Hyde Park Town Crest
Crest of the Town of Hyde Park, New York
During the 2008 visit, a girlhood friend accompanied me making all of our travel arrangements. In New York City at La Guardia airport, she rented a car at her own expense and drove me upstate to Hyde Park. On our return, she insisted I make stops at points of interest in an effort to collect new photographs for our website. I had balked at this suggestion, concerned we’d become lost or mugged or worse as you read in the newspapers or see in the movies when you take a wrong turn. Fortunately, I was overruled and for this persistence on her part we have much for which she should be thanked.
One stop was at Hyde Park Town Hall where I inquired about the crest, or seal, of Hyde Park, a marvelous mosaic created by local students. The crest is a "marriage" between the Roosevelt and Stoutenburgh family crests. The helpful receptionist indicated it could be found in the conference room, where a morning exercise class was in session. She peeked her head in and asked if the ladies would mind if I crept in to click off some photos.
The morning group was very friendly and recognized our family name. It was a unique experience. I was so overcome that I forgot to retrieve my purse from among the collection of articles on the table holding the ladies’ belongings. I wasn’t too far down the road when I realized my return flight ticket wasn’t among my possessions and we hastened back to recover it.
The ladies in the exercise group laughed, and I laughed and waved to the staff as I took my second exit. Nearly to the rental car, I heard a voice from behind calling "Miss Stoutenburgh! Miss Stoutenburgh!" I turned to find the receptionist waving a small sheaf of papers, trotting along in her nicely heeled feet. "I found this in a file. You may have a copy."
I thanked the helpful lady and realized that had I not forgotten my purse, I’d have missed the town’s contribution to our family’s history. Thank you to the Town of Hyde Park for your acknowledgements and contributions.
Numerous articles about our family have been published by the Poughkeepsie Journal over the years. Please do not overlook these resources in your search to learn more about our heritage.
