Hedges Resort turns 100

 Supervisors May 24 2021

Hedges Resort turns 100

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT

The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on May 24 and passed the following resolutions.

THE HEDGES CENTENNIAL DAY

WHEREAS The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake opened its doors to the first guests on May 28, 1921, and

WHEREAS, in 1920 Richard and Margaret Collins had purchased the Great Camp of Hiram B. Duryea, and

WHEREAS, in 1880 retired Civil War hero Brigadier General Duryea had acquired the land to escape from city life, and

WHEREAS, Duryea constructed a cluster of buildings including the Main Lodge, the Stone Lodge, a horse barn, and carriage house, and from that beginning the Collins family added the Dining Room Lodge and numerous other buildings to create what is today a beloved rustic resort, and

WHEREAS, upon Richard’s death in 1943, Richard and Margaret’s son John, Sr. became the General Manager, and The Hedges continued to grow in popularity, with families returning year after year, and

WHEREAS, in 1973, The Hedges was sold to Richard and Catherine Van Yperen who maintained its charm and beauty for the next 27 years with the participation of many family members, and

WHEREAS, in 2000 when the Van Yperens wished to retire, they sold The Hedges to Pat and Rip Benton. Two years later, after Rip died, Pat took on the management alone, and

WHEREAS Pat Benton advocated that the site and buildings of The Hedges be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and

WHEREAS, in 2018, a coalition of loyal guests purchased The Hedges so Pat could retire and in 2019 Jamie Thomas became the General Manager, and

WHEREAS, nearly 900 are guests each season and 50 are employed, The Hedges has continuously welcomed guests and operated as a successful business benefiting the regional economy for 100 years, and

WHEREAS, in 2020, an historic marker was installed on Hedges Road recognizing the origin of the Duryea Camp in 1880 and the Collins family opening The Hedges for guests in 1921, and

WHEREAS, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary in 2021, a book about its history: “The Hedges: The Story of Twelve Precious Acres on Blue Mountain Lake” has been published, and

WHEREAS, the Centennial season will begin on June 9, 2021, with appropriate safety practices and with on-site celebratory activities for guests and staff, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim that Hamilton County, New York recognizes the commemoration of that day in 1921 when The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake opened and welcomed its first guests and hereby designates May 28, 2021, as THE HEDGES CENTENNIAL DAY.

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ JUNE MEETING

WHEREAS there is a conflict for multiple Supervisors for the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors’ meeting scheduled for June 3, 2021, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors’ meeting previously scheduled for June 3, 2021 be re-scheduled for Friday, June 4, 2021 at 10:30 AM.

REGISTRATION PAYMENT FOR CORONER 101 COURSE

WHEREAS Carl Turner, District #4 Coroner has requested to attend the New York State Association of County Coroners & Medical Examiners Coroner 101 Course scheduled for June 26, 2021 in Syracuse, NY, and

WHEREAS, the registration payment must be received prior to June 4, 2021, be it RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment in the amount of $500 from Account No. A1185.0401 Travel to NYSACCME, Munnsville, NY.

ADIRONDACK WATERSHED INSTITUTE GRANT PROPOSAL

WHEREAS, the lakes and streams of Franklin County, Hamilton County and the Adirondacks are irreplaceable assets that support our economy and society by providing recreational opportunities and jobs for residents in all our Adirondack Counties, and

WHEREAS, throughout the Adirondacks, residents and visitors alike depend on our water resource (lakes, streams, and drinking water), and

WHEREAS the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute through its monitoring, stewardship and community engagement programs plays a central role in protecting the freshwater resources throughout the Adirondacks, and

WHEREAS Paul Smith’s College and its Adirondack Watershed Institute are one of the largest employers in Franklin County, as well as providing critical jobs to monitor and steward our water resources through the Adirondacks, and

WHEREAS, the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute has identified a critical need to expand and improve its facility to grow its programs, attract new funding and to provide both permanent and seasonal jobs, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors joins the Franklin County Legislature in hereby supporting Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute grant proposal to expand and upgrade its facilities and to obtain grant funds through federal Community Project Funding.

OXBOW LAKE OUTLET CULVERT PROJECT

WHEREAS Hamilton County DPW solicited bids for the replacement of the Oxbow Lake Outlet Culvert located on County Route 24, (Old Piseco Road) in the Town of Arietta, and

WHEREAS five (5) bids were received as follows: 1. D. H. Smith Co., Inc., $466,342.43; 2. Carver Construction - $507,145; 3. Slate Hill Constructors, Inc. - $557,898; 4. Luck Brothers, Inc. -$578,365.82; 5. Tioga Construction Co., Inc - $589,796.

WHEREAS Greenman –Pedersen, Inc. consulting firm for Hamilton County has reviewed the said bids recommends that the award be made to D. H. Smith Co., Inc of Clayville, NY, and

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent has sent the approval recommendation to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for their approval, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby award the bid for the Oxbow Lake Outlet Culvert Project to D. H. Smith Co., Inc, Clayville, NY, in the amount of $466,342.43 contingent on NYSDOT approval, and be it further

RESOLVED, when Hamilton County receives approval from NYSDOT the Board of Supervisors hereby authorize the Chairman of the Board to enter into an agreement with D. H. Smith Co, Inc for the said culvert project with the approval of the County Attorney, and the County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.