Springfield in Otsego County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Brittle Veneer
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2024
1. Brittle Veneer Marker
An estate like this continued a system of labor whereby two worlds existed simultaneously. To the public, Hyde Hall was a polished and elegant affair, but behind the scenes, the staff worked long, strenuous hours in the mansion, fields, forests, lanes, and gardens of the original 360-acre estate. There is an entire wing for staff quarters, cooking, cleaning, and laundry that supported the Clarkes outwardly opulent lifestyle.
Purchasing undeveloped property to sell later for a higher priceknown as land speculationwas common in early America. George Clarke, his father, and grandfather acquired vast tracts of land that they sold or rented for a sizable profit.
Tenants and landlords often disputed rent prices and how to use leased lots. In upstate New York, these issues climaxed in a series of riots called the Anti-Rent Wars. From 1839 to 1845 tenants refused to pay rents, demanded reform, and proposed a new legal system that would free them from tyrannical landlords and oppressive leases.
...many of those persons who hold lands under my late father...have recently been
this page online
-George Clarke, Jr.
Notice posted for tenants,
Cooperstown, December 10, 1844
[Bottom left photo caption reads]
How many chores can you identify in this image?
[Inset photo reads] House Staff c. 1900
Erected by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is December 18, 1844.
Location. 42° 47.599′ N, 74° 52.417′ W. Marker is in Springfield, New York, in Otsego County. It is on Glimmerglass State Park Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the Hyde Hall grounds in Glimmerglass State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2024
2. Brittle Veneer Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Mohawk Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hyde Hall (a few steps from this marker); Deep Pockets (within shouting distance of this marker); Hop To It! (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hyde Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome Home! (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hyde Hall Covered Bridge (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Hyde Hall Covered Bridge (approx. half a mile away); Sunken Island (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
