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.

Thank goodness for the woman and man who have placed mankind before self and endeavored to preserve a place like Thacher Park for the enjoyment of all. Capturing the beauty of just such an uncommon and rare natural feature so close to our state’s capital required vision for the future.

The Thachers had the insight to recognize the value in saving this unique world-renowned location for the generations of people to come. In 1893, John Thacher became associated with Dr. George F. Kunz while both were serving at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The two became friends and discussed the beliefs of Andrew H. Green, “The Father of Greater New York,” and the founder of “The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society” in 1895. Andrew Green addressed the New York Legislature that same year, stating, “Areas of primitive natural beauty are being seized upon for private uses and for profitable enterprises that are not unlikely to exclude the public from their enjoyment.”

The conviction that magnificent and stunning places should inherently be shared by all the people was an idea that was embraced by the Thachers. They agreed the area known as “Indian Ladder” was just such a place.

With great sadness among many, John Boyd Thacher died at age 62 in 1909. By 1913, Mrs. Thacher approached their old friend Dr. Kunz who was now president of The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society (he served from 1908 to 1932 and began to contemplate a proposal for its permanent preservation. Her desire was to preserve an area of about 350 acres encompassing some of the finest parts of the Helderberg escarpment as a place of public recreation.

She was sensitive to the historical and geological assets of the site and had an appreciation for the wildlife and botanical treasures within its unparalleled environment. This splendid tract of land was given to the people of the state of New York and accepted by the legislature and Governor Martin H. Glynn on March 4, 1914 “ to be forever dedicated to and used exclusively for the purpose of a public park and natural scenic reservation in memory of the Honorable John Boyd Thacher.”

Scientists and travelers from all over the world have also recognized this as a gift to the people of all countries as they refer to the Helderbergs and “Helderbergia.”

Truly a great benevolence has been bestowed upon us. Governor Glynn communicated a special message to the Legislature stating in part, “The famous Indian Ladder section in the Helderbergs has long been noted as one of the beauty spots of the State. Naturalists have agreed that here is found some of the grandest scenery in the State. We find numerous caves, great precipitous cliffs, waterfalls, and pine forests. The region is rich historically and around it cluster many legends of the original owners of the soil. To its natural wonders is added the charm of romance. It is a veritable wonderland, and in my opinion this property will make the most picturesque park in the State of New York.”

On Monday Sept. 14, 1914, momentous ceremonies took place at Thacher Point, beside the crown of the old Indian Ladder Road, formally dedicating the newly created John Boyd Thacher State Park. The event was attended by salient scientists, eminent educators, notable historians, local historical societies, prominent politicians, and distinguished citizens. Including the general public, well over a thousand people were present to celebrate the occasion.

The commemoration took place at 3 p.m. with representatives from noteworthy organizations including The Albany Institute of History and Art, The Dana Natural History Society, The Daughters of the American Revolution, The Sons of the American Revolution and, the new custodians of the park, The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society.

Prior to the celebratory events of Dedication Day, Emma Treadwell Thacher was honored to have received at her home above Altamont, honored guests including the Honorable Martin H. Glynn, governor of the state; Colonel George Curtis Treadwell, Emma Treadwell’s nephew; Dr. John M. Finley, state commissioner of education and president of the University of the State of New York, Dr. John M. Clarke, state geologist and director of the Department of Science of the State University; Mr. Verplanck Colvin, the geologist, explorer and topographer; Dr. George F. Kunz, president of the custodian society; and other renowned leaders and friends.

The official party proceeded to Thacher Point and were welcomed with jubilation from Boy Scouts and onlookers. The speakers’ platform was built with unhewn logs with living trees serving as corner posts.

Dr. Kunz opened the proceedings with a wonderful tribute to John Thacher that ended with him stating, “Hereafter, Sept. 11^th will be set aside for the annual celebration of the opening of this Park and of Mr. Thacher’s birthday, and it will be known as ‘John Boyd Thacher Day; Keats’ memorable line: ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ was never more clearly and beautifully typified than in this wonderful mountain escarpment.

It has always been a thing of beauty; time will only improve but not detract from it. We may well say that the time has come and time has gone, but this Park will stay here forever.” John Huston Finley concluded his speech by saying, “If he reached the celestial grounds and were asked what the most beautiful place on earth was, he would say the Helderbergs.”

Governor Glynn expounded the appreciation of the citizens of New York for the gift of Thacher Park and stated in part, “This Park will serve as a monument to the memory of John Boyd Thacher. Here in future years will come people in search of recreation; students in quest of historical inspiration and geologists to study one of the oldest geological formations of the world. History, happiness and science all meet on this spot and pay tribute to the memory of the man in whose honor this park was presented to the State and gratitude to the generosity of the lady who made this valued spot a State possession.”

Official guests were presented with fossils found in the park as souvenirs of this memorable occasion. The dedicatory observances embraced performances portraying archaic scenes from when the Helderbergs were inhabited by Native Americans. It was appropriate that the pageantry took place near the original Indian Ladder site.

Professor John H. Cook, first superintendent of Thacher Park, noted geologist, explorer and teacher, co-operated with Professor Arthur C. Parker, State Archeologist and a descendant of the Iroquois Indians, to create an historical demonstration for the events’ spectators.

The theatrical exhibition was recorded in American Scenics annual reports and begins with “an Indian chanting while another Native American warrior was seen coming down the trail. This was the hunter who came in advance of a tribe from the Schoharie Valley. He admired the beautiful scenery upon meeting with the medicine man and the warrior. As the three men stood on the edge of the cliff viewing the surrounding country, a cry of ‘Oligunaki’ rang out; meaning ‘This is Beautiful’ It was the Indians’ expression of the spot they had discovered.

Next came the impressive peace-pipe ceremony. After calling the remainder of the tribe from over the hills, the chief took the pipe, and holding it in the air said, “I smoke to you the point from which the sun rises, and I smoke to you the warm south, the land of pleasant things; I smoke to you the west, where the sun climbs under, and I smoke to you the north that brings the winter storms.”

Pointing the pipe towards the ground, the chief exclaimed: “In equal gratitude I smoke to you, Mother Earth on whose breast we draw our sustenance.”

The tribal cry of “Wo Hack” was given three times as the Indians took formal possession by placing a painted deerskin in a tree. This was a sign to other tribes that the Mahikans held prior rights to the ground. The Princess was then seen coming in the distance and all bowed down before her, as she was considered the mother of the race. She took the skin from the tree and placed it in another spot, after which she led the tribes toward Albany”

The pageant also included reenactments of the arrival and settlement by the explorers and pioneers of America. Finally, all the people present at the dedication proceeded to “Monument Terrace” overlooking Thacher Point. A cannon salute was fired out over the cliff edge at which time everyone deposited a stone forming a communal cairn on Monument Terrace.

The first stone was placed by Governor Glynn and the cenotaph was remarked to have been visible from the railroad near Meadowdale Station in the valley below. A United States Geological Survey marker was later placed on a large granite boulder at Thacher Point as a benchmark and reminder of the joyous occasion that took place one hundred years ago.

Please remember that many people are still working to make the Thacher Park Region a better place. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and all their staff continue to provide a pleasant experience for visitors and look to the park’s future with a positive attitude.

Members of the Friends of Thacher Park willingly volunteer their skill and efforts out of sheer love for the place and are always seeking to expand the ranks of their membership. The Open Space Institute and The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy continue to hold and practice the same beliefs as the Thachers with regard to land preservation.

They are currently active in the pursuit of protecting land around Thacher Park. Please join them and help protect special places! They need your participation.

Rejoice in Thacher Park — 100 years a gift to the people. Join the Centennial Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feel the history and revel in the promise given to us through the preservation of all that is John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final column in a series of columns by Timothy Albright leading up to the Sept. 13 centennial celebration of John Boyd Thacher State Park.