HoUinger Corp. nTY Aj; rf^ .29 39 M7 jy 1 OUVENIR ..OF THE ©ttrnltt Mi^mmml Mnnlhn LIBRARY GROUNDS, NYACK, N, Y. D E D I C A T E D FLA G D A Y NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHT NYACKyN. Y., September, 1908. THIS^ little pamphlet has been prepared and printed by the Boulder Memorial Committee from a fund contributed by a number of our citizens. It has been compiled aiid edited, by the patriotic Instructor of Waldrph Post and aiopy sent to every membef of the Post, Corps and Camp/ Library Trustees, Officials of the County and Town, Trusr tees of the four Villages, Rockland Railroad Co., Nyack Fire Departmen,! Officials, Teachers Pub- lic School, Cemetery and Y. M. C. A. trustees, Uie C'erev and others, WITH THE COMPUMENTS OF Isaac E. Pye, G, M. Montgomery, Louis L. Robbms, Thomas L. Sanborn and Oliver H. Scott, of Waldron Post, G. A. R,; Mrs. Mary M. Halliday, Mrs. Mary Strack, Mrs. Hattie WaUers, Mrs. M J. Scott, Mrs. Ida Coleman, Mrs. Josephine Conov«r, Mrs. .Lizzie N. Hunt, Mrs. Mary Phillips and Mrs. Maria" Smith, of Waldron Corps, W..R. C; EJlis Scott, J. Elmer Christie, Warren Hill and Harry Minford, of Sanborn Camp, S. O. V BOULDER MEMORIAL COMMITTEE. VERA E. COLEMAN. Secretary. I i By transfer The White House Maroft 3rd, 1^13 ^/IPOSITE PHOTO BY H. F. DUTCHER, NYACK THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER. • • • 1 1 1 I—^ • • • LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER AN INSPIRATION TO THE LIVING A TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD : : DEDICATED JUNE THIRTEENTH — FLAG DAY nineteen hundred and eight Published by CHARLES M. MONTGOMERY Patriotic Instructor Waldron Post, No. 82, Dept. of New York, G. A. R. NYACK . ON - HUDSON H'iiMl jLc tix-^ IScy^ a^^K^cK. i^^-'y^ THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER SI|^ (BobnnavB (gr^^tin^. Executive Chamber, Albany, N. Y., August 27, 1908. I take pleasure in commending the patriotic senti- ment which has animated the members of the Wal- dron Post and the men and women who join with them in the work of the Lincoln Memorial Boulder Committee. There is one man who presents to the American people above all others in his many-sided great- ness the type, the representative, of those quali- ties which distinguish American character and make possible the maintenance of our National strength. He is, par excellence, the true American, Abraham Lincoln. His was not the early training of those who, like many of our distinguished men, had the advantages afforded by parentage, by noble traditions although in poor circumstances, with schooling and environ- ment which would stimulate the loftiest of aspira- tions. He sprung from conditions which would seem to stifle ambition. He simply was a man; a man born; a great American; superior to all the disad- vantages which surrounded his birth and early training. He was a humane man, a man of emotion, which he never allowed to control his reason; a man of sentiment, of deep feeling. He was a lowly man, never asserting himself as superior to his fellows, but he could rise in the dignity of his humanity to a 4 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER majesty which has seldom been equaled by any ruler of any people under any form of government. We see in Lincoln patience, the reasoning faculty, humanity, the democratic sentiment, patient consid- eration, all combined; and we may well learn from him the lesson which at any hour of our history we should well study. "Why," said Lincoln, "should we not have patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the American people?" Why not, indeed? Who are the American people? They are the most intelligent people organized in any civil society on the face of this broad earth. They have abundant opportunities for education. They are keen and alert. If we can only feel as Lincoln felt and derive our political sentiments from the study of the principles of the Declaration of Inde- pendence and proceed as Lincoln did, with remorse- less logic, to the consideration of the demands of every exigency, there can be no question but that each problem will be solved and that every decade of American history will witness a further advance and that the prosperity of the future will far trans- cend anything that we have realized in the past. Very sincerely yours, u:^^ GETTYSBURG ADDRESS Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that a\\ men are created equaJ. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedi- cate a portion of that field as a fined resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is zJtogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate-we can not consecrate-we cannot heJlow-this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world v^oll little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remeiining before us - that from these honored dead we take in- creased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead sheJl not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, sheill have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the ear th. ABRAHAM UNCOLN. Gettysburg, November 19, 1863. THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER 5IIj0 Utttraln Snulb^r. toitli an Snhoration, BY LOUIS BRADFORD COUCH, M. D. NYACK. N, Y. O Mighty Boulder, wrought by God's own hand. Throughout all future ages thou shalt stand A monument of honor to the brave Who yielded up their lives, their all, to save Our glorious country, and to make it free From bondsmen's tears and lash of slavery. Securely welded to thy rugged breast. Through all the coming ages there shall rest Our Lincoln's tribute to a patriot band. The noblest ever penned by human hand. The storms of centuries may lash and beat Thy granite face and bronze with hail and sleet; But futile all their fury. In a day The loyal sun shall melt them all away. Equal in death our gallant heroes sleep In Southern trench, home grave, or ocean deep; Equal in glory, fadeless as the light The stars send down upon them through the night. O priceless heritage for us to keep Our heroes' fame immortal while they sleep ! O God, still guide us with Thy loving hand. Keep and protect our glorious Fatherland. (^0 01\a4 ifi^^-jl^r ^3w<^i^v> /?7\.a^^ ^r/* -U/O^A^ '^-C^i;v^. arfy,<^ 'C^L.eOlf^ /^^^lo' -Oi^ 'i^'/t*. <^^jL-r<-4^^€,^-^ -?>v.C^.o^>vt?-rS crf'tPT^j/ X^nA^jL fi/wo^ M^o-*^^ ou^^y^ 't4(je^ ,^C^>£za'k^^ -'p^rv^/U^ The Celebrated "Bixby Letter." Facsimile of the Original Manuscript on Exhibition at Hubcr's Museum in New York City. A Letre, of Condolence Written br'Abr.ham Lincoln to Mr,. Bixby. of Boston. Mass.. November ... .864. COURTESY OF THE FRANCIS D TANDY COMPANY, NEW YORK \yTM^/O^H^C^^'^L^ TAKEN FROM FIRST PHOTO WITH A BEARD. 1861 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER THE BOULDER. BY E, K. RUSSELL. CHAPLAIN OF WALDRON POST. EVEN and forty years ago, at the call of Father Abraham, there came from all sta- tions in life, loyal men who by their answer to the call said—" If my country needs a human sac- rifice to maintain its honor, take me." Pen and voice have tried in vain to tell the full story of that dreadful struggle into the vortex of which went so many loved ones, and we see them no more. Yet they still live, not only in the hearts of those nearest and dearest to them, but they still live in the memory of appreciating townsmen and a grateful na- tion. As witness of this, see in most of our cities and villages throughout the land Monuments or Memor- ial Boulders erected in memory of their heroic dead. Deep down in the hearts of the veterans of Nyack long has been cherished a hope that the time might soon come when its name could be added to the list of places having erected Soldiers' and Sailors' Monuments. The answer to their prayer came through an inspiration caught by Patriotic Instructor C. M. Montgomery, of Waldron Post, No. 82, G.A.R., to place a Memorial on our Library Grounds, on seeing an engraving of a Boulder placed by the New York Historical Association to mark the Revo- lutionary Battle Ground at Glens Falls. The sim- 9 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER plicity, as well as its effectiveness, convinced him that such a Monument was the proper thing for Nyack. He accordingly interviewed Mr. A. M. Voorhis, Secretary of the Library Trustees. Finding him in favor of the proposition, the case was presented to the full Board of Library Trustees who ap- proved the plan and granted permission to place the Boulder on the south side of the lawn in front of the building. The matter was then brought before Waldron Post at its regular meeting. Comrade Montgomery giving a full statement of the facts in the case as it then existed, and the project was most enthusiastic- ally received and adopted and heartily supported to its completion. The organizations auxiliary to the Post, namely: The Woman's Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans, loyally pledged themselves to the support of the matter and did good work until the finish. On Monday, February loth, 1908, the Daily Press jointly made the first pubHc announcement in full of the undertaking, each paper editorially highly commending the whole proposition, the Nyack Jour- nal leading the list of contributors. The children of the Villages then entered upon the task of procuring the money with which to meet the necessary expense, while the members of the Post and others sought for the Boulder, and Rockland County, at least that portion within reasonable dis- 10 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER tance of town, was explored on hill and in dale, to find a perfect stone, for only such an one was deemed worthy of the object. They failed on land to find such an one, and turning to the Historic Hudson, opposite the home of Mr. N. B. Gushing, the seekers saw, rearing its head above the waters, the Boulder which was deemed worthy to bear upon its breast the Tablet containing those immortal words which came from the lips of Abraham, the called of God, to lead our beloved Nation through the scourge of Civil War, and that Badge, the symbol of his army who by their loyalty to his will preserved us as a nation. The consent of Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Gushing hav- ing been obtained to remove the Boulder, and after much strenuous labor by W. Parrott & Son, of New- burgh, it was landed on the dock foot of Main Street. Its weight was lo tons, notwithstanding which it was placed upon a large truck, and, under the direction of Gommander I. E. Pye and by the power of eight- teen horses and loo men with ropes, dragged up the hill, and deposited on the Library Grounds. Then being placed in proper position upon a bed of con- crete, it was ready for the skilled hand of our towns- man, Mr. G. M. Travis, who securely anchored upon the front of the Boulder a large bronze tablet bearing the inscription : SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MEMORIAL A GIFT FROM THE CHILDREN OF NYACK-MAY 30, 1908 and giving in full the text of Lincoln's Gettysburg 11 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER Address with lettering that can be plainly read many feet distant ; also an enlarged reproduction in bronze of the Grand Army of the Republic Badge. And thus the Boulder stands to-day, and so will it ever stand, a rugged monument from nature's work- shop to one of God's rugged noblemen, as well as an immortalized tribute to that Grand Army who have '• spread their silent tents on Fame's eternal camping ground." It is to-day and always will remain a lesson teaching pure patriotism to this and succeeding gen- erations, " For generations yet to come This Monument shall stand, Unchanging emhlem^ like our hearts, And wrought by God's own hand.^^ ®I}E d. A. a. Not a military organization, not a political ma- chine, but a unified, solidified federation of veterans, whose patriotism and faith moved the armies and navies of the Union, and secured to the United States a mighty future among the powers of the earth; a federation of veterans, strengthened by con- flict, tried by defeats, baptized in blood, consecrated by tears and glorified by the immortal radiance of that victory that crowns the battalions of Universal Liberty. — General James B. Steedman. 12 PHOTO BY HOFFER, NYACK C0n0 0f Tffeti^ranB. Our well-known and popular fellow-townsman, Mr. J. Elmer Christie, Patriotic Instructor of Sanborn Camp, and also Division Patriotic Instructor of New York, S. O. v., in a late issue of The Batmer^ offi- cial organ of the Sons of Veterans, aptly commends the Lincoln Memorial Boulder in these words : The patriotic enterprise, under the supervision of the G. A. R., the W. R. C. and S. O. V., at Nyack, in erecting a boulder with Lincoln's address on a bronze tablet has been consummated, and it was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on Flag Day, June 13th. The wisdom of this memorial, the peculiar appro- priateness, the little cost and yet the beautiful sim- plicity of it, all unite to commend it to our camps throughout the State and Nation, and that they will give the idea the v/idest circulation and commenda- tion, officially so if practicable, so that on the Cen- tenary of Lincoln's birth in February next, 1909, we may see many of these Lincoln Boulders dedicated to his memory and to that of the Soldiers and Sail- ors who sustained in the field and on the seas the glory of his consummate statesmanship. Yours fraternally, Both the State and National Commanders, S. O. v., in general orders, officially commend the forego- ing to Camps throughout the land. 14 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER DEDICATION CEREMONIES OF THE Lincoln Memorial Boulder. FLAG DAY. 1908. (i RIGINALLY it was intended to have the Boulder dedicated May 30 — Decoration Day — but the aged veterans felt unequal to the task of observing Memorial Day and the Dedication of the Lincoln Memorial both on the same day, consequently the unveiling of the Boulder was fixed for Saturday afternoon, June 13 — Flag Day falling on Sunday. The day was ideal. The parade, preceding the ceremonies, was imposing. The sky smiled above and the air was filled with the sound of happy voices of the children, the sparkling enthusiasm of the peo- ple and the stirring music of the bands. The scene was intermingled with flying flags, the gay uniforms of the firemen, the veterans of Waldron Post, the Sons of Veterans and the bright and happy school children with waving flags, in charge of the Woman's Relief Corps. It was a pleasing and inspiring sight long to be remembered. The parade formed at the corner of Broadway and Main Street promptly at two o'clock, in charge IS THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER of Matthew Evers, Jr., Chief of the Nyack Fire De- partment, in the following order : PoHce of Nyack and South Nyack, Glassing's Haverstraw Band, Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack Firemen, Waldron Post, No. 82, G. A. R., Sanborn Camp, No. 35, Sons of Veterans, Rockland Fife and Drum Corps, Woman's Relief Corps, School Children with Flags. The procession moved up 'Broadway to First Avenue, up First Avenue to Franklin Street, down Franklin to Main Street, down Main to Broadway, down Broadway to Cedar Hill Avenue, passing the Library and Village Trustees in review, then coun- ter-marching to the Library grounds. At the close of the parade the people gathered in front of the Library building, completely filling the grounds, the street and the lawn opposite. Many ladies graced the assembly by their presence. THE CEREMONIES. From the speaker's stand Mr. Howard Van Buren, President of the Nyack Library Trustees, presided. The exercises opened with music by the band, "Marching Through Georgia." The President then introduced the Rev. Franklin Babbitt, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, saying : "In deference to those feelings of dependence upon a higher power, 16 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER which we know sustained President Lincoln during the dark hours of the Civil War, and which we should acknowledge to-day, the Divine blessing will be invoked by the Rev. Franklin Babbitt." PRESENTATION. Following the Invocation the Lincoln Memorial Boulder was then formally presented to the Library Trustees by Comrade Charles M. Montgomery in the following fitting words : Mr. Howard Van Buren — To you, as president of the Nyack Library Trustees, I have the pleasure, the privilege and the honor, on behalf of Waldron Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of placing in your charge this simple Memorial Boulder. On its face is inscribed, in enduring bronze, Abraham Lincoln's immortal speech delivered on the battlefield of Get- tysburg, in November, 1863. On its south face is a bronze insignia, emblematic of that Grand Army of the Nation of which President Lincoln was Comman- der-in-Chief. This Memorial, Mr. President, comes as a free-will gift to our Village from the patriotic children of the Nyacks, aided by a generous public. It is free from debt, and we hope, sir, and we believe, that in your hands and those of your successors in ofl&ce, this Memorial will be cared for and preserved for all time. Mr. President, the Memorial is now in your charge. UNVEIUNG OF THE MEMORIAL. Immediately after Comrade Montgomery ceased speaking the bugle's inspiring signal resounded throughout the grounds, and in a twinkling the two 17 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER American flags with which the Memorial was draped fell to the lawn. The Lincoln Memorial Boulder stood revealed ! This beautiful ceremony was in charge of Mrs. Mary M. Halliday, President of the Woman's Relief Corps — the following children par- ticipating : George Parbury Pollen Jewett, Upper Nyack ; Giles Tasman, Nyack ; Raymond Blauvelt, South Nyack ; Frank Demarest, Grand View, and Male Van Nostrand and Edna Male Halliday, Nyack. RESPONSE. Simultaneously with the uncovering of the Me- morial, Mr. Howard Van Buren, President of the Library Trustees, responded to the presentation in the following appropriate words : Mr. C. M. Montgomery — In behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Nyack Library, it affords me great pleasure to accept the custody of this noble specimen of nature's handiwork. We shall never forget the toil and devotion of the veterans of Waldron Post, and of those who so effect- ively and cheerfully assisted them in bringing this boulder here, thus completing, at this favored spot, nature's transportation work of ages past. We highly appreciate the commendable and graceful action of the children of Nyack, aided by the public, in making this appropriate and timely gift to our village, and we heartily concur in that praiseworthy and patriotic sentiment which has prompted it. Be assured, sir, that this boulder, once an ancient landmark, but now a unique monument, ever will be cared for and guard- ed as a lasting memorial and fitting repository for the 18 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER immortal words of President Lincoln, and for tlie honorable and illustrious emblem of the Grand Army of the Republic. Music by the band, " Hail Columbia." In announcing the singing of the " Star Spangled Banner" the President said : On this, its Natal day, it is highly appropriate that 'The Star Spangled Banner' should be sung, and I am glad to announce that the Rev. Robert J. Holmes, a citizen whose services have been often and freely conceded in the interests of our village, has kindly consented to sing the verses of this grand anthem to the national flag. It is very pleasing, too, that the chorus is to be sung by the members of our public school and their associates, whose contributions have enabled our veterans to enter upon that work which they have so happily completed to-day. Singing, "The Star Spangled Banner." MR. HOWARD VAN BUREN'S ADDRESS. In presenting the Hon. Arthur S. Tompkins as the orator of the occasion, Mr. Van Buren gave the audience a gem of patriotic thought that will long be cherished by his hearers. He spoke with much feel- ing as follows : We have assembled to-day to offer tribute of honor and respect to the words spoken by Abraham Lincoln on that historic and solemn occasion— the consecra- tion of the battlefield of Gettysburg to the Federal dead. These memorable words, coming straight from Ms deep heart of pity and love, breathe the loftiest 19 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER ideals of civic virtue and patriotism. Measured by the most exacting standards, ttiey are a model of prose composition and a marvel of compressed thought, and are justly valued as one of the world's great classics — a masterpiece, whose sublimity of thought is equaled only by the simplicity of the lan- guage. It has been well said that they constitute a unique condensation of the true sentiment and innermost meaning of the tremendous struggle between the North and the South. On this, one of those rare occa- sions when the high water mark of oratory is reached, there is clearly set forth those fundamental princi- ples which were the mainsprings of President Lin- coln's policy; that our government is founded, not on the shifting sands of an association of sovereign States, but on the firm rock of a perpetual union. This policy he adhered to throughout the trying years of military conflict in the South and political intrigue in the North; and this policy, upheld and enforced by the army and navy, brought to our land that new birth of freedom which he had longed to see. In the presence of these immortal words, we Amer- icans cannot but feel that, as a lesson in patriotism of the highest order, there is a completeness of state- ment and a finality of expression, which can neither be added to, subtracted from, nor explained; and that the most effective and the most befitting tribute we can render to this mosaic of high thought and noble aspiration is the tribute, not of eloquence, but of our thoughtful and earnest contemplation. It is, there- fore, most appropriate and fitting that we of this gen- eration, now in the full enjoyment of the nation's new birth of freedom, should treasure this beautiful prose 20 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER poem, as we do to-day, by casting it in enduring bronze and binding it to tbe eternal rock. But the nation has said that the last word about I^incoln can never be spoken, and it is with feelings of sincere pleasure, mingled with civic pride, that I now have the honor of presenting to you the orator of the day, our fellow townsman. Judge Tompkins, a man whose noteworthy and highly successful public life is founded, in no small degree, I believe, on his close touch with Lincoln's plain people. (Great applause.) ORATION BY THE HON. ARTHUR S. TOMPKINS. Judge Tompkins in stepping to the front was greeted with enthusiastic applause, and gave one of the most eloquent addresses ever listened to in Nyack , It follows in full : Mr. Chairman, Veterans, Sons of Veterans, Ladies and Gentlemen: This day will be memorable in the history of Nyack because it witnesses the dedication of a memorial which will stand as long as anything material shall stand— a monument that will endure as long as heaven permits the works of man to last, to speak to coming generations of our loyalty to our country and our devotion to its institutions, and our gratitude to those whose patriotism and sacrifices bequeathed to us and our posterity the rich heritage of a free and united country— a monument whose unadorned grandeur and massive solidity is a fit emblem both of the events in memory of which it is raised and the reverence and gratitude of those who have placed it here. It is peculiarly appropriate that these dedicatory 21 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER exercises should be held on this day, which is ob- served as Flag Day — the anniversary day of the adop- tion of the Stars and Stripes as the national emblem. There are many things in life which thrill the heart and inspire the mind of man. There is inspiration in danger and in the applause of our fellows, there is in- spiration in the knowledge that our efforts and work are appreciated, there is inspiration in oratory and poetry and music and song; but there is nothing in life that so inspires and thrills the heart of the true American as the graceful and beautiful folds of that glorious emblem, the Star Spangled Banner, the flag for which Lincoln died, the flag for which these vet- erans sacriflced and suffered, and for which their comrades died, the flag which symbolizes the liberty and freedom and union, which Lincoln and the sol- diers of '61-'65 preserved, whose bright stars and stripes kindle and awaken patriotism in the hearts of the young and inspire all men with loyalty and devotion to their country and its institutions. Under its lead and inspiration, patriots have ad- vanced on the field of battle to their death; under the spell of its magic power our brave soldiers and sailors have forgotten self and kindred and home for the honor, integrity and preservation of all that it represents. It has gone through many conflicts, trials and dangers; it has been stained with the blood of martyrs, but never has it been stained with shame. It has been rent into tatters by hateful hands, it has been riddled by shot and shell and blackened by smoke; it has been torn from its staff and trampled in the dust; but washed in the blood of the brave, that old, tattered, bullet-riddled, blood-stained na- tional ensign floats over us to-day in unsullied glory, 22 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER with "not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star obscured," revered and beloved by Americans everywhere, North and South, and respected and hon- ored by all the world. In the enjoyment of our manifold blessings, in our eager quest after knowledge and position, in our earnest strife for opportunity and advantage, in these days of peace and tranquillity and prosperity, we are apt to lose sight of and overlook the services and sacrifices of the men, the heroes and martyrs, whose patriotism and heroism and sufferings created the opportunities and made possible the privileges and blessings and accomplished the peace which we enjoy in such large measure. We are so likely in times of peace and prosperity to forget the hardships en- dured, and the patience exercised, and sacrifices made by those whose lot it was to cradle and defend our country through the struggles of its early life. So that it is good and wholesome that we pause, now and then, to contemplate the past and reflect upon the lives and achievements of those whose names and deeds illumine the pages of our country's history. This monument is to be a perpetual lesson in patriotism, which must be based upon a knowledge of a nation's history and development, and in this boul- der we shall have established for all time: First, a memorial of the life and achievements of the one man above all others in the history of our country most calculated to kindle and keep alive the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of the young, the grandest and noblest figure of the 19th century- Abraham Lincoln. Second, the record of his Gettysburg Speech, one 23 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER of the finest specimens of modern oratory, delivered on the occasion of the dedication of the Gettysburg Battlefield as a place of burial for the Union soldiers who fell on that historic ground; and, Third, a silent yet eloquent testimonial speaking to the present and all future generations, speaking to the youth who are to keep this Republic noble and make its future greater and speaking to every passer-by of the patriotism, heroism and martyrdom of those who, under the command of Lincoln, fought our country's battles, leading it out from the bondage of slavery, out of the danger of disunion and disruption, out from rebellion and bloodshed, into the light of liberty, unity and peace. It is not surprising that our children responded so willingly and gladly to the cost of this testimonial. No other life appeals so strongly to the average boy and girl as the life of Abraham Lincoln. Born in abject poverty, reared in a log cabin amid the most unpropitious surroundings, with less than a year's schooling in a backwoods district school, spending his days as a young man on a poor farm until he was 21 years old, then a deck-hand on a Mississippi flat boat; carrying a surveyor's chain; the proprietor of a little country store, in which he was unsuccess- ful; studying law from a few old borrowed law books; thus he passed his early years, and from the lowest origin, from the smallest beginning with the greatest obstacles to overcome, with difiiculties to surmount never surpassed, if equaled, in the life of any man who has achieved anything worth noting, he rose to the highest place, to the most exalted position in the gift of his countrymen. Considering his humble birth, his few advantages, his many adversities, the 24 ay PHOTO BV HOFFER, NYACK PRESIDENT WALDRON CORPS THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER critical period in our history with which he had to deal, and his great achievements, we are justified in esteeming him as the greatest of all Americans of every age. And we may rejoice that we have this privilege of rendering honor to his memory by keepmg alive the sentiments which animated him in his great work for humanity, and fostering the principles ror which he lived and died. His career teaches young men that every position of eminence and honor is open before the diligent and worthy; his life is a living inspiration to every poor, struggling boy and makes his path easier and his burdens lighter. This monument will also perpetuate the memory of the greatest battle of the Civil War, that which marked the turning of the war tide toward the North, and the beginning of the end of that great struggle. It is the finest example of which we have any record of the daring and fearlessness and superb courage of the American soldier. It is not to en- courage the military spirit that this stone is placed here, but to keep alive and foster and strengthen the spirit of patriotism, that by realizing the cost of our liberties and privileges we may the more fully appre- ciate their value and be the more zealous in their defense and for their protection. So long as Bunker Hill and Lexington and Concord and Yorktown and Valley Forge are remembered, so long as Shiloh and The Wilderness and Vicksburgh and The Lookout Mountain and Gettysburg and Ap- pomattox illumine the pages of our country's history and mark out the pathway of our country's struggles and triumphs, so long will the perpetuity of the Re- public be assured. 25 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER To these veterans, these members of the Grand Army of the Republic, who honor us and dignify this occasion by their presence, we are indebted far be- yond our power to pay. They are only the remnants of many a well-fought field, a small remnant of the Grand Army that marched forth to battle from '61 to '65. They are the survivors of the bravest army that ever walked the earth or gave battle to a foe, and in the name of our great country, which they saved, in the name of the flag whose honor they pre- served, in the name of that liberty and humanity for which they fought, and in the name of the 20th cen- tury, now enjoying the rich fruits of their sacrifices, we thank you and express the hope that your days may be long in the land which you saved, and that peace and happiness may be your everlasting reward. Our gratitude to those in whose honor we have met, and in whose honor this stone and tablet are being dedicated, can best be manifested by a steady attachment to that spirit of liberty which was kindled in the hearts of the Pilgrim Fathers; by a steadfast devotion to and prompt defence of the institutions so wisely established by the fathers; by our willingness to give treasure and blood and kin and life, if nec- essary, for the preservation of that political and re- ligious liberty which they established, and by our purpose, not boastingly declared, but deep down and firmly rooted in the heart of every American, that always, on land and sea, in every land and clime, the honor and integrity of the Stars and Stripes, that glorious emblem of a free people, shall be main- tained and defended. Our gratitude should be shown by obedience to and respect for the law, by the preservation and ob- 26 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER servance of all the constitutional checks, safeguards and balances upon the powers and privileges of the States and the Nation, and the three co-ordinate branches of the Federal and State governments; by insisting upon equal rights for all and special priv- ileges for none, save those who undertake to serve the public, and then only with such restrictions and limitations and control as will emphasize the fact that they are the servants and not the masters; by the enactment and impartial enforcement of just and equal laws; by the application to the problems aris- ing between capital and labor of the Golden Rule; by an unceasing warfare against anarchy that would de- stroy life and socialism that would overthrow organ- ized government, and against every form of vice and iniquity that would undermine our institutions, de- stroy our Sabbath or subvert our laws; by holding fast to the truth and the traditions of the past and not allowing ourselves to be sv/ept off our feet by the storm of radicalism which now and then passes over our country. In these days of unusual social and industrial un- rest and discontent, in these times of harsh criticism and inexcusable pessimism, when some men say that there is one rule of conduct, one standard of morality for the rich and another for the poor, when some men erroneously say that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor, when in many minds the false notion prevails that money is king and that wealth can command all things material; in these times it is well to hold up the life of Lincoln as the typical American, as the example for the young of the 20th century. Y\^ith Lincoln the question was not how much he could get out of his country, not how 27 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER much graft there was in it for him, not what per- quisites and emoluments he could help himself to; but rather how much service he could gratuitously render, how many sacrifices he could make and how much suffering he could endure for his country and his fellow-men. Yet the character of Lincoln is not unique in that respect. Our land everywhere abounds with strong, unselfish, patriotic, charitable and honest men, men who serve their fellows honestly and conscientiously, and to whom the holding of public office is a sacred trust. Never were political ideals or professional or business standards higher than they are to-day, and never before was our country so united and harmoni- ous, so prosperous and happy; never were our institu- tions so secure, and never was the outlook for the future brighter. A striking and convincing proof may be found in the recent splendid victory for law and order by our great Governor, Charles E. Hughes, against most powerful influences and unlimited wealth, law, right, and the best sentiment have prevailed. Such a result would have been impossible twenty-'five years ago. Twenty-five and more years ago it would have been impossible to have aroused sufficient public sentiment to force an unwilling legislature to enact a law of the character of the anti-race track gambling bills, nor would it have been possible to stay the force of the corrupt influences that were at work in opposition to those measures, but which in this instance was over- come by the moral sense of the State, and this great moral triumph, this splendid victory for law and order, is one of the many good signs of the times. Now and then we are startled and alarmed by an 28 Patriotic Instructor Sanborn Camp, S. O. V. Also Division Patriotic Instructor of N. Y. THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER outbreak here and there, sectional difference, race riots, labor troubles, political upheavals, corruption and iniquity revealed in this place or that, anarchy and socialism. These things sometimes disturb and alarm us and cause us to fear for the future of the Republic; but, believe me, these things are only tem- porary, they are only skin deep. They are mere abra- sions upon the body politic, and as a scratch on your hand is quickly healed by the healthy blood in your veins, so these eruptions and disturbances are quickly Tiealed by the strong current of national life which is constantly coursing through the veins of the Republic. ^'Fear not each sudden sound and shock, 'Tis of the wave and not the rock, 'Tis but the flapping of a sail. And not a rent made by the gale. In spite of rock and tempest roar. In spite of false lights on the shore. Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea; Our hearts, our hopes are all with thee; Our hearts, our hopes, our joys, our tears. Our faith, triumphant o'er our fears. Are all with thee, are all with thee." ( Prolonged Applause ) CONCLUSION. At the conclusion of Judge Tompkins' address, which was frequently received with applause in its delivery, President Van Buren arose saying: "Under the inspiration and enthusiasm so justly awakened by 2^ THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER this thoughtful, highly patriotic and eloquent oration we will appropriately sing the National Anthem." Singing of " America " by the audience. The Rev. J. Riley Johnson, D. D., Nyack's Nestor, fittingly concluded the exercises by pronounc- ing the Benediction. JJattonal iMnnum^ttts, BY REV. HENRy VAN DYKE. D. D. Count not the cost of honor to the dead! The tribute that a mighty nation pays To those who loved her well in former days Means more than gratitude for glories fled; For every noble man that she hath bred, Immortalized by art's immortal praise. Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise. To lead our sons as he our fathers led. These monuments of manhood, brave and high. Do more than forts or battleships to keep Our dear-bought liberty. They fortify The heart of youth with valor wise and deep; They build eternal bulwarks, and command Eternal strength to guard our native land. Courtesy of The Century Magazine. 30 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER ^\\t Jfgark lEtbrary. OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES: HOWARD. VAN BUREN . • President W. B. CONRAD . • Vice-President A. M. VOORHIS Secretary and Treasurer DR. E. H. MAYNARD E. F. PERRY G. O. MARTINE F. R. CRUMBIE G. H. CRAWFORD GERRIT SMITH STEPHEN R. BRADLEY, Jr. MISS HELEN L. POWELL, Librarian. MISS FLORENCE L. HALSTEAD, Ass't Librarian. The Gettysburg Address of Abraham Lincoln is displayed upon the walls of Oxford University as an example to the students of how much can be said in the fewest possible English words. If a foreign University is compelled by its elo- quence to give it such a place of honor for its rhetor- ical qualities alone, how much more should it be displayed in every college, in every school, in every library, in every home in America. Here it is far more eloquent than in England. These ever-living words are a constant source of inspiration to a nobler Ufe, a truer citizenship. 31 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER (grant*j0 S^ar^toll Ai&rFBB. Soldiers of the Armies of the United States : By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, brav- ery and endurance, you have maintained the suprem- acy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of the laws and of the proclamations forever abolishing slavery — the cause and pretext of the rebellion — and opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil. Your marches, sieges and battles, in distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of results, dim the lustre of the world's past military achievements, and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right in all time to come. In obedience to your country's call you left your homes and families and volunteered in its defense. Victory has crowned your valor, and secured the purpose of your patriotic hearts; and with the grati- tude of your countrymen and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families, con- scious of having discharged the highest duty of Amer- ican citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs and secure to yourselves, your fellow-countrymen, and posterity the blessings of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The graves of these a grateful nation bedews with tears, honors their memories, and will ever cherish and support their stricken families. 32 y^y 1 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER J^eto fnrk ^tate lEiurattonal S^partmpnt, Albany, N. Y., July 20, 1908. Mr. Charles M. Montgomery, Waldron Post, G. A. R., Nyack, N. Y. Dear Sir: The rock specimen which you have submitted to me for examination, taken from the memorial boul- der which your Post has erected, is what is com- monly and commercially known as granite, not unlike that quarried at Peekskill. To the geologist the name for the rock would be dioritic gneiss, the white color being feldspar and the green mineral hornblende. It is a rock which was originally molten and has been intruded by internal forces into and through the other rocks composing the earth's crust, and so it might properly be termed a lava, inasmuch as it is of volcanic origin. Very truly yours. X^^a^ State Geologist. 33 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER OFFICERS Waldron Post, Commander S. V. Commander . . J. V. Commander Chaplain Adjutant Quartermaster Officer of the Day Officer of the Guard Sergeant Major Quartermaster Sergeant Patriotic Instructor Delegate No. 82, G. A. R. ISAAC E. PYE .. TUNIS D. SEAMAN STEWART A. WALTERS EDWARD K. RUSSELL JOHN A. BURKE .. HENRY DeBAUN HARRY C ALBURTUS JAMES P. BABCOCK ABRAM L. ROMAINE JAMES LOCKE CHAS. M. MONTGOMERY LOUIS L. ROBBINS Waldron Relief President, . Mary M. Halliday S. V. President, . Maria Smith J. V. President, . Libbie Canning Secretary, . Hattie M. Walters Treasurer, . Blanche L. Halliday Chaplain, . . Lizzie N. Hunt Conductor, . Martha J. Scott Guzurd, . . Caroline Blauvelt Corps, No. 98. Ass't. Condr., Josephine Conover Ass't. Guard, . Mary Hoffman 1st Color Bearer, Maggie Smith 2nd " " Mary Phillips 3rd " " Catherine Hogan 4th " '* Minnie Haeselbarth Musician, , Mattie Witherell Patriotic Instructor, Mary Strack Thos. L. Sanborn Camp, No. Commander Sr. Vice Commander Jr. Vice Commander Secretary and Treasurer Chaplain Sergt. of the Guzurd . Corp. of the Guard Patriotic Instructor 35, N. Y. Div., S. O. V. Eilis Scott Frank S. Scott W. F. Coleman Warren HQl Fred. DeBaun Fred. L. Christie . Stewart A. Walters . J. ELlmcr Christie 34 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER MEMBERS OF WALDRON POST. Alburtus, H. C, Private, Co. C, 13th N. Y. Blauvelt. J. D.. Private, Co. H, 12th N. Y ' Babcock, J. P., Private, Co. I, 2d B. and 24th V. R. C. Brown, Geo., Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T. Burke J. A. Private, U. S. Marine Corps. Coates, J. W., Private, Co. I, 50th N. Y. Eng. Conover, J. H., Private, Co. F, 17th N. Y. Vol. Conover, A, Private, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol. Conklin, N.. Private, Co. I, 17th N. Y. M. Conklin W. H., Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps. DeBaun, H., Private, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol. Ennis, Geo. A., Private, 6th N. Y. H. A. Fitzpatrick, J., Private, Co. B, 1st N. Y. Cav. Gregory, L. B., Capt. Co. E, 1st N. Y. M. R. Glen, Matthew, Capt., Co. H., 12th N. Y. S. M. Homan, W. H., Private, Co. I, 57th N. Y. Vol. Hudson, A. A, Private, Co. B, 95th N. Y. VoL Handy W. A., Wagoner, Co. B, 18th Conn. Vol. Huested, S. B.. Capt.. Co. K. 37th U. S. C. T. Jewell, A.. Private, Co. L, 1st N. Y. Vol. Jackson, John, Private, Co. H, 122d U. S. Vol. Locke, J., Private, Co. K, 6th N. Y. H. A. Murray, R. B., Corporal, Co. C, 161st N. Y. Vol. Myers, W. H., Sergeant, Co. K, 5th La. Inf. C. T. McElroy, C, Corporal, Co. B, 161st N. Y. Vol. Montgomery, Chas. M., Private, Co. I, 14th N. Y. H. A. Pye I E., Sergeant, Co. D, 128th N. Y. Vol. Quick, G T., 1st Lieut, Co. C. 1st B. N. Y. Vol. Bobbins, L. L.. Private, Co. F, 23d Mass. Vol. Requa, W. S. U. S., Private, Co. C, 2d U. S. Vol. Romaine, A. L., Corporal. Co. C, 127th N. Y. Vol. Russell, Edward K., Private,2d Battery, Mass. Lt. Art. Sanborn, T. L., 1st Lieut., Co. D, 11th N. H. Vol. Scott O. H., Landsman, U. S. G. B., Eutaw. Smiti J. H., Private, Co. F., 95th N. Y. Vol Smith H E., Corporal, Co. A, 54th and 12 7th N. Y. Vol. Seaman, T. D., 1st Serg't, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol. Slinn, B. S., Private, Co. I, 17th N. Y. Vol. Salair, J. N., Niagara, U. S. N. Sherman, G. H., Serg't, Co. B, 10th Mass. Vol. Smith, Daniel, Private, Co. G. 124th N. Y. VoL 35 THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER Sayer, Abram, Private, Co. F, 17th Conn. Inf. Samuels, Benjamin, Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T. Tuttle, W. E., 1st Lieut, 48th N. Y. Vol. Thompson, James, Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T. Van Wagner, R. S., Private, Co. H, 80th N. Y. Inf. Vandine, Jos., Private, Co. E, 22d N. J. Vol. Walters, S. A., Private, Co. B, 14th U. S. Inf. Wallace, I. S., Private, Co. A, 4th N. Y. H. A. Wood, H. M., Private, Co. G, 17th N. Y. Vol. Waldron, C. S., Private, Co. G, 17th and 146th N. Y. Vol. Williamson, J. H., Corporal, Co. F, 26th U. S. C. T, IN MEMORIAM. Jacob Haerle, Sept. 17, 1889, Sergt. Co. E, 15th Ger. H. A. Wilson Defendorf, Jan. 2, 1891, Capt, Co. K, 135th N.Y.V. C. E. Goodrich, May 31, 1892, Co. A, 5th N. Y. V. Philip Gernand, Nov. 26, 1892, Co. C, 17th N. Y. V. J. G. Daily, June 20, 1893, Serg't, Co. K, 6th N. Y. H. Art R. M. C. Hilliard, March 9, 1893, Co. E, 3d N. H. Vol. Andrew Dorfner, Feb. 22, 1894, Co. K, 4th N. Y. H. A. Henry Ennis, May 8, 1894, 6th N. Y. H. A. Abner Conklin, Jan. 26, 1897, Co. B, 22d N. Y. Vol. R. C. Walker, July 22, 1897, Co. A, 5th N. Y. H. A. L. E. Hogan, Nov. 16, 1897, Co. F, 47th N. Y. S. M. Charles McKie, Nov. 24, 1897, Co. H, 7th N. Y. S. M. John Tallman, May 13, 1898, Co. A, 26th U. S. Inf. D. F. Meisner, May 28, 1898, Co. K, 34th N. J. Vol. A. M. Peck, March 7, 1899, Co. B, 1st U. S. Lancers. Thomas Stewart Aug. 16, 1899, Co. A, N. Y. C. Inf. Benjamin Vanderveer, March 19, 1902, Co. C, 91st Penn. V. J. H. Christie, Aug. 6, 1902, Co. G, 17th N. Y. Vol. W. E. Sutton, Dec. 28, 1902, Co. A, 4th N. Y. H. A. Jas. Nicholson, 1904, Co. I, 38th Mass Vol. L. Van Riper, Oct 7, 1904, Co. B, 137th N. Y. Vol. W. Kneiss, March 9, 1904, Co. E, 4th U. S. A. G. F. Morse, May 25, 1905, Co. D, 91st N. Y. Vol. Abram Blauvelt Oct 23, 1906, Co. G, 22d N. Y. Vol. A. S. Smith, Feb. 20, 1908, Capt, Co. K, 20th N. Y. S. M. J. H. Goetschius, March 3, 1908, Co. I, 17th N. Y. S. M. T. Thompson, April 24th, 1908, Co. A, 26th, U. S. Inf. C. A. Robinson, July 15, 1908, Co. H, 120th N. Y. Vol. 36 o •A o > o PHOTO BY HOFFER, NYACK -Cfi^^^y^^ ^ The Committee most cordially thank Governor Charles E. Hughes for his commendatory and patri- otic introductory sketch, also our townsman, Louis B. Couch, M. D., for his appropriate and highly pa- triotic poem on page 7. Thanks are also tendered The Lincoln Educational League, Francis D. Tandy Company, Lincoln History Society, The Century Magazine, Mr. W. R. Caldwell, of McClure's Magazine, and Mr. G. B. Mitchell, of The Chemical Engraving Co., all of New York City; and the Rev. Henry Van Dyke, D. D., of Princeton, N. J., for courtesies extended. Extra copies of this Souvenir, while they last, may be obtained at the Journal Office for 25 cents each or by addressing C. M. Montgomery, Nyack, N. Y. The number is limited. <{ l^.ff^i'f:^j.n.t;^\V" ^/^'^ i.t' r-'^ '\ \.,. "' i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 499 424 3 ^ JOURNAL f*RI NT, NYACK