To the Editor:

A few days ago my friend, Rob asked me, “What is a Lormit?” Good question!  Actually, it’s “Lormits” and spelled with an “s.”  Google the term and you’ll find zero results as the all-knowing and all-powerful program from Oz lacks an artist’s imagination.  So I’ll write a few words on this question.

My father first discovered Lormits in the late sixties when he had a series of five outdoor exhibits of his contemporary art.  The “Roadside” show was the first in 1965.  For safety reasons in subsequent years, the venue was moved to the woods behind our Altamont house.

And it’s there the Lormits were found and discovered. Some local folks might have a problem imagining there are mysterious, elusive, and furtive Celtic woodland creatures nearby — but I don’t. Their whereabouts are with us and everywhere just not seen so much.

They definitely cannot fly and they’re hard to see but you can feel them watching and observing. My Dad’s signs and art provided the evidence there certainly are Lormits in the woods.

Several years ago, I began a project to improve the same overgrown woods, clearing the brush and dead trees and removing just a few.  Most of the work is pruning and clearing paths for access.

The dike around the pond has been restored, a bridge constructed, and long picnic tables of the highest quality have appeared. At some point, I came to realize I now had a park but a park without a name.

My mother, Bette, and I jointly decided it would be called “Lormits Park” in honor of my father and his favorite woodland creatures. It would be a sanctuary for all the Lormits and a peaceful place for the “others” to visit. And so it is.

An ancillary function of the park is to provide kindling and firewood for my mom who loves the warmth from her fireplace and all the heartfelt memories. There are still improvements to be made in Lormits Park and that’s where you’ll find me most days, either working or relaxing.

My wife, Mary Karen, visits me often. (She enjoys the park a lot more when the grass isn’t growing.) The park activity also keeps us near my mom as we pass by the house. I’m always there to chat, keep brief company, and help her in any way I can.

As only few would know, the latest improvement to Lormits Park is the sawmill. My generous friend, Mike, helped me set up a first-class operation for which I’m ever grateful. Mike has helped shaped the park from the beginning. The new mill is both left- and right-handed, making it rather unique.

The logs are not processed continually, giving way to frequent rest breaks with free chairs to rest in. The resting chairs are among a group of Irish flags. Whenever there is a pause in the action, there’s immediate, instant quiet.

So quiet you can hear the flags rustle as they flutter with just the gentlest of breezes. At those moments I find myself at peace and alone with my father's favorite creatures. Alone with my Dad in Lormits Park.

Since the Lormits have such a peaceful nature, they certainly would frown on use of a power saw mill or any such device that would break their peace. I’m reminded of the “Campgounds” on Martha’s Vineyard.  This religious community bans the use of all power tools and any noisy construction projects during the summer. Quiet scraping and painting is permitted by statute.

Imagine banning noise? Great idea! Like Lormits Park, the “Campgrounds” is a magical place.  

The noise abatement policy of Lormits Park does allow chainsaws but limits their use to the spring and fall tree-hunting seasons. All mechanized contraptions are banned, including ATV’s, snowmobiles, and ATM’s.

Unlike airports, cor screws are OK.  Firewood splitting must be done with wedges and various hand tools as gas-engine log splitters are the worst of the worst and their presence is never ever even considered.  This summer, there were rumored sightings of an off-road orange jeep prowling about the park’s outer perimeter but those rumors were never confirmed.

Lormits Park is centrally located on Township Road in the village of Altamont, New York. There are multiple access possibilities and options.

On the southern perimeter, there is the old ravine trail to Buttermilk Falls that everyone knows about.  From the house on Route 146, we have a small toll road but no toll collector — only a tin can nailed to a tree.

Other nearby options include several paths — some with bridges, some without. There’s also a stone staircase with step-free stone ramps.  All these paths lead to the park.

Lormits Park is artillery-free with no admission fee.  All are welcome including hunters on holiday.  Bring the children. Leave the guns behind. There is no dress code but shoes are wisely worn. Remember in the woods there is: DANGER OF LORMITS NEARBY.

Ed Cowley III

Altamont