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Excerpts
from Wycoff House & Association Bulletins:
THE
WYCKOFF ASSOCIATION IN AMERICA
A Sketch of the Early Years, 1937-1972
(Reprinted from the Wyckoff House & Association Bulletin,
1996, pp. 4-13)
THE
PIETER CLASEN WYCKOFF HOUSE -
FROM FARM DWELLING TO MUSEUM: A CHRONOLOGY
(Reprinted from the Wyckoff House & Association Bulletin,
1997, pp. 32-40)
HISTORY
OF THE WYCKOFF HOUSE & ASSOCIATION, 1973-1996 (Reprinted
from the Wyckoff House & Association Bulletin, 1997,
pp. 27-31)
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The
Wyckoff House & Association
HISTORY
OF THE WYCKOFF HOUSE & ASSOCIATION, 1973-1996
(Reprinted from the Wyckoff House & Association Bulletin, 1997, pp. 27-31).
By William S. Wyckoff (Director Emeritus, Wyckoff House & Association)
The years 1937-1972 are documented by D. Campbell Wyckoff
in the 1996 Bulletin, but I would like that initially to
acknowledge two persons who played an important
role in bringing the Association to the important year of 1972. The action
of the New York Landmarks Commission, which declared the Wyckoff House a
0001 Landmark in 1965, was chaired by Harmon H. Goldstone. He
was a very prominent
architect and kept his interest in the Wyckoff house until his death in 1995.
With out the support over the years on battling with various city agencies,
the House would have been LOST. William R. Fisher, as vice-chairman of the
Landmarks Commission and attorney for Twentieth Century Fox, also continued
activities on behalf of the House and Association until his death in the
1980's. During the many years of negotiating with the city, he
was our legal advisor.
He saw that contract negotiations with the city were in the best interest
of the Association; when it became necessary to merge the Foundation
and the Association;
when it became necessary to merge the Foundation and the Association, he
prepared numerous papers be federal, state and city offices to
establish the new Wyckoff
House & Association as a not for profit organization, As in Harmon Goldstone's
case, all William Fisher's efforts were a gift. Without these two men, there
surely would be not Wyckoff house Museum.
1973
This is the year to adjust to new Wyckoff House & Association. At the Annual
Meeting the new bylaws are approved by the Board of Directors and presented
to the members. William Fletcher Wyckoff reveals a very important collection
of 44 documents held by their family to live in the House. This collection
includes "The Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown" taken by
Pieter Clasen.
1974
The continuing development of the new organization is furthered with publishing
in the Bulletin the duties of the officers and committee chairs. The importance
of regional meting is also recognized. More than 60 Wyckoffs and friends visit
the Wyckoff house following the Annual Meeting and see the work in progress
to reestablish the history of the House.
1975
The restoration of the house is delayed because of the financial crisis in
the City. The 850,000 Federal Grant for the establishment of a park around
the House is amended to include restoration.
1976
The restoration of the House is delayed because of the financial crisis in
the City. The 850,000 Federal Grant for the establishment of a park around
the House is amended to include restoration.
1977
President Frederick A. Wyckoff Jr. signs the historic agreement on June 30th
with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commission to raise funds for
the operations of the Wyckoff House Museum. Donald L. Wyckoff is selected to
be the first executive director of the Museum.
1978
Fire Fire Fire Fire! Early in the morning on January 10 a fire severely damages
the center room of the House. Mae Libitz, a longtime friend of the House, discovers
and reports the fire. Only with her call and the quick response of the fire
department is the House saved. Due to the work of Oliver Rathbun and Lynn White,
it is announced that the 3rd edition of the Wyckoff Family in America is soon
published. A reprint of the 2nd edition is authorized by the Board of Directors.
1979
At last, the final action for the restoration of the House is approved by the
city. John Milner Associates, a foremost architectural firm specializing in
restoration of historic buildings, is appointed by the city. A great supporter
of the Wyckoff House, Walter Friend, dies this year. With his wife Hattie Wycoff
Friend, he strongly supported the long fight to save the House.
1980
The 3rd edition of The Wyckoff Family in America-Nicholas line is available
at the Annual Meeting. At last, the contract for the restoration of the Wyckoff
House is let to Turner Construction Company, Special Projects Division, with
a target date of 1982.
1981
On May 20 mayor Edward Koch and many other officials, Brooklyn neighbors, and
numerous Wyckoffs meet at the House to celebrate the start of restoration.
Work on the 3rd edition, volume 2, of The Wyckoff Family in America is scheduled
for publication in 1983.
1982
On October 1 several hundred Wyckoffs, city officials, neighbors, and friends
gather for the dedication for the House as a Museum. It is a wonderful three
days orchestrated by executive director Donald L. Wyckoff. Ida Wyckoff, Don's
aunt who was born in the House, cuts the ribbon. As the celebration draws
to a close, Don announces that "the end is just the beginning."
1983
Volume 2 of the 3rd edition of The Wyckoff Family in America is completed with
Lynn White and Oliver Rathbun receiving accolades for their monumental undertaking
requiring more than five years E. Lisk Wyckoff succeeds Frederick A. Wyckoff,
Jr., as president. Rick, as he was known to us, led the Association through
some of its most important evolutionary events.
1984
Hundreds visit the House in its first year. Sadly we lose past president Frederick
A. Wyckoff Jr., after a valiant battle with a failing heart. An important collection
of deeds and other papers concerning the House are received from Wilhemina
Wyckoff.
1985
The question of the birthplace of Pieter Claesen is researched by several members
of the Association including Helen Landman Wikoff of Columbus, OH and Bernard
Hall of New York City. These two people go to Holland and discover new and
tantalizing facts in Friesland. Unfortunately many records are lost because
of a flood that devastated this area. Actual proof about the birthplace therefore
cannot be documented.
1986
The Annual Reunion is held year in Kansas City, MO, where one of the largest
gatherings of cousins ever assembled takes place. During this year regional
meetings are held in New York, New Jersey, Florida the South Central States,
California, Arizona, Virginia, the Northwest, and Ohio.
1987
The 350th anniversary of Pieter Claesen's arrival in New Amsterdam and the
50th anniversary of the Wyckoff Association are celebrated in New York and
especially Brooklyn. Mayor Edward Koch welcomes us abroad the ship renamed
Rensselaerwyck for the one bringing Pieter here on March 4, 1637. A gala
banquet is enjoyed as we sail around Manhattan Island on Thursday, October1. "Home
to the House" is celebrated on Saturday, October 3, when hundreds tour
the House.
The Wilhelm Wykhoff family from Germany share the day with us. "Home to
Holland" is celebrated on Monday, October 4, when the tour group leaves
for Holland.
1988
Santa Rosa, CA hosts the Annual Reunion. The Board of Directors approves important
revisions to the bylaws and submits them for approval at the general meeting
held after the Annual Board Meeting. Guidelines for the officers and committee
chairs are also approved.
1990
The 25th Anniversary of the naming of the Wyckoff House as 0001 Landmark and
the oldest building surviving in New York City is celebrated at eh Annual Reunion
in Williamsburg, VA, the scene of so many historical events which occurred
after March 4, 1637, when Pieter Claesen arrived in America.
1991
The publication of The Wyckoff Family in America. Volumes 1and 2 in the 3rd
editions, is made possible by the many years of dedicated work of Daisy and
Oliver Rathbun, the latter also serving as treasurer of the Association for
many years. Oliver Newell Rathbun dies on February 11 after years of unmatched
devotion to the Wyckoff House & Association.
1992
The 10th Anniversary of the dedication of the House is celebrated by many cousins
and friends who return to take part in activities resembling those of our ancestors.
Special recognition is given to those friends who passed away during this year.
Hattie Wyckoff Friend, Colin Durham, William Fisher, and Sidney Wyckoff
1993
The highlight of the reunion this year is a visit to Wyckoff, MN to attend
this town's Fall Festival. The headquarters for meetings is in Rochester, MN,
the home of the famed Mayo Clinic. During this year, the House entertains more
than 1800 visitors.
1994
At the reunion in Seattle, WA, Paul Wyckoff presents a paper written by Joyce
and Sjoerd Kiers giving a picture of the migration of the Dutch to the western
part of the United States. The beauty of the Northwest is enjoyed by many cousins
and friends.
1995
Historic New Castle, DE, is selected by the New Jersey chapter for our Annual
Reunion and Meeting. On Sunday morning 55 of us go by bus to the House Museum
to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the New York City Landmark Commission's
selection of the Wyckoff House as New York's 0001 Landmark. Henry Stern, commissioner
of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, welcomes the large crowd that has
gathered to tour the house and the Fidler/Wyckoff Park.
1996
A new format for the reunion held at Tucson, AZ, gives members the opportunity
to learn about the activities of the Association. Many fine suggestions and
ideas are offered at each session and a better understanding of the workings
of the Museum and the importance of regional and annual meeting results. a
much appreciated bequest from the estate of Helen Landman Wikoff in Columbus,
OH, of $72,410 is announced. Helen organized the Ohio chapter and was a longtime
genealogist. All of her valuable records are now with the Wyckoff house and
Association.
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