Hancock County TRustees of Public Reservations Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations The HCTPR was established in August 1901 as a result of an invitation from Harvard University President Charles William Eliot. He gathered Mount Desert Island representatives in the Seal Harbor Music Room to discuss measures that might be taken to conserve for public use scenic portions of the island that were threatened by land development. Contained in this file are the archival records of this organization housed in Ellsworth's Woodlawn Museum covering the span of the involvement of its First Vice-President, George B. Dorr (1853-1944). Contained herein are the HCTPR minutes, drafts, circulars, and personal correspondence. This file is comprehensive to the best of my knowledge; it contains documents not in the HCTPR holdings that were uncovered in the Abbe Museum Archives, the Harvard University Papers of Charles W. Eliot, the Douglas Chapman Archive, and the Rockefeller Archive Center. Researchers should also consult Dorr Archives Series IX for talks and published documents on the HCTPR and the Series III Memorial to G.B. Dorr 1947 file. Ronald H. Epp Ph.D. November 22, 2021 Guest Article HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS Herbert T. Silsby, II Sieur de Monts Springs. early 20th century One of the unique and important insti- On his return to Boston, Charles opened President Eliot was heartbroken by the tutions in Downeast Maine's history is the an office as a landscape architect in 1886. sudden death of his son Charles, who had corporation-styled Hancock County Trust- He was successful. and designed a system such promise of a brilliant career in land- ees of Public Reservations. It was the fore- of metropolitan parks for greater Boston. scape architecture. In order to write a biog- runner of Acadia National Park and, indeed, In March of 1893, at the urgent request of raphy of his son, President Eliot went through it is almost certain that the National Park Frederick Law Olmsted, he joined Olmsted's Charles' papers and came upon material would never have been, but for the great firm, which then became Olmsted. Olmsted dealing with Mount Desert Island and the work of the Trustees. and Eliot. Massachusetts Trustees of Public Reserva- The Trustees was conceived in the fer- One historian pointed out that Eliot "un- tions. It was quickly apparent to President tile mind of Charles William Eliot, Jr., son derstood and voiced the need for the pub- Eliot that a similar mechanism could serve of the great reformer president of Harvard lic acquisition of scenic regions," and his Hancock County, Maine equally well. The University. Charles, Jr. had among his ances- endeavors led to the incorporation in Mas- family had great regard and love for the sce- tors men and women of education, wealth, sachusetts of the Trustees of Public Res- nic beauty of Hancock County, having sum- and position. At a young age Charles devel- ervations. With the backing of this new or- mered in Northeast Harbor since 1881. oped a talent for sketching, a sense of lo- ganization, he persuaded the General Court President Eliot secured the incorpora- cality, a fondness for maps, and an appre- to create the Metropolitan Park Commis- tion of the Hancock County Trustees of ciation of scenery. Graduated with a B.A. sion, to which he became professional Public Reservations, modeled after the Mas- degree from Harvard in the class of 1882, adviser. In connection with the selection sachusetts corporation. One suspects that he was drawn by talent, interest, and edu- and development of the Commission's a part of his motivation was to create a cation into the new profession of landscape holdings, he formulated principles of park remembrance of his deceased son. architect. and reservation planning which have ex- Maine statutes provided that a charitable In November 1885 Charles sailed to erted a profound influence throughout the society might be incorporated by seven Europe for a year's study and visits to En- country. persons applying in writing to a Justice of gland, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Den- For four years the new firm was con- the Peace, who may then issue his warrant mark, Sweden, and Russia. He noted his cerned with large public and private en- directed to one of the applicants, instruct- observations of gardens, parks, and scen- terprises all over America. Charles was re- ing him to call a meeting at such time and ery. These notes and professional writings turning from one of their projects at Hart- place as the justice required. The applica- were put together by his father in a book, ford in early 1897 when he died suddenly tion for incorporation was dated August 29, Charles Eliot, Landscape Architect. of cerebro-spinal meningitis. 1901, and was directed to Bertrand Clark, 16 Friends of Acadia Journal a Bar Harbor lawyer and Justice of the Peace. was passed authorizing the Trustees to ex- At the annual meeting, held at the Black The seven applicants were George B. Dorr, ercise a limited power of eminent domain House August 21, 1951, it was voted to "trans- John S. Kennedy, George L. Stebbins, Edward with respect to the two watersheds. fer and convey all of the real estate and B. Mears, Lea M. Luguer, Charles W. Eliot, The act generated considerable adverse interest therein situated on Mount Desert and L.E. Kimball. feeling about the Hancock County Trustees Island" to the United States of America. Al- The Hancock County Trustees of Public of Public Reservations and its operations. though this concluded all connection be- Reservations was incorporated with pro- Many natives resented the loss of taxable tween the Trustees and Acadia National visions stating that the "corporation shall property and were fearful of the power of Park, the Hancock County Trustees of Pub- have power to acquire by devise, gift or eminent domain, and of the influence of the lic Reservations still carried with it work of purchase, and to own, arrange, hold, main- summer people. The local people engaged preserving scenic and historic spaces. tain and improve, for free public use, lands in the lumber business were particularly Today the Woodlawn Museum in in Hancock County, Maine, which by rea- fearful of the loss of timberlands. There was Ellsworth, Maine continues the Trustees' son of scenic beauty, historical interest, sani- talk in the next legislature of repealing the rich legacy of preservation. Bequeathed to tary advantages, or for other reasons, may tax-free provision of the Trustees. the Trustees by George Nixon Black, Jr. in be available for the purpose." Charles W. Hale wrote "[I]t was plain to Mr. Dorr that 1928, the Woodlawn estate (now called Eliot was elected president and George B. the Hancock County Trustees were at the Woodlawn Museum) includes the historic Dorr, vice president. mercy of their creator, the Maine legislature." Black House built by Col. John Black in The first deed to the trustees corpora- He decided to remove the property from the 1824-27 and a 180-acre public park. Origi- tion was dated May 14, 1908, and conveyed jurisdiction of the Maine Legislature by giv- nal furnishings, beautiful formal gardens a lot at "Sea Cliffs near the village of Seal ing the land to the United States of America, (designed under the consultancy of Beatrix Harbor in the town of Mount Desert, on which was done July 27, 1916. This gift was Ferrand), and two miles of hiking trails which is located the Champlain Monu- called the Sieur de Monts National Monu- make Woodlawn Museum a treasure. This ment." George B. Dorr became fascinated ment. In 1919. Congress passed an act creat- grand estate is a fine example of the con- with the acquiring of land on Mount Desert ing Lafayette National Park, renamed Acadia tinuing efforts of the Trustees to ensure Island for the purpose of conservation and National Park ten years later in 1929. that land of scenic beauty or historical in- free public use. The park, containing in excess of 35,000 terest is free for public use. Dorr (1853-1944) was a scholar, rich acres, nearly two Maine townships, was Herbertt T. Silsby, II is a retired Justice of the gentleman (said to have inherited some created by a multitude of gifts of land and Maine Superior Court, and a columnist for The ten million dollars), lover of nature, and money. There were at least 129 separate Ellsworth American. writing on local historical topics. generally considered the father of Acadia transactions handled through the Trustees. He lives in Yarmouth, Maine. National Park. In his history The Story of Bar Harbor, Richard Walden Hale wrote that "the park reflects his personality, a very unusual personality it was. He was a great scholar, in the old sense of the word, a true amateur lover of the classics He had a fund of that sort of available and illumi- nating knowledge that can be SO impres- sive. In person he was impressive, too a tall, big man, with a striking, down- sweeping moustache." Hale also pointed out that circumstances placed Dorr in a position to further the founding of the park "to which he really gave his life." Dorr used the Trustees to acquire and maintain all the land purchases for free public use. He had the idea that the wa- tersheds of Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond ought to be protected and that the best way was for the Legislature to grant emi- nent domain powers to the Trustees. In the 1911 session of the Legislature an act George Dorr and Harvard President Charles W. Eliot at Jordan Pond. Friends of Acadia Journal 17 Records of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations And History of the effort to organize Woodlawn Museum in Ellsworth, Maine A THESIS PROJECT Submitted to the Faculty of the State University of New York College at Oneonta At its Cooperstown Graduate Program In partial fulfillment of requirements For the degree of Master of Arts Joshua Campbell Torrance 2004 Approved by: "The Mission of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations and the Mountain Naming Controversy" NOTES Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. The Woodlawn Museum HCTPR Members Reception Ellsworth, ME August 3, 2005 1. Background Source of Interest: research for George B. Dorr biography History of development of ANP is conceptually inseparable from HCTPR 2. Conventional Foundation stone for HCTPR is Harvard President Charles W. Eliot Northeast Harbor resident called Music Room meeting 8.13.01 Woodlawn Archives contain most Trustee Minutes for 1901-1933, when minutes lapse as the Trustee mission shifts to Woodlawn property under direction of Richard Hale. Until his death in 1926, Eliot was Trustee President and routinely attended summer meetings; however, Dorr stood in for more than 40% of the meetings when CWE had other responsibilities. The Minutes reveal how the mission--demarcated in Samuel Eliot's 1939 History-- was executed by what they state as well as what these documents did not report! These Minutes also shed light on themes that resonate today for the Trustees: (a) membership cultivation, (b) strategic planning, and (c) relationships with like-minded organizations. 3. Trustees of Public Reservations (Massachusetts): 1890-present HCTPR is the offspring of an organization established in Massachusetts by Dr. Eliot's son, Charles Eliot, the renown landscape architect (1859-1897). Namely, the Trustees of Public Reservations (TPR) who would later drop the "Public" from their name to avoid the misperception that they were a public agency. I proposed to Josh that we could better understand the early history of the Hancock Trustees if the Minutes of the Massachusetts organization (TPR) were examined. What characteristics were common? What processes and actions differed over the first three decades of each organization? In July 2005 I traveled to Long Hill in Beverly MA and examined TPR annual reports and minutes from 1890-1930. 4. Commonalities -- General Thrust of Mission: preservation of our historical and beautiful places. -- Mission Builds on activities of local Village Improvement Societies -- Executive Committee administers By-Laws TPR: Steering Committee where Secretary (Charles Eliot) is executive agent. TPR President 1890-1901 (George F. Hoar) absent from 1892-1903. TPR 2nd President: Charles W. Eliot 1904-1926, member since 1901. Important: President of BOTH organizations! Was this known? TPR welcomes G.B. Dorr as a member, 1919-31. -- Leadership Model Small group who value cause, demonstrate to State worthiness of project, a State public agency might be developed-this is the TPR model. -- Advocate and establish memorial gifts, arguing that a "living landscape is a more fitting monument than a work of marble or stained glass." --Stability In its first 40 years, there were roughly a dozen officers of the TPR. Five of these Massachusetts Standing Committee Trustees held office an average of 28 years. The HCTPR executive Committee stability approximates this commitment. Eliot (25), Dorr (40), Stebbins (40), Melchor (15+), and Lynam (10+); the average is 26 years, quite comparable to the TPR. 5 Differences (sometime not of kind, but of degree only) --TPR is statewide --TPR emphasizes gift and usual requirement of an endowment to cover ongoing maintenance expenses. Liken selves to art museum Trustees, taking care of objects put in their charge --TPR stresses collaboration, the "need" to connect with existing societies and cooperate with them where common objectives can be realized -TPR stresses internal shared responsibility, whereas Mr. Dorr's role as First Vice President was more dominating in its creativity and execution. --PPR establishes ever changing "wish list" of desired properties --TPR funds strategic studies, topographic and legal --TPR publishes and distributes thousands of copies of annual reports from year one, sent to hotels, town clerks, public libraries, every newspaper in state, etc. --PPR promotes properties by publishing site photographs, maps, and access directions --TPR keenly involved in property maintenance (fence repairs, shoring up stone walls, tree removal, erosion remediation, etc.) and appointment of custodians --PPR develops Property Public Use Rules: re fires, flower picking, firearms, etc. --TPR frequency of meetings (76 meetings in first 15 years VS. 15 for HCTPR). --PPR very modest accomplishments regarding property acquisition. This is the most IMPORTANT difference! Despite all this organizational energy, in its first 15 years TPR held seven properties comprising 337 acres (260 alone on Monument Mt.); after nearly forty years, 9 properties totaling 783 acres. Despite the overly-cautious wording of Mr. Dorr in his Memoirs about the HCTPR being "dormant" for its first several years, more than 5,000 acres were assembled by 1915, nearly 10,000 by 1919. The HCTPR met five times in 1901-1902. Unless Minutes have been lost, the next Meeting (9/13/09) took place seven years later. What activity takes place During this timeframe is a very intriguing question. By 1916, 7,500 acres Were deeded to HCTPR, 40 properties averaging nearly 190 acres each. Largest single gift from John Melchor and George L. Stebbins. Largest number of deeded granted by George B. Dorr. 6. Conclusions? Given these facts, how do you account for the incomparable HCTPR success? If you have an explanation hold onto it; I'll digress for a few minutes on the mountain- naming controversy. 7. Due to time constraints, offer summary remarks regarding forthcoming Woodlawn Newsletter article on "The Mountain Naming Controversy." Copyright Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D. University Library Director Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH 03106 Charles W. Eliot to Parke Godwin Asticou, Maine, 12 August, 1901. My dear Sir: The object of my note to you was to procure a conference of committees from the Village Improvement Societies of Bar Harbor, Seal Harbor, and Northeast Harbor on the following subject: By what means can some public reservations of interesting scenery be secured for the perpetual use and enjoyment of all the inhabitants of Mount Desert, natives, cottagers, and transient visitors alike? Being myself a cottager near Northeast Harbor, I have observed with regret the successive deprivations which I and my family have undergone during the past twenty years with regard to access to other places of singular beauty and attractiveness. Place after place where I was in the habit of walking or picnicing has been converted to private uses, and resort to it by other than the owner has become impossible. To secure for owners of private places perpetual access to certain favorite points of view, it seems absolutely necessary that some at least of these favorite points should be held by a board of trustees, or otherwise, for the use of the public. We have in Massachusetts a board expressly created for this object, 2. called the Trustees of Public Reservations. This board has been in existence about nine years, and already holds several valuable and beautiful pieces of land, to the great advantage of the public. To give definiteness to this proposal I will mention as examples of the pieces of land which I should think it desirable for such a board of trustees to acquire for the public of this island, Great Head, Jordan's Pond, Carter's Nubble (Beech Hill), Flying Mountain and Valley Cove (Somes Sound), some portion of Otter Cliffs, some portion of the shore at the Ovens, some portion of the westerly shore of Ironbound Island, Calf Island (French- man's Bay). Doubtless there are hilltops within agreeable walking or driving distance of Bar Harbor which might well be secured. The top of Asticou Hill and of Brown Mountain, near Northeast Harbor, ought to be procured for public use. I think it probable that some of the places mention- ed could be procured by gift; others would have to be bought with money raised by subscription. In the last report, taking by right of eminent domain through a commission created by the Legislature would be in my judgment desir- able and expedient. 3. . Any board of trustees or commission created to hold such reservations ought to be authorized to make short leases of portions of their holdings, in order to provide restaurants and other means of public enjoyment at those points to which the resort of the public proved to be considerable. The present management of Jordan's Pond is an illustration of what could be done in this way by a suitable board of trustees or a commission. I should be obliged to you if you would present to the meeting of your Society tomorrow the principal suggestions contained in this letter. If your society thought fit to appoint a committee to deal with the subject in cooperation with the Village Improvement Societies of Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, that action would, I doubt not, be very acceptable to the other two Societies. Very truly yours, C. W. E. Parke Godwin, Esq. Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Sir: I beg to notify you that at a meeting of committees from the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association and the Northeast Harbor and Seal Har- bor Village Improvement Societies, held at Seal Harbor on Tuesday, August 13th, 1901, it was voted that you be requested to join a General Committee to be formed for the purpose of establishing reser- vations of land on Mount Desert Island and a long the coast of Hancock County for the public benefit. Those present at the meeting, forming a tem- porary committee, were:- Bar Harbor. George B. Dorr John S. Kennedy Right Reverend William Lawrence William Jay Schieffelin George Vanderbilt Northeast Harbor. Right Reverend William C. Doane President Charles W. Eliot S. D. Sargent Seal Harbor. Reverend William A. Brown Professor E. S. Dana Richard M. Hoe George L. Stebbins -2- An executive committee as follows was appointed by the above temporary committee to take the steps necessary for incorporating an association, with power to hold real estate and perform such other acts as may prove necessary for the end in view. Executive Committee. George B. Dorr, Chairman. L. B. Deasy, Charles W. Eliot John S. Kennedy Loren E. Kimball E. B. Mears George L. Stebbins Lea McI. Luquer, Secretary. If you are willing to become a member of this General Committee, will you kindly notify the Acting Secretary of your acceptance. Very truly yours, Signed: Lea McI. Luquer Acting Secretary September 10th, 1901. Corporation Meeting A meeting of the Corporation was held at the call of the President on Wednesday, August 27th, 1902, at the St. Sauveur Hotel, Bar Harbor, Maine, at three o'clock P. M. President Eliot in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting, held September 14th, 1901, were read and approved. The minutes of the Executive Committee meeting, held August 1st, 1902, were also read. The Secretary, on behalf of the sub-committee appointed to prepare necessary additions to the By- laws, reported as follows: Amend By-law No. 7, SO as to read: There shall be an Executive Committee consist- ing of the officers of the Corporation and two other members appointed by the President. This Committee shall exercise all the power of the Corporation, except the election of officers, the enactment, amendment or repeal of by-laws and except such powers as are required by law to be ex- ercised by the Corporation. This Committee shall report to the Corporation at all meetings of said Corporation. Vacancies in the Executive Committee shall be filled by the President. Three members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. -2- On motion this amendment to By-law No. 7 was adopted; due notice having been issued in the call to the meeting of the proposed changes to the by- laws. On motion of Mr. Maitland it was resolved: That an assessment be made on the members of this Corporation of $2.00 per capita, to be used for the current expenses of the Corporation. The Secretary proposed the following new members: Acc. President Harris Prof. Samuel G. Clark Acc. Rt. Rev. Alexander Mackay-Smith Mr. Charles How Dec. Mr. William E. Dodge Dec. Hon. Abraham S. Hewitt Acc. Mr. Andrew C. Wheelwright Mr. Joseph G. Thorpe Mr. Joseph H. Curtis Acc. Rev. Samuel A. Eliot Acc. Mr. Edward W. Clark Mr. Kennedy moved that the Secretary cast one ballot for the aforesaid gentlemen Carried. The Secretary having reported that a ballot was cast, the President declared that the aforesaid gentlemen were duly elected members of this Corpora- tion. An address on the aims and objects of the Cor- poration was given by President Charles W. Eliot. On motion of Mr. Kennedy the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Lea McI. Luquer, Secretary. Minutes , 9/12/1908. Chapmen Acclure HTTPR file. -Re gifts at crest of barr this " " Bee HIV ( 137 acres). O P.3 Corporation Meeting A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was held at the call of the President, on Monday, September 13th, 1909, at the Young Men's Christian Association Building, Bar Harbor, at 3 P. M. President Eliot in the chair. On motion of Mr. Deasy, the following resolu- tion was adeopted: Whereas, the officers of this corporation have received and recorded the following deeds of real estate running to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, to wit: Deed from Eliza L. Homans, dated May 6, 1908 and recorded August 17, 1908, in the Hancock County Maine Registry of Deeds, Book 452, Page 268: Deed from George B. Cooksey dated September 17, 1908 and recorded September 24, 1908, in said Registry, Book 454, Page 81: Deed from Frank L. Brewer dated October 26, 1908 and recorded November 20, 1908 in Book 455, Page 185: Deed from Perry H. Brewer, dated October 26. 1908 and recorded November 20, 1908 in Book 455, Page 187. -2- Therefore be it resolved that the acceptance and record of said above described deeds is hereby ratified and confirmed, and further be it resolved that the said deeds having been received as dona- tions to this Corporation, as follows: said tract of land described in the Homans deed as a donation from said Eliza L. Homans: said land described in said Cooksey deed as a donation from George B. Cook- sey; said tract described in said Brewer deeds as a donation from John S. Kennedy, who paid the con- sideration therefor, the president of this Corpora- tion is requested to express to said doners, written- in behalf of this Corporation, its appreciation of their generosity and public spirit. On motion of Mr. Deasy the following resolution was adopted: The Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association having offered to convey to this Corporation the property containing 36 acres, situated near Fawn Pond in the Town of Eden, and known as Fawn Pond Park, and having offered a deed thereof: Be it resolved that this Corporation accept the conveyance of said property, subject to the con- ditions set forth in said deed. On motion of Bishop Lawrence the following resolu- tion was adopted: -3- That a committee of three, with Mr. Deasy as chairman, be appointed by the chair, to pre- sent to the next annual meeting a proposed amend- ment to the Charter whereby net income of the Corporation may be used for the purposes of the Corporation without infringing upon its chartered privileges. The use of a strong box in the Bar Harbor Banking and Trust Company's Building was offered to this Corporation by Mr Deasy; and on resolution this offer was accepted and a vote of thanks passed to the above named Trust Company. It was further resolved that access to said box be authorized to all or any of the officers of this Corporation. Mr. Dorr made an informal report, stating the present favorable conditions for securing addition- al reservations of land through gift or purchase. On motion of Bishop Lawrence the following resolution was adopted: That the President appoint a Committee of seven, with himself as Chairman and with power to add to its numbers, to consider and report on at the next meeting on the whole subject of protection for all water supply on the Island of Mount Desert. -4- The following gentlemen were by vote elected members of the Corporation: General Thomas H. Hubbard Doctor George A. Phillips Doctor C. C. Morrison Professor William T. Sedgwick Doctor Richard H. Harte The President stated that the encouraging success of the Corporation in acquiring reserva- tions of land for public use was due principally to the work of Mr. Dorr and the cooperation of Mr. Kennedy. On motion the meeting adjourned. Lea McI. Luquer. Secretary. Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. Bar Harbor, Maine. Oct 13.1909 Hou L B. Denry My dear Sir:- I have the honor to inform you that President Charles W. Eliot has appointed the following Committee to consider and report at the next meeting, on "the whole matter reparding the protection of all water supply on the Island of M Mt. Desert." President Charles N. Eliot, Chairman. Mr. John S. Kennedy Hon. L. B. Deasy Mr. James T. Gardiner Dr. Richard H. Harte Dr. C. C. Morrison Dr. George A. Phillips. This Committeechas the power to add to its number. Kindly signify your acceptance to the Secretary at 321 West 80 Street, New York. Very truly yours, Lea WEI Liquer Secretary. Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. Bar Harbor, Maine. Oct. 13.1909 Hon. L. B. Deary, My dear Sir:- I have the honor to inform you that President Charles N. Eliot has appointed the following Committee to present to the next annual meeting a proposed amendment to the Charter, whereby "net income of the Corporation may be used for the purposes+ of the Corporation without infringing upon its charter privileges." Hon. L. B. Deasy, Chairman. Mr. George B. Dorr. Mr. George L. Stebbins. Kindly signify your acceptance to the Secretary at 321 West 80 Street, New York. Very truly yours, Lea his Secretary. P. next s last e. Corporation Meeting A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was held, at the call of the President, on Wednesday, September 14th, 1910, at the Young Men's Christian Association Building, Bar Harbor, Maine, at 3 P. M. President Eliot in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting, held at Bar Harbor, on September 13th, 1909, were read and approved. The Secretary also announced the appoint- ment of the two Committees authorized at the last meeting, as follows: 1. On the proection of all water supply on the Island of Mount Desert, President Charles W. Eliot, Chairman General Thomas H. Hubbard Mr. D. B. Ogden Honorable L. B. Deasy Mr. James T. Gardiner Dr. Richard H. Harte Dr. C. C. Morrison Dr. George A. Phillips 2. On a proposed amendment to the Charter, whereby net income of the Corporation may be issued for the purposes of the Corporation without in- fringing upon its charter privileges. Hon. L. D. Deasy, Chairman Mr. George B. Dorr Mr. George L. Stebbins On motion of Mr. Stebbins it was resolved to take up first article 6, as given in the call for the meeting. On motion of Mr Stebbins, the following gentlemen were by vote elected members of the Corporation: Dr. Robert Abbe Mr. A. H. Lynam Mr. S. W. Bridgham Col. Edward Morrell Mr. George S. Bowdoin Mr. Clement B. Newbold Mr. James T. Bowen Mr. Herbert Satterlee Mr. Alfred M. Coats Mr. John S. Melcher Mr. Henry Lane Eno Mr. William W. Frazier Mr. Ernesto G. Fabbri Mr. Edward C. Bodman Mr. John B. Henderson, Jr. Mr. Frank P. Prichard Mr. John Innes Kane Mr. J. L. Ketterlinus Mr. Philip Livingston On motion of Mr. Deasy the following resolution was adopted: Whereas since the last meeting of this Corpora- tion, donations of three tracts of land have been re- ceived, to wit: a tract on and adjoining Dry Moun- tain donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Innes Kane and Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bridgham, the deed being recorded in the Hancock County Registry Book 467, Page 500; a tract on and near Newport and Picket Mountains donat- ed by the late John S. Kennedy, the deed recorded in Book 468, Page 35, and a tract near Bear Brook donat- ed by Mrs. Matilda C. Markoe, the deed recorded in Book 463, Page 513, Resolved that these donations be gratefully ac- cepted and that the President be requested to communi- cate with Mrs. Kennedy, representing the estate of the late John S. Kennedy, and with the other doners, expressing this Association's sincere apprecia- tion of these generous gifts. On motion of Mr. David B. Ogden the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS George B. Dorr, holding as trustee certain lands in the town of Eden and adjoining Eagle Lake, described in a certain deed from A. S. Rodick to said Dorr dated July 23, 1910, and record- ed in the Hancock County, Maine Registry of Deeds, Book 472, Page 65, the Bar Harbor Water Company, for whom said land is held in trust, assenting thereto, has offered to make, execute, and deliver to this corporation a good and sufficient deed vesting in it the title thereto, in consideration that this corporation shall make and execute a proper instru- ment giving to the said Bar Harbor Water Company all such rights, easements and privileges in said land as may be necessary for its purposes and im- posing upon said land all such restrictions as may be necessary or proper to preserve the purity and otherwise protect the water of said Lake, Now therefore be it resolved that this Corpora- tion accepts said deed and authorizes its president and secretary to make, sign, seal, acknowledge and deliver to the Bar Harbor Water Company in the name of this Corporation such instrument or instruments as may be necessary for the above purposes, and be it further resolved that the president and secre- tary be authorized to agree with said Bar Harbor Water Company as to the form, terms and conditions of said Water Company to determine what rights, easements and privileges shall be granted to said Water Company and what restrictions shall be impos- ed upon said land for its benefit. President Eliot, as Chairman of the Committee authorized at the last meeting, presented the follow- ing report, which was accepted by the Corporation. The Committee appointed to consider the pro- tection of the water supplies of the Island of Mount Desert beg leave to present the following report:- The Public water supplies for the eastern half of the Island of Mount Desert are derived from Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Hadlock Upper and Lower Ponds. Far the greater part of the watersheds of these three supplies consists of very steep hillsides not likely to be used for human habitation, or for cultivation of any sont These steep slopes ought to be purchased from their private owners, and held for the public, exempt from taxation, by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. These areas ought to be protected from disfigurements and sub- jected to such restrictions as are required by sanit- ary considerations. The Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations is the only constituted public body whose ownership would insure the attainment of both these objects. The Water Companies might well be called upon to pay part of the cost of acquisition of these lands in return for restric- tions put upon them in the Companies and the public interest, and for rights of access thereto for their corporate purposes. These rights could be granted by the Reservation Trustees without in any way interfering with the purposes for which the Reservations lands are held. On the west side of Eagle Lake, at the south- ern end of Jordan Pond, to the north and south of Upper Hadlock Pond and to the east and south of Lower Hadlock Pond are certain areas of moderate elevation which might possibly be used in the future for habitations or for cultivation. These areas ought to be similarly acquired and controlled by the Trustees of Public Reservations, since their occupation for either purpose might contaminate the water supplies. It is recognized that these areas possible for habitation or cultivation would thus be withdrawn from taxation, or, rather, their development as taxable areas in the future would be prevente, but it is unquestionably to the inter- est of the towns of Eden and Mount Desert to forego such taxes and preserve the water supplies which are essential to the development of much greater taxable values in Bar Harbor, Seal Harbor, North- east Harbor, and the adjoining habitable or arable areas. The Committee recommends that the three Water Companies concerned be notified by the Secretary of the Trustees that the Trustees will gladly CO- operate with the Companies in protecting the water supplies in the manner indicated above. The Committee has had its attention called to the question whether the highway which goes through Brown Mountain Notch and passes close to Upper Hadlock Pond is a menace to the purity of that water supply, and is of the opinion that the traffic on this road does not endanger to any significant degree the purity of the water supply of Northeast Harbor. The highway seems to the Committee indispensable for the ordinary uses of the communities at Northeast Harbor and Seal Harbor, and also useful as a protec- tion against forest fires on the neighboring hill- sides. A similar facility for fighting fires would, in the judgment of the Committee, be useful along the eastern shore of Jordan Pond, through the Hadlock Valley between Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, and along the eastern shore of Eagle Lake. Access to the forests on these two watersheds is now very difficult for forest-fire fighters and their apparatus. If a road should be constructed along these hillsides through land held by the Trustees of Public Reserva- tions, it could, in the judgment of your Committee, be kept quite safe SO far as pollution of either Jordan Pond or Eagle Lake is concerned. Charles W. Eliot C. C. Morrison David B. Ogden George A. Phillips Richard H. Harte Thomas H. Hubbard James T. Gardiner The Committee, appointed at the last meeting with the Hon. L. B. Deasy as Chairman, made no report. On motion of Mr. Ogden it was resolved: That this Committee be continued SO as to apply to the next Legislature for action. On motion of the Hon. L. B. Deasy it was re- solved that: The By-laws be amended by adding the following: VIII. The President may of his own motion appoint special committees for any purposes consist- ent with the Corporation's Charter. It was also resolved that the By-Laws be further amended by changing the number of the present By-Law vill to 1X. The election of officers being in order, the following named gentlemen were elected officers of the Corporation. Mr. Charles W. Eliot, President Mr. George B. Dorr, 1st Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher, 2nd Vice- President Mr. A. H. Lynam, Secretary Mr. George S. Stebbins, Treasurer The Treasurer made an informal report, stating a balance on hand of $59.10. On motion the meeting adjourned. Lea McI. Luquer, Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Saturday, September 9, 1911, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present: President Charles W. Eliot in the chair, Messrs. L. E. Opdycke, T. H. Hubbard, James T. Gardiner, Frank P. Prichard, John F. Melcher, C. C. Morrison, E. S. Dana, George L. Stebbins, George B. Dorr, E. B. Mears, Edward Morrell, Henry L. Eno, Edward C. Bodman, Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, L. B. Deasy and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Upon motion it was voted to proceed to the election of officers by written ballot. This was accordingly done and the following named persons, having received all the votes cast, were duly de- clared elected to the several offices set opposite their names respectively, Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and E. B. Mears as members of the executive commit- tee in accordance with By-law V11. On motion of Mr. L. B. Deasy it was voted to accept the following deeds to this corporation, which have been heretofore executed and recorded, to wit: From Louis B. McCagg, dated April.21, 1911, re- corded in the Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds, Book 479, Page 168. From George B. Dorr, dated March 23, 1911, re- corded in said Registry, Book 478, Page 216. From George B. Dorr, Trustee, dated March 23, 1911. recorded in said Registry, Book 478, Page 214. On motion of Mr. L. B. Deasy it was voted that the President and Secretary be authorized and direc- ted to make, execute and acknowledge a proper in- strument or instruments granting to the Bar Harbor Water Company, its successors and assigns, certain rights, privileges and easements in, through and over the property described as conveyed in the three deeds specified in the next preceeding vote, to wit: The right of flowage to such height as may be deemed necessary by the directors of said Water Com- pany, the right of entering upon the premises through its officers, agents or servants and of passing and repassing over any part of it, the right of con- structing ways or paths and erecting, laying and maintaining any pipes or other structures deemed necessary for its purposes by the said directors, of making use of the same for its purposes and of removing from the premises any debris or other thing deemed by the said directors as a menace to the purity of its water supply, and also imposing for the benefit of said Water Company its success- ors and assigns certain restrictions, to wit: that no building or structure shall ever be erected or maintained upon the premises except such as may be approved by the directors of the Water Company, and that no occupation shall be had and no use made of said premises that said directors deem to be a men- ace to the purity of said source of water supply. On motion it was voted that the President and Secretary be authorized and directed to agree with the said Water Company upon the form of such instru- ment or instruments and to deliver the same in pursu- ance of the understanding and agreement entered in- to with said Water Company at the dates of said deeds and in consideration of payments made by said Water Company at said dates. On motion it was voted to accept from George B. Dorr, deeds of property described as conveyed in the following deeds to him, to wit: Deed from George L. Stebbins, dated November 16, 1910 and recorded in said Registry in Book 482, Page 206. Deed from Albert H. Lynam, dated March 23, 1911, and recorded in said Registry, Book 482, Page 208. Deed from Clarence P. Weston, dated October 26, 1910, and recorded in said Registry, Book 474, Page 246. The title to said lands to be accepted subject to certain deeds given by said Dorr to William M. Roberts, and to all other recorded deeds, and subject to certain rights, privileges and easements to be granted by said Dorr to the Bar Harbor Water Company and certain restrictions imposed upon the premises by said Dorr for the benefit of said Water Company, such easements and restrictions being granted and imposed for the purpose of preserving the purity of the said Company's source of water supply. Mr. Deasy for the Committee on Legislation re- ported the passage of an act authorizing this Corpora- tion to take by condemnation land in the water-shelds of Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond and on motion the re- port was accepted with thanks and the committee dis- charged from further duty in the matter. On motion of Mr. Stebbins, Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Rev. Dr. William T. Manning, both of Seal Har- bor, Maine, were by vote elected members of the Cor- poration. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Monday, September 16, 1912, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present: President Charles W. Eliot in the chair, Messrs. Thomas H. Hubbard, John F. Melcher, George L. Stebbins, George B. Dorr, L. B. Deasy, C. C. Morrison, Henry Lane Eno, Dr. William T. Manning and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Upon motion it was voted to proceed to the election of officers by written ballot. This was accordingly done and the following named persons having received all the votes cast, were declared elected to the several offices set opposite their names, respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and E. B. Mears as members of the executive commit- tee in accordance with by-law 7. The Clerk presented a draft of deed dated September 16th, 1912 conveying to the Seal Har- bor Water Supply Company certain rights and ease- ments and imposing restrictions upon a lot of land described in said deed and also described in deed from George R. Hagerthy to this corpora- tion dated October 16th, 1911 and recorded in the Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds, Book 483, Page 263, and on motion it was unanimously voted that the President and Treasurer be authorized and empowered to execute, acknowledge and deliver said deed. On motion it was voted to authorize the Presi- dent and Secretary to execute and deliver the necessary deeds for the transfer of the Spring Property, formerly occupied by the Bar Harbor Spring Company, according to the terms of the op - tion of purchase held by it, and to make any changes in regard to boundaries or provision as to other matters as may upon examination suggest themselves as advantageous to the Public Reservations. The following deeds to this Corporation which have been heretofore executed and recorded were presented and read by Mr. Melcher and Mr. Stebbins:- - From John S. Melcher, dated March 7, 1912 and recorded in the Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds, Book 478, Page 272. From George L. Stebbins, dated March 18, 1912 and recorded in said Registry in Book 488, Page 409. From George L. Stebbins, dated March 18, 1912 and recorded in said Registry in Book 488, Page 456. From George L. Stebbins, dated March 9, 1912 and recorded in said Registry in Book 488, Page 341. Whereupon it was voted that these donations be gratefully accepted. Prof. Rudolph E. Brunnow of Bar Harbor and Mr. Ernest B. Dane of Seal Harbor were by vote elect- ed members of the Corporation. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. Cambridge, Pass., 14 January 1913. Dear Sir: Clease cell with due notice & meating of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, to authorize the use of a cheque for 1000. previously desig- nated for the purchase of land giving access to the Beehive Kountain reservation, to complete the acquisition of the Kebo Mountain lot from the Lynde Sullivan estate. 1 approve of the above transaction. Very truly youre Mr. A. 11. Lynam RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Tuesday, September 16, 1913, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms at three o' clock in the afternoon. Present: President Charles W. Eliot in chair, Messrs. George B. Dorr, George L. Stebbins, L. B. Deasy, Henry Lane Eno, John S. Melcher, Leonard A. Austin, Charles B. Pineo, Edward Morrell and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report was read and accepted and ordered filed. Said report showed a balance on hand of $1556.37. Alsoin Chopma Messrs. Arnold Wood, Benjamin W. Arnold, William Draper Lewis and Jacob Disston of North- east Harbor were by vote elected members of the Corporation. The following named persons were by ballot duly declared to the several offices set opposite to their names respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and E. B. Mears as members of the executive commit- tee in accordance with the by-laws. Upon motion it was voted that Mr. Melcher be a committee of one to take up the general subject of the ownership of Brown Mountain, with the ulti- mate object of acquiring same for this Corporation. Mr. Deasy reported that at the last session of the Maine legislature a bill was introduced to amend the charter of the Corporation so that its property may be taxed, which bill was withdrawn by the party presenting it. That he believes, to avoid such occurances in the future, the purposes of the Corporation should be fully explained to the public SO that it may know that all the property held by the Reservations is fully and finally dedi- cated to the use of the public, that there is no income derived from said property and no means of paying taxes. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. Record of meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, held at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Thursday, June 4, 1914, at 9:30 o'clock in the forenoon, pursuant to the call for meeting above set forth. Present in person, the following members:- George B. Dorr, First Vice-President, George L. Stebbins, Treasurer, Albert H. Lynam, Secretary, and L. B. Deasy. Also the following members, all by George B. Dorr, authorized by proxy in writing: Charles W. Eliot, Richard M. Hoe, John S. Melcher, Rev. Will- iam A. Brown, Amos Clement, Frank P. Prichard, Herbert Jaques, Dr. Robert Abbe, Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, L. E. Opdycke, General Thomas Hubbard. Meeting called to order by George B. Dorr, First Vice-President. The following resolution was presented and on motion was unanimously adopted: Whereas the Green Mountain Carriage Road Comp- any, corporation, has offered to release to the Trustees of Public Reservations all its rights and easements in, through and over land of said Trustees and it being for the manifest interest of the said Trustees, it is Resolved that this Corporation accept and receive a deed for such purpose and file the same for record. The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted: Whereas this Corporation has requested the Bar Harbor Water Company to convey to it, the said Trustees, certain property lying on the west- ern side of Eagle Lake in the town of Eden, subject to certain reservations and restrictions designed to protect the said Water Company's public water- supply, and in accordance with said request the said Water Company has executed and presented to the Corporation, at this meeting, a certain deed, dated June 4, 1914. Therefore be it Resolved that said deed be accepted and re- corded. The following resolution was presented, and on motion the same was unanimously adopted: Whereas this Corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorpora- tion to convey and transfer to the United States of America a portion of its lands situated on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, State of Maine, including the lands and rights acquired under the deeds from the Bar Harbor Water Company and Green Mountain Carriage Road Company referr- ed to in preceding votes, and Whereas Mr. Dorr has presented to this meet- ing a draft of deed for the said purpose, which deed was read, examined and approved, Therefore, be it Resolved that George B. Dorr, First Vice- President and George L. Stebbins, Treasurer, of this Corporation, be and they are authorized and instructed to sign and execute said draft in be- half of this Corporation and to deliver the same to the grantee in consideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest, as may seem to the said offiers, executing said convey- ance, satisfactory and in harmony with the Corpora- tion's public service aims. And be it further Resolved that a copy of said deed be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for des- cription of the property hereby authorized to be conveyed, and for all other particulars, with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Monday, August 24, 1914, at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present: President Charles W. Eliot in chair, Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, Messrs. E. B. Mears, George B. Dorr, George L. Stebbins, Edward C. Bodman, Henry Parkman, John S. Melcher, Thomas H. Hubbard, Lea McI. Luquer, James H. Curtis and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last two meetings were read and approved. The Treasurer's report was read, showing a bal- ance of $1567.94, which was adopted and place on file. Mr. Melcher, who was appointed a committee on the subject to the ownership of Brown Mountain, re- ported that he had made no progress; that part of the owners of the moutain would not sell and others would give no price. The matter, therefore, had to be dropped. Messrs. Joseph P. Tunis and Dr. Frederic Fraley of Northeast Harbor were by vote elected members of the Corporation. Mr. Dorr reported informally regarding the transfer to the Federal Government of certain holdings of the Reservations for a National Park that the outlook was favorable but that nothing definite could be reported at the present time owing to the fact that certain further lands were necessary to acquire, which he hoped to get. The following named persons were, by ballot, duly declared elected to the several offices set opposite to their names respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and E. B. Mears as members of the executive committee in accordance with the by-laws. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on January 8, 1915, at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Eden, Han- cock County, Maine, at three o'clock in the after- noon. Present: George B. Dorr, C. B. Pineo, L. B. Deasy and A. H. Lynam. Mr. Dorr suggested certain proposed plans re- garding the Homans Bequest whereupon it was Voted that George B. Dorr be authorized to expend the Homans Bequest of $3000 as follows: Not exceeding $1500 be expended in the construction and completion of the Homans Memorial Path; not exceeding $250 to be expended in clearing the Homans land in the interest of safety, not exceed- ing $100 in surveying the Bliss tract and the balance in securing lands or rights in lands to provide access to the Beehive Mountain tract. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. 1916 ? January 8, 1915. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on the above date, at the dffice of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Eden, Hancock County, Maine, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present; George B. Dorr, c. B. Pineo, L. B. Deasy and A. H. Lynam. Mr. Dorr suggested certain proposed plans regarding the Homans Bequest whereupon it was Voted that George B. Dorr be authorized to expend the Homans Be- quest of $3000 as follows: Not exceeding $1500 be expended in the con- struction and completion of the Homans Memorial Fath; not exceeding $250 to be expended in clearing the Homans land in the interest of safety, not exceeding $100 in surveying the Bliss tract and the balance in securing lands or rights in lands to provide access to the Beehive Mountain tract. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. DUR 18 Commonlth Avenue, Roston. Merch 1st, 1915. President Charles 1. Fliot, C o bridge, loss. Dear President vliot, I have been thinking over the situation with regard to your application to Mr Rockefeller on behalf of the Trustees of Public Reservations, with reference to his possible reluctance to make such it contribution unless he should receive assurance that others would contribute peri passu with himself to secure the Gov- ernment's cooperation leaving out what has been done leretofore mich makes it possible. I have also written sinus I sen you to one or MY friends in New York and Itlow surer-recidents at 3ar Hurbor Mio takes keen interest in the natter; and have got an answer iron Him. If :- Rockefellsr should not wish to contribite Trusly the amount you sked for, I think assurance een it given of a contribution of Equal H count from the Bur Harbor side for the expenses necessary to the Government' acceptance and securing favorable initial boundaries. In any letter to Judge Paters, written to serve as a statement for Mr Rockefeller, I Realt only with matters -- the relatively small amount required for additional legal expenses speet - that seend to 196 to concern intinately residents and landowners on the above Iron Otter Orean to Northeast Harbor. I did : It feel that : Stabbins' support or ... inter st (2 uld he 2 secured for the solution of problems connected with our portham side. This omission 10.0 from my earlier relating to plain, our norther I think, seds the though I did not wish to put implication in of too a bald locally form. limited interest Fully the STEP you asked for will still be received to secure remoining strate // ic points and good appro chas to the Nonument from tit north, its natural approach side for the general public; and I have counted all along on being able to accomplish this if I could definitely say that what was necessary in the central portion and on the southern side no uld be accomplished also. And if Mr Rockefeller vishes to make this a condition of his gift, I do not believe it will present a serious obstacle though leading possibly to some delay. My aim has been to secure the important points of view and access which would not leave it possible for people to block the Government's way hereifter. All that I consider thus necessary I hold securely at the moment by option or satisfactory agreement with dependable owners or where this could not be done, I have in certai cases purchased land myself and hold it rendy to dedicate to public use upon the Government's acceptance. And this has been done throughout with careful thought as to extension of public Ownership hereafter, as interest is awakened and fresh funds become available, over various important tracts we cannot hope to cot irne- diately, such as Great and Great Pond Hills; KoFarland's Hill with the well-watered, good-soiled woodland valley to its west; the deep Clons of Duck Brook, witch Hollow Pond Brook, and Hull's Cove brook, all lending un to the Resorvation land already secured must and morth of Vagle Lake; Aunt Betty's Pond with the South West Valley region bathesh it and Surgent's Mountain, et.c., stc. Once what ME now - aining at securing is and tim Government established A 3 01 the Island there 1 ill all fall in in the COVERS of time I feel quite sure; for that is to be deaded to tis Government is so planned that they all can be Made continuous with its holdings at no grent cost heremeter nd it will have condemation DOTERS bling 1: to step in and secure tien in the last resort if closed on Meanily used by private The direction of these parens, enabling it to act where we could not, I thought it viser not to dwell unon in writing to HI Rocke- feller, Judge Peters understands it clearly, however, and it has secmed to 116 one of tbs most important reasons -- looking tormard into the and the ultimate perfection of our work -- for Gov- erimant ownership of our Mountain tracts. It would assure the ulti- nats acquisition, for instance, of such a publicly important feature as Brown's Mountain,and prevent its x sent owners from either exacting an exhorbitant price for it or disfiguring it with any summit building. Therefore if Hr Rockereller, who has already written me of his willingness to contribute along with others to make the completed offer to the Government possible, should write you unfavorably in reply to the proposition that he five outright the sun you ask, it seens to me that the next step should be to ask hin if hy will not contribute this on the basis of an equal or similar contribution, given or pledged, from summer residents upon our side. This would still enable me to so ahead at once, I feel quite sure, and bring accomplishment about before the sumer if no sudien change in per- sonel occurs at Washington in the meantime; and would also maks it possible with little diubt, I think, to secure in the early summer the remaining tracts listed in MY letter to Judge Peters, by joint subscription iron hold sides, and more perhade- Yours sincerely, for COPY March 3, 1915. Dear Mr. Dorr:- Your letter of February 19th is received, since the arrival of which there has come a letter from Dr. Eliot, with whom 1 yesterday had a personal conference in regard to the matter of the Mount Desert Monument. 1 will contribute whatever amount may be necessary up to 17,500, to be used as follows: 1. For the purchase of the Martin Roberts tract, "amounting to about 120 acres, in two lots, separated by a reservation strip, which tracts occupy the gerge between Green and Pennstec Mountains and ex- tend down the Eastern side of Eagle Lake," an option on which you have secured for $10,000. 2. For the purchase of "The Morrison, Kittredge and Alley tracts, wood rights and right of way, on land lying between Eagle Lake and Jordon Pond, on the Elopes of Seargent, Pennetec. and Bubble Mountains," which you estimate can be purchased for $5,000, the number of acres of which you have not stated. 3. "For the preparation of full and complete abstracts of title, together with surveyor's maps, showing locations, bounds," etc., of the two above mentioned tracts, which you estimate will cost at least $2,500. The above contribution is to be upon the following conditions: 1. That a sufficient amount of money is secured for the purpose of purchasing the remaining tract, which you state to be necessary for 2. the completion of the Monument, namely, the tract owned by "The Rodick Realty Company, amounting to about 300 acres, lying on the Otter Greek watershed, in the Dry and Newport Mountain Gorge, extending to the southward from the western slope of Newport Mountain to the Eastern slope of Green Mountain," regarding the ability to secure which 1 un derstand from you there is no question if the funds can be obtained. 2. That these tracts, when purchased, shall be deeded to the Trustees of Public Reservations on mount Desert, with the understand- ing that they are to be turned over to the Federal Government, with the other lands held by the Trustees, when the Monument Act is obtained. The pledge is good until January 1, 1916. Very truly, J.S.R.J. Mr. George B. Dors, 18 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Wednesday, August 18th, 1915, at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present: Charles W. Eliot in chair, Messrs. George B. Dorr, John S. Melcher, George L. Stebbins, C. B. Pineo, L. B. Deasy, Henry Parkman, William A. Brown, George B. Cooksey, Richard M. Hoe, Joseph P. Tunis, Frank P. Prichard, and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report was read, showing a balance of $1621.94, which was adopted and placed on file. Mr. Lincoln Cromwell of Northeast Harbor WES by vote elected a member of the Corporation. Mr. Stebbins presented a deed, subject to re- strictions, from the Seal Harbor Water Supply Company, of the Roberts Lot, so-called, containing about thirty acres, adjoining Jordan's Pond, and on mo- tion it was voted to accept said deed and pay for same the sum of thirteen hundred dollars, being one-half the cost to the Water Company of the entire title. -2- On motion it was further voted to authorize the Treasurer to pay the Seal Harbor Water Supply Company the said consideration of thirteen hundred dollars upon delivery of deed. Remarks were made by Mr. L. B. Deasy regard- ing the holdings and condition of the title of the property of the Reservations and showing by plan the new acquisitions. Mr. Dorr reported that a bequest of three thous - and dollars had been left to the Reservations by Mrs Charles D. Homans, and called attention to the fact that the first gift of land to the Reservations was from Mrs. Homans; that this land has no laid-out legal approach and suggested that this bequest be used for the purchase of lands and provide such approach and for the construction of a memorial path in honor to Mrs Homans, whereupon it was VOTED that the executive committee be vested with full power to take such action as may be neces- sary to purchase lands to provide access to the Beehive Mountain tract and construct paths and with full power to instruct the Treasurer to pay for such lands and constructions from the Homans bequest of $3000. President Eliot called the attention of the Trustees to the fact that there is need of securing land to the west of the present holdings and that a -3- part of Dog Mountain could now be acquired. VOTED that Mr. Melcher and Mr Tunis be a committee to inquire into the possibilities of the purchase of Dog Mountain. Bills of Deasy & Lynam, amounting to $184.18, were presented, whereupon it was voted that the Treasurer be authorized to pay them. A. H. Lynam Secretary. EORGE ID COOKSEY III 2 I. 83.823 GEORGE - STEBBINS REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE SEAL HARBOR. MAINE. Sept. 6, 1915. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Esq., 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: The Executive Committee of the Trustees of Public Reser- vations held a meeting at my office on Saturday afternoon, every member being present, and they carefully considered your proposi- tions in regard to roads over lands held by them and arrived at a decision which will be communicated to you officially by the secre- tary of the board, Mr. Harry Lynam. I presume, however, that you will be interested to know in more detail how the questions were considered by the Trustees and therefore with their approval I am writing you in regard to the proceedings. The members present were Pres. Eliot, Messrs. John S. Melcher, George B. Dorr, L. B. Deasy, Charles B. Pineo, H. A. Lynam, and myself, being the entire executive committee, and they first carefully went over on the maps the proposed routes for the roads connecting your Barr Hill Roads with the Gardiner property. After careful consideration it appeared to them that the following concrete propositions were open for consideration. 1. The sale of a portion of the lands held by the trustees to you, of course with the understand- ing that you wished these lands in order to build the roads proposed. 2. The sale to you of a strip of land of sufficient width to contain the roads proposed and land enough on each side to protect such roads. 3. The granting to you of an exclusive right of way over the route of the proposed roads, such right of way to be under your sole control and not to be available for use by any one else except with your permission. URGE B. COOKSEY GEORGE L. STEBBINS REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE SEAL HARBOR. MAINE. Sept. 6, 1915. J.D.R.JR. - 2 4. The granting to you of permission to build roads over the lands held by the Trustees substantially as suggested on the maps shown. Such grant, however, to be simply a permission and not a legal easement on the property, leaving the lands of the Trustees free as heretofore for travel by the public. I of course explained to the meeting your position in the matter in detail, just as you explained it to me, saying that if any sale or grant were made to you, you would be under no might obligation expressed or implied, to throw such roads as you may build open to the public, but would have the right to close them at any time you chose and that the only way to judge of your attitude in regard to them would be what you had done heretofore. The trustees considered all of these propositions very carefully and from all points of view and arrived at the conclu- sion that in their position as Trustees holding these lands for public use and also considering the way in which the lands had been acquired by them by public gift from many subscribers, they rejects could not sell any portion of them, and they felt that if they did sell a portion that not only they, but you, would be subject to very property severe criticism. This of course disposed of propositions No. 1 and 2, and very much the same considerations applied to the decision in regard to proposition No. 3 for granting an easement over the property in the form of an exclusive right of way. The Committee was unanimous in its decision and realized fully what a great benefit such roads as you have built have been to URGE B. COOKSEY GEORGE L. STEBBINS REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE SEAL HARBOR. MAINE. Sept. 6, 1915. J.D.R.JR. - 3 the general public and also what a great benefit an extension of them would be and were most anxious to do everything that they could to promote the building of such roads. The last proposition, which they were willing to grant, may seem to you of very little use, but it was pointed out by Mr. Deasy that practically the road built under that permission would be under your exclusive control as regards to its use by vehicles of any kind, because you could effectively shut it off by closing the entrances and exits on your own property. The public then would me rely have the right to walk over the road, as they have the right to walk over any other property held by the Trustees of Public Reservations. I gave the Committee your message in regard to sending an agent to Washington to see if the granting of rights of way over the property would be objectionable to the government in the matter of their taking over the lands for a national park, and Mr. Dorr said he would take that matter up with the Secretary of the cen to Interior when he went on to Washington, which I understand will be free very soon, but there seemed no one else familiar enough with the D.C. matter to send there. This, I think, covers the proceedings of the meeting and I trust will inform you clearly in regard to the attitude of the Trustees, but if any other points occur to you, I should be very glad to write you about them. Yours very truly, George Record of meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, held at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, June 3d, 1916, at 9:30 o'clock in the forenoon, pursuant to the call for meeting above set forth. Present in person the following members: Messrs. George B. Dorr, George L. Stebbins, Ernesto G. Fabbri, George A. Phillips, Charles B. Pineo, L. A. Austin, A. H. Lynam and L. B. Deasy, being a quorum. The meeting was called to order by George B. Dorr, First Vice-President, who presided. On motion it was unanimously voted to accept title to all the lands heretofore conveyed to this Corporation as shown by the records at the Registry of Deeds for Hancock County, Maine. On motion it was unanimously voted to ac- cept. title to certain lands and rights in land conveyed to this corporation by George B. Dorr, and Rudolph E. Brunnow, by deeds dated May 29, 1916, not yet recorded. The following resolution was presented and on motion being made, was unanimously adopted. Whereas this Corporation deems it consist- ent and in harmony with the purposes of its in- corporation to convey and transfer to the United States of America a part or all of the lands now owned or hereafter to be acquired by it, situated on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, State of Maine. THEREFORE be it resolved that Charles W. Eliot, its President, and George B. Dorr, its first Vice President, be, and they are, authorized and instructed to make and execute a good and suffi- cient deed on behalf of this Corporation, convey- ing and transferring to the United States of America all of the lands now owned or hereafter to be acquired by this Corporation, situated on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, State of Maine, or such part, or parts, thereof as said President and First Vice-President may determine, and further Resolved: that the President and First Vice- President be and they are authorized to determine the form of such conveyance and to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in considera- tion of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to said officers executing said conveyance satisfactory and in harmony with the Corporation's public service aims. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest: A. H. Lynam Clerk. Record of meeting of the Executive Committee of Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations duly called and held at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Hancock County, Maine, on Saturday, June 10, 1916, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Present: Messrs. George B. Dorr, George L. Stebbins, A. H. Lynam and L. B. Deasy. A communication from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., regarding the building by him of certain roads and horse-back riding paths across the Reservations 1 property, other than the roads authorized September 4, 1915, was presented by George L. Stebbins, where- upon it was VOTED that the Executive Committee of the Trustees of Public Reservations will be glad to have Mr. Rockefeller build roads and paths on lands belonging to the Trustees of Public Reserva- tions according to the design or plan which has been set before them on a map shown by Mr. Stebbins, which map is filed with the Clerk of the Trustees of Public Reservations, but they do not feel at liberty to give Mr. Rockefeller any legal rights which might restrict in the future the rights of the public in the land owned by the Trustees of Public Reservations. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest A. H. Lynam. Secretary RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 1916, at three o'clock in the afternoon, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. Present: Charles W. Eliot in the chair, Messrs. George B. Dorr, George L. Stebbins, L.B. Deasy, Lincoln Cromwell, John S. Melcher, J.D. Phillips, Samuel A. Eliot, J. Madison Taylor, Joseph B. Tunis, Richard H. Hate, R. E. Brunnow, D. B. Ogden, H. L. Eno and A. H. Lynam. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The minutes of the Executive Committee, held January 8, 1915, September 4, 1915 and June 10, 1916, were read and approved. The Treasurer's report, showing a balance of $1793.16, was read and ordered placed on file. The Treasurer reported that in his account appears an item of $1,000 received from Mrs. J. J. Higgin- son through President Eliot, on the understanding that it be used for the purchase of land in accord- ance with his judgment. Dr. Tunis, for the committee on Dog Mountain, reported progress. J. Archibald Murray of Northeast Harbor, Dr. J. D. Phillips of Southwest Harbor, Prof. R. E. Brunnow of Bar Harbor and Henry R. Hat- - field of Bar Harbor, were voted members of the Corporation. The following named persons were, by ballot, duly declared elected to the several offices set opposite their names, respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and C. B. Pineo as members of the Executive Commit- tee in accordance with the by-laws. UPON MOTION it was VOTED that Mr. Cromwell be added to the committee on Dog Mountain. UPON MOTION it was VOTED that the Executive Committee be directed to ascertain if any person at Bluehill is interested in obtaining Bluehill Mountain for the Reservations. UPON MOTION it was VOTED that a Committee be appointed by the chair to prepare and present to the Legislature an act for the preservation of the water sheds, ponds or lakes used for public water supply on the Island of Mount Desert, not now protected. VOTED to adjourn. A.H. Lynam Secretary. HCTPR. Treasurers Report 9/1/1916 Chapman Acchire A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on January 31, 1917, at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Town of Eden, Hancock County, Maine, at four o'clock in the after- noon. Present: C. B. Pineo, L. B. Deasy and A. H. Lynam, being a quorum. On motion it was unanimously voted that the sum of one thousand dollars in the treasury, re- ceived from Mrs. J. J. Higginson, through the Presi- dent, be used by the President in his discretion, toward the purchase of lands on the west side of Somes Sound, and that the Treasurer be authorized to pay out such sum upon the order of the President. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest: A. H. Lynam Secretary. March 3, 1917 A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was held on the above date at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Town of Eden, Hancock County, Maine, at four o'clock in the afternoon. Present: L. B. Deasy, C. B. Pineo and A. H. Lynam, being a quorum. On MOTION it was unanimously voted to author- ize the President to offer to Reginald H. Johnson, and Johnson, Trustees, the sum of ten dollars, and to Frederic S. Goodwin, Trustee, the sum of ten dollars for quitclaim deed of certain land on Newport Mountain, in the Town of Eden, de- scribed generally in a letter from Richard Hale to Charles W. Eliot, Dated February 28, 1917. ON MOTION it was voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. Haucock County Trusties HANCOCK COUNTY TRUST ES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS. TREASURER'S REPORT. September 1, 1916 to September 1, 1917. RECEIPTS. Balance on hand September 1, 1916. $1793.16 1916 Sept. 12 Interest from Trust Company 6.90 1917 Lay 10 " " " " 21.20 $1821.26 345 PAYMENTS. 1916 Oct. 17 Survey Honuns proporty 31.50 1917 42112 Feb. 7 Check to im. Drapor Lowis ior pur- chase of land on west sido of Somes Sound as directed by Prea. liot. 1000.00 1031.50 Balance on hand Suptember 1, 1917 $789.76 HILL Goorge L. Stobbins, Treasurer. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the. Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Saturday, September 20, 1917, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine. Present: President Eliot in the chair. Messrs. Stebbins, Dorr, Eno, Hatfield, Abbe, Tunis, Taylor and Lynam. The Records of the meetings held on September 2, 1916, January 31, 1917 and March 3, 1917, were read and approved. The was Treasurer's report read and accepted. 9/1/17 Doctor Tunis, for the committee on Dog Mountain, author Chapma reported progress. On motion it was voted to accept title to all lands heretofore conveyed to this Corporation, as shown by the records at the Registry of Deeds for Hancock County, Maine, which deeds are in part as follows: Robert Kaighn, dated September 28, 1916, and recorded in said Registry in Vol. 530, Page 172. Carrie E. Shepard et al, dated April 23, 1917, and recorded in said Registry in Vol 532, Page 508. Lincoln Cromwell et al, dated March 20, 1917,- and recorded in said Registry in Vol 533, Page 498. Henry Clark, dated March 19, 1917, and recorded in said Registry in Vol. 535, Page 144. Lida E. Cousins et al, dated March 17, 1917, and recorded in said Registry in Vol 535, Page 147. George B. Dorr, dated November 27, 1917, and recorded in said Registry Vol. 532, Page 66. Mabel S. Hayward, dated August 15, 1917, and recorded in said Registry Vol. 536, Page 448. The following named persons were, by ballot, duly declared elected to the several offices set opposite their names, respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. George L. Stebbins Treasurer The President appointed Messrs. L. B. Deasy and C. B. Pineo as members of the Executive Committee in accordance with the by-laws. VOTED to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. 4-8 me 02727 Reed act 23rd, 97 TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MT. DESERT AND IN COMMERMORATING HISTORICAL EVENTS: In May, 1613, six years after the planting of the English colony at Jamestown, and seven years before the landing of the Pilgrims at Flymouth, a group of Frenchmen, about fifty in number, landed at what was then as now a grassy field on the western side of the entranee to Somes Sound, Mt. Desert Island, set up a cross, put on shore the tools, stores and animals they had brought from France, and began the construction of &wellings and the cultivation of the soil. The undertaking was both religious and patrictic. Its promoters wished to convert to Christianity the heathen inhabitants of the American wilderness, and also to get a firm focthold for France in the New World. Before the preliminary work of establishing the settlement had been accomplished, these Frenchmen, unwarned and unprepared, were suddenly at- tacked by an English armed vessel whose captain held a commission from the Governor of Virginia at Jamestown to expel the French from any settlements they might have made within the limits claimed by the English under King James's patents. The French resisted, but were quickly overpowered, and their infant colony was completely destroyed. Here began the long conflict between England and France for control of the northeastern parts of the present territory of the United States, and of what is now Canada, a conflict which was not decided until the fall of Quebec nearly a century and a half later. It has seemed to certain residents at Mt. Desert that the events which took place on that grassy field in 1613 should be commemorated by putting that portion of the field which remains in its original condition its chief and most important part -- into public ownership. To accomplish this object will require at least twenty thousand dollars. A large part of this sum has already been subscribed by & few interested persons. The under- signed hope that many men and women, residents and summer residents in Maine, will wish to take part in the preservation of one of the most interesting historical sites on the Coast. They also believe that this year 1917 is a singularly appropriate time for Americans to take part in commerciating French religious and patriotic devotion exhibited in the past in the New World ; for it was in 1917 that the American Republic took active part with the French Republic in defending citilization. Contributions may be sent to, Charles W. Eliot, President of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. Cambridge, Mass. George B. Dorr, Custolian Sieur de Monte National Monument. Bar Harbor, Maine. William Draper Lewis, 3400 Chestnut St. * Philadelphia, Pa. Charlton Yarnall, Haverford, Pa. Lincoln Cromwell, 711 Park Ave., New York City. . J. Archibald Murray , 57 East 66th St., New York City. Haucrek County A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations will be held at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Friday, Jan- uary 25, 1918, at 10 o' clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of authorizing the completion of the acquisition of the Kebo Mountain lot and to appropriate for such purpose any available funds of the corporation, including funds previously designated for the purchase of land giving access to the Beehive Mountain tract. Secretary. Cambridge, Pass., 14 January 1913. Dear Sir: -lease cell with due notice & meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, to authorize the use of a cheque for 1000. previously desig- nated for the purchase of land giving access to the Beehive Kountain reservation, to complete the acquisition of the Kebo Mountain lot from the Lynde Sullivan estate. 1 approve of the above transaction. Very truly yours $8.8 Mr. A. 11. Lynam Hancock Comity Trusties HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS. TREASURER'S REPORT. September 1, 1916 to September 1, 1917. RECEIPTS. Balance on hand September 1; 1916. $1793.16 1916 Sept. 12 Interest from Trust Company 6.90 1917 Lay 10 " " 21.20 $1821.26 PAYMENTS. 1916 Oct. 17 Survey Honans proporty 31.50 1917 Feb. 7 Check to i/m. Drapor Lawis ior pur- chase of land on west side of Somes Sound as directed by Prea. liot. 1000.00 1031.50 Balance on hand Suptember 1, 1917 $789.76 chis HIH Goorge L. Stobbins, Treasurer. Haucock County A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations will be held at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Friday, Jan- uary 25, 1918, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of authorizing the completion of the acquisition of the Zebo Mountain lot and to appropriate for such purpose any available funds of the corporation, including funds previously designated for the purchase of land giving access to the Beehive Mountain tract. a Hdepara Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Friday, January 25, 1918, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine. Present: L. B. Deasy, C. B. Pineo, and A. H. Lynam, being a quorum. On motion it was voted to reconsider that part of the action of this committee at the meet- ing of January 8, 1915, relating to the expenditure of the balance of the Homans bequest. On motion it was further voted to authorize George B. Dorr to complete the acquisition of the Kebo Mountain lot and that there be appropriated for such purpose, the sum of $1000 previously designated for the purchase of land giving access to the Beehive Mountain tract, the vote making such designation having been reconsidered. Voted to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. Hancock County To Charles W. Eliot, George B. Dorr, John S. Melcher, George L. Stebbins, Charles B. Pineo and L. B. Dessy, constituting, with the undersigned, the Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations: A special meeting of said Executive Committee will be held a the office of Deasy & Lynam, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Monday, May 6th, 1918, for the following pur- poses: To take action regarding acceptance of 8 deed, dated November 27, 1917, from William Draper Lewis and Charlton Yarnall, conveying to said corporation about one hundred acres of land in the Town of Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine, including Flying Mountain. Also to take action regarding the offer of Mrs. Winthrop Sargent to erect on Flying Mountain a cross in memory of the Jesuits who established a mission on the Island at the mouth of Somes Sound. Any member of the Board who cannot be present at the meeting is requested to communicate with the Secretary presenting informally his views in relation to the above matters. April 12, 1918. A.N.Ryum Secretary. copy DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Lafayette National Park Bar Harbor, Maine November 1, 1919 Dear Mrs. Hayward: I learn with great regret from Mr. Lincoln Cromwell that no acknowledgment of your generous gift of land to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reserva- tions has yet been made. I thought this had been done by others, but since through some misunderstanding it has not and the land will presently become part of the Lafay- ette National Park, of which I have been placed in charge, permit me to thank you for it now instead, most warmly. It was an important gift, bringing the park ownership down to meet the sea upon Somes Sound and establishing an essential link between it and the mountain chain. The gift will be noted on it, according to the government's general plan, and its individuality as a contribution to the park preserved. Again, thanking you in the government's name, I am Sincerely yours, George B. Dorr Mrs. George G. Hayward c/o Mr. Lincoln Cromwell, New York City. Cambridge 38, Mass. , 8 April 1920 Dear Mr. Lynam: I hereby authorize you to call a meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations whenever it becomes desirable to execute and de- liver the new deeds of lands which are to be conveyed by the Reservations' Trustees to the National Park. I imagine that the new Secretary of the Interior will carry forward the policy of his predecessor with regard to the acceptance from the Trustees of Public Reservations of additional lands for the National Park. Sincerely yours Charles hr. Eliox Mr. A. H. Lynam RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Saturday, November 12, 1921, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine. Present: Messrs. George B. Dorr, C. B. Pineo, L. B. Deasy, B. E. Clark, L. A. Austin, Dr. J. D. Phillips and A. H. Lynam. Mr. George B. Dorr, Vice-President, was in the chair. The record of the meeting held on September 20, 1917, was read and approved. The Secretary reported that there was in the bank $687.42, that owing to the absence of the Treasurer no further report could be made. On motion it was voted to accept title to all lands heretofore conveyed to this Corporation, as shown by the records at the Registry of Deeds for Hancock County, Maine. On motion it was voted to authorize the First Vice-President to pay the sum of five hundred doll- are ($500.) for a quit-claim deed of certain land on Newport Mountain in Bar Harbor as set forth in the communications made through Mr. Richard W. Hale. On motion it was voted to authorize the First Vice-President to purchase of Charles F. Paine his interest in the Hamor Mountain lot and to pay therefor a sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.). On motion it was voted to pay the account of A. H. Lynam amounting to $15.86, represent- ing sums paid out by him. The following named persons were, by ballot, duly declared elected to the several offices set opposite their names, respectively: Mr. Charles W. Eliot President Mr. George B. Dorr First Vice-President Mr. John S. Melcher Second Vice-President Mr. A. H. Lynam Secretary Mr. B. E. Clark Treasurer VOTED to adjourn. A. H. Lynam Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held on Saturday Jan. 20, 1923, at the office of the Secretary, A. H. Lynam, Main Street, Bar Harbor, Hancock County, Maine at three o'clockin the afternoon. Present: First Vice-President Geroge B. Dorr in the chair, Messrs. B. E. Clark, L. A. Austin, C. F. Paine, C. B. Pineo and A. H. Lynam, UPON MOTICN VOTED reading minutes the last meeting be dispens ed with. The following resolution was presented and UPON MOTION the same was unanimously adopted. "Resolved, that whereas certain changes in regard to boundaries/ matters and other things, relating to the lands on the shore of Eagle Lake of the Brewer Ice Comapany and the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservation suggest themselves as advantageous to said Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, it is voted that the First Vice-Fres- ident, George B. Dorr, be and is hereby authorized to negotiate and Company agree with said Brewer 'ce so., , with reference to such changes of boundaries and to such other matters as may suggest themselves as advantageous to said Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, 11 and to execute and deliver the necessary deeds for the purpose. UPON MOTION it was unanimously voted to give the Brewer Ice cons the free use until Jan. 1, 1924 of the ice houses upon the lots to be story it conveyed by to the Reservations at which time said Ice Company is to have and remove said buildings. UPON MOTION it was VOTED to adjourn. A. H. Lynam, Sec. NARA CP, RG79, CCF, Audia. use fpts. At a meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Resorvations, duly called and hold on Tuesday, January 32d, 1004, the following resolution was passed: The Hancock County Trustees of Public Resorvations received the lands lying on the basins of Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake conveyed to the United States, to form a portion of Lafayette National Tark, as a gift from the Bar Harbor ater Company, which secured there for the protection of its water supply. As the Government in its first acceptance wished no lends included subject to legal easement or restriction and as the Bar Harbor Water Company, in surrondering the lands, needed to show such easement for the advantage of its water supply in order to justify 1t legally for having made ornendituro to secure them, it was arranged with the Government in establishing the Park that a space of fifty yards 1 breadth border- ing these lakes should romin in the possession of the Trustees of Public Reservations, subject to such easement, and the remainder of the land be con voyed to the Government. without restriction. Bubble Pond lica in a narrow gorge with procipitous sides between Cadillac and Pemetic Mountains. Bordering the western side of Bubble Pond there is a level strin of narrow width; over this a bridle path was constructed before the establighment of the National Park by the Bridle Path comittee of this Corporation whose chairman was the late Colonel Edward Morrellan Philodelphia, Commor member of Congress, who c) fund for the purpose in subscription from the late Thomas Delites Cuyler of Philadelphia, Chairman of Rail- way Executives at the time of death last fall and summer resident at Bar Herbor. This bridle path connected the 01.1 driving road to the south of the lake, called the Boyd Road, with the way to its north known as the Roberts Road, and since that time the bridle rath system thus established has remained in use. UCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 2. Under the motor road and horse-trail plan approved by the Government in 1922 this bridle path was retained as a portion of the projected horse-trail system. Were the Motor road continued through Buible Pond valley by the side of the lake it would obliterate this trail, used equally as a foot-way, there not being space for both between the lake and noun- tain. Whether this was desir blo was thoroughly gone into and discussed in 1922 when the plans approved by the Government were in prope ation and under study. in their consideration, the motor road, as of public importance, was given the right of way. From every point of view, the acopted route for the motor road by the Carry Pass and Jordan Pond was held preferable to that by Bubble Pond, and, funds for its construction being pledged in contribution, it was adopted. Discussion having arisen during the past season among certain of the surrer residents at Seal Harbor in which, regardless of the Govern- ment's definite adoption of the route by the Carry Pass and Jordan Dond and the expenditure that has been made under the pledge founded on that plan, the questi of shifting to the route by Bubble Pond has been debated, Be It Resolved: that this Corporation horoby puts itsolf on record as opposed to such change, for which no reason exists not equally cogent when the matter was debated prior to the Government's adoption 0.° the route by Jorden Fond, and to 1th acceptance and expenditure of funds contributed on the basis of that plan, after which this Corporation cannot now regard the que tion as open. Bar Harbor, Maine, January 22, 1924. A true copy Attest Secretary. COPY A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Tuesday, January 22nd, 1924, at nine o'clock in the forenoon. Present: George B. Dorr, in the chair; Messrs. B. E. Clark, L. A. Austin, Charles F. Paine, C. B. Pineo, D. O. Rodick, S. B. Rodick, Guy E. Torrey, C. E. Dow, A. H. Lynam, A. S. Rodick. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The resignation of the Secretary, A. H. Lynam, was presented and accepted. Serenus B. Rodick was ,upon ballot, duly elected as Secretary in place of A. H. Lynam. A discussion having arisen in regard to the construction of the proposed system of motor roads and horse trails within Lafayette National Park and over lands adjoining held by this Corporation, upon motion it was voted to prepare resolutions dealing with them. A Committee having been appoint- ed, the following resolutions were unanimously adopt- ed: 2. The Trustees of Public Reservations of Hancock County, Maine, learning that objection has been lately made to the Secretary of the Interior affect- ing the continuance of the road-building program for Lafayette National Park adopted by the Federal Government in July, 1922, as shown on a blueprint signed by the Assistant Secretary of the Interior and the Acting Director of the National Park Service, desire to place on record and respectfully to re- present to the Secretary their strong opposition, as a public service Corporation which has cooperated with the Federal Government in the establishment of this Park and is still cooperating with it for the Park's extension, to any modification of this plan which will fail to carry out its essential features or will interrupt the work not being done through contributed funds by the Superintendent of the Park. This plan is the result of long and careful study, made in reference alike to the broad public use of the Park and the enjoyment of its visitors and to the efficient protection of its wild life and forests, impossible to carry out in an area so rugged and surrounded by resort communities without adequate means of rapid movement around its mountais areas and through their intersecting valleys. The Plan, when completed was submitted to the National Park Service for approval in the spring of 1922. The Director, Mr. Mather, came with Mr. Cammerer, Acting Director, to whose study Mr. Mather committed the matter and whose favorable report to him after a week devoted to it was approved by Assistant Secretary of the Interior Finney, he and Mr. Cammerer, for the Department and the Service, signing and forwarding to Superintendent CBD Dorr for his guidance and placing on record a blueprint exhibiting the plan, in accordance with which the work is now proceeding. The natural beauty of the area, uniquely great, will be in no way lessened by the execution of this plan, but the enjoyment of that beauty will be immensely extended and made available to Park visitors from the whole country who will come here in increasing numbers. The utmost provision is being made in the work done to prevent disfigure- ment along the roadsides and to screen the road as a constructional feature from prominence in the landscape or producing any inharmonious feature in it from other points of view. No funds were available by Congressional appropriation for carrying out this plan which re- quired also the purchase of additional lands, but Superintendent Dorr was authorized to accept, if GBD offered, a contribution or contributions for the purpose. Similar contributions, made through this Corporation, had led to the creation of the Park. Contribution for the consturction of the road was made, and large sums have been expended in execu- tion of the project, both for land and labor. The adopted plan involving lands held by this Corporation as well as those conveyed by it to the Park, this Corporation became a party con- senting to the project, which it approved. And it would respectfully represent to the Secretary of the Interior that, having accepted and expended funds to large amount raised on the basis of that plan as authorized, it is honorably engaged not to deviate from it, impairing the value of the expended contribution, lying in the work's comple- tion, unless on the most serious grounds, and it would further represent that such grounds do not exist. No new factors have entered in since the Government authorized the project, and endorse- ment had been received by the Department from the Congressional Representatives of the State and District, recorded in writing and filed with the National Park Service. The plan as authorized has been strictly carried out. Construction has been of the simplest character from the landscape architecturäl point of view and admirable though costly from the engineering standpoint. The problem of combining permanence of construction, economy of maintenance, and safety to the user with freedom from disfigure- ment has been held constantly in view, and solved, as construction has proceeded. As a means to the enjoyment of future visitors to the Park it constitutes a work which carried to completion cannot but result in an immense in- crease in the usefulness and value of the Park to the people of the United States as a recreational area and a wild life sanctuary, opening its beauty to the public and making possible its efficient and economical protection. This Corporation, representing the donors of the parklands to the Government and widely the citizens and residents of the region wherein Lafay- ette National Park is placed, interested solely from the public point of view, respectfully urges, with full and intimate knowledge, that the work of road and trail construction authorized by the Department of the Interior and now in process be permitted to proceed in accordance with the Depart- ment (s adopted and recorded plan. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, February 9, 1924 at three o'clock in the afternoon. Present: Charles B. Pineo, B. E. Clark, C.E. Dow, A. H. Lynam, L. A. Austin, A. S. Rodick, NGBD S. B. Rodick. Mr. Pineo was elected to preside and occupied the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted. Whereas this Corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorpora- tion to convey and transfer to the United States of America a part of the lands now owned by it, situated in the vicinity of Lakewood on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, State of Maine. THEREFORE be it resolved that Charles W. Eliot, its President, and George B. Dorr, its First Vice- President, be, and they are, authorized and instruct- ed to make and execute a good and sufficient deed on behalf of this Corporation, conveying and trans- ferring to the United States of America all the Iands now owned by said Corporation situated in the vicinity of Lakewood, on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine. A draft of deed for the said purpose was presented, which deed was read, examined and approved. And be it further Resolved that the President and First Vice- President be, and they are, authorized to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in consideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to said officers executing said conveyance satisfactory and in harm- ony with the Corporation's public service aims, and further Resolved that a copy of said deed be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for description of the property hereby authorized to be conveyed, and for all other particulars with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest Serenus B. Rodick Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christion Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on M nday March 3, 1924 at two o'clock in the afternoon. Present: George B. Dorr in the chair, L. A. Austin, C. E. Dow, C. B. Pineo, David O. Rodick, E. B. Mears, A. H. Lynam, B. L. Hadley, G. E. Torrey, B. E. Clark, S. B. Rodick. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, The following were by vote unamimously elected members of the Corporation:- Dr. James Murphy, Seal Harbor, Maine. C. D. Joy, Northeast Harbor, Maine. T. F. Mahoney, Ellsworth, Maine. The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted. Whereas this corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorporation to convey and transfer to the United States of America certain lands now owned by it situated at Beech Hill, on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine, and conveyed to this corporation in 1919 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. THEREFORE be it resolved that Charles W. Eliot, its President, and George B. Dorr, its First Vice-President, be, and they are, authorized and instructed to make and execute a good and sufficient deed on behalf of this corporation, conveying and transferring to the United States of America said lands now owned by it situated at Beech Hill, on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine, and con- veyed to this corporation in 1919 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. A draft of deed for the said purpose was presented, which deed was read, examined and approved. And be it further Resolved that the President and First Vice-President be ,and , they are authorized to deliver the same to said g rantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in con- sideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to' said officers executing said conveyance satisfactory and in harmony with the corporation's public service aims, and further Resolved that a copy of said deed be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for description of the property hereby authorized to be conveyed, and for all other particulars with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. On motion it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest, Serenus B. Rodick Secretary. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christain Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, June 28, 1924 at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at which meeting a quorum was present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted: Whereas this corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorporation to convey and transfer to the United States of America certain lands now owned by it, namely, situated on the west side of Somes Sound on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine and conveyed to this corporation in 1917, 0 by Lincoln and Mable S. Cromwell. THEREFOR be it resolved that. Charles W. Eliot, its President, and Geroge B. Dorr, its First Vice-President, be, and they are, authorized and instructed to make and execute a good and sufficient deed on behalf of this corporation, transferring to the United States of America the lands above described. A draft of deed for the said purpose was presented, which deed was read, examined and approved. And be it further Resolved that the President and First Vice-President be and they are authorized to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in con- sideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and Such fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to said officers executing said conveyance satisfactory and in harmony with the Corporation's public service aims, and further Resolved that a copy of said deed be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for description of the property hereby authorized to be conveyed, and for all other particulars with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. On MOTION it was voted that this corporation authorize the con- struction, by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., , of a driving road over its lands encircling Little Brown, Jordan and Sargent Mountains, as appears on the plan approved by the Secretary of the Interior, subject to the approval in regard to details of route and construction, of the President of this corporation or such committee as he may appoint to trustee represent him: but the' do not feel at liberty to give Mr. Rockefeller any legal rights which might restrict in the future the rights of the public in the land owned by the Trustees of Public Reservations On motion it was voted to adjourn. Serenus B. Rodick Sec. RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Saturday, December 6th, 1924, at teh o'clock in the forenoon, at which meeting the following were present:- L. A. Austin, B. E. GBD Clark, Charles F. Paine, C. E. Dow, David O. Rodick, N A. S. Rodick, G. E. Torrey, B. L. Hadley and Serenus B. Rodick. Charles F. Paine was in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted. WHEREAS this Corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorpora- tion to convey and transfer to the United States of America certain lands now owned by it, situat- ed on the west side of Somes Soun on the Island of Mount Desert, Hancock County, Maine, and con- veyed to this Corporation in 1917 by Carrie E. Shepard and George G. Kellogg by deed dated April 23, 1917, in Book 532, Page 508. THEREFORE be it resolved that Charles W. Eliot, its President, and George B. Dorr, its First Vice- President, be, and they are, authorized and instruct- ed to make and execute a good and sufficient deed on behalf of this Corporation, transferring to the United States of America the lands above described. A draft of deed for the said purpose was pre- sented, which deed was read, examined and approved. And be it further RESOLVED that the President and First Vice- - President be, and they are, authorized to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in consideration of RAC.III 2.I. Box 73.F.756 C.Z: Abbe S.H. H.C. T. ww. GEORGE L. STEBBINS REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE SEAL HARBOR, MAINE May 29th, 1925. Mr. Charles O. Heydt, 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Heydt:- JOHN OFFICE ROCKEFELLER, OF JR. Replying to your favor of the 27th, the officers and Executive Committee of the Hancock County Trustees of Public and Reservations are as follows: President- Charles W. Eliot 1st Vice President- George B. Dorr 2nd Vice President- John S. Melcher of New York and Northeast Harbor Secretary- Serenus B. Rodick of Bar Harbor Treasurer- B. E. Clark of Bar Harbor The Executive Committee is composed of the officers and : Judge L. B. Deasy Judge C. B. Pineo, both of Bar Harbor. There are no directors, each trustee being entitled to vote on all questions at the regular meetings, and Mr. H. A. Lynam is one of the trustees, there being about eighty in all. Yours very truly, George L Stebbine GLS/MB HCTPR list which rate: able but lick w new or List other at Southwest Harbor. Dr. J. D. Phillips Southwest Harbor. Ellsworth Hon. Hannibal E. Hamlin Ellsworth, Me. Hom. John A. Peters If Mr. T. F. Mahoney TT Seal Harbor. Mr. George L. Stebbins Seal Harbor. Rt. Rev. Dr.Wm.T. Manning Rev. Wm. A. Brown Prof. E. S. Dana Dr. James Murphy Mr. Roscoe C. E.Brown 164 Hicks St. Brooklyn, N.Y. Mr. Gilbert H. Montague 11 40 Wall St. N.Y. Mr. Roscoe B. Jackson IT Hudson Motor Co. Detroit. Charles W.McAlpin Hotel McAlpin, N. Y. Mr. Samuel S. Fels Cor. 39th & Walnut St. Philadelphia. Mr. Herbert Weir Smyth 15 Elmwood Ave. Cambridge NORTHEAST HARBOR. Mr. Benjamin W. Arnold Northeast Harbor. Mr. Wm.Draper Lewis TT Mr. John S. Melcher 68 William St. N.Y. Mr. Joseph P. Tunis Mr. W. W.Vaughan Mr. Arnold Wood IT Mr. Lincoln Cromwell II Mr. C. D. Joy IT Mr. Charles W. Elliott, 2nd IT 9 Park St Boston Mr. Charlton Yarnall Franklin Bldg. Chestnut st. Philadelphia. Mr. J. Archibald Murray " 57E.66th St. IV. Y. Mr. Gerrish H. Milliken - If 79-83 Leonard St. N.Y. Mr. Harry R. Baltz IT 1140 Fifth Ave. N.Y. Rev. Malcolm Peabody 11 18E. Chestnut Ave. Chestnut Hill, Phila. Cranberry Isle. Mr. William O. Sawtelle Isleford, Maine or Box 398 Haver- ford, Penna. Winter Harbor. Mr. Frank B. Noyes Tinter Harbor Mr. Samuel J. Henderson T1 West Bouldsboro Mr. J. D. Cameron Bradley West Bouldsboro, any Morriday morning in aug HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS MEMBERS Asticou Dr. Richard Harte dead Asticou, Maine. TT Rev. Francis G. Peabody II Rev. Samuel A. Eliot Bar Harbor Mr. George B. Dorr Bar Harbor, Maine. If Mr. E. B. Mears or 254 S. 15th St. Phila. II Mr. L. A. Austin If Mr. Charles B. Pineo If Mr. W. J. Schieffelin If Dr. Robert Abbo If Mr. A. H. Lynam 11 Mr. Herbert Satterlee or 120 Broadway, N.Y. IT IT Mr. Ernesto G. Farbri away 7 E. 95 St. IV. Y. TT Hon. L. B. Deasy If 11 321 W 80 St. NIY. Mr. L. M. Luquer n Rt. Rev. Wm.Lawrence TT Mr B E- Clark If Mr. Fred C. Lynam 11 Mr. George A. Robbins 11 Mr. H . L. Eno-away 11 Mr. Charles F. Paine 11 Mr. Clarence E. Dow If Mr. David O. Rodick 11 Mr. A. Stroud Rodick Mr. Wm. M. Roberts probably nontalted II 11 Mr. Serenus B. Rodick If Mr. Guy E. Torrey If Mr. B. L. Hadley If Mr. 3. H. Young If or 1651 Penn Ave. Washington Mr. Gist Blair Mr. Dave Morris-amay or 19 E. 70th St. N.Y. TT Mr. William Procter 11 Mr. Charles E. Sampson or 340 Park Ave. N.Y. Pres. Clarence Little-away U. of Mich, Ann Arbor, Mich Mr. F. J. Stimson Dedham, Mass. Mr. Walters G. Hill Mr. Potter Palmer 1549 Railway Exchange, Chicago IT Mr. Charles B. Pike 6 N. Mich. Boule. Chicago. 11 60 State St. Boston, Mass. Mr. Richard Hale 11 Mr. Henry Morgenthau - 417 Park Ave. N.Y. 11 Mr. Wm. C.Endicott 71 Ames Bldg. Boston TT Mr. George McFadden 121 Chestnut St. Philadelphia RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the office of Lynam & Rodick, Bar Harbor, Haine, on Thursday, December 3rd, 1925, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at which meeting a quorum was present:- The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Secretary reported that Caroline Pryor Pine and Edith Pryor had conveyed to this Corporation for transference to the National Government as a part of Lafayette National Park a tract of land known as Bar Island situated at the entrance Somesville Harbor, the deed being recorded in Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds in Vol. 596 Page 57; and that Mrs. Annie C. Kane had purchased and had conveyed to this corporation by Marcus C. Sweet, for transference to the National Park a certain tract of land situated at Hulls Cove, Maine, the deed being recorded in Hancock County Maine Registry of Deeds in Vol. 597, Page 110 and page 168 it was thereupon VOTED to accept said property for said purpose, whereupon The following resolution was presented and on motion the same was unanimously adopted. WHEREAS this Corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorporation to convey and transfer to the United States of America certain lands now owned by it, to wit, the property described as conveyed in the deed from Caroline Pryor Pine and Edith Pryor, dated July 18, 1925, recorded in Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds in Vol. 596, Page 57; and The property described as conveyed in the deed from Marcus C. Sweet dated September 8, 1925 and recorded in Hancock County, Maine, Registry of Deeds, in Vol. 597, Page 110 and 168. THEREFORE be it resolved that George B. Dorr, its First Vice- - President, be, and he is, authorized and instructed to make and ex- - ecute a good and sufficient deed or deeds on behalf of this Corp- oration, transferring to the United States of America the lands above described. A draft of deed for the said purpose was presented, which deed was read, examined and approved. And be it further RESOLVED that the First Vice-President be and he is authorized to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, with- out money consideration, and only in consideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to said officer executing said conveyance satisfactory and in harmony with the Corporation's public service aims, and further RESOLVED that copies of said deeds be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for description of the property hereby authorized to be conveyed, and for all other particulars with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. ON MOTION duly seconded it VOTED to adjourn. A true record: Serenus B. Rodick Attest Secretary RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the office of Lynam & Rodick, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Wednesday, February 3rd, A.D. 1926 at two o' clock in the afternoon, at which meeting a quorum was present:- The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Clarence E. Dow was in the chair. Mr. A. H. Lynam explained the circumstances regarding the Notch Lot, so-called, which is owned by the Reservations, and discussed the title. On motion duly seconded it was voted that this Corporation file a petition to comple those claim- ing title to the Notch Lot to come into court and try the title. On motion duly seconded it was voted that all persons cutting wood on the Notch Lot be told that they will be held responsible. Mr Fred Brewer was present on behalf of the Brewer Realty Company and informed the meeting that he would take the matter up with the Brewer Realty Company and see what action they would take in re- gard to the suit for trying the title. On motion duly seconded it was voted to adjourn. A true copy, Attest: Serenus B. Rodick Secretary. Resolved that the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations record with deep regret and personal sorrow the death of their longtime president, Dr. Charles W. Eliot, president emer- itus of Harvard University and one of the earli- est summer residents upon Mount Desert Island. He it was who issued the call for meeting in the summer of 1901 which resulted in the formation of the Trustees' Corporation and it was through him that its first gift of land was received, the Bowl and Beehive tract on Newport Mountain present- ed by Mrs. Charles D. Homans of Boston. Through- out, he kept himself in touch with its work, passed on its policies, and was unfailing in active interest and wise counsel. The strong influence of his personality, his broad vision and high public spirit will remain always as foundation stones built into the achievement of the Corpora- tion and the history of Mount Desert Island. On motion duly seconded it was voted to ad- journ. A true record Attest: Serenus B. Rodick Secretary RECORD OF MEETING A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms on Mt. Desert Street, Sept. 16, 1926 at ten o'clock in the forenoon. Those present were: George L. Stebbins, J. S. Melcher, J. A. Peters lungs B. L. Hadley, Goo. B. Dorr, A. H. Lynam, H. L. Satterlee, Chas. B. Pineo Charles Chas. F. Paine, L. B. Deasy, S. B. Rodick, L. A. Austin, 0. E. Dow, Charley Samuel Eliot. Mr. George B. Dorr was in the chair. On motion duly seconded it was moved to pass the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to proceed with the election of officers. Hon. L. B. Deasy was unanimously elected president to succeed Dr. Charles W. Eliot, deceased, who had been president of the organization since its beginning. Mr. George B. Dorr and John S. Melcher were re-elected first and second vice presidents, respectively. Guy E. Torrey was elected treasurer to succeed Judge B. E. Clark, who had resigned. Serenus B. Rodick was re-elected secretary. The following resolution was offered by Mr. George B. Dorr and was unanimously adopted by the meeting. Resolved that the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations record with deep regret and personal sorrow the death of their long- - time president, Dr. Charles W. Eliot, president emeritus of Harvard University and one of the earliest of summer residents upon Mount Desert Island. He it was who issued the call for meeting in the summer of 1901 which resulted in the formation of the Trustees' Corporation and it was through him that its first gift of land was received, the Bowl and Beehive tract on Newport Mountain presented by Mrs. Charles D. Homans of Boston. Throughout, he kept himself in touch with its work, passed on its policies, and was unfailing in active interest and wise counsel. The strong influence of his personality, his broad vision and high public spirit will remain always as foundation stones built into the achievement of the Corporation and the history of Mount Desert Island. Onist A number of matters of importance were discussed at the meeting, it being suggested that the next annual meeting be called in August, 1927 and at that meeting a rough map, showing the general location of lands held by the Reservations, be presented for examination, also that the executive committee have a meeting prior to the annual meeting in order that it may report at the annual meeting. Mr. Dorr and A. H. Lynam spoke briefly on the relationship of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations with the Lafayette National Park The following names were presented for membership in the corporation, their membership to be subject to their acceptancy of the invitation. It was suggested that each new member be forwarded a letter notifying him of his election and requesting his acceptancy of the election. Mr. Gist Blair Mr. Charles E. Sampson Mr. Dave H. Morris Pres. Clarence Little Mr. William Proctor Mr. F. J. Stimson Mr Potter Palmer Mr. Charles B. Pike Bar Harbor Mr. Richard W. Hale Mr. Henry Morganthau Mr. William C. Endicott Dr. Joseph Blake Mr. George McFadden Mr. Charles W. Eliot, 2nd Mr. Charlton Yarnall Mr. J. Archibald Marray Northeast Harbor, Me. Mr. Jacob S. Diston Mr. Gerri sh H. Millikin Mr. Harry R. Baltz Rev. Malcolm Peabody Mr. Gilbert H. Montague Mr. Roscoe B. Jackson Mr. Roscoe C E. Brown Dr. D. H. McAlpin Charles W. McAlpin Seal Harbor Mr. Samuel S. Fels Mr. Thomas Harris Powers Mr. James Ford Rhodes Mr. Herbert Weir Smyth Mr. William Q Sawlelle Isle On motion duly seconded it was voted to adjourn. A true Record Attest Serenus B. Rodick Secretary RECORD OF MEETING. A meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations was duly called and held at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, Bar Harbor, Maine, on Monday March 14, 1927, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at which meeting a quor- um was present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. On motion duly seconded it was voted to ac- cept all real estate conveyed to the Reservations by deeds heretofore recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Hancock County. On motion duly seconded it was voted to estab- lish and permanently maintain, in accordance with the gift of said property, situated on Schoodic Point, by Ruth Moore Lee of Fareham and Faith Moore, a memorial in memory of the late John G. Moore, a former owner of the property, and that the First Vice-President be, and is, hereby authorized to locate and attend to the establishing of said mem- orial. The following resulution was presented and on motion was unanimously adopted: Whereas this Corporation deems it consistent and in harmony with the purposes of its incorpora- tion to convey and transfer to the United States of America certain lands now owned by it, namely: 1. The Hayward Lot, so-called, said lot being located on the east side of Somes Sound, and convey- ed to said Reservations by Mabel S. Hayward by deed recorded in Volume 536, Page 448. 11. The tract of land near Witch Hole Pond in the town of Bar Harbor known as the Bowler Tract, said parcel being conveyed to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations by Alice B. Bowler and Jane Bowler Gilman et al by deed recorded in Volume 549, Page 283. 111. The Homans Lot, so-called, situated on the west side of the Ocean Drive near Schooner Head, gift said lot with other land being conveyed to the CBD Reservations by George B. Dorr by deed recorded in Hancock County Registry of Deeds in Volume 590, Page 288. lv. Certain land owned by the Reservations situated and being on the western side of Eagle Lake and being made up of eight lots, said lots all adjoining and having been conveyed to said Reservations by deed recorded in Hancock County Registry of Deeds. V. Certain land situated on Schoodic Point in the town of Winter Harbor, said land with other land being conveyed to the Reservations by two deeds recorded in Hancock County Registry of Deeds in Volume 607, Page 361, and Volume 607, Page 363. THEREFORE be it resolved that L. B. Deasy, its President, and George B. Dorr, its First Vice- President, be, and they are, authorized and in- structed to make and execute a good and sufficient deed on behalf of this Corporation, transferring to the United States of America the lands above described. Resolved that the President and First Vice- President be, and they are, authorized to deliver the same to said grantee, the United States of America, without money consideration, and only in consideration of any express or implied agreement assuring the best and fullest use of the land in the public interest as may seem to said officers executing said conveyances aatisfactory and in harmony with the Corporation's public service aims; and further Resolved that copies of said deeds be kept on file by the Secretary to be referred to for deserip- tion of the property hereby authorized to be con- veyed, and for all other particulars with the same force and effect as if the same were set forth in this vote. Drafts of the above deeds were presented, which were read, examined and approved. A communication from Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., was received and read, offering to contri- bute the money necessary to construct two horse JDRIr. roads lying partly on property held by this Cor- poration and partly in Lafayette National Park, one to the North and the other to the South of Bubble Pond, both being shown upon a plan filed with the secretary of this association. Whereupon, after careful consideration, it was unanimously voted to approve the construction of said roads as shown on said plan and to grant authority to Mr. Rockefeller to construct the same in accordance with the terms of his offer in SO far as they traverse lands of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. On motion made and seconded it was voted to adjourn. A true copy. Attest Serenus B. Rodick Secretary. GEORGE L. STEBBINS Insurance Seal Harbor, Maine August 28, 1929. George B. Dorr, Esq'r., Bar Harbor, Maine. Dear Mr. Dorr: In answer to your request by tele- phone that I give you an account of the donations of land to the Trustees of Public Reservations, made from this side of the Island, I can state the facts as follows: The first gift of land to the Trustees from any source was, I think, 4.7 acres on the top of Barr Hill back of Seal Harbor, given by Mr. George B. Cooksey more than twenty years ago. The exact date can be obtained from Mr. A. H. Lynam. I know that the Homans' gift has usually been called the first gift of land to the Trustees, but I think Mr. Lynam will find that the Cooksey date E antidated that. In fact, there was one very small piece, comprising a few square yards, being the plot on which the Champlain Monument rests, which was deeded to the Trustees by the Estate of Linda Dows Cooksey back in 1903 or 1904, when the Cham- plain Monument was dedicated and this was probably the first gift but very insignificant in area. -2- The next gift from here was the large tract comprising 1200 acres or more and includ- ing all of Pemetic Mountain and the Triads. This was given by the following group in Seal Harbor: George B. Cooksey Edward K. Dunham Richard M. Hoe Edward C. Bodman Tracey Dows George L. Stebbins Christian A. Herter This was the so-called Mount Desert and Eastern Shore Land Company tract, comprising an estimated 3600 acres, 1600 acres of which were situated in the Town of Eden, which I bought from a creditor of the old company, who had acquired it at sheriff's sale, and turned over to you the 1600 acres in Eden on payment by you of $3000. The next large tract was the property owned by the Estate of Charles T. How, comprising Jordan and Sargent Mountains and a portion of the Bubbles, about 1600 acres. This property was bought by me and the mountain were obtained for the reservations by subscriptions from the Seal Harbor Water Supply Company and a group of summer residents of Northeast Harbor and the Northeast Harbor Water Company. I cannot give you a list of the names of the North- east Harbor people who subscribed to this tract but I know that President Eliot and Mr. . John S. Melcher were among the number. -3- The next tract of about 21 acres on the southeast shore of Jordan Pond was bought by the Seal Harbor Water Supply Company from B. W. Candage and given to the reservations. Another tract, the acreage of which I do not remember, called the Hadlock lot, situated in the Hadlock Carry, was bought by your from Dr. Hagerthy, I think, after you had telephoned me and it was paid for by the Seal Harbor Water Supply Company and the land deeded to the Trustees of Reservations. After the mountainous part of the How pur- chase was deeded to the reservations, there was a debt against the purchase against which I carried the lowland, which was of commercial value and later this land was sold to Mr. Rockefeller, the debt paid and something over $70 0 turned in to the Treasurer of the Trustees of Public Reservations. This, I think, gives a complete account of all the lands turned over to the reservations with which I had anything to do, but I understand that other tracts were given, including some of the mountains on the west side of Somes Sound, with which you of course are familiar. Yours very truly, Signed: George L. Stebbins. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS A Special Meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations will be held at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Bar Harbor, Hancock County, Maine, on Monday June 22nd A. D. 1931, at ten o'clock in the fore noon, Eastern Stand- ard Time, for the following purposes: 1. To see if the corporation will authorize its President or Treasurer to execute and deliver a deed of all its interest in two lots of land bounded and described as follows, to wit: FIRST LOT: Bounded on the east by land of George B. Dorr; on the south by Harden Farm Road; on the west by land of George B. Dorr, and on the north by land now or formerly of J. L. Ketter- linus and land of George B. Dorr. SECOND LOT: Bounded on the east by land of George B. Dorr; on the south by land now or formerly of the Mount Desert Golf Association; on the west in part by Kebo Brook and in part by land used as a portion of the golf course; and on the north by land of George B. Dorr. Said land to be transferred to George B. Dorr, and the corporation to accept in exchange therefor a deed from George B. Dorr of a tract of land lying between Ledgelawn Avenue Extension on the west; land formerly of F. and S. H. Rodick and land of the Town of Bar Harbor, and Cromwell Harbor Brook on the east; and Kebo Brook on the south. 2. To see if the corporation will authorize its President or Treasurer to convey all its interest in the strip of land one hundred fifty feet wide bordering the lakes and their tributaries furnishing water to towns on the Island, (subject however, to the interest of the Water Company, it having interests therein), to the United States of America. 3. To see if the corporation will vote to authorize its President or Treasurer to convey to the United States of America the land acquired from George B. Dorr by deed dated September 26, 1930. Said land being located at Echo Lake. 4. To transact such other business as may legally come before the meeting. By order of the President, SERENUS B. RODICK, Secretary. notice & Explanation sent to members Jame 15 1931 SBRodul. Explanatory note accompanying call for special meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations to be held on the 22nd day of June 1931. ARTICLE 1. The two lots which would be conveyed to Mr. Dorr if the exchange offered by him is favor- ably acted on by the Trustees are narrow strips of land bordering Great Meadow Brook between its crossing of the Ledgelawn Avenue Extension road and its outlet from the Meadow, and separated by one of the playing courses of the second nine-hole golf links. These lots are remainder portions of an origin- ally continuous strip deeded by Mr. Dorr to the Trustees before the establishment of the Golf Club's second nine-hole course, with reference to a driving road and foot-path the plan for which was given up in favor of the links. The intended development which led to the conveyance having been abandoned, blocked by the links, this land has ceased to be potentially useful or appropriate to the Trustees' purposes. The land offered by Mr. Dorr in exchange, fronting on Ledgelawn Avenue Extension road, extends along the eastern side of the road between Cromwell Harbor Brook and Kebo Brook bridge-crossings and forms a necessary link in the opportunity for a continuous foot-path connecting the Village at the Athletic Field with the Great Meadow and Sieur de Monts Spring, together with the trails that start from them, in accordance with the plans proposed by Mr. Charles Eliot in his study for the future development of Mount Desert Island prepared for the Bar Harbor Village Improvement Association, and by Mr. Olm- sted in his work for Mr. Rockefeller. It is in the interest of this development that this exchange is pro- posed. ARTICLE 2. At a meeting of the Reservations held August 20, 1929, it was voted to convey to the United States all lands owned by the Corporation on Mount Desert Island except a strip of land one hundred fifty feet wide bordering the lakes and their tributaries furnishing water to the various towns and except also a lot containing approximately five acres on Barr Hill and a lot occupied by the Champlain Monu- ment on the Cooksey Drive. The reason for seeking a conveyance of this lake-shore property now is that portions of the system of constructed roads extending around these lakes lie over this land. The Reservations have no funds to maintain such portions and the Government, assuming the obligation now borne by the Trustees in con- nection with the protection of the water supply, will be able to keep the roads in proper condition. ARTICLE 3. The land referred to in this article was acquired after the vote had been passed authorizing the conveyance to the Government of all but certain specified lots. It therefore becomes necessary to obtain special authority from the Corporation to convey this lot. file UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 2682 B NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Acadia National Park March 13, 1939. Dear Richard: I am setting down certain memoranda concerning the Park and the Trustees of Public Reservations. Won't you tell me a few things I want to know regarding the Black House and Mr. Black, so far as you may be able to do so? When was the house at Ellsworth built and by whom? Was it our Mr. Black's father or nis grandfather who built it? And what wa this first of the family who appears, personally and from the business point of view? Does he come into view as a man of property which led t.o his selection as agent for the Bingham lands? And at what date was he appointed agent? Did he at any time hold a State appointment or was he throughout a private citizen only? What was the source of the younger Mr. Black's fortune, the Mr. Black who left us the bequest? Did he inherit it from his father or make it himself? And if from his father, how did his father make it -- by holdings in lumber which would seem to have been the only considerable trade of Ellsworth in early days? When did Mr. Black take up his residence in Boston and whose house was it on Beacon Street that he bought? What was it that he left to the Boston Art Museum-- his house in Bos- ton and its contents or its contents only? And did he leave any bequest, independently of the house and contents, to the Museum? Was he in business at any time in Boston or did his fortune come wholly from Maine? Can you tell me the origin of the Black family whence they came to Maine and when? One thing more: If Alexander Baring purchased the lands in Maine and not his father-in - law or his wife, how is that the lands in the trust come to be called the Bingham or Bingham heir lands and not the Baring lands? Also, how extensive were these lands originally and did they all center in this region? 2 Hale, March 13/37/ Further: When did purchasing begin, from whom was it made and how long did it go on? Who was entrusted with the selection of the lands and what, if anything, remains to show the average price per acre? Were any of them cropped by the agency for lumber or all sold as they stood, as forest? Forall and any information you can give me to satisfy my inquiring mind, I shall be duly grateful and am, with best regards to your wife, Sincerely yours, GBD-0 RAC. TII. Z I. 73. 756 e.t File APR LAW OFFICES LUERE B. DEASY ALBERT H. LYNAM DEASY, LYNAM, RODICK & RODICK DAVID O. RODICK SERENUS B. RODICK BAR HARBOR BANKING & TRUST BUILDING BAR HARBOR, MAINE Avenue Time lov. 3031- - Told Synam if greater part of fund is subscribed I would give 142 hundred. He wree let the know. otherwise no reply the made Sept. 28, 193b. Mr. John D.Rockefeller, Jr., 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: I am returning the letter Miss Adams sent me from the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. At the annual meeting of the Reservations, Charles Eliot, son of Samuel Eliot, made a motion that the Execu- tive Committee be instructed to prepare and print a report concerning the activities of the Reservations for the past thirty years. I am not sure that Mr. Eliot made the motion but the matter was suggested by him. About a week after the meeting Samuel and Charles Eliot came to Judge Deasy and Mr. Serenus Rodick with a letter similar to the one which was sent out over Judge Deasy's and Mr. Rodick's signatures, although the issuance of the letter was not authorized by vote of the Corpora- tion or the Executive Committee. Charles Eliot suggested to Mr. Rodick that he thought his grandfather had started the Reservations as a memorial to his uncle, Charles Eliot, son of President Eliot. DEASY, LYNAM, RODICK & RODICK J.D.R.Jr. 2/28/31 -2 Samuel Eliot is writing the early history, obtain- ing the data from the record book. It is suggested that before the book is printed it be submitted to Charles Eliot who has in mind preparing a map with a key system to be inserted in the booklet showing the location of the land the Reservation has owned, by whom it was donated and when transferred to the Government or others. The Eliots think that one thousand dollars will be necessary to do the work in good shape. I do not know whether he expects to get any information from this office. Very truly yours, Altogram *1 Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations BAR HARBOR, MAINE Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 26 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. Rockefeller: The Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations (Corp was organized thirty years ago. In accordance with a vote of the Trustees at the 1931 Annual Meeting, it is proposed to publish a report covering the activities of the Board for the thirty year period. For the preparation of the report and accompanying plan and for printing and distribution of copies, a fund of one thousand dollars is needed. The proposed report is intended to include: 1. A brief historical statement of the origin, organi- zation, incorporation and activities of the Trustees. 2. A complete record of the lands acquired; with dates, acreage, donors, and the disposition of the same with explanatory notes. 3. A list of the past and present members of the Board and of the officers since 1901. 4. An accounting of the funds received and disbursed. 5. Copies of the Acts of the Legislature and By-Laws. 6. A re-statement of the aims and purposes of the Trustees and of immediate needs including: a. Additional park areas. b. Needs and responsibilities incurred at the Black House. C. Functions of the Trustees in relation to. the Acadia National Park and other public and semi-public agencies. The report should be illustrated by a map showing all parcels of lands acquired, together with photographs. No such public record of this semi-public litercy now exists and the need and value of such a report to All members of the Board is obvious. The value of the proposed report in stimulating interest and support of the WOR of the Trustees warrants your contribution to the fund which will make it possible. Checks should be made payable to Guy E. Torrey, Treasurer, Bar Harbor, Maine. Very truly yours, L.B.Deasy President, ty S Bhodech Secretary. Bar Harbor, September 8, , 1931. were Honcork / seneral fele Cory as sent mares 2682-a FILE 2. W.H. Btfnew (Use this Letterhead) September 21, 1940 Draft Circular Letter To the Corporation Members of the Hancock County Trüstees of Public Reservations The undersigned, the new President, by direction and approval of the Executive Committee, sends to the corporation members this circular letter with regard to the activities and future of the Association. I call your attention to the new letterhead, showing the change in officers. Mr. George B. Dorr justly becomes Honorary President. The writer succeeds President Deasy. That results in rearrangement in the Executive Committee, which now includes as Vice-Presidents Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Eliot. The Black House Committee has been materially strengthened by the addition and services of Mrs. Jacques Cornelis of Camden, Maine. The Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations 13 was incorporated in Its property is free from taxation both under Maine General Corporation Law SO long as used for its charitable purposes and under its special charter because its lands are free of access to the public. After a period in which it owned a considerable portion of the Park area on Mount Desert Island, it has through transfers to the Acadia -2- National Park diminished its holdings of Park-like land so that they now consist of those scheduled in Appendix A to this circular. In 1928 Mr. George Nixon Black devised the Black House at Ellsworth to the corporation. It was accepted and has for twelve years been managed by Mr. Richard W. Hale and his associates on the Black House Committee. During that period the membership of the Association has been strengthened by the addition of a considerable number of members of the younger generation. And in preparing this circular and in future the President and Mr. Hale have worked with and expect to be assisted by Mr. Hale's son and Mr. John Dane, formerly Junior, as informal representatives of the younger element helping the Executive Committee. This has seemed to be a good occasion to consider the functions which can wisely be performed by this corporation. It can run the Black House and should, in my opinion, continue to do so. The endowment and revenue there are grudgingly sufficient, but it would be reasonable to hope for considerable additional endowment or gifts at future times. The house and estate deserve a luxurious rather than a grudging support. In Hancock County it is submitted that the existence of the Acadia National Park has rather created a demand for a parallel State corporation than removed our excuse for existence. It is highly probable that it will take many generations before leanings toward State's rights and local control are eliminated -3- from the American, especially from the State of Maine native and the Hancock County summer resident. We hear of gifts, not unlikely, which would be made to the Hancock County Trustees in preference. Those gifts might even include a restriction against the abdication of the State corporation in favor of national and remote control. I therefore recommend that we keep the corporation not only technically, but also substantially, alive and vigorous SERVE and endeavor to save the community in the field of owning property for public access and enjoyment. A third useful field for our corporation would appear to be as follows: In the writer's opinion and that of the Committee we should take an intelligent interest in the affairs of Hancock County with reference to all the opportunities for public enjoyment of its natural resources. This may be in part by ownership, in part by cooperation, and in part by helping to form public opinion. You will have surmised that these functions cannot be performed without the sinews of war and that this circular would be likely to end upon that note. I recommend that a small fund be raised and annual subscriptions added to it without restrictions but with the expectation that it would be used for the general purposes of the corporation rather than for the Black House. While some of our members would not find an annual assessment agreeable, I -4- recommend that we try the experiment of a voluntary annual assessment of from $10 to $25 per member subscribing. Anyone who yields to this plea is asked kindly to send a cheque payable to the corporation to Mr. Hale at his Boston office and he will make it reach the treasurer after keeping a record of it. I also recommend that our corporation members take an interest in the Black House and that from time to time we raise special funds so that desirable improvements are not retarded by financial considerations. At the present time I ask for from $300 to $400 for proper electrification. No electrical fixture, globe, or lamp should appear in the historic rooms, but with floor receptacles and flood lights, or modest equiv- alents for flood lights, we should be much better off. A principal reason for doing the thing now is a desire to have the house open at night. In summer Hancock County and Ellsworth are full every night of tourists with nothing much to do. In the day time the natural beauties of the County are severe competitors for the Black House, but in the evening, both because the house is more beautiful when lighted with candles and a little stimulation from concealed flood lights and because of the absence of competition, material additional revenue should be obtained, and those who visit the Black House in the evening will have an experience of beauty not likely to be forgotten and different from the day-time conditions. Here, also, I would be. obliged to you if you would send your cheque, payable to Hancock County Trustees of Public -5- Reservations, to Mr. Hale at 60 State Street, Boston, that he may keep in touch with the subscriptions and acknowledge them. He will forward all moneys to the treasurer. Dave Hennen Morris, President Hanwock Fire M.Doss Truster Meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, and friends, at the Sieur du Mont Spring, Acadia National Park, HCTPR Bar Harbor, August 29th, 1947, for the dedication of the memorial to - George B. Dorr Introduction by the President, George L. Stebbins: Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, and friends:- We are met to honor the memory of a man whose foresight and devoted energy spanning many years, did more to preserve the natural beauties of this Island than was contributed by any one source. This is a meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations which undertook the establishment of this memorial and appointed a committee consisting of Judge John A. Peters, Mrs. Richard Hale, Benjamin L. Hadley, Gerard Austin, and Albert Cunningham to carry it out, and therefore a brief account of its organization and objectives may be of interest. It was organized September 14th, 1901 , at the instance of President Charles W. Eliot of Harvard who was a member of a similar organization in Massachusetts and it was empowered to hold lands for public uses free from taxation. The members of the first Executive Committee were Charles W. Eliot, President; George B. Dorr, 1st Vice-President; Prof. Edward S. Dana, 2nd Vice-President; Lea M. Luquer, Secretary; George L. Stebbins, Treasurer; Luere B. Deasy, Edward B. Mears, Members at large. I am the only member of that group now living and that is probably why I am President. It only shows that in order to be President you simply have to hold on. At that time the wild lands on Mount Desert Island were in private ownership and the deep woods were safe because it cost too much to transport the logs to the saw mills, and the price of lumber was low, but soon after the beginning or this century, the portable gasoline saw mill came into general use and that together with a great increase in the price of lumber made it profitable to cut any of the soft wood growths on the Island. This was foreseen by President Eliot, Mr. Dorr and their associates, but no notable tracts were acquired until 1909 and 1910 when by a series of fortuitous circumstances, some 5,000 acres were acquired by gift comprising all of the mountains on the East side of the Island and the Valleys between. We, I speak for the Trustees, were just one jump ahead of the lumbermen and sometimes it was only a matter of hours. One morning Mr. Dorr telephoned me that he had an option on 70 acres comprising the carry between Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, expiring at 12 o'clock after which a lumberman was ready to buy it, and I, speaking for the Northeast and Seal Harbor group, replied to take it. This is only one instance of which there were many. The names of those contributing towards the purchase of these tracts are too numerous to mention but among the leaders at that time were Mr. John S. Kennedy of Bar Harbor, President Charles W. Eliot of Northeast Harbor, and Dr. Edward K. Dunham of Seal Harbor. We have with us one who knew Mr. Dorr for nearly half a century, who was closely associated with him in the establishment of the National Park and whose family traditions in Hancock ounty go back one hundred and fifty years. I take pleasure in introducing my friend of over half a century, Judge John A. Peters. Address by Judge Peters: Of the 30,000 visitors who come to this beautiful spot every year for recreation and refreshment, only a small fraction know to whom they are indebted for the opportunity, or have any appreciation of the time and labor involved in the creation of such a privilege. Our Government, which acquired this unique and picturesque section of our historic Island some years ago, - and now maintains it in perpetuity for the enjoyment of the people,- did not do so of its own motion. It had to be powerfully stimulated to take such action. The governmental inertia which clogs initiative in such matters had to be overcome by personal energy and intelli- gent persistence. It is safe to say that there would be no National Park on this Island today if George Buckham Dorr had not lived and been the public-spirited citizen of enormous energy and enthusiasm that he was. But the Government cannot be counted on, of its own motion to make avowal of that fact, or to express the appreciation and gratitude of its citizens for such altruistic effort, - no matter how great the labor involved or how important the result. It remains for those who were in touch with Mr. Dorr's labors over a period of 40 years, and those who are still near enough thereto to realize their extraordinary nature and inestimable value, to make sure that there shall be some simple but permanent record of the fact, sufficient at least to advise posterity of the of Etheir benefactor and the boundaries of his life. He would not desire more, and should have no less. It is natural and fitting that the burden of this matter should be assumed by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. That, as you know, is an eleemosynary corporation chartered by the legislature of Maine for the purpose of pre- serving points of scenic value in this section. It is the titular ancestor, - the grandfather, so to speak, of this Park. Title to this spot with the adjacent mountain tops and other lands forming the nucleus of what is now a Park of National importance, was first acquired by the Trustees of Public Reservations 40 years ago. The lands which the Trustees had acquired passed into Federal control as a National Monument, so-called, which in turn was succeeded by the present National Park created by an act of Congress in 1919. The bare recital of those successive ownerships, . - each for the benefit of the public, although in a different wya, - sounds unimpressive and rather simple; but they represent 20 years of devoted and strenuous labor by Mr. Dorr, followed by another 20 years of constant effort in building the Park to its present magnificent perfection, - the finest possible memorial to its originator and builder, and the only one desired. The first 12 years of Mr. Dorr's labors were tranquil, and uneventful, but fruitful. Plans were laid, lands acquired at strategic points. Progress was rapid and peaceful. But in 1913 a small cloud appeared upon the horizon. A bill was introduced in the Maine Legislature to revoke the charter of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, - presumably because its property was withdrawn from taxation. It did not matter that the commercial value of its lands was small and the scenic value immense. Some people could not see beyond their own noses. Mr. Dorr's life work was in danger of being wrecked. He descended upon the Maine Legislature like an aroused lion in defense of its cub. I was at Augusta at the time as a member of the House and wit- nessed the battle, which turned out to be one-sided. There was no resisting Mr. Dorr when fighting for the public welfare. In his contact with the membership of the Legislature he was resourceful, indefatigable and irresistible. A modest, scholarly gentleman, a philosopher, a scientist, a man dealing in ideas, - supposed to be somewhat impractical in business affairs, - Mr. Dorr seemingly turned into a shrewd, hard-boiled, effective master-lobbyist. Like an astute politician he appeared to know the strings that control men's actions and how to pull them. The ordinary run-of-the-log lobbyists, attending the legislative session, observing his operations, were awe-struck. When he got through, not a single member would venture a word in favor of the bill to abolish the Trustees. The man who sponsored the measure said he would vote against it and apologized for introducing it. The enemy was triumphantly routed. However, that experience frightened Mr. Dorr. He had be- come shy of state legislatures, and all their works. He determined to offer his child to the Federal Government for adoption. To bring that about meant a long and gruelling campaign in Washington; but his appetite for that sort of thing had been whetted in Augusta. It so happened that I witnessed the Washington fight, as I then had the honor of representing this District in Congress. The campaign lasted 3 years and was strenuous. It became necessary to fight jealousy as well as ignorance and the usual governmental in- ertia. The Department of Agriculture looked with a somewhat jaundiced eye upon the proposed handling of public land by any other agency of the government. But Mr. Dorr was armed with tact as well as vigor and overcame all opposition. At last I went with him to the White House to get President Wilson to sign the proclamation which would make this area a National Monument, SO called, - which is one step removed from a full National Park. The signing occurred in 1916 and ended that particular cam- paign. It may not be out of place to digress for a moment and mention an incident that occurred during that visit to the White House. I have no idea that the President was influenced, in the slightest, in favor of our measure by Mr. Dorr's reference to his action in the case of Mr. Brandeis, - that Mr. Dorr had such a thing in mind, - but, human nature being what it is, I believe I was right in thinking that I saw a little more friendly glint in the President's eye when we left. The executive order was signed soon afterward. Again Mr. Dorr was not content. He was ambitious to have this then extensive area given the status of a National Park in which the people would have not only the privilege but the right, under suitable restrictions, to enjoy its beauties and its wonders forever. That was later brought about by the almost single-handed efforst of Mr. Dorr and the necessary legislation was passed by Congress and signed by the President in February 1919. For the next 20 years Mr. Dorr gave his time and expert knowledge to the Park, acting as Superintendent at a nominal salary. He lived to see his dream come true. Other public-spirited citizens, - long-time-summer residents of this section, - realizing the value of this Park to the public, - have been more than generous with their influence and their money. The Park owes much to them; but more to Mr. Dorr than to all others, because he gave all he had. This memorial, which you are about to see, represents, I believe, the maximum of public acclaim which this unassuming gentleman would sanction. Your committee has sought to place here, at the heart of his great accomplishment, a memorial as simple, as dignified, as staunch as he himself. This stone, by which he has often stood, is a fragment from the top of the mountain which he named Cadillac. The tablet is of material as lasting as any part of the earth itself. The inscription will give information to future generations of visitors to this park as to the name of their benefactor and will serve to show, in some degree, the esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries. At a time when we suffer from the failures that men have made in dealing with each other, it is good to recall the success of one man who gave a life-time of labor that the people should have a sanctuary where Nature is supreme, unvexed by the bicker- ings of men. The President then asked the Reverend Doctor Samuel Eliot, son of the founder of this organization to speak SH Hanwork ctip Dr. Eliot's brief address not recorded. The memorial tablet was then unveiled by two uniformed United States Park Rangers. c. United States Courts Judge's Chambers 20 s wast Bangor, Maine 12 Dear Sir: The late George Bucknam Dorr, who de- voted his life and fortune to the public wel- fare, left the small balance of his estate to trustees to be distributed for the benefit of the people at large without specifying any particular institutions or organizations as beneficiaries. The trustees named in Mr. Dorr's will were the President of Bowdoin College for the time being, Mrs. Richard W. Hale and her son Richard W. Hale Jr. - long-time friends of Mr. Dorr and deeply interested in Bar Harbor, his Secretary, Mrs. Phyllis S. Sylvia, and myself, an associate of Mr. Dorr in various activities for many years. The very moderate sun finally in the hands of the trustees for disposal considerably limits the field in which our discretion can be exercised; but, after consideration and consultation with other friends of Mr. Dorr, we have decided to allocate the amount in our hands, - $25,731.25, - one half to the Jesup Memorial Library, one quarter to the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations and one quarter to the Robert Abbe Museum. In all of these institutions Mr. Dorr was deeply in- terested and the first two he was instrumental in founding. We feel that this disposition will come as near to meeting his wishes as the amount to be distributed will permit. We are not unmindful of the paramount interest of Mr. Dorr in the National Park, - which will be a perpetual monument to his pub- lic spirit, - but the Park has already received, through the years, in different ways, a large part of his fortune, and we feel that if he had desired to give it any more he would have said so. -2- The check with voucher enclosed is in accordance with the above mentioned disposi- tion of the funds in our hands. This donation is made without restric- tions for the general purposes of your or- ganization. Your records will show, of course, that it came from the estate of Mr. Dorr. Yours truly, John A. . Peters Mr. a Prent Creamy Motur mornold Bar Hastor, many