From collection Creating Acadia National Park: The George B. Dorr Research Archive of Ronald H. Epp

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Memorial to George B. Dorr 1947
MemoRIAL TO GeorgeB.Dorr
1947.
wir wd
Original SHM
[8/5/1909]
f
1/25/1976]
ARCHIVAL COPY
HISTORIAN
Continued from Page 1
BH HISTORIAN
ard Walden Hale and Mary New-
bold Hale, was born in Boston
in
1909, He graduated from Milton
na cum laude in 1930, Cambridge
University in 1932. At Harvaro
he was Pht Deta Kappa, at Cam-
bridge he held, like Canon Hub-
bard, the Fiske Scholarship from
Roxbury Latin School, the oldest
private school in America. He is
the author GI Democratic France,
the Third Republic from Sedan to
Vichy," and of the "Tercentenary
History of the Roxbury Latin
School, 1645-1945," as well as an
unpublished doctoral dissertation
on the English Civil Service, the
Foundation of the Permanent
Poor Law Commission, 1830-
1836. Before going to the Rox-
RICHARD W. HALE, JRt
bury School the taught at Prince-
ton University and was on the Re-
Richard Walden Hale, Jr., the
search Staff of the Newberry Li-
Town of Bar Harbor historian, is
brary at Chicago.
engaged in writing the definitive
history of Bar Harbor x that is to
appear in the winter of 1948-49.
Beginning with a general descrip-
tive article published this week,
he will publish a series of articlés
in the TIMES, entitled "Informa-
tion, Please" and dealing with
T
moot quéstions in the history of
the town. These articles have a
double purpose- both to tell the
town what is going on, and to en-
list help in gathering information.
Mr. Hale, son of the late Rich-
Historian
Continued on Page 12
Hon tonn A. retery papers. worn Correspondance.
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R. F. D. NO. 1. NEEDHAM, MASS.
1946.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y., N. H. H.R.R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH. DOVER NO. I
u account of IW: Gulfiu's health.
Ms of yrs Gildins sisters hives in Dover
Dear healer Peters.
and Thank first got hisaddrep from
ler. His
It is a relief to my mind th
Broadmoor.
Know that at long last you receis
Colorado Frings.
that deed. Iposted it myself in Box
Colorado.
the day after hiels and 7 signed it.
the have Method the learnest thow
to many things are lost in the for a
Storm of all. most disemraqiug 20
this time of year that 7feared it
would nevertures up ,
early in the winter,
the Gilfiers writer m Colorado,
[Note: See DORR Hemorial" file as well]
hope Perenus Todiels will hurryus
happing in the new Year,
how that Have finished with
Succerely yurs,
if B.D's papers Jaw eagert close
mary Newbold Hale-
4 the estats. All that remains for
with do is to lued to Bar Harbor
the deposited in the memorial
700m at the Library Inch lapers
is refer k old Farus - the Parbrete
Mith every good wish to
mer
5th January, 1946.
Dear George:-
I have not heard from you for some time, but it
is rumored that you are going strong. I hope the boy
is back from Europe and in good shape and that you are
all well.
I didn't go to Boston as usual this fall, as our
Judicial Conference was put off until early spring. It
is just as well, as the traveling and hotel conditions are
very poor. I hope to come down in the spring and stay
several days.
I am on a committee to establish a tablet in memory
of my old friend George B. Dorr, such tablet to be put on
the side of the mountain in Bar Harbor. I remember that I
saw, a few months ago, the wording of a similar tablet in
memory of Mr. Storrow. I think it was put up on the Charles
River esplanade. I was struck by the graceful wording, and
I would like very much to have that to read again in prepar-
ing what I suppose will be a permanent memorial to Mr. Dorr.
I don't want to make the same mistake that President Elliott
(sic)
did, and which is handed down to posterity, on the bronze
tablet in memory of Champlain on the south side of Mount
Desert
Ialand.
I believe it reads "A soldier, sailor,
exporer.
or course that isn't exactly ungrammatical,
but it is sloppy grammar. Either the "A" should be left off
or a similar article put in front of the other two descript-
ions.
We are located here for the winter as usual and
glad of a warm place to stay. The food isn't very good,
and it is very expensive, but we cannot complain in view of
the conditions everywhere.
With best wishes for the coming year, I am,
Very truly yours,
George P. Drury, Esq.,
Room 1015, Pemberton Bldg.,
A.Peters]
Boston, 8, Massachusetts.
12th January, 1946.
Dear George:-
Thank you very much for your prompt reply to my
letter. I should be very glad to have those wordings
on the tablets and I want to be particular about this
permanent memorial for Mr. Dorr.
[1945]
I cannot find a memorandum I made last summer of an
inscription which I thought was placed somewhere near the
Charles River, but it may have been somewhere else, in memory
of Mr. Storrow. I am almost sure it was Storrow, and it was
such a graceful grouping of words that I thought I would keep
it and consider it later in connection with Mr. Dorr. Now I
can't find it. Of course I do not care particularly where
the tablet is, 1f I can find that wording. Don't go to too
much trouble, but I would like to get what information I can.
I have just received a request from Judge Magruder to
sit in the Circuit Court of Appeals beginning February fifth.
I shall be there a few days, nearly the rest of the week, and
while there I want to get in touch with you. We will RF-
range for an evening later.
Very truly yours,
George P. Drury, Esq.,
Room 1015 Pemberton Building,
Boston, 8, Massachusetts.
15th January, 1946.
Dear Mr. Rockefeller:-
At the annual meeting of the Hancock County Trust-
ees of Public Reservations held at Bar Harbor last summer
[1945]
a resolution was passed favoring a change of name from Dry
Mountain to Dorr Mountain and deciding tb put up a tablet
in memory of Mr. Dorr at a spot known to be his favorite on
Dry Mountain.
I was put on a committee to see about this
matter and am writing the National Geographic Society for some
information concerning the details of a possible change of
name.
I do not know whether anybody communicated with you
about this or not. As I remember it, you were not present at
the meeting. All the people there who were familiar with
Park matters, including Hadley, were strong for this prop-
osition, and I think 1t would meet approval at Bar Harbor, but
I would rather not take it up actively as a member of the com-
mittee unless I can say that you, who have done so much for
the Park, also approve. Perhaps you also
tell
me
how
this change of name of a mountain is brought about. Of course,
this name of Dry Mountain is an ancient name there, but it
has no distinctive meaning and there are many Dry Mountains
around Maine I imagine.
I have not heard a word from David Rodick for some
time. I wrote him last week about Acadia matters but have 25
yet received no reply. He may be ill OE he may be over-
busy. In either case it emphasizes my belief that the Acadia
Corporation should turn over to the Park people the operation
of the other concessions there, if the Park people will de-
velop and operate them as we think they should. I made that
suggestion to Rodick and Charles Savage but have heard nothing
from either as yet. Your suggestion that the Park people
might take over and operate these things was the cause of my
writing to Rodick and Savage. I had been thinking for some
time that we should find someone to take over these thing
but didn't know until 1 received your letter that the Park
people might do so.
Very truly yours,
Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.,
30 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, 20, N.Y.
JOHN A. PETERS.
GEORGE P. DRURY
COUNSELLOR AT LAW
PEMBERTON BLDG., BOSTON 8
ROOM 1015 TEL. CAPITOL 1460
Jan 19, 1946.
Dear John.-
apparently the metropolitan district police are not as familiar
with the Esplanade as we have a right to expect fn I had to ask
instead the Boston Chamber of Commerce, who obsamedfrom
mr. Storiow, Jr., the information that the inscription about which
you were inquiring is on the Esplanade near the foot of
Gloucester Street . It is a circular bronge tablet set
horizontally in a large circular granite base in the margin
of which are cut the navores of the cities and towns surrounding
the Basin Themscription reads as follows:
IN MEMORY OF
JAMES JACKSON
STORROW
HIS VISION AND ENERGY
HELPED TO MAKE THE
BASIN
A PLACE OF BEAUTY
AVAILABLE
TO ALL
2N
I went downthere myself on the way home last might and
copied the inscription by rather distant electric light. I am
sure that the above is correct for my memory is fresh and clear.
Evelyn. Phie and I are looking forward with much pleasure
to reingoon while you are in town beginning February 5th.
I scribbled on the inside of a Christmas card the fact that
he is back with us but evidently it escaped your attention.
Hee shows no ill effects of his long siege in the hospital,
where they extracted from his anatomy from time to time
prices of shrapnel and of the house where he and
several others were eating when it was hit the
returns to Haward in February .
J shall probably be in Washington February 5th,
intexpect to be back late in the evening of the 6th or not
later than the afternoon of the 7th so herhait's we had
better make atentative engagement for you to have dinner
with us at the Parkes House the evening of the 7th In
the unlikely event that I am detained beyond the 7th,
or that you finish your business earlier, Evely and Phil
would like very much to meet you without me.
Uncle George Black's framed photograph is still in
my office and I would like to give it to you, if you
are still willing
3.
GEORGE P. DRURY
COUNSELLOR AT LAW
PEMBERTON BLDG., BOSTON 8
ROOM 1015 TEL. CAPITOL 1460
Our telephone number at home is Kirkland 6559. I know how
to get in touch with you in the day time, and will instruct Evelyn.
Set me know where you are going To stay. sothes wecan also get
in touch with you in the evening if necessary.
Bames is a great fillow. I was able to help him a little
on some Labor referendum bills in which he is interested, and
we won a case in the mass. Supreme Judicial count, which I
briefed and he argued. the intertained his staff at dinier on
the first anniversary of his taking office and gave us
a very kindly personal talk
Sincerely yours,
George
22nd Janusry, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
You will recall that you and I and Albert
Cunningham, with Gerard Austin and Hadley, are on a
COMMITTEE to prepare the memorial tablet for Mr. Dorr.
I have written the National Geographic people in Wash-
ington to see about what steps are necessary in order
to change the name of Dry Mountain to Dorr Mountain,
in accordance with the vote of the Hancock Trustees but
as yet have heard nothing.
The idea of Hadley and
Serenus Rodick, who were very familiar with Mr. Dorr's
attitude, is to affix the tablet to a certain spot they
had in mind, a favorite one of Mr. Dorr's on Dry Mount-
ain. The tablet, of course. should be of bronze, which
is permanent, and firmly affixed. Tentatively I have
drawn off a proposed inscription which I enclose. I have
no particular pride of authorship and should be glad of
any suggestion or criticism.
Mr. Dorr's modesty was such that I think we
should avoid any fulsome expressions, and I have tri ed
to stick to nothing but the truth.
I am sending this to the others, too, and also
to George Stepbins and Mr. Rockefeller, as I think they
both should be consulted.
I should be glad if you would consult with others
in your vicinity who were friends of Mr. Dorr and who would
have the same desire as we have to inscribe something appropriate
to his memory. There is no hurry about this. We have time
enough to talk with various people and get something satisfactory
to all.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Richard W. Hale,
Strawberry Hill,
[John A. Peters]
Needham, Massachusetts.
Enclosure.
Twenty-second
January,
1945 6.
Dear Albert:-
You may recall that you, with Mrs. Hale, Austin,
Hadley and I, were appointed a committee by the Hancock
County Trustees last summer to arrange for a memorial
tablet for Mr. Dorr. The proposition is to affix it
to Dry Mountain at a spot which Hadley and Serenus Rodick
have in mind. I have drawn a tentative inscription which
I enclose. I have tried to make it modest because that
was Mr. Dorr's nature.
Will you be good enough to caucus
with Austin and Hadley and give me any suggestions you
have?
I have sent a copy to Mrs. Hale, one to Mr.
Rockefeller and one to Mr. Stebbins.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Albert H. Cunningham, Esq.,
c/o Bar Harbor Trust Co.,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Enclosure.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
WOODLAWN
BLACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
George L. Stebbins, President
BEQUEST OF GEORGE NIXON BLACK
Ernest T. Paine, Chairman
Gerard L. Austin, Secretary
Richard W. Hale, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Albert H. Cunningham. Treasurer
IN CHARGE OF
Professor Augustin Derby
Rev. Samuel A. Eliot
HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF
Mrs. Philip Lovell
First Vice-President
PUBLIC RESERVATIONS
R. Amory Thorndike
Mrs. Jacques Cornelis
Second Vice-President
Mrs. John C. Spring
John A. Peters
Harold A. Pitman
ELLSWORTH, MAINE
Ernest T. Paine
Charles K. Savage
January
Twenty-eight
1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
c/o United States Court,
Judges Chambers,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
This is to acknowledge your letter
of January 22 enclosing a copy of the
proposed inscription be affixed to Dry
Mountain as a memorial to Mr. Dorr. May
I advise you that I have shown this
copy to Mr. Austin and Mr Hadley and that
we all heartily approve.
Very DRUIN yours,
AHC/j1
A.H. Cumingham
Assistant Treasurer.
C
o
P
Y
29th January, 1946.
Dear Mr. Rockefeller:-
It may be desirable to change the language
in the final paragraph of the proposed inscription on
the tabbet for Mr. Dorr that I sent you. I enclose an-
other one. I sum # little uncertain about the use of the
word "helped" because it may mean a little help or a lot
of help, and of course Mr. Dorr was greatly helpful, but
I do not like to use adjectives in a thing like this. How-
ever, the last sentence applies to the whole Island, and
therefore I thought that the word "helped" could be used.
These are only suggestions for your con-
sideration. I think we should be very careful about
this, because it is likely to stay on the side of that
mountain a long time. I don't know whether I have ever
commented on this to you, but I have always felt that
the inscription that I suppose President Elliot composed
for Champlain, down near Seal Harbor, was very sloppy
grammar. He has there "A Soldier - Sailor - Explorer."
It seems to me it should be either "Soldier - Sailor -
Explorer", or "A Soldier - A Sailor - and Explorer".
We
don't want to have future generations criticizing the
tablet for Mr. Dorr. I would rather have an error on
Chapplain's than on his. He certainly would be more
pasticular himself than Champlain would have been.
Please take your time and give me your
views when you are ready.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
30 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York 20, N.Y.
BGN
January 30, 1946
Hon. John A. Peters,
United States Courts,
Portland, Maine.
My dear Judge Peters:
I have your letter of January 26 relative to changing the name
of the mountain in Mt. Desert Island to Dorr Mountain. This chance
was formally approved several months age A copy of the list of
decisions which includes this name is enclosed.
Sincerely yours,
Morodith F. Burrill,
Director.
Enclosure
MFB:LSM
CC: Case (Dorr Mt.)
Reading
TELEPHONE
CABLE ADDRESS
DISTRICT 3330
NATGEOSOC.WASHINGTON
National Geographic Sariety
WASHINGTON 6, D. C.
GILBERT GROSVENOR, PRESIDENT
JOHN OLIVER LA GORCE, VICE-PRESIDENT
ROBERT V. FLEMING, TREASURER
THOMAS W. MCKNEW, SECRETARY
RECEIVED
JAN 30 1946
REWITH
1
a
-
January 28, 1946.
Dr. Meredith F. Burrill,
Director, Board on Geographical Names,
Department of the Interior,
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Dr. Burrill:
Enclosed is a letter from Judge John A.
Peters which was doubtlessly intended for you.
I am advising Judge Peters that his letter
is being forwarded to you.
Very truly yours,
James MDarley
James M. Darley,
no Enclosure
Chief Cartographer.
BGN
RECEIVED
United States Courts
JAN 30 1946
main
Judge's Chambers
Fortland, Maine
CHAMBERS OF
JOHN A. PETERS
DISTRICT JUDGE
26th January, 1946.
Dear Sir:-
I am a member of a committee appointed by the
Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations to bring
about, if possible, a change in the name of a mountain
at Bar Harbor from "Dry Mountain" to "Dorr Mountain
and I write you as the result of correspondence with Mr.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who, as you know, is greatly in-
terested in the National Park at Bar Harbor in which Dry
Mountain is situated, and who, I assume from my corresp-
ondence, is in favor of the change I refer to.
I enclose a certified copy of the resolution
passed at the annual meeting of the Hancock County Trustees
last summer at Bar Harbor. I assume that you are familiar
with the great work of Mr. Dorr in connection with the
National Park and I hope that you will agree with me and
others interested in this matter that it is wholly appro-
priate that Mr. Dorr's name be given to one of these mount-
ains. I understand that the name of this mountain was
changed a few years ago, probably at the instigation of Mr.
Dorr himself, from Dry Mountain to Flying Squadron. I live
twenty-one miles from Bar Harbor and I had forgotten that
the name had been changed.
The mountain has always been
known in that vicinity as Dry Mountain, a name of course
which really means nothing and has no significance locally.
I am sure I am safe in saying that the whole community, both
resident and non-resident, on Mount Desert Island would favor
the change referred to.
When the matter was taken up last summer it was
supposed that the name could be changed through the co-
operation of the National Geographic Society, but I have
since learned our error and that the matter should be taken
up with you.
Will you be good enough to inform me what steps
should now be taken to bring about the change referred to?
We are prepared to produce any evidences of public opin-
ion that are necessary, if any such are desired beyond the
vote of the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations,
which, as you know probably, is an organization established
I think at the instigation of President Elliot and Mr. Dorr,
No
probably with the cooperation of Mr. Rockefeller who lives
on Mount Desert Island in the summer, for the purpose of
preserving for the public places of scenic interest on Mount
BGN
JAP-MB.
2
Desert Island.
I think, if you want any information about the
history of this mountain, that Mr. Horace M. Albright, a
former Director of the Park Service, could give you as much
or more than anyone else. I should be glad to know what
further steps are necessary.
Record
Verw truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Mr. Meredith Burrill,
Director, U. S Board on Geographic Names,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
United States Courts
M. thinking
Judge's Chambers
Fortland, Maine
CHAMBERS OF
JOHN A. PETERS
DISTRICT JUDGE
15 January, 1946.
Dear Sirs:-
I want to get in touch with some representative
of your Society to consider the details of a possible change
of name of a mountain in Bar Harbor. I am one of the executors
and trustees of the estate of the late George B. Dorr, of Boston
and Bar Harbor, who died at the age of ninety-one in 1944,
having resided at Bar Harbor for many years. He, with the
late President Eliott of Harvard, were the founders of the
organization called "Hancock County Trustees of Public Res-
servations" located at Bar Harbor, and Mr. Dorr was the
father of Acadia National Park located on Mount Desert Island.
At a meeting of the Trustees of Public Reservations last summer
at Bar Harbor a resolution was passed favoring changing the
name of one of the mountains on Mount Desert Island from Dry
Mountain to Dorr Mountain. The Trustees also, with the co-
operation of the Secretary of the Interior, propose to put up
a tablet in memory of Mr. Dorr on this mountain. I understand
such changes of names are brought about through your Society.
If not too much trouble I would like information about this
matter of changing the name of a mountain and the details
of
bringing it about. I will then try to comply with any re-
quirements to that end, reserving until then more detailed
reasons which the people of Bar Harbor have for desiring this
change.
If you will be good enough to give me such information
as will help me under the circumstances I shall be much obliged.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS
National Geographic Society,
Washington, D.C.
B.G.N.
Excerpt from the Record of the Annual Meeting of the
Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations held
at the Young Men's Christian Association Building in
Bar Harbor, Maine, August 14, 1944 at 10.30 in the
morning.
"Judge John A. Peters then addressed the meeting
asking that consideration be given to the proposition that
Dry Mountain be renamed "Dore Mountain" due to Mr. Dorr's
intense interest in this particular mountain. This proposal
met with enthusiasm and was unanimously approved, whereupon
it was suggested that the reneming of this mountain could
possibly be brought about through the cooperation of the
National Geographic Society and it was further suggested
and recommended that if the change of name be accomplished
en appropriate tablet be set on this mountain in memory of
Mr. Dorr."
I,
the H. Cunningham, Assistant Secretary of the
Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations hereby
certify this to be & true copy as shown by the records
of the corporation.
Assistant Secretary.
2nd February, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I have yours of January thirty-first. I had
the same trouble with the word "helped" that you did, but
you will observe that I first gave Mr. Dorr credit for being
the "father" of the National Park; then, when I speak of
the result of his vision and energy, I refer to the beauties
of the whole Island, - "the beauties of this Island".
I
realize that the word "help" is indefinite. It may be a
little help or a lot of help, but I cannot find any word
that means a great deal of help without using what amounts
to a descriptive adjective, and I think adjectives should
be aw ided. ( I think this plainly indicates that we re-
garded Mr. Dorr as the originator and promoter of the Park
and as a fine citizen who was very influential in making the
beauties of theisland available to the public.
If we say
that Mr. Dorr made the beauties available, it indicates that
he was the only one, whereas Mr. RockegeAler, for instance,
has given hundreds of thousands of dollars and much other
assistance in promoting the Park. I hope you will get my
point on that. It rests on the difference between the Park
itself, - of which Mr. Dorr was the real instigator, - and
the whole Island, the beauties of which he helped to make
available to all.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Richard W. Hale,
Streeberry Hill,
Needham, Massachusetts.
Dow
United States Courts
Judge's Chambers
Fortland, Maine
CHAMBERS OF
JOHN A. PETERS
DISTRICT JUDGE
4th February, 1946.
Dear Serenus:-
I have started some active correspondence with
the National Geographic People and with the Interior Depart-
ment looking toward getting the name of Dry Mountain changed
to Dorr Mountain, which finally resulted in my receiving a
letter this morning from the Board on Geographical Names
at Washington, saying that the name had already been changed
and approved some months ago.
We must have sent them, or
someone must have sent them, a copy of our resolution last
summer. However, as long as it is brought about, so much the
better, but I had never seen it mentioned in the paper. I
enclose you their circular and I think it would be wise to
have you put an extract from this in the local paper and say
it was at the instigation of the Hancock County Trustees of
Public Reservations in memory of Mr. Dorr. Will you please
send this back to me when you are through with it.
I am having an active correspondence with Mr.
Stebbins, Mr. Rockefeller and Mrs. Hale in relation to the
proposed inscription for Mr. Dorr. Mr; Stebbins is very
enthusiastic over the one I wrote and SO is Mrs. Hale. Mr.
Rockefeller is thinking it over. I have a slight change I
may propose later. I have also made arrangements to consult
the Professor of English at Bowdoin, as we want to have this as
near right as possible. As soon as we agree on the inscription
I think we had better get at the business of having the bronze
tablet cast, as they are always slow about those things.
How are you getting along with the deed to Mr.
Rockefeller?
Very truly yours,
Serenus B. Rodick, Esq.,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Enclosure.
February, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I don't think I have written you that I started
a campaign to change the name of Dry Mountain to Dorr
Mountain and after I communicated with the Park people
in Washington I was informed by them that the name had
already been changed. I was surprised at that, because
it wasn't publicly known. They sent me a circular that
they have issued. I sent it to the Bar Harbor prople sug-
gesting that they make it public so people would know
about it. Naturally we shall have to do nothing about that,
and I am very glad it is settled.
Now in regard to the inscription on the tablet for
Mr. Dorr, you and your son and Mr. Stebbins all approve
of my original draft beginning "Steadfast in his zeal"
etc. That was also approved by the other members of the
Committee who were Cunningham, Austin and Hadley in Bar
Harbor. I rather think we had better let it go that way.
I had it submitted to Professor Brown at Bowdoin and to
my surprise he wanted to spoil it by adding unnecessary
words. He suggested, as an amendment to my last draft,
"Whose vision and energy helped to make the beauties of
this island forever available to all the people." Note
the annecessary words, being "forever" and the words "the
people". I was surprised. of course "to all means all
the people; and of course the meaning inherent is avail-
able always or forever. So I am all through with brother
Brown. It happens that I am on the Examining Committee
of the Trustees of Bowdoin covering the qualifications of
these professors, and it may be that he has made an error.
Also, the word "Whose" would refer to the National Park
if the National Park was a person, but I think it adds a
little uncertainty to the meaning; so I am inclined to go
back to the original version which you thought well of. Do
you think of anyone else we should consult about it? If
Arthur Train were living I should write him.
Have you any information, derived from your contact
with the cemetery people or otherwise, as to who makes these
bronze tablets, one of which we will have to have cast
to affix to the mountain?
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Richard Hale,
[John A. Peters]
Strawberry Hill,
Needham, Massachusetts.
Rockefeller Center
New York
20
Room 5600
30 Rockefeller Plaza
February 6, 1946
Dear Judge Peters:
I write in reply to your letters of January 22nd
and 29th, both with reference to an inscription on Dry
Mountain in memory of Mr. Dorr if the efforts which are now
on foot to change the name to Dorr Mountain are successful.
I think either one of your inscriptions is admir-
able. I am not sure but what the final sentence in the one
accompanying the letter of January 22nd seems to me a little
smoother, simpler and better. By mentioning "vision and energy",
one seems to limit the forces that were employed in making the
beauties of the Island available to all. "Steadfast in his
zeal" puts the emphasis on the accomplishment of the end and the
persistence of the effort put forth to attain it. In short, I
like both the phrasings, think either would be admirable, per-
sonally prefer "steadfast in his zeal", if, indeed, there is
any preference between the two.
Very sincerely,
The Hon. John A. Peters
Judge's Chambers
Portland, Maine
Wr.
mr
Albar
the
55
C
0
P
Y
6th February, 1946.
Dear Ben:-
Everybody seems to be satisfied with this draft
of the inscription which I have prepared. Mr. Stebbins
is very enthusiastic about it. I have not heard from
Mr. Rockefeller but I assume no news is good news. I
have also heard, somewhat to my surprise, that the name
of the mountain has already been changed from Dry Mount-
ain to Dorr Mountain. I found this out when I wrote the
Park people about the change of the name. I sent the
memorandum they sent me to Serenus suggesting that it be
published in the local paper there so that people would
know about this change of name.
I think we should get this tablet put up early next
summer in the place that you and Serenus have in mind.
Apparently nothing remains now but to get the bronze people
to cast the tablet, unless it is to get permission from the
Park people in Washington to put it up. Will you take
care of that last item? Perhaps your permission is enough.
I don't know. In case they want a copy of the inscription
I enclose you another one. You can tell then that is what
we propose to put up.
When convenient, let me know what further should
be done in regard to this from your point of view.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
B. L. Hadley, Esq.,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Copy to Serenus B. Rodick, Esq.,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
6th February, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Sylvia:-
The Hancock County Trustees of Public Res-
ervations last summer appointed a committee con-
sisting of Mrs. Hale, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Austin,
Mr. Hadley and myself to carry out the idea of put-
ting up a tablet to Mr. Dorr on what is called Dry
Mountain. The name is now changed, it seems, to
Morr Mountain. I have prepared a proposed inscript-
ion and sent it around to various people including
the committee and Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Rockefeller.
I also showed it to several people here and I think
Mrs. Hale did the same in Boston. There seems to
be an agreement that this inscription is all right, but
I should like your idea also. It is going to be a perm-
anent thing and we want to have it about right. I think
I have the dates right. I want you to check up on that
if you will.
I have not yet heard from Serenus about that
deed to Mr. Rockefeller. There are likely to be
another year's taxes come around before we get that,
I fear.
Very truly yours,
[J.A.Peters,
Mrs. Phyllis S. Sylvia,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Enclosure.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
February 6, 1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
Judges' Chambers,
United States Courts,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
Serenus showed me your letter telling of the approval of the
recommendation made to the Board of Geographical Names by the
Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations that the name of
Flying Squadron Mountain be changed to Dorr Mountain. It is
gratifying that the Board has taken favorable action on the recom-
times
mendation.
Serenus suggested that I compose something in the way of
an
announcement of the change to be published in the Bar Harbor
Times.
This I have done and a copy is enclosed. I showed it to Serenus
and he thought it was all right. Will you please review it and feel
free to make any changes in it that may occur to you or even rewrite
it entirely. When I get it back from you in a form which you
approve I will give it to the paper.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley,
Superintendent.
Enclosure
Rockefeller Center
New York
20
Wam numb
No.
Her
February 6, 1946
Unar Judge Potors:
L write in reply to your letters of January 22nd
and 29th, both with reference to an inscription on Dry
Mountain in memory of Mr. Dorr if the efforts which are now
on foot to change the name to Dorr Mountain are successful.
I think either one of your inscriptions is admir-
able. I ELID not sure but what the final sentence in the one
accompanying the letter of January 22nd seems to me a little
smoother, simpler and better. By mentioning "vision and energy",
one Beems to limit the forces that were employed in making the
beauties of the Island available to all. "Steadfast in
his
zeal" puts the emphasis on the accomplishment of the end and the
persistence of the effort put forth to attain it. In short, I
like both the phrasings, think either would be admirable, per-
sonally prefer "steadfast in his zeal", if, indeed, there is
any preference between the two.
Very sincerely,
John D. Cockifieling
shall
The Hon. John A. Peters
Judge's Chambers
(of
Portland, Maine
missing
you
Ulear
5
5
Woodlawn Uuseum A-61
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
February 7, 1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
Judges' Chambers,
United States Courts,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
In writing to you yesterday I neglected to say that the
concluding paragraph in my proposed statement for the paper was
based on the assumption that the tablet would be put on the
rocky crag on the Emery Path just above Sieur de Monts Spring.
This was the location which I suggested when the matter was dis-
cussed at the meeting of the Hancock County Trustees last summer.
Should you have a different location in mind that last paragraph
would have to be materially changed.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley,
BRH
Superintendent.
8th February, 1946.
Dear Ben:-
In regard to the location of the Dorr
tablet, I have left that entirely to and Serenus.
You were both positive, as I remember, that there was
one place which was very appropriate, and I don't know
of any people better able to judge that than you and
Serenus. I haven't any particular location in mind
and I should defer to the opinion of you fellows on
that; so go ahead.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley, Esq.,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
February 11, 1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
Judge's Chambers,
United States Courts,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
This will acknowledge your letter of February 8 saying that you have heard
from Mr. Rockefeller and that the proposed inscription meets with his approval.
It looks now as though the text has been finally settled upon.
With respect to the approval of the National Park Service to place the tablet,
there are certain formalities to go through. They are:
(1)
To have a rough sketch of the tablet made and submit it to you for circulation
to all concerned, together with an estimate of the cost. I have taken the liberty
of asking Robert Patterson of Bar Harbor, who designed a similar tablet to the
memory of Allessandro Fabbri which was subsequently secured and placed on a boulder
in the park at Otter Creek, to make a sketch for me to send to you. He is going to
write to the concern in Cambridge, Mass., which cast the Fabbri tablet and get an
estimate for the one which we have in mind. As soon as this has been done and he
gives me the sketch and estimate I will send them to you.
(2)
After an agreement has been reached among those interested the next step is to
prepare a detailed drawing of the tablet and send it in to the Director of the Na-
tional Park Service for approval, giving him all the particulars concerning it. I
anticipate that there will be no question concerning his approval.
(3)
After these approvals have been had the final step remains to order the tablet
and have it put in place.
There will be some expense connected with Patterson's work if the moves which
I have outlined are followed. I have made no agreement with him beyond that of
asking him to make me a rough sketch and get an estimate on the cost of the tablet.
If from that point on you think someone else should be employed to make the detailed
drawing there will be nothing to be undone. Patterson is a good man at this work.
He worked in the park organization for several years before embarking on his own
professional career as a landscape architect. He has worked up a good bit of busi-
ness here in town and has established a good reputation.
I gave the text for the newspaper announcement to Asa Wasgatt this morning and
it will appear in this week's Bar Harbor Times.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley,
Superintendent.
Door
United States Courts
Judge's Chambers
Fortland, Allaine
25th February, 1946.
Dear Serenus:-
I enclose letters from Mrs. Hale. You can see
that I wrote her in regard to the casting of a bronze
tablet for Mr. Dorr. I thought she could get some in
formation there at the Mount Auburn Cemetery place where
such things are done. It may be that we are fortunate
in getting in contact with her friend the architect and get-
ting the information which you will find in this letter.
Will you get hold of Ben Hadley and caucus with him
on the matter and then give me your views?
Apparently
we
are to tell them what the exposure is of this proposed site,
what kind, of rock it is, etc. Evidently this man Sturgis
knows his business and he will help us without any expense.
In regard to Mrs. Hale's suggestion of the word
"this". I don't think much of it. I think the inscription
should now read as we first had it. "This Island" means
Mount Desert Island, and the tablet is affixed to it. "The
Island' night mean that to us. who think there is only one
Mount Desert Island, but to people from away it would be am-
biguous.
Please send Mrs. Hale's letters back with your
suggestions.
Very truly yours,
Serenus B. Rodick, Esq.,
M J OHN A. PETERS.
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Enclosure.
any
nuws
I.R.R. Muller
March 13, 1946.
MEMORANDUM for Serenus:
I have talked with Bob Patterson this afternoon and I suggest
that you answer the Judge somewhat as follows:
The location chosen for the Dorr Memorial tablet is a relatively
smooth cliff face with a generally eastern exposure. The site will
east
subject the tablet to full force of storms coming from the north and
south. It is a bold granite outthrust on the side of the mountain
with the complete absence of vegetation
of any Kind
I haven't at
hand a photograph which shows it.
Mr. Patterson is entirely agreeable to the proposal which Mrs.
Hale makes and will do nothing further in the matter. If you decide
her
to accept Hale+ S proposal to have the tablet designed by Mr.
Sturgis and executed by Mr. Qualdi nothing that Mr. Patterson has
done will stand in the way. He tells me, however, that a hand carved
slate will cost substantially more than a cast bronze.
[Ben Hadley?]
140n-town H.Teterskapers Dorr Carrispurdence.
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F. D. NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N, H. & H. R. R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
13.III 1946.
duly received Mr.
which Fount M a month aso
wear Fudges Peters.
about the tablet proposed as
Mr. Dorr's memorial W. Sturgin
A few dag ago Toawt
has heen one of the leading
Hate tablet at Parls y Freueon
architeals in the U. .P.A. and
Streets, and was greatts impre
his advice & help are valuable
briti durablits. when reft you
The is now retired but very
in Bostonplease look aT lt. H
active minded
at the Corus of the Common,
funcerels yners,
Mary newbold Hake_
directly in front of the Parls Are
side ofthe church. Thope that up
16th March, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Halel-
Your letter of the thirteenth reached me this morn+
ing at the same time that I received an answer from Serenus
Rodick to a letter I wrote him immediately upon receipt of
yours to me of February twenty-third enclosing a letter from
Mr. Sturgis. I asked Serenus to get hold of Hadley and con-
sider the matter from their point of View. You remember they
are on the Committee. I enclose his letter just received.
Incidentally, I enclose another one speaking of the Rockefeller
sale. Mr. Rockefeller employs Serenus to look up his titles
etc. It has taken him a terribly long time on this, as
you know.
It seens, from what Serenus says, that the exposure
of the proposed tablet for Mr. Dorr will be rough on the
material, so we want to get the most durable obtainable. I
don't think the matter of expense enters into it at all. As
Mr. Stebbins wrote me, we can pass the hat and get the money
in no time. As for the location of the tablet, the boys know
the exact place which Mr. Dorr would have picked out, as they
tell me, and I think they must be correct. of course, we will
both see it when we get to Bar Harbor. Meanwhile, if you would
pursue the matter with Mr. Sturgis I think it would be desir-
able.
You will notice that Rodick and Hadley approve the words
"this island
rather than "the island".
As Mr. Stebbins
and Mr. Rockefeller and all the others have approved it with
the word "this", had we not better let it go that way?
of course I will look at the afbiet st Park Street when I
go to Boston, but I am quite satisfied with your judgment.
I notice Mr. Sturgis's recommendation in regard to a
carver. It might be well for you to find out how much it
would cost, and I suppose we should have the lettering designed
beforehand and should send it around to the Committee for ap-
proval. Then we could submit it to the car per. The exposure
etc. you can learn from this letter from Rodick.
That is all
we can tell about it now. but it probably will be sufficient
for Mr. Sturgis. Anyhow, If slate with carving on it is the
most durable thing to be obtained, that is what we want, no
matter where it is placed.
will you be good enough to send back these Rodick let-
ters to me after you have considered the matter and, perhaps,
Hon. John A. refers Hapers Dorr Solate Courespondence
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R. F. D. NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N. H. & H. R. R.
19.III. 1946.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
used as a book Mate, and Me
to be help here. Also-mill Tru
Dear Inder Peters.
able Ben Hadley to letushave
Have written to Mr. Ltur
measure ments for the proposed
that the Com the - on the G.B D.
tablel, 20 that I can get an
memorial tablet gratefutty
estimale from Lualdi for the
his advice and afsistance
fries of the tablet. Thaveathed
hill fru please and me the
Wr Sturgis to get from his
copies of yes inscription ?
nephew his pries for designing
for Mr. Sturgis, and one &
the lettering.
use if you hill rountet to
2
dounto about 1854 when, as
and interesting development
has appeared from this hiaps of
young woman thedied of
hiberculosis
hard letters which Tseutlast
more Perkins feelthalthes &
Incumer to hrs Sudicott. the
be frinted, lither for friva
CR
litters of martha hard / hou
circulation of published,
Dorr's lister, G.B. D's aunt are
which case the estate we
of great Charm and local
to looks them over - but if WL
benefit. than not at had
interest, and also give delight.
Wresting development in oils
ful licture of life in Boston
disaffortment which Geo
from the 300 of the lastectury
own Effollectinutory
maryi
21st March, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I have your letter of the nineteenth and I have written
Hadley for the measurements you refer to. I don't know
just
what you have in mind, whether the size that he thinks the tab-
let should be or the size of the place where it is to be at-
tached. I assume that on the side of the Mountain there is
room for any size tablet, but of course we wouldn't want to
have anything but the appropriate size. Wouldn't the arch-
itect be the one to decide that?
I am enclosing copy in triplicate, as you suggest.
About this slate; is it dark-colored, and are the
letters slate-colored on a slate background? I was wonder-
ing how it would look under those circumstances; whether it
would be sufficiently prominent. of course the permanance
is of prime importance, and we also want to have something
that is easily read and also observable by anyone in the
vicinity.
I am interested in what you say about the letters of
Martha Ward. It does seem as if their interest and value
should somehow be better known, and I agree with you that (we
should follow that up and see what should be done about it.
I suppose the architect will submit his drawing of the
inscription to us for criticism. I think he should, and that
we should all see it. I am especially desirous that he shouldn't
put in any punctuation by way of commas and periods. We don't
want anyne criticizing thisoformany good reason after we get it
up.
In my correspondence with Mr. Stebbins this winter I
learn that his wife has been very ill. She entered the hospital
in California for pneumonia in December and WAS only permitted
to leave a few days ago, and is still very fragile I believe. I
hope they will be able to get to Seal Harbor, but Mrs. Stebbins
18 in very frail health. I understand that one of their sons,
however, with his family, is coming down to Seal Harbor, which
will be a great help to them if they can get there.
It looks like a pretty full season on this coast.
Mrs. Richard W. Hale,
Very truly yours,
Strawberry Hill,
Needham, Nassachusetts.
[J.Apeters]
Hon John A. Peters Papers. Dorr Estate Correspondence.
25:III. 1946
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F.D.NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N, H. & H.R.R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
A Happosit is some for of
aint, but a well cut inscription
Dear and qc Peters.
ll eudure indefinitity, as is
The measurement thad in
ionn by the inscription one
any aucient tould Hones
mind was that of the place wher
1
Thave Dent a copy to wr
the tablet is to be put.
urgis- and exfect soon to hear
the state is darks greey-the letters
on him, and Ithall takre one
incised & filled in with gold, on
the tablet at Parks Street thank
by to our printer to have l
ools Date made - Jaw very
thirls that in au exposed posite
the gold would quickres hear and
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Bar Harbor, Maine
March 28, 1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
Judges' Chambers,
U. S. District Court,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
I have dust returned from a trip onto Dorr Mountain to look
at the site for the memorial tablet. There is ample room to put
up a tablet which will not exceed in size 3' X 3'. . Those measure-
ments are, of course, way beyond any which the tablet will reach.
As a matter of information, I measured the Fabbri tablet at Otter
Point and found it to be 19" X 30", and it carries a considerably
greater number of words than the Dorr tablet will carry.
It has just occurred to me that perhaps Mr. Sturgis should
design the Dorr tablet with letters of such size that the smallest
ones can be easily read with the tablet so that its lower edge will
be slightly above the level of sight of a person of ordinary height.
I suggest that the tablet be placed at about such a height on the
ground as a measure of protection against marking with stones,
jack-
knives, pencils or other implements. The tablet will be in the lo-
cation where it will not be under more than occasional scrutiny by
responsible officials and the public, especially young folks, are
Donr
prone to deface tablets and signs by scratching and writing upon
them. The location lends itself well to making such defacement a
assumed.
matter of some effort on the part of the defacer.
I am sending you a copy of this letter which you can send along
to Mrs. Hale, thereby saving you the trouble of repeating it in a
letter of your own.
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley,
Superintendent.
In duplicate
28th March, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I am quite sure that the base of the mountain
or ledge which Hadley and Rodick had in mind for the Dorr tablet
is large. Any ordinary sized tablet could be placed there.
Just what measurements do you want? I assume that the tablet
would not be of heroic size. I assume that it would be approx-
imately not more than three or four feet by two. will you
not obtain from the architect his idea of the size of the tab-
let?
In regard to the question of slate as against
bronze, I understand that the architect considers slate more
durable. That being so, how about its appearance against the
gray color of the mountain? I presume the gilded lettering
cut in the slate will stand out and be prominent. I also
assume that it will also wash out and wear away in the course
of time. However, that can be renewed, of course. Wouldn't it
be a good idea for you to talk with the people at Mount Auburn
in connection with slate versus bronze, as regards the durability
and looks against the mountain?
Does the architect prepare the lettering to
be placed on the tablet beforehand so that we can see it and
approve It? If so, can you not get him sharted at it? If we
didn't see how the lettering was going to look we might be dis-
appointed. I can hardly imagine it in this case, but it is pos-
sible that an architect might let his imagine work and put of
something that we didn a like. I think we should know before-
hand just what it 1$ going to look like, and the shole consittee
approve it. This is really an important matter, and one
little slip might cause regret later on.
I expect to come to Boston May 13th, but am
not positive. I am considerably tied up here but hope to get to
Bar Harbor for a few hours around the early part of April and
at that time will try to go a visit the place that the boys have
in mind for the tablet.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Richard Hale,
[John A. Peters]
Strawberry Hill,
Needham, Massachusetts.
Woodlawn Museum. A-l.
11th April, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I returned from Bar Harbor and Ellsworth this morning
to find yours of the ninth. I went to Bar Harbor partly to go
down and examine the proposed site for the Dorr tablet. I had
arrangements all made to take the rest of the Committee down
there, but when I arrived Tuesday, at about two o'clock, a young
blizzard had just started. Hadley said it would take about
twenty-five minutes to climb up the mountain and it would be in-
practicable and dangerous under the existing conditions. So
I
had that trip for nothing, so far as the tablet was concerned.
However, Hadley told me that he had taken photographs and would
send some to you and some to me. of course then I knew nothing
about this two-foot scale matter. I am sorry we hadn't known
about that before. I will write Hadley, but I think perhaps
we had better wait until we get the photographs, which should
be shorthy, and then we can see if it is still necessary to
take more. The exposure at the proposed site is not north,
but more easterly, which I understand is advantageous.
Since writing the above I have your other letter en-
closing copy of the proposed inscription. In the first place,
the date 1904 should be 1944. We must be very careful about that.
My thought was that the lettering would run the long way of the
tablet so as to have the words "Gentleman - Scholar - Lover of
Nature" on one line. To break those words up looks rather awkward
to me. We don't want any punctuation marks, but there should be
something to show a break, like a dash, between the words above
mentioned. of course the name of Mr. Dorr should be on one
line and the words "In Memory of" on one line, and the words
"National Park" should be in capitals and in one line. Also,
Mr. Dorr's name should he in capitals. In order
to
have
those
words "Gentleman - Scholar - Lover of Nature" emphatic and the
meaning plain, it seems to me they should be on one line
with that break between them.
OR this sketch that you have
sent me it is awkward the way those words are placed and the
meaning isn't clear. Also those little marks that he has
added to show a break should not be too fancy, of course. This
thing should be plain and simple and understandable at the first
glance.
Won't you ask Mr. Sturgis if the tablet can't go the
other way, narrower than it is long, and the words I refer to
put in one line? It seems to me they should not be broken up.
They don't lend themselves to being broken up, the same as the
last sentence on the tablet itself does. Won't you see what
STRAWBERRY HILL morlas evening
POBY OFFICE ADDRESS R.P.O.NO C NEEDHAM MASH
R.R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION H Y
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH. COVER NO 1.
April 15th
thele, a thed it directly Son, as
1946
>
am going to new Forts towarrow
was Judge Delirs .
to be gone for ten days. Botts
thave mitter to W. Aurqis
W Phoreist Tools for the other
shape- - with length.
that you had issualized the tablet
Intafter all the site Chosen hill
as having its thing eth horiental,
be the decidius factor.
to that the words Geutleman tele
Then yu come to Borton next
should come on one line. and
month perhaps you and W
have astred him to make another
ftur Eist I could meet, and
"Icribble" ashe callsit, of that
Woodlawn Museum. A -61.
have a talls about it. Hs laggests
# has Cruel that the bliepsed
some simple oriament between
spoked yur trip up this mountain
the lines, Heis a man of great
thope IN: Hadley an get a Mioto 11
taste & vast experience and
grapt Hope why the I footrus i
was a greatfriend of g B.D
important for it bears on the
do that his offer to design the
proportion of the tutirs picture.
tablet is most opportune.
Piscirely yours,
my address in new You'r is
Mary newbold Hale-
The Colour Club
564 Parls Abenus-
new York 21-
17 April, 1946.
Dear Mr. Hadley:-
I am having some correspondence with Mrs. Hale about
our tablet for Mr. Dorr. She is working with a Mr. Sturgis
who she says is "a man of great taste and vast experience
and was a great friend of G.B.D. so his offer to design
the tablet is most opportune". They have sent me a sort
of sketch of the inscription for the tablet. They got the
dates wrong, but that is easily corrected. Their idea was
to have the long way of the tablet run up and down. My idea
was to have it run horizontal so that the words descriptive
of Mr. Dorr, "Gentleman - Scholar - Lover of Nature, - would
all be on one line. It looked very awkward to me to break
that up into two lines and I still think so, but Mrs. Hale
says that she and Mr. Sturgis vote for that way of doing it.
It may depend somewhat upon the location for the tablet. Mr.
Sturgis is anxious to have a photograph of the proposed place
with a two-foot rule in the photograph. Do you suppose you
could accomplish that? Mrs. Hale is going to New York for
ten days. I suppose Mr. Stebbins will be back about the
first of June. As these things are better accomplished by
conference than by correspondence, it may be that we would
better wait until early summer when we can all get together,
especially if there is going to be a difference of opinion
about some details.
I was sorry not to see the proposed location last week
when I was down. I didn't realize that we were having a blis-
2ard until going home about seven o'clock, on Ireson HIII,
my car suddenly turned around and headed the other way and
brought up in the ditch. I never was more surprised in my life.
I had to get a wrecker to be pulled out. I got to Ellsworth
about nine '' clock. had to go around the hill in a woods
road because the top of the hill was so slippery at that part-
icular time. It wouldn't have been so good on the mountain,
but next time I come down we will try to see it. I guess this
matter had better remain as it is until we can all get together.
Very truly yours,
Hadley
18th April, 1946.
Dear Mr. Sturgist-
I have your letter of the sixteenth
in regard to the proposed tablet in memory of our
mutual friend Mr. Dorr.
It seemed to me to be rather awkward
to break up the line in the proposed inscription read-
ing "Gentleman - Scholar - Lover of Nature". While we
don't want any commas or periods, there has got to be
some mark, like 2 dash or something of the kind, between
those words, and it seemx to me very awkward to break it
up into two lines. I have written Mr. Hadley, Super-
intendent of the National Park, asking him to get a
photograph of the proposed location and to include a
two-foot rule. I have also written him, a member of the
Committee, that as it is now getting so late and is so
near the summer season that I think we had better not try
to and the matter until we can all get together at Bar
Harbor. Mr. George L. Stebbins, President of the Hancock
County Trustees, which organization has this matter in
charge, is in California, but will return to Bar Harbor
about the first of June. Mrs. Hale also gets there, I
believe, about that time. I am not informed as to
whether you spend your summers in that locality or not.
I hope you do, so we can meet. Meanwhile I will supply
you with all the information you require and we can work
the thing along to what I am sure will be a satisfactory
conclusion.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Mr. R. Clipston Sturgis,
The Martine Cottage,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
20th April, 1946
Dear Mrs. Hale:-
I have received a bill from George W. Sands
& Sons. 457 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, for the
stone, $60.00, the setting at $17.85, and the amount
advanced for perpetual care $25.00, and I have written
them that I have asked you to inspect the work and told
them that upon your favorable report I will send a check.
When you return to Boston would it be convenient to look
at this stone and see 1f it is all right, set properly
etc., and everything perfect, whereupon I will send a
check as stated.
In regard to the tablet, I have asked Mr.
Hadley to get a photograph with a two-foot rule in it,
and I have written him that in view of all the circum-
stances and the fact that the summer season is so near
we could hardly expect to have this finished until we
could all get together at Bar Harbor. This, I think,
we could easily do by the first of June, as I assume
you will be there then and Mr. Stebbins will also be
at Seal Harbor. Mr. Sturgis has written me that he
thinks this course is wisest, also, and as you will be
away for some few days yet it seems wiser on the whole
to defer settling all the details until early in June.
ry truly yours,
Mrs. Richard W. Hale,
The Colony Club,
564 Park Avenue,
New York, 21, N.Y.
20th April, 1946.
Dear Mrs. Sylvia:-
I enclose letter and bill from Sands & Sons
for the stone for Mr. Dorr's grave. will you be good enough
to make out a check to them for the amount and send to
me with this bill? Meanwhile I have written to Mrs.
Hale asking her to inspect the work and see if it is all
right. Upon receipt of her favorable report I will for-
ward the check. Mrs. Hale is in New York at present for
a few days.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Mrs. Phyllis S. Sylvia,
Bar Harbor, Maine.
Enclosures (2).
Woodlown Museum A-61.
20th April, 1.946.
Dear Sirs:-
I have your letter of the eighteenth with
bill for the memorial stone at the grave of the late
George B. Dorr. Mrs. Richard W. Hale, one of the
Trustees of the estate, is just now in New York. She
will return in a fer days and I will ask her to in-
spect the stone, whereupon, upon her favorable report,
we will send you a check at once.
Very truly yours,
JOHN A. PETERS.
George R. Sands & Sons,
457 Mount Auburn Street,
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
TAVERN CLUB,
4 BOYLSTON PLACE. 29. ape 46
Dear molly dualdi correct
the Vermont green ( same as
Boster tablet) as a better stone
for cutting , The price 70.6
BarHartor & including alau s
fee LS 4 275.00. you will
still have the cost of setting
which, of the Inason has a
pneumatic drill, would be
green, us. $50.00 -
depends
on how hard 9 how cocu The
franke is. If you went out
for $400.00 you shd, be more
than safe The weres lige is 30
inches by 44" either verhecal
or housential
as Ever - cup
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
April 29, 1946.
Hon. John A. Peters,
United States Courts,
Judge's Chambers,
Portland, Maine.
Dear Judge Peters:
I enclose five photographs of the general location on Dorr
Mountain on which we propose to place the memorial tablet.
Numbers 1 and 1-A show the location which has the southerly
exposure. Numbers 2 and 2-A show the location which has the
easterly exposure.
The unnumbered photograph shows me seated on the stone steps
on the trail. The location pictured in numbers 1 and 1-A is to
my left and above my head as I sit on the steps: the location shown
in numbers 2 and 2-A is to the rear and to the right of the place
where I am sitting. If Mr. Sturgis wants the tablet at eye level,
the number 2 location is by far the better location. There is a
good platform on which to stand to view the tablet with ample
space to put a stone bench if that feature seems desirable. This
location also brings the tablet into the eyes of a person ascending
the trail, whereas the number 1 location would be 90° to the right
of one ascending the trail and might easily be overlooked. I am
sorry I did not get your letter soon enough to have a two-foot rule
shown in the photograph.
I agree with you that the tablet should be made with the
lettering in the horizontal plane. I think it would be much better
in every respect. I also think your suggestion about waiting until
summer when we can get all hands together and discuss it is good.
Then if we reach a face to face agreement, there can be no later
recriminations
Very truly yours,
B. L. Hadley,
BL Handy
Superintendent.
Enclosures.
9/21/21, 1:53 PM
DSCN9327.jpg
1073
30. IV, 46,
S STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R. F. p. NO. 1. NEEDHAM. MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION. N. .Y.N. H. &H. R. R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH. DOVER NO. 1.
Dear mds, Peters.
on Thursday. thas 2 - thans
au affointment with the Lands
peofle to gots mt Aubusa todes
the stone there.
that a Datis factory talls with
No. fturges about the tablet He
wanted, for sentiments sale to
we this mamerlats, but as
ttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/O/#inbox/KtbxLrjKVRWfZSnmSLnHPZHZDKSRZdmRDB?projector=1&messagePartld=0.1
1/1
9/21/21, 1:54 PM
DSCN9328.jpg
2013
Luakdi advrees the bermout
state he had betterns that of
astred mr Phargis to setus an
extivate, which Jecelose-
"Atamiful 4 is Alau Sturqives
fee for designing the letterius.
W Sturgis say the photografts
of the litshill determine the
thaps of the tablet He is most
interested pleased to watre
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/O/#inbox/KtbxLrjKVRWfZSnmSLnHPZHZDKSRZdmRDB?projector=1&messagePartld=0.3
1/1
9/21/21, 1:54 PM
DSCN9329.jpg
3 of : 3
this contribution to his oldfriends
memorial, you can Reshow
the ex=
lecses ,
Furll write Ju promettly after
my
fincerely yners,
mary newbold Hale-
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/KtbxLrjKVRWfZSnmSLnHPZHZDKSRZdmRDB?projector=1&messagePartld=0.2
1/1
1st May, 1946.
Dear Mr. Sturgis:
In regard to the tablet for Mr. Dorr, I enclose
a letter I have received from Mr. B.L. Hadley, the Nation-
al Park Superintendent, with some pictures he took. From
the pictures it looks to me as if the ledge they have picked
out would not be there more than a few years, whereas I was
planning to have this tablet remain there several hundred
years. I am glad we have decided to delay action on this
matter until we can get to Bar Harbor and look over the pro-
posed location. We could probably then give you more def-
inite information.
If you are not coming to Bar Harbor perhaps we had
better want for more photographs and until some of us can
see the proposed site and then, if pictures are taken, have
the two-foot rule included.
Will you be good enough to return to me this letter
from Hadley? I do not need the photographs.
In regard to the matter of slate for the tablet, as
against bronza, I understand from Mrs. Hale that you think
slate the more durable and for other reasons to be preferred.
I have been wondering about that. What is the difference in
the life of the two substances? How will the slate look
against the gray rock? Wouldn't the slate be likely to be
marked up by boys using it like a blackboard? Will the
lettering show as well on the slate as it would on the bronze?
Could the slate be chipped off on the edges or otherwise dam-
aged more easily than bronze?
I think we can afford to be pretty careful about
this matter, because I hope that we are arranging something
for a good many generations to see.
Very truly yours,
Mr. R. Clipston Sturgis,
The Martine Cottage,
JOHN A. PETERS.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Enclosures.
6th May, 1946.
Dear Ben:-
I sent your photographs and also your letter
of April twenty-eighth to Mr. Sturgis, who lives at
Portsmouth, N.H., and I enclose you his reply. I wrote
him particularly about the slate as against bronze. I
had always supposed that bronze was the stuff that lasted
the longest and was the best thing for such use. He says
otherwise, as you see. Please return his letter to me.
Mr. Sturgis, I understand, is an eminent architect
of long experience and an old friend of Mr. Dorr. He is
giving us his views gratis and of course we much appreciate
it, and I suppose if he says slate is the thing that we should
acquiesce. I only thought that it looked like the color of
the ledge and could be easily marked up by boys, and I didn't
suppose lasted any longer than bronze. Anyhow, the thing
to do is to wait until we can all get together. Mrs. Hale
will be down to Bar Harbor this summer, I suppose eaply,
and we will have a good chance to caucus on this thing.
Very truly yours
[John A Peters]
B. L. Hadley, Esq.
Bar Harbor, Manne.
Enclosure.
STRAWBERRY HILL 2.V.46.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS. R. F. D. NO. 1. NEEDHAM. MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N, H. & H. R.R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
Dear Fudge Peters.
today Twenth int.Auturu
and nitt M Lands the younger
inspected the stone in memory of
G.B D. it in all that it should be,
areproduction in lige and in the
inscription of the stones that
marks his parents graves
Sweers mers,
mary newbold Hale
[See also DORR MEMORIAL file for additional RK2pp connesp]
5/27/2021
20210510_110948.jpg
Dup.
June I'd
SCHOONER HEAD
BAH HARROR MAINE
1941
Dear Budge Peters
Au old frilled of Mr. Dorr's hashit ma dea
suggestion to he about flu mumorial Tablet whi th
the tom the - mag encus his worthy of consideration
Histhat the tablet Hould deplaced at thitch of
Green nowcalled Cadillae - where alltourists
& issitors would Reict to few people Wieths
faths now that the world in queer stinould
not know of its existe ucp of itu test on the lite
which my all feel to be appropriate because it
was a favours opot with Mr, bors
7 simply halp on the sugges tion without
Comment. fincards nurs,
Mary newbold Hale-
Woodlaion Museum A-61.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGkXSfrCdRWplrfPffZiztvlGzl?projector=1&messagePartld=0.
1
[20 June 1946]
R. CLIPSTON STURGIS
THE MARTINE COTTAGE
20 fre
PORTSMOUTH N. H
Dear molls us little Ltd have
been answered more promitty
but I was m Town for The
String quar hille at T.C.
no one ean da better Gronge
casting than me Gann but the
Custing is rof the important part
which is designing The littering
It you are planning a
brange tablet to so out of doors
simply because that LES The usual
material, let me wage you it
hour the tablet done in State
Bronge will oxedise & stam The
Woodlown Huseum A-61.
and when w - w
white the dan the Januage
a - -
- /
it an tet the - premises
whether J at w in a boulder
does jack of a his an in all
on - the free of a ledge; that
for we time
the respect in preparate hat
is s . me in wate Miar
reath of what the income diate
of the pr good A Servet, and
Surrounding, are a photo-
time dustan is the best one to
fresh would serve to show Rich
no that - rons for the decision
the Boston Common Tibret
on the discription. L would lose
(hear Part St) is an et angle
to as that, as my contribution
of in and cription cut in Make
to the memorial. but I am not
(which I discredit but The lettering
tex notch on attending It you
of which Nus done be my fest man
Nant the best possible work-
now paralysed3
Mer werce Then is to
manany you snowled get
atain Sherry you to do it: In any
use state, to geta photo OF
there is cerimen and
the the - then get alan Los
determine the use of The
State the character design
of the lettering
with Inuah love cly
VOP.
MASNACHSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1144 BOYISTON STREET
BOSTON
15
THE DIRECTOR
July 12, 1946
Mrs. Richard W. Hale
Strawberry Hill
Needham 98, Masaachusetts
Dear Mrs. Hale:
I have only now found it possible to get
down to the Boston Athenaeum to get the manuscripts
that you originally turned over to Mr. Howe and
subsequently, at his suggestion, presented to the
Society. I am very happy that things have turned
out this way, because the contents of these addi-
tional letters are a significant supplement to the
material on Webster contained in the larger collec-
tion of Ward papers that you had given us previously.
Sincerely yours,
Alyn R. Forber
Allyn B. Forbes
A-61.
ABF:EB
tuned"
SCHOONER HEAD
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
1946.
Dear Mudge Peters.
Au old friend of Mr. Dorrs
suggestion to he about the memorial Tablet whi ch
the Com the - mag consider worthy of consideration
Huthal the tablet should he placed at the top of
Freen nowcalled Caddlac - where all tourists
& islitors would Reict to
faths now that the world in queer of would
not know of its existence if itis put on the lite
which he all feel tube appropriate because it
was a favourt Apot with Mr. Dors- -
7 simply lafs on the sugges tion without
Comment. fincards murs,
Mary newbold Hale-
¥
13.VIII.46
THE BELMONT HOTEL
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Dear Judge Peters.
Thave written to W. Keegie
telling him of the decision
of this lite for the memorial
tablet, and athing him for
the dimensions. Huppose
the Rijo of the boulder will
decide f the length of the
tablet is to be perpen dieulas
be loriental and when that
is settled the lettering of the
Woodlawn Mureum. A-61.
this contribution to his oldfreed
memorial, you can Reshow
much il-diminisher the ex= =
leave.
Fuillhrite yu promittly after
my init-to
Puicerels yners,
mary newbold that
14 August, 1946
Dear Mrs. Hale:
I have yours of yesterday. I sup-
pose our next step will have to be to make
a report to the Trustees at the annual meet-
ing, August 20, and when they appro ve our
re-
port, I think we had better make a trip
with the whole committee to the spot and
agree upon the exact location of the boulder
and arrange with Hadley to move one there.
I understand he will do it at the expense
of the Go vernment and that he has done so
before and so is familiar with the procedure.
Also, I believe be has to do it after the
ground is frozen, which will further neces-
serily postpone the completion of the matter,
but it is better to have a little delay than
to hurry it at the expense of a good result.
When we get together for the purpose of
locating the spot (assuming that the annual
meeting will approve our recommendation)
we can decide about the other details.
Yours very truly,
John A. Peters
Mrs. Richard W. Hale
Hotel Belmont
Bar Harbor, Maine
15. VIII 46
TELERISHE loon
LYER KCCLES. MANAGER
BELMONT HOTEL
MT. DESERT STREET
BAR HARBOR. MAINE
Dear Fudge Peters .
Here is YN: Sturgis reflex they last
litter. The had better preserve this copy of the
hiscription.
Fuill be reader togo to the hieus des Month
Hering with you any das, of Inc can giveme
twenty four hours notice. Field that Have RD
many engagements that Theust disentanglo
regself.
faicering nurs,
Mary newbold Male-
Woodlawn Uuseum A-61-
nn
Tion John A. Peters papers. Dar Estate Correspondence.
STRAWBERRY HILL 4.X.46.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F.D.NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N, H. & H. R.R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
can tatre me no, and of you can
Dear Judge Peters.
meet mothere. fg Foonld 90 to
these enclosed letters
Ellsworth for a das, of that
record the disposal of the last
more conveinent for you
papers of G R.Di. thanks Heaven
Jam greatly distriped to
my tasts is ended.
learn of Daird Rodietri
Him long shall you be alellswritti
serionsilluef Forly heard of
I could 90 to Bas Hasbor on
uturdar, when MrsAdam
Tuesday #48 The for a fewdags.
owskri came up from
as Have some matters to looks
and that d n1 l about it 7
into, and of Mrs Brownue
telephoned Florence last evening
Inch short hotils.
& the said that David really is
Sincerely Mors,
better + the is hopeful. Hounded
mary newbold Hale-
very bad to me.
7f yrs hill hire me mreecift of
this Team are angs togo to
Bar Harbon early next weeks-
or not, as suits four convenium
and Jaces sorry togive you
ton. John A. Peters Papers. Dorr Estate Correspondence.
10,x.46.
POINTE D'ACADIE
BAR HARBOR
MAINE
thursdayt
and one third to the Abbe museum
the profosed giving half of the
wear mudge Peters.
belower to each of those two
thad a most latiffeel
institutions. pleading that of B.D.
talls with has Lifira this more
Idaid Head of nee had more than
was deeply interested in the Abbi
the agreed with as as to the Mr
# 20.000 00 up bould wauth que
of the funds in G B. Dr estate.
his Twas making the Calcula
the amount in the Have proportion,
on the bases of having 20.000
to which the agreed-
disside tprohosed giving 1200
New Rylira then Hobre of
to the Library t two thirds of
balance to the Farroud Artoreli
2
was
the second volume of the Parls
the expenses Propor
History which is the amounts
the moneys should be 20 beston
lotties writer. the has estimates
theather an be recorded as
tets. believes it will not cortuure
G. B D. memorial. alltrous
team VolT. Preferred her to you -
income archingfrom then
wrs Cylina agrees with me
be used for general purposes
that it hill be wellto distributs
gift tied down to one definition
ourproposed giftstoward the end
is really no Dift
790 home on Paturdas morries
of the writer to that the
fineerels, mrs,
hill havitheuse of they thoward
Mary newbold Hale
in like
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F.D. NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N. H. & H. R. R.
Mr. Dorr's trusties of whom Jane one_
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1
If atang time you wanth all them
litne know and Finill arrange
Dear M. Jolson.
with the Librarian for yus insit.
Your letter of Dee 19th came
The. Austrustees, have giver
to me today.
to the Peabody missius at
All no. George R. Dorrs papers'c.
faleus such papers as concerned
lating to the Acadia national
the ward family. of whom No. Dorris
Park Thane placed with Three
mother was a member - and you
memorial Library athar Hask
can Res theus there at any time,
where you mag tools them over at
Janey, They are frincifally
anytime. this are the property of
NARA. CP. R679. CCF, 1933-48. Acadia. B,791.
thep's logs- diaries, tite, and
happy to aid mill any was.
are not concerned with the Dare
family. Yet other mard Lapers
Luccerely yrrs,
by have given to the mass Historical
mary newbold Hale.
society. Thas chosenle W Dorr
yes Richard holden Hali
to talse charge of allhis papers of
a personal nature.
H Feau be of any further
afsistance togen Tshal? be oury
Han John A-reters rapers. Dorr Estate Companience
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R. F. D. NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N. H. & H. R. R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1
27.1.47
no. hill bring the
matter of G B. D's estate to a
Dear hidge Peters.
Conclusion it are dieur ms
Your letter of the 24th cameto
to have it hanging on when you and
me todas. You have dealt with the
J and very one concerned have
lituation mith wisdom tael and
done our there of the work promptts.
Kindeep. Lereuus Modietries a
Tregret that Tuerretirement
born procrasticator, and Dair
robs the Government of your
death has removed from that
valuable services but Numon
office the our needful thaten
hell the feeling of commission
him on. thops that Mrs letter all
the md ofthe road. Faustryingto
not Keeping copieson my files-
resign from the Maptis General
Suicerely yours,
Hospital after fortythree years of
Mary newbord Hale -
active service. tdo Greethatthe
winter has not been too heavy for
you and for more Peters. Toften
thinks of yns and your anxiety
for her.
freturn the ecorrespondence
as You resersta at under
Hon. John A. Peters Papers. Dorr Estate Correspondence.
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F.D. NO. 1, NEEDHAM, MASS.
6.V.47
R.R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y. N. H. & H.R.R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1.
Ishall write tosm about it
fically Pirenues Rodie's is
Dear Fudge Peters.
msupportable ! Could MP
oddle, through the day that
Areatent tabs the matter out ofhis
I received V. letter IW. Phurgis
lauds ? has have all worked
called MI up to ask met come
steadiles to close up the warr estate
to his office and Ill the
activities the is the mley person
lettering of g B.D
who is holdingballs. and it is
tablet which 7 chall do on
really unbearable, audhe
thurs das, the 8th after which
Hon- JohnA. Peters Paper Dorr Estate Correspondence
STRAWBERRY HILL
POST OFFICE ADDRESS, R.F.D.NO. 1. NEEDHAM, MASS.
1947.
R. R. STATION, NEEDHAM JUNCTION, N. Y1 N, H. & H. R. R.
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH, DOVER NO. 1
why the Parls is not sharing
the distribution of his noney-
Dear Judge Peters.
7 esfecially affloud themas
in which you have brought
Like every thingthat you
that in
write yes letter to the officers of
Jaw Reefins the copy which
the Library, tate, is perfect
you Dust this to additionapile-
By all meaus haveit printed
Purconly yners,
in the Bar Harbor Times for
Mary newbold Hale-
the towns people should Kum
what W. Dorr's trustees are
doine for their benefitical
26.11.47
STRAWBERNY HILL
high valuation one of this
** MORT OFFICE ADDRESS UND NEEDHAM, MEANS
MITTION, NERDHAM JUNCTION N.
1
TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH GOVER NO. 1
Barbiros school, Thinks-
Has it been sold?
was Fudge Peters.
Do write to hrs Browning
while Iquitenudes=
about this. the mill, Ifear.
apree with his that we have no
stand pms feeling about the
room forthe pictures.
disposal of G .B D's lictures
finecrely yurs,
Jaw sure that the Library
Mary
Canuol accept them, because
MY have 10 of a eithereto
hang them there was one on
which W. Carrol Type M puta
Unveiled Tablet
TABLET
Continued from Page 1
Friday In Honor Of
ory of George Bucknam Dorr,
1853-1944. Gentleman; Scholar,
Lover of Nature, Father of This
George B. Dorr
National Park. Steadfast in his
At the Sieur de Monts Spring,
zeal to make the beauties of this
at (four o' clock, on Friday, August
Island available to all."
29. n tablet was unveiled to the
It was prepared by a committee
memory of George Bucknam Dorr,
consisting of Judge Peters, chair-
which had been erected by the
Hancock County Trustees of Pub-
man, Mrs. Richard Hale, George
lic Reservation.
Stebbins, Albert Cunningham and
George Stebbins, president of
Gerard Austin. The lettering of
the trustees, in a brief, warm
the tablet was designed by R.
speech, told how that body had
been/founded by President Eliot
Cliptson Sturgis, a college friend
and Mr. Dorr, among others; how
of Mr. Dorr's.
that body was, in a sense, the
grandfather of the Park; and how
Mr. Dorr's efforts saved the moun-
tains from the gasoline saw and
the logger, in one case by a matter
of hours.
Then Judge John A. Peters con-
tinued the genealogy of the Park,
and recounted how first as a State
Representative at Augusta, then
as a Congressman at Washington
he had watched Mr. Dorr's efforts
to save the beauties of the. Island.
He paid eloquent tribute. to the
force and unusual form of the
arguments with which Mr. Dorr se-
cured the foundation first of the
National Monument, then of the
National Park.
After a few words from the
Rev. Samuel Eliet, also reminis-
cent of Mr. Dorr's work; the tablet
was then unveiled by the Park
Rangers.
Its inscription reads: "In Mem.
Tablet
Continued on Page 10
BHT 9/4/47.
HANGOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES
OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS
8/29/47
DEDICATION
the
DORR
MEMORIAL
Note:
FOREWORD
This bulletin commemorates the dedication of the Dorr
Memorial on August 29, 1947. Unfortunately, after only two
months, the Memorial was destroyed in the disastrous fire
which swept over part of Mount Desert Island. A replica of
the monument is being erected on the original site.
IN MEMORY OF
GEORGE BUCKNAM DORR
DEDICATION
1853 / 1944
Mr. George L. Stebbins, President of the Hancock County
Trustees of Public Reservations, had charge of the exercises.
Gentleman Scholar
Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, First Vice-President of the Trustees,
spoke briefly in reminiscent vein. The dedicatory address was
Lover of nature
delivered by Hon. John A. Peters, who also wrote the inscrip-
tion for the Memorial. Judge Peters was a long-time friend of
Father of this
Mr. Dorr and one of the executors of his will. It is appropriate
to record here, with grateful appreciation, the fact that Mr.
NATIONAL PARK
Dorr made a bequest to the Trustees amounting to one-fourth
of his estate.
Steadfast in his zeal
to make the beauties
of this Island
available to all
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT STEBBINS
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are met to honor the memory of a man whose foresight
and devoted energy, spanning many years, did more to pre-
serve the natural beauties of this Island than was contributed
by any other source.
This is a meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public
Reservations, which undertook the establishment of the Dorr
Memorial, and appointed a committee consisting of Judge
John A. Peters, Mrs. Richard Hale, Benjamin L. Hadley,
Gerard L. Austin, and Albert H. Cunningham to carry out
the project. Hence a brief account of the organization and
objectives of the Trustees may be of interest.
The Trustees were constituted September 14th, 1901, at the
instance of President Charles W. Eliot of Harvard University,
who was a member of a similar organization in Massachusetts.
They were 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, First Vice-President;
Professor Edward S. Dana, Second Vice-President; Lea M.
Luquer, Secretary; George L. Stebbins, Treasurer; Luere B.
Deasy and 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 of 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 of 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
ADDRESS BY JUDGE PETERS
associates, but no notable tracts were acquired until 1909 and
1910. Then through a series of fortuitous circumstances some
Ladies and Gentlemen:
5000 acres were acquired by gift, comprising all the moun-
tains on the east side of the Island and the valleys between.
Of the 30,000 visitors who come to this beautiful spot every
year for recreation and refreshment, only a small fraction
We (I speak for the Trustees) were just one jump ahead of
know to whom they are indebted for the opportunity, or have
the lumbermen. Sometimes it was only a matter of hours.
any appreciation of the time and labor involved in the creation
One morning Mr. Dorr telephoned me that he had an option
of such a privilege.
on 70 acres comprising the carry between Jordan Pond and
Our Government, which acquired this unique and pic-
Eagle Lake, expiring at 12 o'clock, after which a lumberman
turesque section of our historic Island some years ago,-and
was ready to buy the tract. Speaking for the Northeast Har-
now maintains it in perpetuity for the enjoyment of the
bor and Seal Harbor group I asked Mr. Dorr to make the
people,-did not do SO of its own motion. It had to be power-
purchase.
fully stimulated to take such action. The governmental iner-
This is only one of many instances.
tia which clogs initiative in such matters had to be overcome
by personal energy and intelligent persistence.
The names of those who contributed toward the purchase of
these tracts are too numerous to mention here, but among the
It is safe to say that there would be no National Park on this
leaders at that time were Mr. John S. Kennedy of Bar Harbor,
Island today if George Bucknam Dorr had not lived and been
President Charles W. Eliot of Northeast Harbor, and Dr.
the public-spirited citizen of enormous energy and enthusiasm
Edward K. Dunham of Seal Harbor.
that he was.
We have with us one who knew Mr. Dorr for nearly half a
But the Government cannot be counted on, of its own mo-
century, who was closely associated with him in the establish-
tion, to make avowal of that fact, or to express the appreci-
ment of Acadia National Park, and whose family traditions in
ation and gratitude of its citizens for such altruistic effort,-
Hancock County go back a hundred and fifty years. I take
no matter how great the labor involved or how important the
pleasure in introducing my friend of over half a century,
result. It remains for those who were in touch with Mr. Dorr's
Judge John A. Peters.
labors over a period of 40 years, and those who are still near
enough thereto in time to realize their extraordinary nature
The address then made by Judge Peters is given in the
and inestimable value, to make sure that there shall be some
sequel.
simple but permanent record of the fact,-sufficient at least to
The extemporaneous remarks of Rev. Samuel A. Eliot on
advise posterity of the name of their benefactor and the boun-
this occasion were not recorded and cannot be reproduced.
daries of his life. He would not desire more, and should have
no less.
It is natural and fitting that the burden of this matter
aroused lion in defense of its cub. I was at Augusta at the time
should be assumed by the Hancock County Trustees of Public
as a member of the House and witnessed the battle, which
Reservations. That, as you know, is an eleemosynary corpora-
turned out to be one-sided. There was no resisting Mr. Dorr
tion chartered by the legislature of Maine for the purpose of
when fighting for the public welfare.
preserving points of scenic value in this section. It is the titular
ancestor,--the grandfather, SO to speak, of this Park. Title to
In his contact with the membership of the Legislature he
this spot with the adjacent mountain tops and other lands
was resourceful, indefatigable and irresistible. A modest
forming the nucleus of what is now a Park of national im-
scholarly gentleman, a philosopher, a scientist, a man dealing
portance, was first acquired by the Trustees of Public Reserva-
in ideas,--supposed to be somewhat impractical in business
tions 40 years ago. The lands which the Trustees had acquired
affairs,-Mr. Dorr seemingly turned into a shrewd, hard-
passed into Federal control as a National Monument, SO called,
boiled, effective master-lobbyist. Like an astute politician he
which in turn was succeeded by the present National Park cre-
appeared to know the strings that control men's actions and
ated by an Act of Congress in 1919.
how to pull them. The ordinary run-of-the-log lobbyists, at-
tending the legislative session, observing his operations, were
awe-struck. When he got through, not a single member would
The bare recital of those successive ownerships,-each for
venture a word in favor of the bill to abolish the Trustees.
the benefit of the public, although in a different way,-sounds
The man who sponsored the measure said he would vote
unimpressive and rather simple; but they represent 20 years
against it and apologized for introducing it. The enemy was
of devoted and strenuous labor by Mr. Dorr, followed by an-
triumphantly routed.
other 20 years of constant effort in building the Park to its
present magnificent perfection,-the finest possible memorial
However, that experience frightened Mr. Dorr. He had be-
to its originator and builder, and the only one desired.
come shy of state legislatures, and all their works. He deter-
mined to offer his child to the Federal Government for adop-
The first 12 years of Mr. Dorr's labors were tranquil, and
tion. To bring that about meant a long and gruelling cam-
uneventful, but fruitful. Plans were laid and lands acquired
paign in Washington; but his appetite for that sort of thing
at strategic points through the generosity of public spirited
had been whetted in Augusta. It so happened that I also wit-
benefactors. Progress was rapid and peaceful. But in 1913 a
nessed the Washington fight, as I then had the honor of repre-
small cloud appeared upon the horizon. A bill was introduced
senting this District in Congress. The campaign lasted three
in the Maine Legislature to revoke the charter of the Hancock
years and was strenuous. It became necessary to fight jealousy
County Trustees of Public Reservations,-presumably because
as well as ignorance and the usual governmental inertia. It
its property was by law withdrawn from taxation. It did not
developed that the Department of Agriculture looked with a
matter that the commercial value of its lands was small and the
somewhat jaundiced eye upon the proposed handling of public
scenic value immense. Some people could not see beyond their
land by any other agency of the government. But Mr. Dorr
own noses. Mr. Dorr's life work was in danger of being
was armed with tact as well as vigor and overcame all opposi-
wrecked. He descended upon the Maine Legislature like an
tion. At last I went with him to the White House to get Presi-
dent Wilson to sign the proclamation which would make this
The inscription will give information to future generations
area a National Monument, so called,-which is one step re-
of visitors to this Park as to the name of their benefactor and
moved from a full National Park. The signing occurred in
will serve to show, in some degree, the esteem in which he was
1916 and ended that particular campaign.
held by his contemporaries.
At a time when we suffer from the failure that men have
Again Mr. Dorr was not content. He was ambitious to have
this then extensive area given the status of a National Park in
made in dealing with each other, it is good to recall the success
which the people would have not only the privilege but the
of one man who gave a life-time of labor that the people
right, under suitable restrictions, to enjoy its beauties and its
should have a sanctuary where Nature is supreme, unvexed by
wonders forever.
the bickerings of men.
That was later brought about by the almost single-handed
efforts 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 knowl-
edge 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 resi-
dents 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 be-
lieve, 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.
FOREWORD
This bulletin commemorates the dedication of the Dorr
Memorial on August 29, 1947. Unfortunately, after only two
months, the Memorial was destroyed in the disastrous fire
which swept over part of Mount Desert Island. A replica of
the monument is being erected on the original site.
2
IN MEMORY Ol
GEORGE BUCKNAM DORR
DEDICATION
1853 L 1944
Mr. George L. Stebbins, President of the Hancock County
Trustees of Public Reservations, had charge of the exercises.
Gentleman Scholar
Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, First Vice-President of the Trustees,
spoke briefly in reminiscent vein. The dedicatory address was
Lover of nature
delivered by Hon. John A. Peters, who also wrote the inscrip-
tion for the Memorial. Judge Peters was a long-time friend of
Father of this
Mr. Dorr and one of the executors of his will. It is appropriate
to record here, with grateful appreciation, the fact that Mr.
NATIONAL PARK
Dorr made a bequest to the Trustees amounting to one-fourth
of his estate.
Steadfast in his zeal
to make the beauties
of this Island
available to all
3
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT STEBBINS
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are met to honor the memory of a man whose foresight
and devoted energy, spanning many years, did more to pre-
serve the natural beauties of this Island than was contributed
by any other source.
This is a meeting of the Hancock County Trustees of Public
Reservations, which undertook the establishment of the Dorr
Memorial, and appointed a committee consisting of Judge
John A. Peters, Mrs. Richard Hale, Benjamin L. Hadley,
Gerard L. Austin, and Albert H. Cunningham to carry out
the project. Hence a brief account of the organization and
objectives of the Trustees may be of interest.
The Trustees were constituted September 14th, 1901, at the
instance of President Charles W. Eliot of Harvard University,
who was a member of a similar organization in Massachusetts.
They were 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, First Vice-President;
Professor Edward S. Dana, Second Vice-President; Lea M.
Luquer, Secretary; George L. Stebbins, Treasurer; Luere B.
Deasy and 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 of 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 of 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.
4
This was foreseen by President Eliot, Mr. Dorr, and their
ADDRESS BY JUDGE PETERS
associates, but no notable tracts were acquired until 1909 and
1910. Then through a series of fortuitous circumstances some
Ladies and Gentlemen:
5000 acres were acquired by gift, comprising all the moun-
tains on the east side of the Island and the valleys between.
Of the 30,000 visitors who come to this beautiful spot every
year for recreation and refreshment, only a small fraction
We (I speak for the Trustees) were just one jump ahead of
know to whom they are indebted for the opportunity, or have
the lumbermen. Sometimes it was only a matter of hours.
any appreciation of the time and labor involved in the creation
of such a privilege.
One morning Mr. Dorr telephoned me that he had an option
on 70 acres comprising the carry between Jordan Pond and
Our Government, which acquired this unique and pic-
Eagle Lake, expiring at 12 o'clock, after which a lumberman
turesque section, of our historic Island some years ago,-and
was ready to buy the tract. Speaking for the Northeast Har-
now maintains it in perpetuity for the enjoyment of the
bor and Seal Harbor group I asked Mr. Dorr to make the
people,-did not do SO of its own motion. It had to be power-
purchase.
fully stimulated to take such action. The governmental iner-
This is only one of many instances.
tia which clogs initiative in such matters had to be overcome
by personal energy and intelligent persistence.
The names of those who contributed toward the purchase of
these tracts are too numerous to mention here, but among the
It is safe to say that there would be no National Park on this
leaders at that time were Mr. John S. Kennedy of Bar Harbor,
Island today if George Bucknam Dorr had not lived and been
President Charles W. Eliot of Northeast Harbor, and Dr.
the public-spirited citizen of enormous energy and enthusiasm
Edward K. Dunham of Seal Harbor.
that he was.
We have with us one who knew Mr. Dorr for nearly half a
But the Government cannot be counted on, of its own mo-
century, who was closely associated with him in the establish-
tion, to make avowal of that fact, or to express the appreci-
ment of Acadia National Park, and whose family traditions in
ation and gratitude of its citizens for such altruistic effort,-
Hancock County go back a hundred and fifty years. I take
no matter how great the labor involved or how important the
pleasure in introducing my friend of over half a century,
result. It remains for those who were in touch with Mr. Dorr's
Judge John A. Peters.
labors over a period of 40 years, and those who are still near
enough thereto in time to realize their extraordinary nature
The address then made by Judge Peters is given in the
and inestimable value, to make sure that there shall be some
sequel.
simple but permanent record of the fact,-sufficient at least to
The extemporaneous remarks of Rev. Samuel A. Eliot on
advise posterity of the name of their benefactor and the boun-
this occasion were not recorded and cannot be reproduced.
daries of his life. He would not desire more, and should have
no less,
5
It is natural and fitting that the burden of this matter
aroused lion in defense of its cub. I was at Augusta at the time
should be assumed by the Hancock County Trustees of Public
as a member of the House and witnessed the battle, which
Reservations. That, as you know, is an eleemosynary corpora-
turned out to be one-sided. There was no resisting Mr. Dorr
tion chartered by the legislature of Maine for the purpose of
when fighting for the public welfare.
preserving points of scenic value in this section. It is the titular
ancestor,-- grandfather, so to speak, of this Park. Title to
In his contact with the membership of the Legislature he
this spot with the adjacent mountain tops and other lands
was resourceful, indefatigable and irresistible. A modest
forming the nucleus of what is now a Park of national im-
scholarly gentleman, a philosopher, a scientist, a man dealing
portance, was first acquired by the Trustees of Public Reserva-
in ideas,-supposed to be somewhat impractical in business
tions 40 years ago. The lands which the Trustees had acquired
affairs,-Mr. Dorr seemingly turned into a shrewd, hard-
passed into Federal control as a National Monument, so called,
boiled, effective master-lobbyist. Like an astute politician he
which in turn was succeeded by the present National Park cre-
appeared to know the strings that control men's actions and
ated by an Act of Congress in 1919.
how to pull them. The ordinary run-of-the-log lobbyists, at-
tending the legislative session, observing his operations, were
awe-struck. When he got through, not a single member would
The bare recital of those successive ownerships,--ach for
venture a word in favor of the bill to abolish the Trustees.
the benefit of the public, although in a different way,-sounds
The man who sponsored the measure said he would vote
unimpressive and rather simple; but they represent 20 years
against it and apologized for introducing it. The enemy was
of devoted and strenuous labor by Mr. Dorr, followed by an-
triumphantly routed.
other 20 years of constant effort in building the Park to its
present magnificent perfection,-the finest possible memorial
However, that experience frightened Mr. Dorr. He had be-
to its originator and builder, and the only one desired.
come shy of state legislatures, and all their works. He deter-
mined to offer his child to the Federal Government for adop-
The first 12 years of Mr. Dorr's labors were tranquil, and
tion. To bring that about meant a long and gruelling cam-
uneventful, but fruitful. Plans were laid and lands acquired
paign in Washington; but his appetite for that sort of thing
at strategic points through the generosity of public spirited
had been whetted in Augusta. It so happened that I also wit-
benefactors. Progress was rapid and peaceful. But in 1913 a
nessed the Washington fight, as I then had the honor of repre-
small cloud appeared upon the horizon. A bill was introduced
senting this District in Congress. The campaign lasted three
in the Maine Legislature to revoke the charter of the Hancock
years and was strenuous. It became necessary to fight jealousy
County Trustees of Public Reservations,presumably because
as well as ignorance and the usual governmental inertia. It
its property was by law withdrawn from taxation. It did not
developed that the Department of Agriculture looked with a
matter that the commercial value of its lands was small and the
somewhat jaundiced eye upon the proposed handling of public
scenic value immense. Some people could not see beyond their
land by any other agency of the government. But Mr. Dorr
own noses. Mr. Dorr's life work was in danger of being
was armed with tact as well as vigor and overcame all opposi-
wrecked. He descended upon the Maine Legislature like an
tion. At last I went with him to the White House to get Presi-
6
dent Wilson to sign the proclamation which would make this
The inscription will give information to future generations
area a National Monument, so called,-which is one step re-
of visitors to this Park as to the name of their benefactor and
moved from a full National Park. The signing occurred in
will serve to show, in some degree, the esteem in which he was
1916 and ended that particular campaign.
held by his contemporaries.
Again Mr. Dorr was not content. He was ambitious to have
At a time when we suffer from the failure that men have
this then extensive area given the status of a National Park in
made in dealing with each other, it is good to recall the success
which the people would have not only the privilege but the
of one man who gave a life-time of labor that the people
right, under suitable restrictions, to enjoy its beauties and its
should have a sanctuary where Nature is supreme, unvexed by
wonders forever.
the bickerings of men.
That was later brought about by the almost single-handed
efforts 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 knowl-
edge 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 resi-
dents 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 be-
lieve, 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.
9/11/47.
Dorr Tablet Unveiled.
INFORMATION
Plean
&
Manage at
Rodred WHole
column
Bcn Hadleys
son
(Fosh)
hourence
Chare
Hadley
letters of R. cliptson Sturgis,
a.f Uame.)
College fund of Mr.Dorr.
Och 23.
Entire
Island
teraced
Thunder of
aces burned
no accoup. neees story
och 30
it's Descit
Made
9/4/47 Annount of HCTPR amind lug
Worst
Disaster
w
aug. Lofe at Black Have
headline
Josh:
no meetin & Dorr -
Publicity
Chur Reviews.
Frigging; and
(
HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS
BLACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TRUSTEES OF
George L. Stebbins, President
Ernest T. Paine, Chairman
WoodLawn in Ellsworth,
Maine
Richard W. Hale, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Gerard L. Austin, Secretary
Mrs. Jacques Cornelis
Albert H. Cunningham, Treasurer
Bequest-of GEORGE NIXON BLACK
Mrs. Philip Lovell
Samuel A. Eliot, First Vice-President
Mrs. John C. Spring
Thorndike, Second Vice-President
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Miss Adeline Wing
Hon. John A. Peters
Professor Augustin Derby
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Col. H. B. Hayden
Ernest T. Paine
Harold A. Pitman
September 5, 1947
Charles K. Savage
To members of Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservat ons and
others interested in the memorial to George B. Dorr recently
erected near the Spring in the National Park at Bar Harbor.
The Dbrr memorial, which we hope you have seen, or will
see, has been completed except for the grading, and was unveiled
with appropriate exercises the 29th. It seems to meet with
general approval. The Trustees have no funds with which to pay
for the memorial, but felts confident they Ecould count onefriends
of Mr. Dorr and of the Park to make up the comparatively small
sum necessary. The total expense is $550 Mr. Sturgis, the
architect, a friend of Mr. Dorr gave his services. The Park
people moved the stone from the of Cadillac to its present
location. This appeal for-funds 1s sent to about 70 persons.
Subscriptions which will be gratefully received should be sent
to Mr. A. H Cunningham, Treasurer of the Trustees, Bar Harbor,
who will receipt therefor.
If theototal amount received should exceed the sum required,
the excess will be placed In the treasury of the Hancock County
Trustees of Public Reservations, an organ lization in which Mr. Dorr
was deeply interested.
Committee
For the Committee
John A. Peters
George L. Stebbins, President
Mary N. Hale
Hancock County Trustees
B. L. Hadley
of Public Reservations
Gerard Austin
Albert Cunningham
Hancock Taustee
Shinis Castion m an 14 behead mars
End.
Edorn 17 121947
Wran m RockEfeller
7 Fasse the litienty of writing you in regard
to
the and To hay for the imemmase to
Geer Don 1 came when you Tounhama
me or out in
7 nari That 7 Thought a
religination
$50. would be rengh.
as the ToTal was about & 550. and me
sent out - about seven try
litters
-
the die act and then $ 50 rubsanvron
and ther wal
8
25.
but were
slins
hanted
10 at 1001 c
any dear not
res hand at are yl mindia was 10
have fm any riths in weeks of smaller
am aren's an a 9 am afraid 7 the not
realize how many new heo we there were
who the not know me were 2 what his
head er one for the Treased
111
Is, of 19 c Peters Erric me That after having
had time to tax an Zrung all
who were
written to we were 50, nhat which
T
has been real ced
25 24
a of citional subn in nichous from a
yew of us
- would you lisie 70in
us
to That cimcant ?
No our are now at with arms rung
you
an at I hohe that you and my
care well and having
as
beauti our wear her as me and
having here
is
wear living very
1061
quiet life
in ms
9000 for m s
'41
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John
In Santa
th
Barbara NEVER Ru
Each I ams 11 me in able clionate
regards to of Zola
/
Ving sinceing
nan
George h stibs Jris
HANCOCK COUNTY TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC RESERVATIONS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BLACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
TRUSTEES OF
George L. Stebbins, President
Ernest T. Paine, Chairman
Woodlawn, in Ellsworth,
Maine
Richard W. Hale, Jr., Vice-Chairmang
Gerard L. Austin, Secretary
Mrs. Jacques Cornelis
Albert H. Cunningham, Treasurer
Bequest of GEORGE NIXON BLACK
Mrs. Philip Lovell
Rev.Samuel A. Eliot, First Vice-President
Mrs. John C. Spring
R. Amory Thorndike, Second Vice-President
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Miss Adeline Wing
Hon. John A. Peters
Professor Augustin Derby
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Col. H. B. Hayden
Ernest T. Paine
Harold A, Pitman
Mr. R
September 5, 1947
Charles K. Savage
To members of Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations and
others interested im the memorial to George B. Dorr, recently
erected near the Spring in the National Park at Bar Harbor.
The Dorr memorial, which we hope you have seen, or will
see, has been completed except for the grading, and was unveiled
with appropriate exercises the 29th. It seems to meet with
general approval. The Trustees have no Funds with which to pay
for the memorial, but felt confident they could count on friends
of Mr. Dori and of the Park to make up the comparativel
small
sum necessary. The total expense is 550. Mr. Sturgis the
architect =a friend of Mr
Darr gave his services. The Park
people moved the stone from the top of Cadillac to its present
location. "This appeal for funds Lis sent to about 70 persons.
Subscriptions which will be gratefully received should be sent
to Mr. A. H. Cunningham, Treasurer of the Trustees, BaruHarbor,
who will receipt therefor
If the total amount Deceived should5exceed the umPrequired,
the excess will be placedcin the treasury of the Hancock County
Trustees of Public Reservations, an organization in which Mr. Dorr
was deeply interested.
Committee
For the Committee
John A. Peters
George L. Stebbins , President
Mary N. Hale
Hancock County Trustees
B. L. Hadley
of Public Reservations
Gerard Austin
Albert Cunningham
Fels
sH
HANCOCK COUNTY ERUSTEES
PUBLIC RESERVATION
EXECUTIVE COMMETEE
BLACK HOUSE COMMITTEE
TRUSTEES OF
George L. Stebbins, President
Ernest T. Paine, Chairman
Gerard L. Austin, Secretary
Woodlawn, in Ellsworth, Maine
Richard W. Hale, Jr., Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Jacques Cornelis
Albert H. Cunningham, Treasurer
Bequest of GEORGE NIXON BLACK
Mrs. Philip Lovell
Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, First Vice-President
Mrs. John C. Spring
R. Amory Thorndike, Second Vice-President
OFFICE OF THE TREASURER
Miss Adeline Wing
Hon. John A. Peters
Professor Augustin Derby
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Ernest T. Paine
Col. H. B. Hayden
Harold A. Pitman
Charles K. Savage
November
Five
1947
Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr
30 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York 20, , N.Y
Dear Mr. Rockefeller:
In acknowledging your further contribution
of $25.00 toward defraying the expense of the memorial
recently erected to the late George Bucknam Dofr , may
we express the appreciation of the Hancock County
Trustees of Public Reservations and particularly the
committee which had the construction and erect: Fon of
this memorial in charge
Sincerely yours,
AHC/vh
A. H. Cunningham, Treasurer,
Hancock County Trustees of
Public Reservations.
S
H
Hanco
cty
Extract and filed of Judge John A Peters' letter to Mr Jr dated November 8147
in S.H. 1947- Mt. Desert Island Fire env.
I regret to say that the Dorr memorial is apparently ruined.
00
The heat from the burning spring house forty feet away cracked and
splintered the stone and the tablet that we took so much pains with.
The foundation must be all right however and we will start Sover again
after I get a report from the mason. I assume that the spring house
will be replaced in the same spot. The trees there do not seem
so
badly injured.
Mr reply-Nov 20'47
I am sorry to hear that the Dorr Memorial- so simple but
so beautiful and so wholly appropriate Swas destroyed. But
like the boulder on which the tablet was erected, which neither
fire nor frost will effect throughout the ages, stands the record
written on the Island tsel Dorr S great life work
Ellsworth, Maine
26 November, 1947
Dear Mrs. Hale:
I wrote you this letter of November
17th enclosed and did not send it as I found
a slight correction in the figures necessary
and I was called to Portland Now my letter
stands, with the following amendments: the
gross amount in the hands of the trustees
when the enclosed check is deposited, will be
$27 7,085.53.
I have a letter from President Sills
waiving the right to any commission and agree-
ing to the final disposition of the money, as
we have talked, and as set forth in my letter
of
the 17th enclosed. Consequently the commis-
sion of $1354.28 will be divided by four and
not five. Cheeks are enclosed accordingly,
including the check of the executors to the
trustees for $21 085. 53 which should be en-
dorsed by you and your son and mailed backs
to me for deposit to the account of the trustees.
I will endorse when I receive the check back
from you, - which makes it safe to send the
check by mail meanwhile. Will you and your
son please sign the other checks on the face,
as I have indicated on the check to the Library,
and mail back to me with the account of the
trustees. The checks shouldn't have been dated,
but it is not important as the delivery is the
point. I will sign and send them out when
everything is ready, 1.e. in a few days after
I deposit the $21,085.53 in the Bar Harbor
Trust Co. will you and your son sign all the
checks by the trustees and endorse the check to
the trustees and sign the trustees' account.
I have been to Bar Harbor and with Shea
Cunningham and Austin examined the Dorr memorial.
It is a wreck - both stone and tablet. The
-2-
foundation is all right, of course, and the
trees around it not too much damaged. They
were mostly hard wood trees. (I doubt if the
stones would have been so much damaged - if
at all - had not the whole thing been encased
in a wood covering - all around it and probably
quite heavy. This brought the fire, of course,
right home to the stone and tablet. The cover-
ing was Hadley's idea to protect the structure
and I knew nothing about it - but would not
have objected if I had, as I didn't dream of any
fire hazard.) Hadley expects to rebuild the
Park building in the same place and we agreed
that the memorial should be replaced on the same
spot as soon as feasible. Do you concur? If
so, I will begin over again with the details
and confer with you and the others about steps
to be taken, writing the Sturgis people first.
I wrote Mr. Rockefeller about some de-
tails of the fire and have the enclosed let-
ter from him. Will you kindly return it? He
is by way of giving a large amount of help and
rather likes (naturally) to know that it is
appreciated.
If there is anything in all this that
is not clear please let me know.
Yours very truly,
John A. Peters
Mrs. Richard W. Hale
Needham, Mass.
Hon John A. Peters Papers. Dar Estate Correspondence. trawbory
two culturies exposure tothe
7.x11.47
weather (W. Sturgistells methat
hear Indre Peters.
after the Boxton fireme1812
grants buildings nerereduced
quite agree that we
to piles of and 20 my may
thould begin atonce on replacing
believe that the fierce firs at
the memorial. Mr. Sturges is here,
Bar Harber would is any case
I Yaw interested toffeed that he
have consumed theboulder)
does not agree with his nephew
Sincerely yours,
about evering a Date tablelm
mary newbold Hale.
winter. our lees many Hate
toub stones intact after
RAC : III I II. 73. 756.
United States Courts
Judge & Chambers
Bangor, Braine
CHAMBERS OF
Ellswoth
JOHN A. PETERS
DISTRICT JUDGE
June 30, 1948
Mr. John D. Bockefeller Jr.
Rockefeller Center
New York City, New York
Dear Mr. Rockefeller,
I am sending you by this mail a little pamphlet published
by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations covering
the exercises at the dedication of the Dorr Memorial last
summer. It will interest you to know that we are about com-
lining
48
pleting what amounts to a duplicate of the memorial and it will
be erected, I hope, inside of a very few weeks. I trust you will
semmer
have an opportunity to look at it while you are here this summer.
It was a matter of extreme regret to all persons interested
147
that you were not informed of the date of our exercises last
Summissis,
summer. Mr. Stebbins felt very badly indeed about it, thinking
it was his fault, but it was not especially as I think everybody
assumed that you got the notice as one of the trustees of Public
Dorr
Reservations, not realizing that you were not technically a
member. No special invitations were given out we certainly
would have given you one if we had grow did not understand
about it.
I trust that this second Dorr Memorial will have better
fortune than the other.
Your's very truly,
J. A. PETER'S
Aulon
Hanzock ctry Trustees
July
6,
1948
Dear Judge Peters
Thank
Memorial
you
for
I
the
pamphlet
rea
am
placed
glad
the
about
bronse
the
tablet
Dorr
is
being
re-
about
my
of
not Please having do been not give yourself any concern
last
notified
of
the
summer.
I
have
dedication
of
that
no
only have wondered why thought I was Bone not of there. you and gentlemen mentioned might it
kind
slightest
Hoping
that
see you druing the summer,
you
are
well
and
that
I
will
am
Very
An
Peterex
Maine.
LIST OF CLASSIFIED STRUCTURES (LCS)
SINGLE ENTRY REPORT
Identification
IDLCS: 41154
Structure Number: MON19
Structure Name 1: GEORGE BUCKNAM DORR MEMORIAL PLAQUE
Structure Name 2: DORR MEMORIAL PLAQUE
Structure Name 3:
Park Alpha Code: ACAD
Name: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
ORGCODE: 1700
County: HANCOCK
State: ME
Regional Office: NORTH ATLANTIC
Subunit ORGCODE:
Name:
Alpha Code:
County: HANCOCK
State: ME
Number of UTM's:
0
Zone/Easting/Northing
Significance
NR Status: UNDETERMINED
Date:
/
/
Significance: NOT EVALUATED
NHL: NO
Date:
/
/
Significance
SLATE TABLET COMMEMORATES GEORGE BUCKNAM DORR, "GENTLEMAN, SCHOLAR, LOVER OF NATURE" AND "FATHER OF
THIS NATIONAL PARK." A MAJOR BENEFACTOR WITH LEGENDARY POLITICAL POWERS, DORR LATER BECAME THE
FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF ACADIA NP.
Historical Information
Period of Construction: HISTORIC
Date:
-
)
Designer:
( )
Date:
-
)
Designer:
( )
Date:
-
(
) Designer:
( )
Date:
-
(
) Designer:
( )
Functions, Uses, Materials, Impacts, and Condition
Historic Functions
Current Uses
MONUMENT (MARKER, PLAQUE)
MONUMENT (MARKER, PLAQUE)
Buildings
Materials
Structures
Foundation:
Sub-structure: GRANITE
Framing:
Walls:
Roof:
Super-structure: SLATE
Other:
METAL
Volume:
Description
RECT. BLUESTONE PLAQUE (28"w X 41"h) SET FLUSH IN CUT VERT. FACE OF GRANITE BOULDER BEHIND SIEUR DE
MONTS NATURE CTR. HAS INCISED LETTERING DIVIDED BY RECT. FLOWER, ACORN & PINE CONE INTAGLIO MOTIFS.
EXPOSED ROSETTE BOLTS @ CORNERS.
Impact Level: LOW
Impact Types: WEATHER
BIO. DEGRADATION (MOLD)
Condition: FAIR
VEGETATION
page 1 of 2
10/6/88
Dear Bio. -Epilogue
Dorr Married-Report
Treasurer's
HCTPR Report fo 1948-49
HETPE
a
Asource
Stuggs Associate 35.00
such the wish Administration foreis Lualdi Ine.
380,00
III 4.
Shea Brother 182.37
$ 567.37
On Dec. 12, 1947,
Received $ 6,433. for
Dorr Estate
Records of all institutions
do not think
treveal have $ expended
overtime
13 June 2021
Dear Becky,
Enclosed you will find a packet of documents relative to the establishment of
the Dorr Memorial in 1947.
I have culled out of the 88-pages of Dorr Memorial documents in my
possession those that are representative of the issues that were considered
most pressing in the first half of 1946. These copies were secured from the
Douglas Chapman Archive, the Woodlawn Museum Archive, and the John A.
Peters Archive.
As you know, Judge John A. Peters was not only the principal Executor of the
George B. Dorr estate, he was also an "old friend" who had very precise
standards about how to best foster the Dorr legacy. Extraordinary care and
deliberation was given to achieve a "graceful wording" of the tablet. You will
see that Ben Hadley's favorite site to erect the tablet is abandoned when its
"footing" on the mountainside is found to be insecure.
Most of the correspondence enclosed is between Peters and Ben Hadley,
Mary (Molly) Newbold Hale (an executor), and R. Clipston Sturgis (architect).
The larger file includes correspondence with John D. Rockefeller Jr. and
George Stebbins. It also contains a 13-page Hancock County Trustees of
Public Reservations pamphlet: Dedication of the George Bucknam Dorr
Memorial which appeared shortly after the August 29, 1947 ceremony at
Sieur de Monts. Let me know if this is not available at the Sawtelle Research
Center for I can provide a copy if needed. My book contains one of several
photographs taken at that event which are in the Woodlawn Museum
archives.
Please keep me informed of progress on your end, especially regarding the
issues I raised in paragraph three of my 12/9/20 email to you.
Most Cordially,
Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D.
7 Peachtree Ter.
Farmington, CT 06032
12/9/2020
Xfinity Connect Dorr Memorial Printout
RONALD EPP
12/9/2020 4:22 PM
Dorr Memorial
To Rebecca Cole-Will
Becky,
I have pulled from my archive about three dozen documents relative to the Dorr
Memorial. None are from Sawtelle or NARA where I was not able to locate anything
relevant. Some are copies from the Douglas Chapman legal archive but the bulk are
from the John A. Peters Archive in the Hale & Hamlin attorney offices in Ellsworth,
They are of limited value for conservation efforts since the documents mostly concern
timelines and how best to keep the various participants informed. It is most interesting to
read of their preferences for the monument location, whether to use slate or another
medium for inscription, to track the historical precedents that Peters used in crafting
monument language, and to read Peters' repeated references to insuring that the final
monument design conforms to Dorr's character.
I am sufficiently fascinated with these documents to consider preparation of a historical-
contextual essay that could accompany the re-commemoration of the memorial.
Selected representative documents could be included as representative. The basic story
line concludes Creating Acadia National Park. The two of us might bring this out as a
collaborative editing project. Perhaps The Friends of Acadia could help with design &
publication. Give it some thought.
After the holiday shopping density declines I can stop by Staples and make copies for
you. If this is agreeable where should these be sent? Park office?
Have a cozy Christmas. I think I might go on Facebook during this season and watch the
video that the Jesup Memorial Library made of my book launch talk there in 2016, which
I have yet to see.
Stay safe.
Ron
Ronald H. Epp, Ph.D.
7 Peachtree Terrace
Farmington, CT 06032
717-272-0801
eppster2@comcast.net
https://connect.xfinity.com/appsuite/v=7.10.3-14.20201117.063933/print.html?print_1607549250894
1/2
Notes:
Reg.
Dorr Hemard
IF Arrongerts for Perpetul Care at Mt.hubrern ada
Memorial Store at 4474 Reven Raven Path.
2.
Demonstrates the involvention JDRYr. 1/29/46 Early lilk
1/22 and 2/6/46; 2/11/46 reference by B.Horley;
3
Peters - Hale Corresp. New findings.
A. 3/19/46 request a for Pefers for Stugg's
Capy for Ward Faxily file -blurred. Request from Rog
Addition debails @ lettering input from Stugis' nephear
Petres agrees in respons 3/21/216
B. Pebm to Hale (3/28/46):
Combany discuss w@ tablet size and secondar that
t kwell gilded lettering will wash out and wear away
IH the course of hme" "However, that can hisereeved."
Suggest Hale talle Mt.Aubum @ state vs. brongone
"deratilly"
C. April 15, Hale to Peters.
Siturgis suggests "some simple overment between
the lines He is arm of great taste and vast
experience and which great fuel of g. B.D.
So his offents design th tablet is # most
upportune
D. Peten to Mrs. Sylvia (4/20 [46.) Re payment for Mt.Aubern
E. stargis (4/29/46) to Mary Hale (2) re costs of
cutting and setting stagnanite stone in plan
Source: Wadlawn Meeseum File A-61. Examined onsite 5/10/21.
2-
F. Peters to Stages. (51/2/46) Proposed site
location of Hadley will not work because
sited on ledge subject to erosion. Peters
want. site incharged so tablet will Davi
Dop
there for yours." (1) will
looh at site possibilities Summar 46. Peters is
"against" pronze. Ashs may question (20)
statevy. broanze. Reiterates effort is for
a good may generations to see." (1 ).
G. Hale better to Peters, 30 IV 46. Page 2 oxotted.
Rog. H. Hale to Peter (6/2/46). Oldful of Dorr
Dup Suggests tablet be placed atop Gree it
I. Hale to Peter (8/13/46). What to Stays
@ site dection. Still increased honorable or
varical.
J. Stuggs to Molly Hale. Urger state because
brong will oxidize a and stain"
K. Hale to Peters (8/15/46) Aurograts for
to
visit e Return to Seee de elacts Spry.
L.
Hall to Peter (6/26/47). Desponse so earlei
letter from Treke fally "abrut the desposel
of g.Bipis pictures I an sure that the Lbrag
cannot accept them, because they have N space
these to hang then IE One was of the
Barbizon School, Its it been sold ? Write to
Mr. Browning @ this "We have no room
for the prebures."
3
II
(1899-
Letter (12/17/47) fun Edward Brown ing Qra
to Petersre Jerseytobray gift for Dair estate
fee Day messrobilia. Tell Reath
Browney was catton broker.
Mt. Wesent Nurseria check for $140007
to 6BD (3/30/40).
Undated appraisal Summay, undated
Books $ 2929.00, not included SHOP 10th
of boat fu Homan House
Natural hastory leh.
Small dong note
Pach Schig
Laby
Dinny Room.
Ciny
D
small dinny room
Ding nor-, SBC
Back hall
First cellar star
Coak hool.
1
21
Gmail - Peters Archive Update
M
Gmail
Ronald Epp
Peters Archive Update
1 message
Ronald Epp
Fri, Jun 11, 2021 at 11:03 AM
To: Rosamond Rea
Hi Roz
I have processed the documents I copied from your A-60 & A-61 files. Roughly 63% of those documents were content not
previously derived from our 2008 exploration of the Peters Archive. Consequently, comparison with my files disclosed 37%
as
duplicates, a figure higher than I expected.
Documents fell into two categories: the 1924 Road Hearings before Interior Secretary Hubert Work and 1945-1949
correspondence regarding the creation of the Dorr memorial that will have been position at Sieur de Monts Springs for 73
years; this information is very timely because Acadia National Park is undertaking the restoration of the weathered
monument for its 75th anniversary. On this latter point, a public celebratory event seems likely and these documents
would
help shape its character.
I referenced for my Dorr Archive your filing system (A-60 & A-61) for each new document. This removes the issue
of
your
source for the content of each box.
The principal finding of my research last month at Woodlawn is a much enlarged appreciation for the breadth and depth of
John A. Peters commitment to both motor and carriage road development at Acadia National Park and the creation of a
granite memorial that personified the character of his dear friend, George Bucknam Dorr. Despite my efforts on
July
28,
2016 to celebrate "Ellsworth's John A. Peters, Esq. and the Father of Acadia" at the Ellsworth Public Library, much
more
needs to be done to greatly enlarge regional appreciation for his role as a conservation colleague of Dorr, C.W. Eliot, and
John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Finally, could you take a picture of a couple of pages of blurred documents from
A-90&A-91
for
me and send them to me as an attachment? Letter from 3/19/46 and letter from Hale to Peters, 30.IV.46.
hhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-343679976152837961
1/2
2021
Gmail - Peters Archive Update
Delighted to hear that a new Woodlawn Director has been appointed.
Could we talk next week about possible future steps for the Peters holdings?
Much appreciation for your assistance in bringing these files to my attention !!!
Ronald H. Epp
717-272-0801
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-3436799761528379
2/2
7/5/2021
Gmail - RE: [EXTERNAL] Dorr Memorial
Best,
Ron
[Quoted text hidden]
DorrMwemorial621.docx
13K
Ronald Epp
Sun, Jul 4, 2021 at 11:02 PM
To: "Cole-Will, Rebecca J"
Dorr Memorial
Becky,
Did you receive the packet of docs I sent on June 14th? Were they helpful? Any questions that I
might be able to answer from the larger compilation of Dorr Memorial docs in my possession?
Over the last two weeks I have processed series 1 of the Dorr Archives. that is, the 20,000
documents that needed to be placed in precise order from the decade preceding Dorr's birth to
the decade after his death, de-stapled, purged of multiple copies and unreadable content, and
right-sized for scanning after I deliver these to Pauline and she can create spreadsheets and
tags. Now we are securing estimates for the scanning this pilot project that represents about
one-sixth of the entire collection. Not my idea of summer fun!!
Hope to see you sometime during the last two weeks of August. Am trying to write a paper for
delivery at that time at the Jesup. When do you expect to be back in your office?
All the Best,
Ron
,
Forwarded message
From: Ronald Epp
Date: Mon, Jun 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Dorr Memorial
To: Cole-Will, Rebecca J
[Quoted text hidden]
DorrMwemorial621.docx
13K
Cole-Will, Rebecca J
Mon, Jul 5, 2021 at 5:56 AM
To: Ronald Epp
Hi Ron,
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar6192060327822223385&simpl=msg-f%3A1701014333...
3/4
7/5/2021
Gmail - RE: [EXTERNAL] Dorr Memorial
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It has been a whirlwind since May. You may have
seen where Sec. Haaland was here and we had a big event with Yo Yo Ma and the Abbe
Museum. It was terrific but required a lot of planning. Sec. Haaland is an amazing woman and
very deeply thoughtful leader and it was such an honor to meet her.
I
did receive the packet and enjoined it immensely. I was amused by the debates about proper
grammar and language for the plaque. Is there any documentation as to why the plaque was
not put up on the Emery path?
Yes
-
Access
Now that we know the plaque's material, Gary Stellpflug will clean it with very low pressure
water wash and application of a safe fungicide called D-2. This is treatment approved by NPS
conservators.
Processing materials as you describe is a thankless job, but it is SO unique to actually have the
person who created the records series be able to work on it to maintain the integrity. Many
scholars in the future will thank you for your diligence!
I am back in the office full time now. We still have many staffer who are teleworking and
juggling family and work duties. Until children can be vaccinated, I expect that may be routine.
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Ronald Epp
Sent: Sunday, July 4, 2021 11:02:41 PM
To: Cole-Will, Rebecca J
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Dorr Memorial
[Quoted text hidden]
hhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar6192060327822223385&simpl=msg-f%3A1701014333
4/4
7/7/2021
Gmail - FW: Dorr Plaque -- photos of cleaning
Gmail
Ronald Epp
FW: Dorr Plaque -- photos of cleaning
1 message
Cole-Will, Rebecca J
Wed, Jul 7, 2021 at 10:19 AM
To: Ronald Epp
Hi Ron,
Gary cleaned the plaque today and the results are excellent - all of the lichen growth removed
nicely. We have put into an inquiry with the regional conservators to learn how best to remove
the rust stains and prevent further.
From: Pellett, Carrie B
Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 8:44 AM
To: Cole-Will, Rebecca J Gladstone, Gail S
Cc: Stellpflug, Gary J
Subject: Dorr Plaque Question
Hey so Gary and I cleaned the Dorr plaque at Seur de Monts this morning
and it came out great but under the screws there's rust stains. If either of you
knows a way to clean that without causing any problems please let us know.
I'll attach the photos.
Thanks.
Carriebeth Pellett
Trails Admin
Acadia National Park
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1704636000138850777&simpl=msg-f%3A17046360001.
1/3
7/7/2021
Gmail - FW: Dorr Plaque -- photos of cleaning
w PO Box 177
20 McFarland Hill Drive
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-8768
5 attachments
NATIONA
2021 After Close-Up.jpg
422K
2021 After Full.jpg
619K
NATION
2021 Before Close-Up.jpg
422K
2021 Before Full.jpg
htps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1704636000138850777&simpl=msg-f%3A17046360001
2/3
7/7/2021
Gmail - FW: Dorr Plaque -- photos of cleaning
545K
PRE
Stendfast in
14 make the beauties
of titi Island
call
2021 Before Rust Marks.jpg
530K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1704636000138850777&simpl=msg-f%3A17046360001...
3/3
9/20/21, 2:18 PM
Gmail - Peters Archive Update
M
Gmail
Ronald Epp
Peters Archive Update
6 messages
Ronald Epp
Fri, Jun 11, 2021 at 11:03 AM
To: Rosamond Rea
Hi Roz
I have processed the documents I copied from your A-60 & A-61 files. Roughly 63% of those
documents were content not previously derived from our 2008 exploration of the Peters
Archive. Consequently, comparison with my files disclosed 37% as
duplicates, a figure higher than I expected.
Documents fell into two categories: the 1924 Road Hearings before Interior Secretary Hubert
Work and 1945-1949 correspondence regarding the creation of the Dorr memorial that will
have been position at Sieur de Monts Springs for 73 years; this information is very timely
because Acadia National Park is undertaking the restoration of the weathered monument for its
75th anniversary. On this latter point, a public celebratory event seems likely and these
documents would help shape its character.
I referenced for my Dorr Archive your filing system (A-60 & A-61) for each new document. This
removes the issue of your source for the content of each box.
The principal finding of my research last month at Woodlawn is a much enlarged appreciation
for the breadth and depth of John A. Peters commitment to both motor and carriage road
development at Acadia National Park and the creation of a granite memorial that personified
the character of his dear friend, George Bucknam Dorr. Despite my efforts on July 28, 2016
to celebrate "Ellsworth's John A. Peters, Esq. and the Father of Acadia" at the Ellsworth Public
Library, much more needs to be done to greatly enlarge regional appreciation for his role as a
conservation colleague of Dorr, C.W. Eliot, and John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Finally, could you take a picture of a couple of pages of blurred documents from
A-90&A-91 for me and send them to me as an attachment? Letter from 3/19/46 and letter from
Hale to Peters, 30.IV.46.
Secured both ! RE. 9/21/21.
Delighted to hear that a new Woodlawn Director has been appointed.
Could we talk next week about possible future steps for the Peters holdings?
Much appreciation for your assistance in bringing these files to my attention !!!
Ronald H. Epp
717-272-0801
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-343679976
1/5
9/20/21,2:18 PM
Gmail - Peters Archive Update
Ronald Epp
Tue, Jun 29, 2021 at 8:14 PM
To: Rosamond Rea
Update
Hi Roz,
First off, I hope you are not as hot as we are here in central Connecticut.
I have received no response from to my above email. Was it received? I am most interested in
whether you have any reservations about me referencing Peters documents from Woodlawn. I
am now securing estimates for a pilot scanning study of 7,500 pages from the much larger
Dorr Archive (150K). The new Woodlawn docs are not included in this pilot study but eventually
it is my intention to scan them for the Jesup and the History Trust Digital Archive. Any
reservations?
I will be staying in Blue Hill for the last two weeks of August. I would like to take you to lunch
in Ellsworth one of those days so that we can catch up.
All the Best,
Ron Epp
[Quoted text hidden]
Rosamond Rea
Tue, Jun 29, 2021 at 8:43 PM
To: Ronald Epp
Hi Ron,
I did receive the June 11 email from you and apologize for not replying. It has been very busy
getting our new director settled in and trying to launch the 2021 museum season (we open July
6th). Other impediments as well which I won't list, but I have kept your email in my inbox and
not filed it away in the relevant folder.
I will look forward to seeing you in August when I expect to have much more free time than I
have now.
Regarding any reservations about referencing Peters documents at Woodlawn, I think it would
be very safe to say that Woodlawn was given access to the Peters papers and has copies of
the documents for study purposes. That allows you to use them in any way as those statements
are true.
Does that make sense?
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-343679976... 2/5
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We are expecting this hot weather to break in the next day or two. It was unbelievably humid
last night and I was thankful for the heat pumps that we installed a few years ago.
Stay well,
Roz
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Rosamond Rea
Wed, Aug 18, 2021 at 9:42 PM
To: Ronald Epp
Hi Ron,
Are you still planning on being in Blue Hill in August? I hope that you will be able to come by
Woodlawn. I believe I still owe you some photos of documents that you took and found to be
too blurry to use. I hope to get to that next week.
The carriage exhibit installation should be finished tomorrow in time for an open house we are
having for the community at the museum. A brief program including unveiling of the revised
plans for the new building will be presented.
Also, we are going to make an effort to contact descendents of the original HCTPR founders,
but we need help creating a list of who those people might be. Would you have thoughts on that
and be able to help us?
Thanks,
Roz
[Quoted text hidden]
Ronald Epp
Thu, Aug 19, 2021 at 4:04 PM
To: Rosamond Rea
Hi Roz,
I had planned to vacation in Blue Hill August 16 to 30th but Covid issues and park visitation
soaring stats forced me to delay my trip until the last two weeks of October. Hope to see you
then. Good luck with the celebrations-sorry to miss!
A HCTPR membership list with dates of original membership is printed in the first edition of
Rev. Samuel Eliot's 1936 Historical Sketch of the HCTPR. Three generations later it will be
difficult to track down relatives from afar--mostly Boston, NYC, and Philly. It is also interesting to
look at the names of donors of the HCTPR property. One interesting fact I uncovered is that
most donors were females! Tracking down descendants would be as difficult with this group.
certainly some donors maintained an active --and participatory--relationship with the HCTPR
over the decades, like the old curmudgeon attorney Hale. My gut reaction based on my
experience with the archives is that members were not actively cultivated UNLESS they
demonstrated--with Hale--a primary interest in the Black House and its history and future.
I have spent the entire summer processing the Dorr Archive , the details I will relate when we
next meet. Sixteen 27-inch deep file drawers and nearly every document has staples that need
to be removed--for scanning--and then organized according to my own standards of
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-343679976
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accessibility. I am down to the last two drawers. Once this is over and I have resurrected the
entire archive, I will sleep soundly.
Do stay in touch and thanks for remembering the images I requested. Send them along to me,
please.
All the Best,
Ron
[Quoted text hidden]
Rosamond Rea
Mon, Sep 20, 2021 at 12:53 PM
To: Ronald Epp
Hi Ron,
I am finally getting to the archives and searching for the two letters you want to have
photographed.
Attached are the 3 pages of the 30.IV.46 letter from Hale to Peters.
On a first run through the folder I did not find a 3/19/46 letter. (As you know the letters are not in
chronological order and I did go through the entire folder quickly SO I may just have missed it.
Can you give me a hint as to whether that letter is typed, handwritten, on letterhead, a carbon
copy, etc. That would help me as I look for it.
Thanks!
Roz
[Quoted text hidden]
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=7c5f299744&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a%3Ar-345332459369522089&simpl=msg-a%3Ar-343679976
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Memorial to George B. Dorr 1947
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1947