I have a sign on my computer that reads: "Make It Happen." I'm a believer that if you want something done, just go do it! There are a number of Trojans who share that belief and have taken it upon themselves to make something happen in their part of the city.

Prospect Park is located on top of Mount Ida along Congress Street. The city purchased the land from the Warren family in 1913 and converted into a park under the design of Garrett Baltimore, the city's engineer. He also happened to be the first African-American graduate of RPI.

Originally, Prospect park had observation towers so you could view the Hudson Valley, a myriad of trails, fountains, a gazebo, and the use of two former Warren residences and gatehouse. It was a beautiful park as any of the old postcards that surface will attest, and was heavily used right up through the 1960's.

In the Fall of 1996, Peter Grimm and Hannelore Wilfert organized a cleanup effort for the Park. On a warm October day 300 people turned out to help. The city and Garden Way brought in some heavy equipment to remove the garbage.

Not missing an opportunity the organizers asked Paul Macari, a local attorney, if he would incorporate the group and get tax exempt status which he did. Paul is now the president of the Prospect Park Foundation which incorporated in April 1997.

Since then the group has had 7 or 8 cleanups and has prepared a master plan for the park. It has received a number of grants from the Howard and Bush Foundation, Harold Charitable Trust, Stewarts, Troy Savings Bank and the Pioneer Savings Bank. Two fund raisers brought in $12,000.

The Foundation's goals are simple - to bring Prospect Park back to its former glory and use. Plans include restructuring the entrance, placing new signage throughout the park, and the development of a series of trails that will connect across the Postenkill to Mt Ida Lake. Perhaps even the old Gatekeeper's Cottage may be brought back (now on Cottage Ave ) and placed in its former spot. Reforestation and planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers will also take place. Even the pool may come back to life.

The group continues to clean up the park and one is coming soon on Saturday, October 23, so you can help too. Call Paul at 272 6565, or show up ready to work.

Oakwood Cemetery, dedicated on October 16, 1850, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the U.S. This 300+ acre cemetery overlooks Lansingburgh and Troy and is the final resting place for many famous Trojans.

With a full time staff of three and some seasonal employees, it wasn't enough to keep the cemetery from getting overrun by weeds and shrubs. Vandals have taken toll on some of the monuments as well.

Terry Page has been taking walks there for a long time. Last year, she was part of a master gardener program given by the Cornell's Cooperative Extension. Part of the program required some pro bono work, so Terry asked the Trustees of the Cemetery if she and others could cut down some brush, and create a 'Friends' group. Both were approved.

In 1998, the first public meeting and brush removal occurred with about 10 people. In October they had their first "Friends" meeting (Friends of Oakwood Cemetary, Inc.).

Help came in the form of at least 60 volunteers from all walks of life, including the National Guard during a month in winter, the Guard's Cadet Corps (about 60 young kids for a day), students from Emma Willard, and inmates from Mt McGregor. Even Garden Way helped by testing new equipment.

Terry and Friends have done more than clear brush. They organized two conferences. One had experts on brush removal advise on how to control overgrown sections of the cemetery. A second conference was on historic preservation with architects, stone conservators, botanists, and others advising on how to preserve buildings and grounds.

One recommendation was documenting what the cemetery owns in terms of buildings, flora, sculptures, and major grave sites, which they have done. Volunteers have photographed and documented important grave sites. Group of professionals are documenting the buildings. The Rensselaer County Historical Society is documenting the printed and photographic matter. The Rensselear/Taconic Land Conservancy has archived 500 botanical specimens and completed a GIS mapping of the land.

The group created an "Adopt an Area" program. Individuals or groups can adopt a certain section or area of graves to restore and maintain. The 'Telephone Pioneers of Troy' adopted the site of Jacob D. Vanderheyden, Troy's Founder, that contains12 stones. Thirty students, faculty, and staff from RPI have adopted the grave site of Amos Eaton, founder of the school.

The Friends have received a grant from the National Historic Trust and are writing more. They are planning a celebration next year as the cemetery celebrates 150 years.

If you want to adopt an area call Terry at 237-2188.

In April 1997, the Bleach Works Dam that crosses the Poestenskill just west of the intersection of Pawling and Congress failed. The dam creates Belden Pond, also known as Mt. Ida Lake (originally Bleach Works Pond). While no longer supplying mill power, nonetheless it provides a natural ecosystem for a wide variety of plant and animal life and has been a landmark for years. Miles Blakeborough, Brant Caird, Tom Blandy and others felt the dam should be repaired and the pond brought back to life since it was slowly disappearing.

After several negotiations with the city, the pond will be dredged, the dam fixed, and the area around it will become a nature preserve. The group, called the Mt. Ida Preservation Association, decided to expand their activities.

Working with the Prospect Park Foundation, and the city, an extensive nature trail system is being developed that will lead from the park through Mt. Ida Gorge -with stone gazebo - and up to the Belden Pond area. This will restore the entire area to active recreation, first developed in the 19th century when Trojans used the area for picnicking. A hut will be restored on the Pond to sell hot chocolate in the winter time just like old times.

Mt. Ida Cemetery (1832), both old and new, flanks the southern portions of the Lake area which the group has adopted. The Gatehouse will be turned into an exhibit area, the fence restored, and stones fixed.

Residents of Mt. Ida Cemetery include Troy's first Mayor, Albert Pawling (1816-1820). Pawling Avenue is named for him. David Lowrey Seymour (1803-1867), U.S. Representative (1843-1845, 1851-1853); John Bird (1768-1806), U.S. Representative, (1799-1801); and Jacob I. Vanderheyden and wife Maria are also buried there. The group will research the remaining grave sites.

The group has also taken over the annual Earth Day Celebration in the city. The Mount Ida Preservation Association contact is Lori Pallozi, 274 0855.

Instead of turning their backs, complaining, or waiting for politics to act, these Trojans rolled up their sleeves and took the initiative. Are you ready to do the same for your part of Troy?

Got History? Contact Don at drittner@aol.com or 251 River St.

©1999 Don Rittner