Senate Resolution No. 784

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of The Hedges
on Blue Mountain Lake, an Adirondack rustic resort

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
the availability of exceptional recreational facilities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long- standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake,
an Adirondack rustic resort; and

WHEREAS, The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake opened its doors to the
first guests on May 28, 1921; and

WHEREAS, In 1920, Richard and Margaret Collins had purchased the
Great Camp of Hiram B. Duryea; and

WHEREAS, In 1880, retired Civil War hero Brigadier General Duryea
had acquired the land to escape from city life; and

WHEREAS, Brigadier General Duryea constructed a cluster of buildings
including the Main Lodge, the Stone Lodge, a horse barn and carriage
house, and from that beginning, the Collins family added the Dining Room
Lodge and numerous other buildings to create what is today a beloved
rustic resort; and

WHEREAS, Upon Richard's death in 1943, Richard and Margaret's son,
John, Sr., became the General Manager, and The Hedges on Blue Mountain
Lake continued to grow in popularity, with families returning year after
year; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake was sold to
Richard and Catherine Van Yperen who maintained its charm and beauty for
the next 27 years with the participation of many family members; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, when the Van Yperens wished to retire, they sold
The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake to Pat and Rip Benton; two years later,
after Rip died, Pat took on the management alone; and

WHEREAS, Pat Benton advocated that the site and buildings of The
Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake be placed on the National Register of
Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, a coalition of loyal guests purchased The Hedges
on Blue Mountain Lake so Pat could retire and in 2019, Jamie Thomas
became the General Manager; and

WHEREAS, The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake has continuously welcomed
guests and operated as a successful business benefiting the regional
economy for 100 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, an historic marker was installed on Hedges Road
recognizing the origin of the Duryea Camp in 1880, and the Collins
family opening The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake for guests in 1921; and

WHEREAS, In commemoration of the 100th Anniversary in 2021, a book
about its history: "The Hedges: The Story of Twelve Precious Acres on
Blue Mountain Lake" has been published; and

WHEREAS, The Centennial season will begin on June 9, 2021, with
appropriate safety practices and with on-site celebratory activities for
guests and staff; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the success of The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake and
recognizes its contributions to the local and State economies, fully
confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has
experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake,
an Adirondack rustic resort; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jamie Thomas, General Manager, The Hedges on Blue
Mountain Lake.