November 20, 1929 – Jean Canivet ( 14 North Church Street, Schenectady) to Mr. Wiswall – re: John Boyd Thatcher Park
My dear Mr. Wiswall
Many thanks for your letter in reply to mine about existing conditions at John Boyd Thatcher Park.
I can easily imagine what a difficult task you have in trying to please the public but I am sure you must welcome constructive criticism. I was not complaining of the condition of the road although I may have expressed myself badly. I was complaining of its position on the edge of the cliff. It really should not be there between the pubic and the view, even if it were the most perfect concrete road in the country. As one of the “Two Black Crows” said to the other: “Even if that was good I wouldn’t like it.” I feel that the same policy that applies at present to the roads being constructed in the Adirondacks should be applied to a beautiful place like John Boyd Thatcher Park. As you are undoubtedly aware, the prevailing policy in regard to roads near our lakes I the Adirondacks is to put them far enough back from the lake shores so that those on foot and those camping and picnicking may enjoy the wild beauty of the place without being disturbed by a steady line of cars darting along between them and the view. Please let me beg and pray and implore you not to improve that road in its present position. It is a Fatal Mistake . I have a feeling that if I don’t get a letter from you saying that you are at least considering moving the road back, that I will have to come over and see you and you know you would not like that! It is bad enough to have long and rambling letters from irate females without having them come over to Albany and cluttering up your office. That’s a threat, perhaps you can have me arrested, but that won’t stop me from howling and shrieking and yelling about that road.
I didn’t mention the railing in my other letter nor the comfort stations, I did not regard them as an improvement exactly but rather as a necessity as so many people are encouraged to come to the park. I do think that they are very unobjectionable structures and have no criticism whatever to make of them.
When I am assured that the road is being moved back and that cars are to be excluded from the road to the cave, I shall be delighted to contribute to your fund and also to interest my friends in Schenectady in your efforts to preserve the natural beauties of John Boyd Thatcher Park.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Jean Canivet