_{Timothy J. Albright, Meadowdale}

_{Timothy J. Albright, Meadowdale}

To the Editor:

The possible eventual demise of the Hilton-LeVie barn on Route 85A near Voorheesville emphasizes the need for a listing of historical sites and landmarks in the town of New Scotland that should be protected from owners and future owners of those properties.

The Haudenosaunee — Builders of the Longhouse — have a belief that no person is entitled to own land; rather we are caretakers for future generations.

Great thanks must be extended to the memory and spirits of Emma Treadwell and John Boyd Thacher. Their initial philanthropic gift of the place known as “Indian Ladder; inspired many other succeeding individuals and groups to dedicate their time and efforts to the growth of our John Boyd Thacher State Park.

By the mid-19^th Century, the famous Indian Ladder Region of the Helderberg had become a vacation-seeker’s paradise. Escaping the summer heat of the city for the elevated cool mountain breezes and fresh air of forest and field became a habit for many travelers in search of rest and recreation.

Timothy Albright, a life member of the New Scotland Historical Association, came across documents describing the efforts by his native town and county to spend tax money to help people in poverty in the 19th century.