The lodge at Arrow Park was commissioned and built in 1909 by Julia Cooper and Schuyler Schieffelin. Bowen Bancroft Smith was the architect and the house was made as much a part of its site for it seems to grow right out of a bowl shaped hollow on the side of a steep valley, near a thirty foot waterfall and resembles an italian villa over looking the lake.
Schieffelin and Cooper prior to moving to Monroe were living in Tuxedo Park. Rumor has it that Schieffelin, a great friend of Harriman became angry when Harriman was denied the purchase of a house in Tuxedo Park so in solidarity to his friend, Schieffelin bought 600 acres from Mr. Harriman and began construction on this wonderful home containing many important architectural and design elements and ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement in America.
In 1948 the house was sold to AROW Farms, Inc. AROW or the American Russian Organized Workers, were a group of working class Slavic folks from the Boroughs of New York City and Newark. They were looking for a place of rest and recreation for their children in the countryside. They sold 2000 stock certificates for $100.00 a piece and with the $200,000.00 they raised formed a committee to find an appropriate property near the city. The Schieffelin property was deemed the ideal spot. With hiking trails, gardens, a large lodge and lake, it proved to be the perfect location for the inception of Arrow Park. Attendance was popular and the Park soon grew into a lively social club with bungalows, lodge, and large dance pavilion. The initial investors all volunteered their time to run the park and facilities, many built houses close by so that they could enjoy the park during their retirement.
The park was large enough to have community gardens, cultural events, dances and concerts of all varieties. Pete Seeger was a regular performer as were many folk acts of the 60's drawing thousands of visitors to the Park.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Preserving A Legacy:
Arrow Park's New Direction
Orange Magazine April/May 2013
Publisher | Website | PDF
CULTURAL GARDEN STATUES
The Four Immortals (view) | PDF Download
(Commemorative Booklet Reprint, circa 1970)
