Put Infirmary Bond to a Referendum

Another piece of Dutchess County History must be considered worth saving!

It appears from Margaret Fettes' Friday August 13, 2004 Article "Infirmary Bond to Get Ball Rolling" that many of the former Dutchess County Poorhouse Historic Structures will be demolished. I refer specifically to the "older part of the infirmary". In addition, the "house", historically known as the "Keeper's House" erected in 1865 should be retained by the County as a Historical Landmark which could house artifacts and records of the Poorhouse and promote Tourism in the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area.

These Structures need to be addressed regarding their General and Socio-Economic County History. Their restoration, maintenance and continued beneficial use for the County at large considered more thoroughly. Are they eligible for the State and National Historic Registers, which could provide a source of funding for their restoration?

Place a choice of Bonding Resolutions on the November Ballot. Include a Bonding Resolution that would restore and rehabilitate the Historical Buildings for prospective uses - County Archives and County Historian Office and more.

Our County has been without Historian for over 12 years. We are loosing our History fast under the guise of "progress". It often takes a big heart and an expanded mind to put long term historical profit ahead of immediate monetary considerations, but that is what public officials are elected & expected to do and what taxpayers should have a choice in determining. Our History is not disposable.

[Letter to the Editor submitted to the Poughkeepsie Journal and the Poughkeepsie "Weekly" Beat - August 13, 2004 by Ginny]