1924 – February 13 – JSA to Miss Sylvia Loines (Brooklyn)

My dear Miss Sylvia:
I have been hoping to have a talk with the Ballengers who own Floral Island just south of Montcalm Point. As you know, this island is in reach of our last year’s appropriation for the acquisition of land, but in all of our discussions I have discouraged the idea of any action being taken concerning this island, having the impression that these people are very much attached to it and also, we recognized in the beginning that we could not afford to buy improved property. Should the Ballengers ever feel inclined to dispose of the island, however, I would like for the State to buy it and keep it forever in its natural state. Again, it might be possible that they would like to dispose of the island to the State, with the right to occupy it as long as they live. 

As you no doubt appreciate, questions of this kind are sometimes very delicate ones and should be handled in a way not to interfere with the peace and rest which they, no doubt get from occupying this island each year, and I am writing to you with the idea that you may know them or know someone else who could convey to them the substance of this letter without hurting their feelings in any way.

The bad feeling promoted by misinformation has gradually disappeared as people begin to understand the truth of our effort to keep the shore and islands in their present natural state, free from unsightly structures, and there may be no hesitancy on the part of these people to help our effort to keep that section I the condition which they undoubtedly enjoy it.

As you know, I am very much pressed for time and anything you can do in this connection will be appreciated.

Cordially yours,
JSApperson