I met Al last year, after responding to a local notice of hay for-sale. I was reseeding my lawn and looking for cover. Al, in his immense kindness and generosity, had allowed a local farmer to store and sell hay out of his High Valley barn. While retrieving my bundles, I shared with the farmer that I recently moved to the area to start a farm and education center. Noting the similarities in Al’s and my ambitions, introductions were made. Al’s shine was apparent from the outset compelling me to pursue our shared goals with him, though I didn’t get to know him as well as I did his High Valley landscape, regrettably.
Our conversations explored possibilities primarily questioning if 2Attara could partner with 9 Partners (my farm project). We talked throughout the year rolling occasionally into what was going on in Brooklyn. I was curious to hear about his work and friends there. I learned he had collected a host of accomplished, creative, admiring attendants here and there, which endeared me further to him and subsequently them (y’all) vicariously.
One friend noted, within this thread, that, at least ten years earlier, Al was troubled over being able to continue his propensity to provide and collect. He was considering 9 Partners, in part, because he felt some insecurity over the property not generating revenue. Tax bills were substantial and could be mitigated with agriculture income.
Al’s vision for his things and his people found an appropriate home upstate. High Valley is a property of historical though perhaps underappreciated significance to the Clinton community. Immediately prior to Al, High Valley was a sanctuary for many. The Youtube link below share’s a bit of that story. Before those loving folks’ occupation, the property served education entrepreneur, Olga Smythe, who started and ran a school and horse ranch for decades there. Children and young adults who didn’t fit with the Poughkeepsie public school system joined.
High Valley is also interestingly the geographical nexus to four public school zones. This could explain Al’s property tax woe, in part. see image. The token, reminiscent of a past visitor rests at the foot of a fourteen-foot diameter, old-growth, giant north of the pond. This tree reminds me of Al.
I hope you enjoy these images and links. I know Al did.
The High Valley Center, Clinton Corners, NY- Last Gathering
Olga’s School
From Childhood to Adulthood: A Visit from Stanley
Olga and Julian Smyth ran not only a school, but a summer camp there. My brother and I both attended, about 60 years ago.