The NYPR Archive Collections
Lake Welch Beach Opening Ceremony
Laurence Rockefeller acts as host of the opening of Lake Welsh Beach in the Palisades. His brother, Governor Nelson Rockefeller, speaks in tribute to Laurence's long career in service of parks and conservation. Commissioner Robert Moses and conservationist Harold Wilm also speak, Wilm about the the importance of seeing New York State about something more than a rim around New York City, and Moses about the importance of regional plans and the impediments to obtaining and developing park land.
Laurence Rockefeller notes how badly the president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Al Jube, regrets not being able to attend.
He notes the history of the park. In 1952 the Sebago Beach area was completed, in 1955 the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area was added, and in 1958 the Palisades Parkway was opened. To this we add Lake Welsh for mass use. He feels it is an intelligent approach.
He credits Ken Marvin and his staff for the beach, as well as the over-arching authorities.
He notes his 3.5 years spent as chair of the Federal Recreation Commission. He became increasingly aware of New York's influence on the subject. He credits Dr. Harold Wilm, commissioner of conservation of the state of New York.
Commissioner Wilm Speaks. He thanks the attendees.
He speaks of returning to New York from the west. He feels that NY State should not be seen as a rim around NYC. He feels that the state has much to offer. He feels that there are rising needs for green space and recreation. The Palisades are being developed especially well to serve the needs of New York City citizens. He commends Moses. He feels the new beach is a sign of excellent planning. He proud to be among other leaders in recreation, especially the Rockefellers and Moses.
Lawrence Rockefeller notes Moses' many administrative roles and honorary degrees, and his ability to get things done.
Moses thanks the attendees. He hopes that beach openings will be taken for granted. In other areas they are not. He notes that Lake Welsh is named for Major Welsh, the first Palisades executive. Welsh was a great lover of the wilderness. He argues that more people should enjoy the Palisades and other parks. He describes the passage of referenda funding such projects.
Moses talks about the process by which parks are provided for. He mentions the recent federal efforts through the Outdoor Recreation Resources Commission headed by Laurence Rockefeller. He talks about the work of Secretary of the Interior [Stewart] Udall and [Edward] Crafts.
Moses talks about the death of regional planning efforts and how they often fall apart. He talks about the local and federal delays. New York will be all right on its own, other states will not. He feels that housing and highways lead to red tape and also parks not being provided.
He praises the efforts of Rockefellers. He feels they are setting a pace the whole nation will follow. His speech ends.
Laurence Rockefeller thanks Moses for his vision and judgement. He is excited to speak about his brother. He notes how they both learned of their love of the outdoors through their father. He feels his brother is unique in thought and action. He uses as an example, Nelson's introduction and support of the first major bond issue for purchase of recreational areas.
Nelson speaks. He thanks the attendees. The weather (rain) reminds him of a humorous story. He talks about the dependence urban New Yorkers have for recreation on leaders, particularly the chairman and vice-chairman of the state council on parks - Robert Moses and Laurence Rockefeller. He describes wondering what the state of New York might look like if we had worked somewhere else. The state owes him gratitude.
Moses' greatest disciple is Laurence Rockefeller. He notes that this is the first time the two have appeared together. He talks about Laurence "hiding under a bushel basket" and not having his efforts for parks become known. It was Laurence's decision to hire Harold Wilm and to create a state program of matching funds for parks. He praises his founding of various conservation efforts in US territories. He notes his brother's appointment to the federal commission on outdoor recreation.
He talks about the recreation opportunities for New Yorkers at Lake Welsh. He thanks the Morgans, the Harrimans, the Perkins', and the Rockefeller families for helping provide recreation at the Palisades.
Laurence Rockefeller thanks the governor and closes by praising the namesake of the park, William H. Welsh. He served the commission from 1914 to 1940. they pause to salute his memory.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150461
Municipal archives id: LT9379