The NEW UTRECHT LIBERTY POLE

On November 25th, 1783, the British forces evacuated NXew York and the Continental Army took possession. It was a glorious event to the people of Long Island. They were a Dutch people, and the rule of the English was at best the rule of the conqueror. As soon as peace was declared, they set about preparing to fittingly celebrate the departure of the British. This was done by the erection of a Liberty Pole in each town. We know nothing of this l.iberty Pole celebration, except that it occurred. Of the other celebrations which occurred in the other towns we have more or less authentic reports. It is certain that, as in the other cases, the ladies made the flag and the men cut and erected the pole. The event was then celebrated by a public ball or an elegant dinner. The pole stood until 1834, when the inhabitants took up a collection and planted a new pole, dedicating it with proper exercises. The present pole was erected in May, 1867, through the efforts of Colonel William J. CROPSEY and Mr. Rulif VAN BRUNT. This pole became dilapidated and was reset May, 1899. The usual method used to secure funds for the care of the pole was to form a committee and collect the necessary money to do the work, and to hold exercises in commemoration. For the last quarter of a century, Mr. and Mrs. Townsend C. VAN PELT have tended to the pole, keeping the flag, seeing that it was hoisted upon the pole on all public days, and tending to the necessary repairs. It is to their patriotism that we owe the presentation of this landmark, which stands in front of the New Utrecht Reformed Dutch Church, on Eighteenth Avenue. The eagle that caps the pole is the original one, erected over one hundred and twenty-five y.ears ago. About a year ago an Association was incorporated to care for and per-petuate the pole. They held their first meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. VAN PELT, the Old VAN PELT Manor House. Officers were elected, as follows: John F. Berry, President. Townsend C. VAN PELT, Vice-President. M. Stewart HEGEMAN, Secretary. J. R. VAN BRUNT, Treasurer. On November 25th, 1908, commemorative exercises were held. This was the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the erection of the first pole. It was one of the largest gatherings held in New Utrecht. The people filled the church, and crowded the grounds around the pole. The exercises were carried through with great dignity, and the people were stirred by the eloquence of the patriotic speakers. The audience was composed largely of descendants of those who set thc original pole. It is interesting to know that this is the only Liberty pole now standing. In some cases other poles have been erected on the spots where liberty poles formerly stood, but a pole has stood here since the first Liberty Pole was erected.

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