In this Issue:
The IMPORTANCE of historic Preservation in thousand islands park
When Thousand Island Park was designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, we took on the responsibility to protect our community’s architectural heritage.
There are many benefits of being named a Historic District. First, we make the commitment to preserve our history and our buildings In TI Park. In our case, we’re a part of the living history of the network of Methodist campgrounds that once existed in the US and Canada. We’re fortunate to be able to spend our summers in a community unique both in its architecture and to the extent that we have been able to preserve it through the support of the community, its many organizations and the use of our preservation code.
Historic districts are a vehicle for education. They promote awareness and appreciation of historic resources, and encourage their appropriate treatment through educational programs, lectures and tours. In Thousand Island Park, we can visit the Museum, the Tabernacle, the Library, the Landmark Society and the Pavilion among other landmarks and attend lectures and workshops sponsored by the various organizations who work together to keep our community vibrant.
Preservation works. Rehabilitated buildings in historic districts are a welcome diversion to the glass and steel skyscrapers of cities and the cluttered and commercial suburban sprawl seen in our nation today. John Lawrence, former Dean of Tulane School of Architecture, said “the basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate sensitivity with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product of the past and a modifier of the future”.
Countless reuse projects have shown that old buildings can function in ways their original builders never dreamed. One example of this in TI Park is the Landmark Society building, a former photography shop, a beauty shop, now a center for education, preservation and history. Another is the Pavilion, or as many call it, the Main Dock, which is used as a community gathering spot, a venue for classes, weddings and memorials in addition to its original purpose as an entry point to the park.
A further aspect of historic preservation is sustainability. Donovan Rypkema, noted lecturer on historic preservation and economics, says “historic preservation, is in and of itself, sustainable development”. Historic buildings were designed with sustainable features, such as old growth wood, and when restored and reused, bring about substantial energy savings. The rehabilitation and restoration of our historic structures also creates local jobs that add significantly to the north country economy
Historic preservation has an additional positive impact on the local economy through tourism. Visitors to TIP can observe and learn about the historical character of the Park and can enjoy lunch, perhaps purchase a souvenir, and take a walking tour or kayak ride.
Finally, designation as a Historic District protects our property investment as we know that our properties will appreciate at rates higher than those in the local market. A 2007 report by Jonathan Mabry, Historic Preservation Officer for Tuscon, Arizona, indicated a increase of 5% to 35% nationwide for property values of homes in designated historic districts.
In moving forward into Summer 2016, we can view the Guzzle/Commercial Block Renovation project as an opportunity to not only regain our beloved “Guzzle”, but to expand the use of this space while preserving its historical, cultural, architectural and economic value. This is what historic preservation is all about as it adds to our community’s understanding of and pride in our history and helps preserve our vision for the future.
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There are many benefits of being named a Historic District. First, we make the commitment to preserve our history and our buildings In TI Park. In our case, we’re a part of the living history of the network of Methodist campgrounds that once existed in the US and Canada. We’re fortunate to be able to spend our summers in a community unique both in its architecture and to the extent that we have been able to preserve it through the support of the community, its many organizations and the use of our preservation code.
Historic districts are a vehicle for education. They promote awareness and appreciation of historic resources, and encourage their appropriate treatment through educational programs, lectures and tours. In Thousand Island Park, we can visit the Museum, the Tabernacle, the Library, the Landmark Society and the Pavilion among other landmarks and attend lectures and workshops sponsored by the various organizations who work together to keep our community vibrant.
Preservation works. Rehabilitated buildings in historic districts are a welcome diversion to the glass and steel skyscrapers of cities and the cluttered and commercial suburban sprawl seen in our nation today. John Lawrence, former Dean of Tulane School of Architecture, said “the basic purpose of preservation is not to arrest time but to mediate sensitivity with the forces of change. It is to understand the present as a product of the past and a modifier of the future”.
Countless reuse projects have shown that old buildings can function in ways their original builders never dreamed. One example of this in TI Park is the Landmark Society building, a former photography shop, a beauty shop, now a center for education, preservation and history. Another is the Pavilion, or as many call it, the Main Dock, which is used as a community gathering spot, a venue for classes, weddings and memorials in addition to its original purpose as an entry point to the park.
A further aspect of historic preservation is sustainability. Donovan Rypkema, noted lecturer on historic preservation and economics, says “historic preservation, is in and of itself, sustainable development”. Historic buildings were designed with sustainable features, such as old growth wood, and when restored and reused, bring about substantial energy savings. The rehabilitation and restoration of our historic structures also creates local jobs that add significantly to the north country economy
Historic preservation has an additional positive impact on the local economy through tourism. Visitors to TIP can observe and learn about the historical character of the Park and can enjoy lunch, perhaps purchase a souvenir, and take a walking tour or kayak ride.
Finally, designation as a Historic District protects our property investment as we know that our properties will appreciate at rates higher than those in the local market. A 2007 report by Jonathan Mabry, Historic Preservation Officer for Tuscon, Arizona, indicated a increase of 5% to 35% nationwide for property values of homes in designated historic districts.
In moving forward into Summer 2016, we can view the Guzzle/Commercial Block Renovation project as an opportunity to not only regain our beloved “Guzzle”, but to expand the use of this space while preserving its historical, cultural, architectural and economic value. This is what historic preservation is all about as it adds to our community’s understanding of and pride in our history and helps preserve our vision for the future.
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President's Message
Dear TIP Community Member,
At this point in the year, we look forward to our summer return to Thousand Island Park and all that it means to us. For some of us, it’s family and friends, for others, it’s our beautiful architectural heritage and our setting on the river, for still others, it’s summer activities and for many of us, it’s all of the above.
I’m delighted to have spent the last year as President of the Thousand Island Park Landmark Society. It has given me the opportunity of making a hands-on contribution to TI Park, a place that I have loved since childhood. In doing so, I have had the pleasure of working with the Landmark Board of Directors, the staff and Board members of the TI Park Corporation and the many organizations that enhance our community life. Landmark was very pleased to have been invited by the TI Park Corporation to participate on the Building Committee planning the four corners rebuild.
Last summer was busy for Landmark. The highlights included:
• Our semi-annual Cottage and Garden Tour, based on the theme, Shall We Gather at the River.
• The launch of the new print edition of the painting of the Park by Edith Lunt Small to raise funds for the four corners rebuild. By the end of the summer, we were able to contribute $4800 from print sales plus some of the revenue from the Cottage and Garden Tour and our Landmark shop to the Thousand Island Park Foundation.
• Landmark’s community preservation training session provided by specialists from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.
• As a follow-on to the training, a Landmark-hosted meeting with representatives from all of the major TI Park organizations to talk about how best to work together.
• A tribute event organized by Landmark and the Wellesley Island Fire Department to thank all of the Jefferson County fire departments that fought the four corners fire and helped save our community.
• Landmark started a series of quick articles on historic preservation. Titled Preservation Bytes, the Thousand Island Park Corporation sends them to all cottage-owners once a month.
The summer of 2017 is shaping up to be equally engaging. So far, we have planned a new exhibit consisting of early 20th century photos of the Park and surroundings taken by a member of the Holden family. The Landmark office and shop will be open daily. Our volunteer docents will continue to provide visitors with information on the history and architecture of TI Park. The Sunday golf cart tours remain popular. With the Tabernacle Committee, we will host a presentation on Wesleyan Grove, an older Methodist campground on Martha’s Vineyard. Our shop co-ordinator is already looking for new merchandise.
We will welcome a new summer intern to help us with our historic preservation work. The intern will also work with the Preservation Board and we are very pleased that the TI Park Corporation will share the cost with us.
Our newsletter lead article provides the context for our activities. Our community and all of us who live in it benefit aesthetically, socially and economically from our support of historical preservation.
How can you support Landmark and historic preservation in TI Park? First, join our organization. In doing so, you provide a good part of the financial basis for our preservation and community-building activities and you can participate in member-only events. In addition, we welcome volunteers as docents, tour guides, special event support and Board and committee members.
Thank you to the TI Park community for its support of Landmark throughout the years. I look forward to seeing you at the river.
Sincerely,
Julie Mathien,
President,
Thousand Island Park Landmark Society
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At this point in the year, we look forward to our summer return to Thousand Island Park and all that it means to us. For some of us, it’s family and friends, for others, it’s our beautiful architectural heritage and our setting on the river, for still others, it’s summer activities and for many of us, it’s all of the above.
I’m delighted to have spent the last year as President of the Thousand Island Park Landmark Society. It has given me the opportunity of making a hands-on contribution to TI Park, a place that I have loved since childhood. In doing so, I have had the pleasure of working with the Landmark Board of Directors, the staff and Board members of the TI Park Corporation and the many organizations that enhance our community life. Landmark was very pleased to have been invited by the TI Park Corporation to participate on the Building Committee planning the four corners rebuild.
Last summer was busy for Landmark. The highlights included:
• Our semi-annual Cottage and Garden Tour, based on the theme, Shall We Gather at the River.
• The launch of the new print edition of the painting of the Park by Edith Lunt Small to raise funds for the four corners rebuild. By the end of the summer, we were able to contribute $4800 from print sales plus some of the revenue from the Cottage and Garden Tour and our Landmark shop to the Thousand Island Park Foundation.
• Landmark’s community preservation training session provided by specialists from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.
• As a follow-on to the training, a Landmark-hosted meeting with representatives from all of the major TI Park organizations to talk about how best to work together.
• A tribute event organized by Landmark and the Wellesley Island Fire Department to thank all of the Jefferson County fire departments that fought the four corners fire and helped save our community.
• Landmark started a series of quick articles on historic preservation. Titled Preservation Bytes, the Thousand Island Park Corporation sends them to all cottage-owners once a month.
The summer of 2017 is shaping up to be equally engaging. So far, we have planned a new exhibit consisting of early 20th century photos of the Park and surroundings taken by a member of the Holden family. The Landmark office and shop will be open daily. Our volunteer docents will continue to provide visitors with information on the history and architecture of TI Park. The Sunday golf cart tours remain popular. With the Tabernacle Committee, we will host a presentation on Wesleyan Grove, an older Methodist campground on Martha’s Vineyard. Our shop co-ordinator is already looking for new merchandise.
We will welcome a new summer intern to help us with our historic preservation work. The intern will also work with the Preservation Board and we are very pleased that the TI Park Corporation will share the cost with us.
Our newsletter lead article provides the context for our activities. Our community and all of us who live in it benefit aesthetically, socially and economically from our support of historical preservation.
How can you support Landmark and historic preservation in TI Park? First, join our organization. In doing so, you provide a good part of the financial basis for our preservation and community-building activities and you can participate in member-only events. In addition, we welcome volunteers as docents, tour guides, special event support and Board and committee members.
Thank you to the TI Park community for its support of Landmark throughout the years. I look forward to seeing you at the river.
Sincerely,
Julie Mathien,
President,
Thousand Island Park Landmark Society
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Landmark hosts preservation workshop
On August 14, 2015, after more than a year’s planning, Landmark hosted a historic preservation workshop in the Pavilion. The CAMP (Commission Assistance And Mentoring Program of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions) session was attended by nearly 30 Park residents and included participants from the Landmark Board of Directors, Landmark members, Preservation Board members and Corporation representatives.
CAMP was presented by 3 trainers from the national organization: Atty. Rory Hays, a very experienced specialist in public affairs and administrative law who has also chaired the Phoenix Preservation Commission and served on the NAPC Board; Jack Williams, an actively practicing preservation architected who serves on the US Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and who chairs the Washington state Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and Robin Zeigler, who staffs the Nashville Metropolitan Zoning Commission and has served as senior preservation planner for Salt Lake City, as Preservation planner for Bowling Green, and as an adjunct professor.
This full day program dealt with preservation basics, including legal issues, with building support, with meeting procedural basics, with standards and design guidelines, and wrapped up with a wide-ranging discussion of Preservation Planning in Thousand Island Park.
As we know T I Park is atypical organizationally and some time was spent understanding our structure and its impact on preservation. The group learned from these experienced preservationists how other communities have preserved their heritage and approached the best ways for our community to enhance the Park’s history while accommodating our needs and desires for modern conveniences.
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CAMP was presented by 3 trainers from the national organization: Atty. Rory Hays, a very experienced specialist in public affairs and administrative law who has also chaired the Phoenix Preservation Commission and served on the NAPC Board; Jack Williams, an actively practicing preservation architected who serves on the US Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and who chairs the Washington state Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and Robin Zeigler, who staffs the Nashville Metropolitan Zoning Commission and has served as senior preservation planner for Salt Lake City, as Preservation planner for Bowling Green, and as an adjunct professor.
This full day program dealt with preservation basics, including legal issues, with building support, with meeting procedural basics, with standards and design guidelines, and wrapped up with a wide-ranging discussion of Preservation Planning in Thousand Island Park.
As we know T I Park is atypical organizationally and some time was spent understanding our structure and its impact on preservation. The group learned from these experienced preservationists how other communities have preserved their heritage and approached the best ways for our community to enhance the Park’s history while accommodating our needs and desires for modern conveniences.
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2017 TIP Cottage and garden tour
The Landmark Society’s biggest event, the Cottage and Garden Tour, is held every other summer in mid-July. The Tour serves as a fundraiser, an educational tool and a significant social event both for Landmark and for the Park as a whole. Participants come from as far as Canada and all around New York state to learn about the history and architecture of the community. This past summer, Landmark hosted close to 400 participants who toured six cottages and several gardens along with other Park landmarks. Morning and afternoon tours began at the Tabernacle with a shortened version of a traditional camp meeting as an introduction.
The Landmark Society would like to thank all the people who helped with last year’s tour. There are innumerable volunteers needed to help with such an enormous undertaking from the park employees, cottage owners, docents, signage people, golf cart drivers and luncheon help to the youngsters who man the lemonade stands. If you are interested in helping with next year’s tour please come by the Landmark Office and sign up as we will be starting to plan mid-summer.
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The Landmark Society would like to thank all the people who helped with last year’s tour. There are innumerable volunteers needed to help with such an enormous undertaking from the park employees, cottage owners, docents, signage people, golf cart drivers and luncheon help to the youngsters who man the lemonade stands. If you are interested in helping with next year’s tour please come by the Landmark Office and sign up as we will be starting to plan mid-summer.
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Firefighters Tribute event
On August 22, 2015, Landmark had the honour of working with the Wellesley Island Fire Department to host an event thanking all of the Jefferson County fire departments who came so quickly and in so many numbers 12 months previously to fight the four corners fire.
TI Park is very grateful. Members of the fire departments and their families gathered at the Pavilion for casual food and socializing. The fireboat from Clayton, which had pumped water from the river for six hours on the night of the fire, moored at the dock. Landmark presented a tribute plaque to a representative of each fire department. As a finale, the firefighters from Clayton put the boat through its paces, water cannons and all.
TI Park is very grateful. Members of the fire departments and their families gathered at the Pavilion for casual food and socializing. The fireboat from Clayton, which had pumped water from the river for six hours on the night of the fire, moored at the dock. Landmark presented a tribute plaque to a representative of each fire department. As a finale, the firefighters from Clayton put the boat through its paces, water cannons and all.
Landmark Contributes to Four Corners Rebuild
Julie Mathien, Landmark President, presents a donation of $4500 to support the four corners rebuild to Bob Sharlow, General Manager, TI Park Corporation.
2016 Calendar
Saturday, June 25:
Sunday, July 3:
Thursday, August 18: Wesleyan Grove: “The City in the Woods”. Presentation by Landmark members on their fact-finding trip to Wesleyan Grove, an early Methodist campground on Martha’s Vineyard. This event will take place in partnership with the TIP Tabernacle Committee.
Saturday, August 27: Volunteer Thank You
Landmark Board and Advisors
____________________________________________________________
Membership
The Thousand Island Park Landmark Society, founded in 1976, is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization created to support and promote the preservation and appreciation of the unique architecture of Thousand Island Park. It is the largest member and volunteer-supported not-for-profit organization in TI Park.
Landmark could not exist without our members. They provide us with the support needed to continue our preservation mission and activities through volunteer hours and the funds generated through membership fees, contributions and fundraising.
Please join Landmark or renew your current membership by completing and returning the enclosed membership envelope by mail or in person to the landmark office. Membership runs from May 30 to the following June 1. Contributions are tax-deductible.
New volunteers are always welcome as office/shop docents, committee and Board members. If you would like to be a docent, please contact Peg Hoyser at [email protected]. If you would like to run for a position on the Landmark Board or serve on a committee, please contact Dick Greene at [email protected]
____________________________________________________________
2016 Landmark Office and Shop
Season opening Saturday June 25th
Regular hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11a.m. - 2 p.m.
Landmark Shop
Come see our new items for 2016. Jewelry, candles, soaps, trivets, placemats
Wine bags, woman's t-shirts, embroidered linen cards and new holiday ornaments.
Back by popular demand, the guzzle ornament, note cubes, postcards, wooden cut outs, coasters, playing cards, children's gifts, mugs, TIP Walking tour guide and other printed materials.
Landmark Displays and Reference Materials
National Register Survey Notebooks,
Reference Library for children and adults on Architecture,
History and Preservation.
Come and meet the 2016 summer Preservation Intern.
Landmark volunteer docents, supported by training, contribute by assisting in the shop and by acting as a preservation resource to visitors for approximately four hours a week. If you would like to volunteer as a docent please contact Office/Shop Co-ordinator, Peg Hoyser: cell 585-729-4433 or 315-482-6349 (summer) or by e-mail at [email protected].
Landmark Web Site
Log on to thousandislandparklandmarksociety.org for information on historic preservation and Landmark events and activities
______________________________________________________________
Annual Meeting
The TIP Landmark Society’s Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 25 at 9:30 AM in the Chapel. All community members are welcome. Landmark members are eligible to run for and vote in Board elections.
From the Chair of Preservation Board
I would like to introduce myself. I am Cheryl Zulick the Chairperson of the Preservation Board. Board members include, Don Blauvelt, Don McCloskey, Lynn Kassouf, Amy Phelps, Walt Grajko and Rick Tague (architect). We have been busy all winter advising cottage owners with their numerous projects. We also are reviewing the plans for our new Guzzle building and look forward to construction starting this summer. Our board members are dedicated in preserving our park for all to enjoy for many years to come.
_______________________________________________________________
Landmark News and Views
Published by the T.I.P Landmark Society
42822 St Lawrence Ave.
Unit 220
T I Park, NY 13692
thousandislandparklandmarksociety.org
Newsletter Co-ordinator: Jean Ris
- Landmark Annual Meeting and Board Elections
- Back in the Day…TI Park in the Late 19th/Early 20th Centuries. An exhibit of photos donated by the Holden Family.
- Office and Shop Opening
Sunday, July 3:
- Golf cart tours begin
Thursday, August 18: Wesleyan Grove: “The City in the Woods”. Presentation by Landmark members on their fact-finding trip to Wesleyan Grove, an early Methodist campground on Martha’s Vineyard. This event will take place in partnership with the TIP Tabernacle Committee.
Saturday, August 27: Volunteer Thank You
Landmark Board and Advisors
- President; Chair, Preservation, Development and Education Committee: Julie Mathien
- Vice-President; Chair, Nominating Committee: Dick Greene
- Secretary: Janet Keane
- Treasurer; Chair, Web Site Committee: Roger Reid
- Chair, Membership Committee: Tracy O’Brien
- Office and Shop Co-ordinator: Peg Hoyser
- Directors: Amy Phelps, Anne Marie de Cesare, Katherine Zimmerman (Past President)
- Advisors: Alison Ross, Trude Fitelson
____________________________________________________________
Membership
The Thousand Island Park Landmark Society, founded in 1976, is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization created to support and promote the preservation and appreciation of the unique architecture of Thousand Island Park. It is the largest member and volunteer-supported not-for-profit organization in TI Park.
Landmark could not exist without our members. They provide us with the support needed to continue our preservation mission and activities through volunteer hours and the funds generated through membership fees, contributions and fundraising.
Please join Landmark or renew your current membership by completing and returning the enclosed membership envelope by mail or in person to the landmark office. Membership runs from May 30 to the following June 1. Contributions are tax-deductible.
New volunteers are always welcome as office/shop docents, committee and Board members. If you would like to be a docent, please contact Peg Hoyser at [email protected]. If you would like to run for a position on the Landmark Board or serve on a committee, please contact Dick Greene at [email protected]
____________________________________________________________
2016 Landmark Office and Shop
Season opening Saturday June 25th
Regular hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11a.m. - 2 p.m.
Landmark Shop
Come see our new items for 2016. Jewelry, candles, soaps, trivets, placemats
Wine bags, woman's t-shirts, embroidered linen cards and new holiday ornaments.
Back by popular demand, the guzzle ornament, note cubes, postcards, wooden cut outs, coasters, playing cards, children's gifts, mugs, TIP Walking tour guide and other printed materials.
Landmark Displays and Reference Materials
National Register Survey Notebooks,
Reference Library for children and adults on Architecture,
History and Preservation.
Come and meet the 2016 summer Preservation Intern.
Landmark volunteer docents, supported by training, contribute by assisting in the shop and by acting as a preservation resource to visitors for approximately four hours a week. If you would like to volunteer as a docent please contact Office/Shop Co-ordinator, Peg Hoyser: cell 585-729-4433 or 315-482-6349 (summer) or by e-mail at [email protected].
Landmark Web Site
Log on to thousandislandparklandmarksociety.org for information on historic preservation and Landmark events and activities
______________________________________________________________
Annual Meeting
The TIP Landmark Society’s Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 25 at 9:30 AM in the Chapel. All community members are welcome. Landmark members are eligible to run for and vote in Board elections.
From the Chair of Preservation Board
I would like to introduce myself. I am Cheryl Zulick the Chairperson of the Preservation Board. Board members include, Don Blauvelt, Don McCloskey, Lynn Kassouf, Amy Phelps, Walt Grajko and Rick Tague (architect). We have been busy all winter advising cottage owners with their numerous projects. We also are reviewing the plans for our new Guzzle building and look forward to construction starting this summer. Our board members are dedicated in preserving our park for all to enjoy for many years to come.
_______________________________________________________________
Landmark News and Views
Published by the T.I.P Landmark Society
42822 St Lawrence Ave.
Unit 220
T I Park, NY 13692
thousandislandparklandmarksociety.org
Newsletter Co-ordinator: Jean Ris