain Monu- ment for the new site of the main Highway on Day Mountain. Perhaps the Trustees can be helpful as agent or go- between for transfer to the Park of other properties. I have in mind particularly B. The Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association which still owns 1. Fawn Pond and the northeast shore of Lake Wood; and has some interest in 2. Sheep Poroupine Island, and perhaps also in 3. Bald Poroupine Island; as well as other properties, which might be most appropriately consolidated under Park Management. 4. The Approach to the Park from Bar Harbor should be a major concern of the Village Improvement Association. This is the valley vest of Strawberry and Great Meadow Hills (see PP 14 - 16 my report on "Future of Mt. Desert Island" 1928), and the immediate need is for public ownership of the west slope of those hills and the strip between the cemetery and Crowell Brook. C. Mr. John D. Rookerfeller, Jr. is believed to own several properties which adjoin or are closely related to the park, including:- 1. A large tract between the Park line and Breakmack Road including Brever Mountain and Half Moon Pond. 2. Two lots on the South Side of Eagle Lake Road a) at the Lake and b) a triangle opposite Break Neck Road 3. Land north of Aunt Betty's Pond 4. A strip along the old Hunters Brook Road and a quarry or gravel pit 156 nearby, 5. Day Mountain and the portion of the Cooksey Estate between Day Mountain and the Ocean front. 6. A lot between the Park and Wildwood Farm on the Jordon Pond Road, 3. 7. Redfield Hill, Jordon Stream, Harbor Brook and the Ridge between Long Pond and Harbor Brook, and 8. Wonderland - between Seawall and Ship Harbor. D. Under the Sub-Marginal Land Purchase Program of the early days of the New Deal, large areas of marsh and woodland were 20- quired by the Federal Government in Southwest Harbor and Tremont. These lands were incorporated in the Park. The boundaries are quite illogical -- because the holdings pur- chased happened to fall this way and that, and because the "project" was never completed. A number of holes should be filled, and the boundaries rounded out to include the whole of the natural topographical units involved -- as for example 1. the rest of the Marsh west of Mt. Gilboa and China Hill, 2. the rest of those two hills, 3. the rest of the Big Health, westvard to line between Bass Harbor Head and Adams Bridge, and 4. the rest of the Marshall Brook Brainage to a line along Freeman Ridge. A review of the maps shows that the major objective of the Trustees -- to safeguard the Mountain Range -- has almost been realised. The big missing link in the chain is Homuabega (Brown) Mountain and the watershed to protect lover Hadlock Pond. Loren Kimball, who owned much of that area, vas one of the original incorporators of the Trustees. Someone must try again to bring that mountain into the Park. West of Somes Sound, a) the north slopes of Acadia, b) Canada Hollow between St. Sauveur and Beech Hill, c) the south ridge of Beech Mountain, d) a north spur of Western and a) a piece on the southeast slope of the same mountain seem to be still in private ovnership. East of Somes Sound, besides the mass of Norumbega Mountain, hill and mountain pieces of interest for future inclusion in the park, include: a) the northeast slope of Charplain above the Schooner Head Road, b) the south tip of Flying Squadron, 3) Day Mountain and d) Redfield Hill as noted in connection with Mr. Rockerfeller's properties, and . whatever portions of Eliot (Aatioou Hill) are not safeguarded by inclusion in Asticou Terraces. Along the Shores much more property has been turned over to the Park than vas ever contemplated by the original founders of the Trustees, but some of the pieces they proposed are still out or their status is not clear. The most important items for further consideration seem to me to be -- in order: a. More of Fernald's Point - where the Jesuits settled. 4. b. The head of Somes Sound - a gateway. C. Between the Sargent Drive and the Sound. d. The shores of Seal Cove and along the brook to the Pond. e. Seal Harbor Beach. f. Bracy Cove - shingle. g. Between Hunters Brook and Ingraham Point. h. Bennet Cove at Wonderland. Concerning the Islands I would like to renew the recomen- dations of my 1928 report, that a) the outside half of Bakers Island and the Ball Room Floor, b) the Porcupines, and perhaps c) the Heath and Bunkers Head on Great Cranberry d) Bear Island (if it is ever abandoned as a Lighthouse) should be added to the Park. The Lakes and Ponds of the Island were of special interest to the Trustees from the beginning -- to safeguard vater supplies as vell as seenery. Private properties still touch on Bubble Pond south end, on Eagle Lake north end, a corner on Aunt Betty's Pond, and as already noted all around Lower Hadlook Pond. West of the Sound, similar pieces are missing from the Park at the south ends of Eabo Lake and Great Pond and the whole west banks of Seal Cove Pond and Hodgdon Pond. In my 1928 Report, at the suggestion of Mr. Dorr, I pro- posed that a large area in the north part of the Island, including McFarland and Youngs Mountains, the Heath and the Headow, should be set aside as a Wilderness Area. The Great Fire swept through much of this territory and I have not had an opportunity to as- certain whether that disaster permanently destroyed the wilderness character or whether the proposal should still stand. In any event the east slopes of the two mountains, Paradise Hill and the area over to Lake Wood from Breakneck Brook should be part of the park. On the accompanying map I have attempted to show the properties referred to in this statement. The errors and inaccur- acies are due to lack of consistent data and the 3000 miles between my drafting table and the area in question. There is much the Trustees of Public Reservations can still do for the project, so well started and already so far advanced. I hope this summary may help to arouse interest and financial support to carry on the work. September 7 1950 Mr. Charlee W. Eliot 2nd. (20 South San Rainel Ave. Pasadena California Dear Mr. Eliot: I tase pleasure in writing to inform you of the interest which was expressed at our annual meeting on August 22, 1950 in your summary entitled "A Challenge to the Bancock County Trustees of Public Reservations". This summary and accompanying map which was explained by President raine during the meeting and inspected by those present at the conclusion of the meeting Was very enlightening to the Trustees. You will be interested in the resolution that was unanimously adopted and recorded in the records of this meeting which follows: "Resolved that the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, assembled in annual meeting, express their deep gratitude to Mr. Charles W. Eliot, 2nd for his admirable report on their past accomplishment and possible future procedure; and that they also convey assurances to Mr. Eliot that his friendly challenge to the Trustees will receive the careful consideration which it deserves." It is President Paine's plan to appoint a committee to carefully study this matter with the Executive Committee of the Trustees. We regret your imability to attend the meeting, but appreciate your continued interest in our objectives. Sincerely yours, Gerard L. Austin, Secretary 61, 1720 Memorandum To: Regional Director, Region One From: Acting Superintendent, Acadia Subject: Disposal of buildings, Oldfarm House. The sale of Oldfarm House was completed on September 29 for the sum of $87, to David A. Peterson. Work of of demolishing the building started the 2nd of October and as this date is 15 per cent completed. C. R. Scarborough Acting Superintendent UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REGION ONE RICHMOND. VIRGINIA October 23, 1950 Memorandum To: Superintendent, Acadia National Park From: Regional Engineer Subject: Disposal of Buildings, Oldfarm House Your memorandum of September 22 advises that the sale of the Compass Harbor Cottage has been completed, and further that it was expected that a contract of sale covering Oldfarm House would be closed by the end of that week. We would appreciate advice as to the outcome of your advertisement for sale of the Oldfarm House as we are under in- structions to report on the matter to the Director as soon as possible. monic J. Regional Engineer x >chenecturly Cohy nov. 10,50 were Mr. smith I right to 22/200- to you on developments. such us they are, since we tal Rel in your office. A day n two afterward I asked Mr. sways what he knew about the relations between m Rocketeller + the Trustees, He could not tell me any thing but suggested that I ask M. virt ( Rev. S.A. Elist). I then wrote to Dr. clist, but very shotly there after read in the news hapers the he had diet W. II yasterday I had a letter from Charle, Virt in California , my niste to his father had been referred to him by the family. He wrote in some detail ) will masently send you G copy of his letter. However, the substance of it is that Mr. Ric kefeller', attitude toward the Trustees was always codius but that, on the other hand ms. R widenty did not care to reven his plan, Except GED her heps to Mr. worl & m Cam merer, m. ilit thinks (d) igne with him) that we should huck up JM courage + acquaint mr. R. with our mobin. The question is, who 2 Copy m whom R. Smith (2) should be the intermational If Mr. swage ? Mr. Hally ? your rll is Chairman of the Special committe ? my self as Pres. of The Thuster,? you would let me know what you regard the best approach. I have been intending to set down in bluck of white some other things for your consideration. I will try to do this + send th material along when I mail the copy of Charles Eliat's letter, Sincerely, - E.T.P. [E.T.Paine] Pg. lof g 2-8390 1090 Aron Road, Schenectady 8, n.y. me Payne November 17, 1950 R m. Edwan R. Smith, 40 Smith and Fenton, Bas Harbor, maine. Dear mr. Smith : I am writing to explain in some detail the as- signment which you kindly consented to accept in beeming. Chairman of the Special Committee on Policy of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. It is well known that most of the holdings on mount Desert Island which were acquired by the Trustees in the earlier days of their activity have been transferred to the Government and are included in Acadia national Park. Some mobertus are in question , - no one knows who holds title to them ; but this is a matter which you are investigating for the Trustees in a different capacity from that of your work as chairman of the Shecial committee. It might be thought that when all the -2- properties still held by th Trustees (apart from the Colonel Black mansion and its grounds in Wls worth) have been transferred to the Park which is presumably their destination , the Trustees will no longer have any reason for existence Except in connection with the Black Estate will this really be the case ? That, essentially, is the problem on which the Trustees would like you to rehort to its Executive committee if hossible by the summer of 1951. This is not a new problem. Dr. Eliot shoke of it in his excellent historical account of the Trustees , and m. morris referred to it in a letter when he was President , Both believed that the question " should the Trustees continue to be active even though 11 Acadia national Park is now a reality ought to be answered in the affirmative. That is the Trustees (in the words of their Charter ) should continue to "acquire by devise gift, a purchase, and to own, arrange, hold, maintain and im/rove for free public use lands in Hancock County, maine, which by reason of scenic beauty historical interest sanitaru adisantaces for -3- other reasons may be available for the purpose." As a fact, however, the Trustees have not for some years shown signs of life in this connection They have maintained their corporate existence, They have held annual meetings, They have taken good care of the Black House But from quite a long time past until the summer of 1950 they have been dormant in reshest of the hushose for which the organization was originally founded. Then last August two circumstances developed which roused them from this slumber. First , the Bar Harbon village Im/novement Association offered to give the Trustees Sheep Porcuhine Island in Frenchman's Bay, After due consideration the offer was accepted. A little later Mr. Charles W , Eliot, 2nd came forward with his " challenge to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations " about which a few explanatory statements should here be made. Like his father and grandfather before him Mr. Eliot has been vitally interested in the mother development of mount Desent Island. In 1928 he published his report on the future of the Island, and -4- now in 1950 he has supplemented this admirable study by is careful survey of the existing situation with reference to accomplishment, that is, the question how much of the original plan has been carried out. Are the scenic values of the Island sufficiently protected? should Acadia national Park be extended in certain areas and should the Trustees , particularly, try to bring this about ? Tr these questions Mr. Eliot gives shecific answers covering the Island and its environs, and illuminating the whole subject by a colored mah which supplemented by the text of his " Challenge ", gives a clear aught picture of things as they are and as mr. Eliot thinks they ought to be. The map indicates and differentiates by a suitable legend, the areas included in the Park those possibly still owned by the Trustees , those presumably held by m. Rockefeller, and certain others , among them various hacts which m. Eliot believes should be acquired by the Trustees to go along with those which they have already given to the Government. The mention of m Rockefeller's holdings brings up the -5- question of relations between m Rockefeller and the Trustees, and this is one of the subjects which I should think it appropriate for your Committee to Explore. So far as I can learn mr. Rockefeller has never been a member of the Trustees, . certainly he has not been a member in recent years. From our point of view that is greatly to be regretted since his aims and our own with regard to mount Desert Island have been So much alike I am sure that all the Trustees would be delighted if he would accept membership even though he might not find it possible to attend our meetings. BE that as it may, it would be of great interest and importance if we could learn what Mr. Rockefeller thinks the Trustees ought to be doing and if he would give us the benefit of his counsel and suggestions about our future procedure. Another question of policy arises F out of the fact that mount Desert Island does not constitute by any means the whole of Hancock county. I should think it appropriate for your committee to consider the question who then we ought to extend our activities beyond the Island patterning our efforts after those -6- made so successfully by the massachusetts Trustees of Public Reservations , or whether in view of the local opposition that is frequently Encountered when land appears likely to be withdrawn from taxation your Committee is of openion that no program of exhansion Reyond the Island, if indeet there, should he undertaken at the present time or in the forestrath future. Before closing it will be well for me to say a word about my own position ,0 perhaps medicament, as President of the Trustees. when M. Stebbins resigned a year ago last August he pressed me urgently in his aimiable and irresistible way to accept nomination to the Presidency although I felt that someone more closely identified with the Island than I had been should he chosen. The time was short, and in the absence of other candidates I agreed to serve if elected , I felt then and still feel that I accented an interim appointment and I shall be only too glad to withdraw when the right successa can be found, preferably, as I think a permanent resident of the Island but also someone who will bring with hi mething -7- an intimate knowledge of the region some what matching shall we say, poor the knowledge that mr. Don had , n that which m. Rockefellor has, or the Elists , n others who might he named. In love of the Island, of course, I would not yield to anyone. The foregoing paragraph is pertinent because all concerned should he aware that my approach to the Presidency was through the Black House nather than by way of the I sland. mr. Stetting argued that the Trustees are now concerned with little except the Black House , and that because of my close connection there with as Chairman of the Black HOUSE Committee, I was the logical candidate for the Presidency. I am mone to believe that the Trustees still have or ought to have a wider field of Effort, and that their President should be crosen with reference to the wider interest but, as has been Explained, I consented to save for a time while these matters were being adjusted. your Committee ought to know these facts, and so, I think should all who may 522 this letter a a copy of it; especially m. Pockifeller , should you acquaint him with our -8 problem. I hope very much that you will do so. you have already been in touch with him, l I understand concerning acquisitions for the Park. Finally may I extness my thanks to you, , and to ms. Hadley and Mr. Savage as well, for your willin gness to serve on the special Committee ? you will all be making an important con. tribution to the work of the Trustees ,-an organization of which on the basis of merit and real accomplishment, we can be justly proud. Sincerely E.T. Paine T 1090 Avon Road Schenectady 8, N.Y. lg. loFS November 17, 1950. Mr. Edwin R. Smith 17, 0/0 Smith and Fenton Bar Harbor, Maine. Sheap Dear Mr. Smith: the offer 2nd accepted, or am writing to explain In some de tall the assignment whi ch you kindly consented to accept in becoming Chairman of the Special Committee on Policy of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. is well known that most of the holdings on Mount Desert Isländswhich were acquired by the Trustees in the earlier days of their activity have been transferred to the Government and are included in Acadia National Park. Some properties are in question, - no une knows who holds title to them but this is a matter which you are investigating for the Trustees in a different capaci ty from that of your work as Chairman of the Special Commi It might be thought that when all the properties still held by the Trustees (apart from the Colonel Black Mansion and its grounds in Ellsworth) have been transferred to the Park which is presumably their destination the Trustees will no long er have any reason for existence except in connection with the Black Estate. will this really beuthe gase? That, essentially, is the problem on which the Trustees woul d like you to report to Executive Committee, if possible by the summer of 1951. The This is not a new problem. Dr. Eliot spoke of it in his excellent historical account of the Trustees, and Mr. Morris referred to itsin a letter when he was President. Bothubelieyed that the question "Should the Trustees continue to be active even though Acadia National Park is now a reality? ought to be answered in the affirmative. That 1st the Trustees (in the words of their Charter) should continue to diacquire by devise, gift, or purchase, and to own, arrange hold, maintain, and improve for free public use, lands in Hancock County, Madne, which by reason of scenic beauty, historical interest, sanitary advantage or for other reasons May be available for the purpose." fact, however, the Trustees have not for some years shown signs of life in this connection. They have maintained their corporate existence They have held annual meetings. They have taken good care of the Black House. But from quite a long time past until the summer of 1950 they have been dormant in respect of the purpose for which the organization was originally founded. Then last August two circumstances developed which roused their from this slumber. activities beyond Island, Mr. Edwin R.Smith-- page 2-- NOV. 17, 1950. First, the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association offered to give. the Trustees Sheep Porcupine Island in Frenchman's Bay. After due consideration the offer was accepted. A little later Mr. Charles W. Eliot, 2nd, came forward with his "Challenge to the Hancock County Trustees of public Reservations" about which a few explanatory state- ments should here be made. Like his father and grandfather before him, Mr. Eliot has been vitally interested in the proper development of Mount Desert Island. In 1928 he published his report on the future of the Island, and now in 1950 he has supplemented this admirable study by a careful survey of the existing situation with deference to accomplish- ment, that is. the question how much of the original plan has been carried out. Are the scenic values of the Island sufficiently protected? Should Acadia Na tional Park be extended in certain areas, and should the Truste es, particularly, try to bring this about? TO those questions Mr. Eliot gives specific answers covering the Island an a Its environs, and illuminating the whole subject by a colored map which supplemented by the text of his Challenge* gives a clear picture of things G's they are and as Mr. elliot thinks they ought to be. The map indicates and differentia by a suitable legend, the areas included in the Park, those possibly ostill owned by the Trustees, those presumably held by Mr. Rockefeller, and certain others, among them various tracts which Mr. Eliot believes should be acquired by the Trustees to go along with those which they have already given to the Government. had, or who might The mmention of Mr. Rook feller's hol dings brings up the question of relations between Mr. RO ckefeller and the Trustees, and this is one of the subjects which I should think it appropriate for your Committee to explore. So far as I can Yearn, Mr. Rockefeller has never been a member of the Trustees, certainly the has not been a member in recent years. From our point of view that is greatly to be regretted since his aime and our own with regard to Moun't Desert Island have been so much alike. I am sure that all the Trustees would be delighted if 'he would accept membership even though he might not Find it possible to a ttend our meetings. Be that as it may, it woul be of great interest and importance if we could learn what Mr. Hockefeller thinks the Trustees ought to be doing and IT he would give us the benefit of his counsel and suggestions about our future procedure. Your who Another question of policy arises out of the fact that Mount Desert Island does not consti tute by any means the whole of Handook County. I should think it appropriat for your Comittee to consider the question whether we ought to extend our activities beyond the Island, Mr. Edwin R.Smith-- page 3-- Nov. 17, 1950. to patterning our efforts after those made so successfully by the Massachusetts Trustees of Public Reservations, or whether in view of the local opposition the t is frequently encountered when land appears likely be withdrawn from taxation, your Committee is of opinion that no program of expansion beyond the Island, if indeed there, should be undertaken at the present time or in the foreseeable future. Before closing it will be well for me to say a word about my own position, or perhaps predicament, as President of the Trustees. When Mr. Stebbins resigned a year ago last August he pressed me urgently in his aimiable and irresistible way to accept nomination to the Presidency although I felt that someone more closely identified with the Island than I had been should be chosen. The time was short, and in the absence of other candidates, I agreed to serve if elected. I felt then, and still feel, that I accepted an interim appointment, and I shall be only too glad to wi thdraw when the right successor can be found, preferably, as I think, a permanent resident of the Island, but also someone who will bring with him an intimate knowledge of the region somewhat matching, shall we say, the knowledge that Mr. Dorr had, or that which Mr. Rockefeller has, or the Eliots, or others who might be named. In love of the Island, of course, I would not yield to anyone. The foregoing paragraph is pertinent because all concerned should be aware that any approach to the Presidency was through the Black House rather than by way of the Island. Mr. Stebbins argued that the Trustees are now concerned with little except the Black House, and that because of my close connection therewith as Chairman of the Black House Committee, I was the logical candidate for the Presidency. I am prone to believe that the Trustees still have or ought to have a wider field of effort, and that their President should be chosen with reference to the wider interest; but, as has been explained, I con- sented to serve for a time while these matters were being adjusted. Your Committee ought to know these facts, and so, I think, should all who may see this letter or a copy of it; especially Mr.Rockefeller, should you acquaint him with our problem. I hope very much tha t you will do so. You have already been in touch with him, I understand, concerning acquisitions for the Park. October 4. 1950 Mr. Edwin R.Smith-- page 4- Nov. 17, 1950. Finally, may I express my thanks to you, and to Mr. Hadley and Mr. Savage as well, for your willingness to serve on the Special Committee? You will all be making an important contribution to the work of the Trustees, - an organization of which, on the basis of merit and real accomplishment, we can be justly proud. I have your letter et weard to outting pine and mill at Unit black House, I an Sincerely, to be away until Monday nexts find should 111re very made the made this over with you. I think the subting artanged by Julies Peters was side E. T. Paine. clised by the Romestry Department at the University of 1 suspect we should do nothing in the way of entity except as advised by impartial that susts dubiting *** teally Sary for the presenvation and batter growth of the remaining town, Statemely yours, SUPAR-