The Apperson correspondence files contain many references to people who apparently had some contact with John Apperson, but whose relationship with him is relatively obscure. I have dug a little deeper in the files and have these observations to make, about the couple (Henry and Agnes Leach), their friendships with other prominent allies of John Apperson (including Ethel Dreier and Margaret White Weld), and of their membership in the Ausable Club, at St. Hubert’s, New York.
Question:
Why did Apperson seek out the advice and support from prominent society women, especially in New York City, and encourage them to take an interest in the preservation of the Adirondacks? Specifically, what battles were particularly on his mind, in the years between 1929 and 1931?
Although Apperson is widely known for his advocacy for Lake George, he was very active in fighting for issues concerning the illegal logging of the high peaks, and several proposed amendments to the Forever Wild Clause in the New York Constitution. He sought to influence the public through building a network of contacts with sympathetic organizations, including the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks, and with several women’s club, including the Women’s Club of New York City and the Federated Garden Clubs. He also made friends with individuals also were involved with publishing, such as Warwick Carpenter (The Conservationist) and Jim Cawley (American Canoe Association).
At Lake George he became close friends with Mary (Mrs. Stephen) Loines, and with her daughters – Hilda, Sylvia, and Elma, and they, in turn introduced him to their influential friends in New York City, including Ethel Dreier (President of the Women’s Club of New York City) and Henry and Agnes Leach (members of the Ausable Club at St. Hubert’s).
In 1929, Apperson was working on several “problems in conservation” at Lake George and beyond, and during that time he exchanged several letters with Agnes Leach. Here are some excerpts.
January 31, 1929 – John Apperson to Ethel Dreier mentions “Leach’s willingness to donate an hour on Monday or Tuesday to the problems in conservation.” “How to get I touch with him?”
“They are members of the St. Hubert’s Club.”
October 28, 1929 – Agnes Leach (League of Women Voters, 179 W-East 64 th Street, NYC)
Dear Mr. Apperson –
I don’t at all like the article from the Herald Tribune which you enclosed with your letter received today. It does not sound good to me. I wish we could have a committee on Conservation in the League of Women Voters. Unfortunately, we have so many committees that we have about all we can do at present, and this I am afraid is somewhat out of our line.
However, we are planning, as you know, to have our State Convention meet in Albany and a group of the League will go to the State Department and ask some very pertinent questions.
The most discouraging aspect of it all to me is to have a person like Mr. Myers so slow of understanding as to take part in a movement of this kind, or perhaps it is intentional misunderstanding. At any rate it is discouraging to know that one of the leading figures in the Adirondack Mountain Club should lend encouragement to a group of exploiters such as these appear to be.
Last week I had to go up to Newburg to see a Senator and as I motorized across the Bear Mountain Bridge, I thought it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, so I can well imagine what we missed by not going to Lake George this week. Henry has been in Washington a great deal the last few weeks and I have been up to my eyes with many things, but I do hope that soon we shall be adjusted so that we can come up and pay you all a visit at Lake George, as we would so love to do. We like to hear from you very much, and with all my best wishes,
Sincerely yours,
Agnes Leach
January 13, 1930 – Apperson to Warwick Carpenter
Last fall I was a guest at the Leach’s at St. Hubert’s for several days, and I enjoyed knowing that you were associated with them. I found both the Leach’s very sympathetic to conservation, but overloaded with other matters like other busy people, but it is gratifying to know that they have the right point of view and much good will, coming from the educational work they are giving in the right directions.
Biographical info…
Henry Goddard Leach (1880-1970) was known for his mastery of Scandinavian literature and for his work as editor for the Forum.
Agnes Lisle Brown Leach (1884-1975) was an American activist and Civil Leader. She belonged to the NY League of Women Voters, the NY Commissions of Health, and the Bryn Mawr College Board of Directors.