Original Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, former Yasgur's Farm

Bethel, New York

C/O Ms. Joanne Hague, Board of Directors

P.O. Box 216,

Olyphant, PA 18447

January 20, 2003

The Woodstock Preservation Alliance is an assembly of people working together to

perpetuate the Spirit of Woodstock. The Mission of the Preservation Alliance is to

preserve the historic site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival as an open field where

all people are welcome to celebrate peace, love and music.

The WPA is a grass-roots organization in its purest form. We accept no direct donations

or dues from anyone. We have no funds, whatsoever. We are not a not-for-profit

organization, and we have absolutely no financial stake in the outcome of this struggle.

No one is paid, and no one wants to be. We only want what is right for this important

and historic icon of American history.

• To approach and interact with the owners of the property and with government

agencies in order to ensure that they are aware of the historic nature of this land, and

to persuade them to keep this land free of any structures and return it to it's natural

state.

• To actively campaign for the building of the Performing Arts Center at a location

other than the original 37.5-acre site.

• To increase public awareness that this land may be built on.

DOCUMENT: Application for Nomination to America's 11 Most Endangered Historical Sites

PROJECT: 

The Original Woodstock Site

New York State Route 17B, Hurd Road,

West Shore Road, Bethel, Sullivan County, NY

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Office of Communications

1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20036

The Woodstock Preservation Alliance

PO Box 216

Olyphant PA 18447

January 20, 2003

A) Summary of Key Point Issues …………………………………………. 8

B) Sites History …………………………………………………………… 9

C) Sites Reputation and Attraction to Tourists …………………………… 10

D) Importance of the Site and the Preservation Issues it Represents ……... 11

E) Description of the Threat and What Possible Steps Can Be Taken to

Eliminate the Threat …………………………………………………... 12

F) The Significance of the Threat ………………………………………… 13

G) Viable Solutions that Would Save the Site ……………………………. 14

H) The Major Players ……………………………………………………... 15

I) Opposition to Preserving the Site ……………………………………… 16

J) How Listing the Site as one of America's 11 Most Endangered

Historic Places can Help Save the Site ………………………………... 17

K) How the National Trust Can Alleviate the Threat ……………………... 18

L) The Value the National Trust Can Add to Saving the Site …………….. 19

M) Additional Comments………………………………………………….. 20

N. Contacts ……………………………………………………………….. 21

a. The Woodstock Preservation Alliance …………………………... 22

b. The Gerry Foundation …………………………………………… 23

a) Bethel Town Officials …………………………………………… 24

A) Statement on the Historical and Cultural Significance of the 1969 …… 1-3

Woodstock Festival Site (from the draft Environmental Impact Statement

B) Letter Received from Dr. Michael Wm. Doyle, Ph.D. ………………… 1-23

A) Letters Written by The Woodstock Preservation Alliance

a) Alan Gerry …………………………………………………. 2-3

b) Governor George E. Pataki ………………………………… 2-5

c) Jacob Gunther, New Your State Assembly ………………... 2-7

d) Sullivan County Visitors Association ……………………... 2-9

e) Town of Bethel - Joint Lead Agency for the

Bethel Performing Arts Center …………………………….. 2-10

B) Letters Received by the Woodstock Preservation Alliance ………………. 2-15

a) Gerry Foundation, Inc., Denise Frangipane, Program Officer … 2-17

b) Lisa Law with Release Authorization for Photographs …………….. 2-19

c) Michael Wadleigh, Director, documentary "Woodstock" ……

2-21

d) Wavy Gravy ……………………………………………… 2-23

C. Public Support Letters (Received by the Town of Bethel during periods of

Public Commentary) ……………………………………………………….. 2-25

D. Editorials ………………………………………………………………. 2-115

a) A Time Like Never Before ………………………………… 2-117

b) Woodstock Project Curiosities …………………………….. 2-221

c) Woodstock Should Not Be Sterilized ……………………… 2-223

d) Editorial ……………………………………………………. 2-225

e) Disappointed, Preservationists Weigh In …………………..

2-227

f) A Last Chance for Bethel to Make the Right Choice ………

2-229

g) Woodstock Site a Historical Landmark ……………………. 2-231

E) Letters to the Editor ……………………………………………………..

2-233

a) Re: Woodstock Pleas Come To Late ……………………….

2-235

b) Woodstock, Deception, and "Killing the Goose

that Laid the Golden Egg" ………………………………….

2-237

F) Public Service Announcements …………………………………………

2-243

a) "You Don't Have to Settle for Half a Loaf" …………………

2-245

b) "Would You Build a Shopping Center Where Washington

Crossed the Delaware?" …………………………………….. 2-247

c) "Killing the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg" ………………

2-249

d) "Preserving the 1969 Woodstock Site" ……………………...

2-251

G) Press Releases …………………………………………………………… 2-253

a) Woodstock Preservation Alliance Favors 634-Acre Bethel

Performing Arts District, Opposes New Gerry Foundation

Plan for 38-Acre '69 Woodstock Site (6/14/02) ……………. 2-255

b) Woodstock Preservation Alliance Statement on the Current

Performing Arts Center E.I.S. (9/5/02) ……………………..

2-259

A) Petition Document (as submitted to the Town of Bethel) ……………… 3-3

a) Letter to the Bethel Joint Lead Agency …………………………… 3-5

b) Letter to the Bethel Joint Lead Agency …………………………… 3-9

c) Petitions Submitted 9/12/02 ………………………………………. 3-11

Including Petitions Previously Submitted 5/02 …………………… 3-241

d) Addendum Petitions Submitted 10/8/02 ………………………….. 3-349

e) Addendum Petitions Submitted 10/21/02 ………………………… 3-401

f) Online Petition FAQ Sheet ……………………………………….. 3-435

g) Summary ………………………………………………………….. 3-441

h) Petitions Signed Subsequent to the Comment Periods……………... 3-443

A. Visuals (Disc Included) …………………………………………………. 4-3

a) Credits ……………………………………………………………. 4-23

As Seen Through The Media (a chronicle of newspaper articles)

Name of Site _____The Original Woodstock Site_____________________________________________

Address _____NY State Route 17B, Hurd Road, West Shore Road______________________________

City/State/Zip _____Sullivan County, Bethel, New York________________________________________

Date Built _________________ Ownership (choose one) ✿✿✿Public ✿✸✿✿ Private

Owner Name _____Alan Gerry Gerry Foundation____________________________________________

Owner Address _____One Cablevision Center, PO Box 311, Liberty, New York 12754_______________

Owner Phone _____845-295-2440_____ Owner Fax _____845-295-2444__________

Historic Designation ✿✿✿National Historic Landmark ✿✿✿National Registe

✿✿✿State/LocalDesignation

(choose one or more) ✿✸✿✿ National Register Eligible ✿✿✿Other (explain)

Name of individual/group nominating site _____The Woodstock Preservation Alliance_____________

Address _____PO Box 216, Olyphant, PA 18447___________________________________________

Phone _____570-489-1216_____ E-mail _Thewpa@thewoodstockspirit.org___joann110@aol.com__

This form must be signed in order for the nomination to be considered.

We undersigned hereby gives to the National Trust for Historic Preservation a non-exclusive license to use,

and to allow others to use, in whole or in part, in whatever manner the National Trust may desire, including

(but not limited to) use for publicity, audiovisual presentation, and/or promotion, all photographs, videos, and

other materials submitted to the National Trust in connection with the 11 Most Endangered nomination. .e

National Trust is hereby given permission to make any editorial changes and/or additions to the materials

referred to herein as it may deem necessary or desirable for production purposes. .e undersigned hereby

agrees that it has the authority to grant these rights, that it has obtained any such rights necessary from third

parties, including with-out limitation, models, creators, photographers, writers and producers, and that it will

hold harmless and indemnify the National Trust from and against any claim brought against the National

Trust from third parties that may arise out of the violation of this paragraph.

Release authorized by ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________

Signature Print or type name and title

A. Provide a brief overview in 200 words or less summarizing the major key points 2 through 13 below.

The Woodstock Preservation Alliance, a grass-roots, "non-registered", not-for-profit

lobby group is seeking the acceptance of the 38 acres in the Town of Bethel, Sullivan

County, New York State, known worldwide as the Original Site of the 1969 Woodstock

Music and Art Fair, "3 Days of Peace and Music". The 38-acre parcel of what was the

farm of Max Yasgur played host to between one quarter and one half of a million people

from August 15-17, 1969. The Woodstock site is a unique global landmark of

considerable cultural and social significance and is inseparable from the “Woodstock

Generation Spirit “ of activism, equity, community, ecology, balance and the desire for a

better world that played out on that 38 acres. The landmark is now slated in the Spring

2003 for development and commercialized greed through the Gerry Foundation’s change

in plans for the Bethel Performing Arts Center that now place the Core Activities

buildings on the top third of the site and steel security fencing on its perimeter. Site

owner, Alan Gerry has shown little regard for the preservation of this property and only

seeks to exploit its meaning for the purpose of profit. It is the desire of the WPA, to have

the Gerry Foundation see the benefits of having the Woodstock Site remain free from

development and obtrusive security fencing, allowing generations to come and

experience the natural beauty and meaning of this special place. The National Historic

Trust’s Preservation Online magazine is now in the process of producing an article that

chronicles the Alliance’s struggle to save this unique, cultural and historically significant

living landmark. We hope that through the National Historic Trust, this travesty will be

averted by acquiring qualified legal, political and preservation counsel.

B. What is the site’s history? Has it been nominated or been named to other endangered lists?

The remaining 37.5 acres known as the "Original Site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and

Art Fair" is the primary festival property that played host to an audience estimated

between one quarter and one half of a million people from all over the United States and

abroad, on August 15-17, 1969, in what is universally known as "Woodstock".

What was originally developed as a venture to raise funds for a recording studio in

Woodstock NY, became the largest and most significant of the “be-in” gatherings during

the 1960’s. The original site, located in the Catskill foothills in the Town of Bethel,

Sullivan County, New York, was part of the 630 acre farm of local dairy farmer, Max

Yasgur. Following an injunction that pushed the festival from its original location in

Wallkill NY, it was suggested to Woodstock Ventures by White Lake local Elliot Tiber,

to approach Max Yasgur for use of his property. Festival promoter Michael Lang was

immediately sold on the site shown to him by Max Yasgur. The 38 acre site at the corner

of Hurd and West Shore Roads (a portion of the several hundred acres leased for camping

etc), was, and still is, of pastoral magnificence. A large flat plateau for concessions,

progressing towards a gently sloping alfalfa field that created a natural bowl or

amphitheater. There was a rise at the bottom, perfect for a stage, and a lake in the

background.

Over the next three days of the festival, what was to be a commercial venture with

maximum attendance of 200,000 eventually was deemed a "free concert". Word had

spread about this event so far and wide, that festival promoters could not contain the

hundreds of thousands that made their way to the site. In addition, it is estimated that

over one million did not make it, creating the largest traffic back-up in New York State

history.

The crowd was treated to some of the top names in music of the day (Jimi Hendrix, Janis

Joplin, The Who). They also faced torrential downpours, mud, hunger and insufficient

basic amenities such as toilets and shelter, in what was deemed by the state governor as a

disaster area. Out of circumstance, the crowd, mainly comprised of middle class youth,

endured the conditions through the counterculture’s practices of caring, and sharing of all

available resources, with those around them. What was seen as a dismal failure

financially, was also seen as a significant cultural success for the disenfranchised youth

of the late 1960’s. A social experiment in communal living for three days that came to

define those youth as the "Woodstock Generation". This spectacular historic event, and

its unparallelled social meaning, was captured and chronicled, in the 1970 Academy

Award winning documentary, "Woodstock", directed by Michael Wadleigh. Woodstock

and Yasgur's farm has since remained inconic images for peace and common struggle. ---

In the years after the festival, the site remained much as it had prior to Woodstock.

Following Max Yasgur’s death in 1973, his wife Miriam sold off most of the original

farm.

The final 38-acre "festival site" was sold in 1981 to Louis Nicky and June Gelish. It

remained an undeveloped pasture for the following 15 years, with many visitors coming

each day to roam those hills made famous by Michael Wadleigh’s 1970 Academy Award

winning documentary “Woodstock”. The site was also host to yearly August

pilgrimages, and impromptu Woodstock reunions, set up and run by those in attendance.

In 1997, Liberty, New York cable billionaire Alan Gerry appraoched June Gelish to

purchase the property. Mr. Gerry was successful in having his Gerry Foundation (GF)

procure the original 38 acre festival site, along with over 1400 surrounding acres. His

vision was to create a Bethel Performing Arts Center (PAC) on 650 acres of that

property, which would include several music performance pavilions, theatres, performing

arts school, music museum and marketplace. Hailed as a civic champion in Sullivan

County, Mr. Gerry immediately hired architects and submitted an environmental impact

statement. As well, in what was a taste of things to come, the Gerry Foundation placed

wooden split-rail fencing around the site, dug trenches and placed large concrete blocks

on the perimeter to prevent anyone from driving onto the field. Visitation was limited to

daylight hours, stadium-style lighting was installed for night illumination and 24 hour

live security and surveillance cameras were implemented to ensure that there would be no

trespassing on this now “private property “.

From its inception, the Gerry Foundation assured all that the legacy of this historic

landmark would be preserved through the placement of all buildings onto the adjacent

farmlands, leaving the Woodstock site in as natural a state as possible. These assurances

were changed with the final proposal that placed the "Core Activities Buildings," which

includes a museum, concessions, operational facilities and a marketplace on the top third

of the upper plateau of the site. Other modifications to the site include asphalt pedestrian

walkways that cut across the festival bowl. Additionally, the site’s proposal indicates a

steel security fencing system (most likely chain-link) encompassing the area. These plans

were approved in November of 2002 and groundbreaking is planned for the spring of

2003.

Although the Woodstock Preservation Alliance has been in favor of a performing arts

district, it has attempted to work with Town officials, Gerry Foundation staff, and utilize

the appropriate tools of petitions, media releases, etc. to garner support, though to no

avail. The site has not been nominated to or placed on any other endangered historic sites

list. This will be the WPA's first experience in developing such a proposal. It is

encouraged that all supporting documentation be reviewed, as the WPA’s efforts to

preserve this significant landmark have been tireless and ongoing.

C. How well known is the site? Is the site a tourist destination and open to the public?

The site itself is known world-wide as the place where 500,000 people gathered for 3

days of peace and music. The site (i.e.original 38 acres) is also referred to a "Yasgur's

Farm" and "Woodstock" itself. The images of the site and the festival itself are thought to

be indelibly connected with the struggles and ideals of the 1960’s. The splendor of the

pasture setting for the festival was forever made part of cultural imagery through WPA

and nomination supporter Michael Wadleigh’s (please see support letter in supporting

documents) 1970 Oscar winning documentary. As well, supporter Lisa Law’s famous

photos of the site that have been featured at the Smithsonian Institute brought the historic

relevance and beauty of the site to the wider public. Most who listen to popular music

know about Woodstock from the song by Joni Mitchell of the same title and made

famous by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

For the past 33 years, the site has attracted visitors from all over the world. From Canada,

to Norway and Japan, visitors are drawn to the site. A site which has not been promoted

by the state and locality. There are no signs on highway 17B to tell you where to go to

find the site, but people still find it. Thousands every year come to see where it all

happened and visit a concrete memorial that is placed at the corner of Hurd and West

Shore Roads, and it is this corner that is open to the public during daylight hours.

Unfortunately, the site itself is not open to visitors, and those who venture onto the field

are often asked to leave by GF security. As the more commercialized versions of the

original Woodstock have taken place in 1994 and 1999, interest in the original site has

grown, and as the Gerry PAC comes into fruition, more visitors will come looking for the

site as shown in Wadleigh’s film, only to be bitterly disappointed once development is

completed.

D. Why is the site important? What preservation issues does it represent? Why should people care?

The Woodstock site, in its original, undeveloped state, is important inasmuch as it is a

tangible reminder of the cultural, historical and socially significant event that occurred

there in 1969. Although, the event has been debated and analyzed numerous times, the

site has come to symbolize the social and political climate of the late 1960’s, the

divisiveness of the United States over issues such as the Vietnam War, sexual liberation,

freedom of speech, personal expression, and so on.

The site is also important for the success of the planned performing arts center. In

communications with Mr. Wadleigh, simply put, history was made on that land. The

feelings of peace, brotherhood and connectedness, that others will want to experience

when coming to see the site as it was in the documentary, will be lost when the site no

longer resembles what other’s remember it to have looked like. Man-made structures will

look obtrusive or unnatural. Blacktop and cement will replace a beautiful rolling hillside.

Advertising signs and storefronts will commercialize the area itself. Electrical towers and

infrastructure will be evident, as well as the fumes from the congestion of cars coming to

the area in a short period of time for events. Essentially, the feeling of "Getting back to

the Garden" will be lost and virtually impossible to reclaim. The success of the

performing arts district is hinged on the legacy of Woodstock. Current plans for

exploitation is not preservation. The desire for its patrons to experience the freedom and

rural garden will not be achieved with concrete buildings and chain link fences.

This natural setting, a living testimony to a time and ongoing ideals of peace, stands in

stark contrast to the historically preserved battlefields of the country that remind us of a

country’s use of force to maintain and promote its ideals.

Why should anyone care? People’s values and beliefs are often represented through the

tangible things we possess and keep - momentos and symbols. There are battlefields to

reflect on the cruelty and aggressiveness of mankind. There are the walled memorials

with names that allow us to reflect on senseless sacrifice. There will be the eventual

memorial to 9-11 that will allow refection on terror. Where is the place to reflect on

peace? Where is the place to reflect on the ideals that unity is better than divisiveness?

Where is the place to celebrate hope? It is in nature. In a pasture. Something not manmade

and with no need for intervention or modification. It already exists on the

Woodstock site.

E. Describe the threat in more detail. What possible steps could be taken to eliminate the threat?

The original Woodstock site is the planned location for the construction of the "Core

Activities" buildings for the Bethel Performing Arts Center. Although the concert bowl

is expected to remain untouched, except for a permanent stage close to where the original

sat, one third of the upper plateau will be developed with permanent structures. The

Gerry Foundation has attempted to justify the placement of building on the site by stating

that concession structures were there in 1969. In reality, concession booths and

structures were temporary 2" X 4" and tree branch construction, or tents, which were

removed following the festival. This is in no way comparable to the permanent concrete

structures planned. The unique character of this natural, tranquil, setting will be forever

altered with this type of development. In addition, the steel security perimeter fence will

be contrary to the image of freedom that will be expected from this landmark. Although

concerned with retaining the natural aesthetic appearance of this property, unabashed

commercialization by the owner is of great concern in preserving the “unmaterialistic”,

simplistic, counterculture ideals encapsulated by the site. What has been disturbing to the

WPA, is that $15 million dollars of the project has been underwritten by Gov. George

Pataki with public funds. This was done however at a time when Mr. Gerry had stated

that he had no intentions of building on the site itself.

Light pollution has also been cited by local residents due to the presence of the existing

light towers at the site. (See Supplement 1, Item 56, Page 106) Although, GF plans to remove

these towers and replace with ones of reduced size, the nighttime lighting of the site when

venues are not operating, will be intrusive to the peacefulness of this rural setting. In

addition, developments of the Woodstock site will not only jeopardize the landmark, but

may well place the success of the entire PAC venture into question. Given that there are

several other performing arts centers in the region competing for patronage, exploitation

of the only draw to that venue is short-sighted and ill-guided.

The WPA sees that the threat to this site could be eliminated through the use of

alternative acreage, adjacent to or within the vicinity of the Woodstock site, to place the

needed development on. As, stated, there are over 1500 acres purchased, 650 slated for

the performing arts center. There is adequate space to find alternative locations for the

development. The Gerry Foundation cites that other locations are on solid bedrock,

which will make development too costly. Given the nature of the region’s topography,

the same can be said for the geological makeup of the Woodstock site. It, too, has its fair

share of solid bedrock under the layer of topsoil. This argument from GF does not seem

to have much credibility.

The threat of development is imminent. The Town of Bethel has accepted the Gerry

Foundation’s PAC proposal, which includes the development of the Woodstock site. It

has been clearly stated several times by Bethel Town Supervisor Allan Scott in local

papers, that ground is expected to break in the spring of 2003. Uncertain of how that will

translate into the initial development phase, it is probable that the security fencing may be

erected in those places and will obstruct the traffic from construction equipment. Hence

the allure and draw of the original site will have begun its transformation.

As stated in the response to question 5, the Gerry foundation has over 1500 purchased

acres surrounding the Woodstock site that are viable alternative locations to building

directly on the property itself. The Woodstock Preservation Alliance has had contact

with the landowners and the Town of Bethel, to try to impress upon them that alteration

and development of the site is not a "local" issue, and historic nature of the landmark is

one that is hinged upon having it remain free and open as possible. We have also

impressed upon them, that an investment in re-developing the layout for the PAC is a

worthwhile investment of time and resources. Without a re-thinking of structure

placement in the venue, the project itself may be jeopardized.

The Gerry Foundation understands that groups such as the WPA want the PAC to be a

success, and as socially conscious activists who carry on the "Woodstock Spirit", we

would be a valuable asset to the promotion of a venue that has appropriately preserved

this unique landmark. Our desire to have open discussions with the Gerry Foundation to

express our concerns in a productive, cooperative manner, and develop solutions that will

meet everyone's needs, has never yielded any results. We would like to think that viable

solutions could be achieved through dialogue. This is where the National Historic Trust

could be of assistance.

Applicant: Woodstock Preservation Alliance (WPA): A non-registered grass-roots

organization dedicated to lobbying for the preservation of the Woodstock site as an

undeveloped, open green space as a living monument to peace and music, for visitors to

enjoy, for generations to come.

http://thewoodstockspirit.org/

Friends of Yasgur’s Farm: A non-structured informational website that works in

conjunction with the WPA to create awareness of the current PAC issues.

http://wayneg.homepc.org/

Woodstock Nation Foundation: A group who desires the site to remain free and has

engaged the Gerry Foundation in legal litigation over the validity of property’s sale to

Mr. Gerry.

http://www.woodstocknation.org/

Owners: Allan Gerry and the Gerry Foundation: Although they will defend that they are

indeed preserving the site, it is more obvious that they wish to use the Woodstock site as

a draw to the performing arts center in what can be seen as a profit-making venture. Alan

Gerry has said that he visualizes the project as creating a Branson-style entertainment

Mecca. This is very contrary to the spirit of the Woodstock site.

Town of Bethel, Council and Planning Boards: The town is eager to get construction

underway at any cost. The town has struggled economically for decades and views this

development as positive for themselves and the county. This is a town which was

embroiled in debate over the idea of placing the statement "Home of the Original 1969

Woodstock Festival" on the town sign. Historically, Bethel has rejected and distanced

itself from the memory of the Woodstock festival. In 1971, they turned down Max

Yasgur’s offer of selling the site to the Town as a tourist spot for one dollar. Seeing how

the town of Woodstock NY has prospered from an event that did not take place in their

town, the people of Bethel are more than happy to capitalize, now, on the legacy of

Woodstock and develop property that they are ambivalent about at best.

J. How would listing the site on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List help save the site?

The WPA, as earlier stated, is a grass-roots organization made up of volunteers from

many walks of life. We do not collect dues and have no access to qualified legal

consultation. One of the goals for this application, aside from the obvious promotion of

awareness, is that we may attract funding and qualified legal council to assist us on an

ongoing basis. It is difficult to compete with a corporation whose resources far outweigh

those of our volunteer assembly.

Secondly, the WPA has had to deal with biased, incorrect, reporting of the facts in the

media. It is hoped that having the site placed on the list, fair and accurate information

about the issue can be brought forward to the public who can then make up their own

minds. Through our campaigning, we have found that a great number of individuals, both

in the general public and connected with the original festival (e.g. Photographer Lisa

Law, Hog Farm leader Wavy Gravy, Woodstock film director Michael Wadleigh) were

completely unaware of the planned development on the site. Although the WPA has

made many attempts to have the issue expressed in the media, the preservation issue

remains almost unknown. That seems to suit the Gerry Foundation just fine.

K. Other than listing the site, how can the national Historic Trust Alleviate the threat?

Aside from merely listing the site, the National Historic Trust could assist with

professional and knowledgeable guidance in making the outcome our preservation

attempts more positive. Through the provision of legal council or the recommendation of

qualified pro bono council, our preservation attempts could hold more weight and even

enter into the playing field with the Gerry Foundation. In addition to the site’s listing on

the Endangered List, we would hope to receive guidance in applying to have the

Woodstock site granted status as a national landmark in the registry.

L. How has the National Trust been involved to date? What value can the National Historic Trust add to saving the site? What role, if any is there for the National Historic Trust if the site is put on the list? Other than placement on the list, is there another role

To date the national Historic Trust has not been formally involved with this issue. In

December 2002, the WPA was contact by Liz Benjamin from “Preservation Online”, the

website of Preservation Magazine put out by the National Historic site. A story is being

written for the magazine that follows the efforts to save the original Woodstock site.

Although the article is still pending release, the WPA hopes that the Historic Trust

continues with its interest in this issue so that responsible reporting of the facts can be

brought to a wider audience.

We have outlined our desire for the National Trust to assist in enabling the WPA to

acquire qualified legal and preservation counsel and we see that as more of a possibility

should the site’s nomination be accepted. We would also hope that the National Trust

would assist the WPA in opening doors to dialogue with the Gerry Foundation, the Town

of Bethel and the Sullivan County Visitor’s Association to ensure the landmark is

appropriately preserved and that the venue itself promotes the spirit of preservation for

the site and its meaning.

The Woodstock preservation Alliance has provided substantial supporting documentation

that we hope will add value to our application submission. In the various Appendices,

you will find documents such as The Statement of Historical Significance from the draft

Environmental Impact Statement prepared by Dr. Michael Doyle, Ph.D., for the Gerry

Foundation. Dr. Doyle also submits a letter to the WPA outlining his concerns with the

changes made in the development plan which places structures on the site itself when Dr.

Doyle’s team was assured that this would not occur. This can be found in Appendix 1.

Other additional support materials include public support letters sent to the Town of

Bethel during the periods of Public Commentary. (See Appendix 2, Section C) There are

also notable support statements from those closely associated with the Woodstock event

and the site on which it happened. Letters from Woodstock Documentary director

Michael Wadleigh, prolific photographer Lisa Law, whose Woodstock photos have been

features at the Smithsonian, and Wavy Gravy, icon of the 60’s counterculture and

philanthropic champion of current social causes are found in Appendix 2, Section B.

All statements made by the Woodstock Preservation Alliance to the press (i.e. editorials,

public service announcements etc.) pertaining to the preservation struggle are also found

in Appendix 2.

We have also added the petition document gathered in support of preserving the site. That

can be found in Appendix 3, and photos that show the magnificence of the Woodstock

site and its history are found in Appendix 4. (Photos are also on disk included)

Finally, we have also compiled a chronicle of newspaper articles that recount the story of

the Woodstock Site, from the sale of Yasgur's Farm to the current plans of the Gerry

Foundation, and the opposition to it. This can be found in Supplement, Book 1.

We at the Woodstock Preservation Alliance hope that the National Historic Trust find the

application document(s) thorough. Nominating the Original 1969 Woodstock site in

Bethel, NY to the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List, will certainly carry us further

in our struggle to preserve this unique landmark.

Any further questions and/or comments can be directed to either Ms. Joanne Hague at the

number cited at the top of the document, or, to the WPA Board of Directors directly via

email at TheWPA@TheWoodstockSpirit.org. We encourage the members of the selection

committee to visit us at WWW.TheWoodstockSpirit.org.

Sincerely,

Ms. Joanne Hague for the WPA

Board of Directors

The Woodstock Preservation Alliance

www.thewoodstockspirit.org

PO Box 216

Olyphant PA 18447

thewpa@thewoodstockspirit.org

Ms. Joanne Hague, Board of Directors

Mr. Jim Cook, Board of Directors

Ms. Carolyn Madsen, Board of Directors

Mr. John Miliano, Board of Directors

Alan Gerry

The Gerry Foundation Inc.

One Cablevision Center

PO Box 311

Liberty NY 12754

Phone: 845-295-2440

Fax: 845-295-2444

Jonathon Drapkin - GF Executive Director

845-295-2441

Glenn Pontier - Director of Communication

845-295-2442

gpontier@gerryfoundation.org

Denise Frangipane - Program Officer

845-295-2443

Bethel Town Supervisor

Allan C. Scott

P.O. Box 300

White Lake, NY 12786

845- 583-4350

Bethel Planning Board Chairman

Herman Bressler

554 Dr. Duggan Road

White Lake, NY 12786

845-583-5126

Zoning Board Chairman

Allen Werlau

81 Fairweather Road

Swan Lake, NY 12783

845-292-3933

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