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-19th 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.
Reviving the historic property — used as a community park, a summer hotel, and a christian retreat in Berne — along Route 443 has been complicated by an expensive demolition.
“He always loved to look at things from the historic perspective,” said Mr. Persico's wife, Sylvia LaVista Persico, this week. “He liked the investigative work involved in being a historian.”
A corner building in the hamlet, known to plague some drivers, was torn down on July 22, part of an improvement project over two years at the intersection.
Curious visitors watched demonstrations of effective techniques and proper etiquette for using metal detectors to uncover buried artifacts at the The Knox Historical Society's museum.
