Building back Hudson Valley
Rebuilding Together volunteers at a National Rebuilding Day project in Poughkeepsie in April 2022.
Rebuilding Together
Latest News
Astrid Daphne Satre
Millerton News
Aug 11, 2026
SALISBURY — Astrid Daphne Satre passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida, after spending the last year and a half at a rehabilitation center. She was 87 years old.
Born on April 11, 1939, in Salisbury, Connecticut, Astrid was the only daughter of Astri and Magnus Satre. Her parents emigrated from Norway in the early 1900s and settled in Twin Lakes, Connecticut, where she spent her childhood surrounded by the beauty of the Berkshire foothills and the rich Norwegian heritage that remained an important part of her identity throughout her life.
Gifted with artistic talent from an early age, Astrid attended the University of Denver, where she earned a degree in Art. She began her professional career in New York City as a commercial artist, but her adventurous spirit soon led her in a different direction.
In 1963, Astrid joined Norwegian Cruise Line, embarking on an extraordinary chapter of her life. She sailed around the world six times, visiting countless countries and experiencing cultures across the globe. Along the way, she formed lifelong friendships with people who remained dear to her throughout her life.
In 1969, Astrid married and later became the proud mother of two children, Vibeke and Vidar. After her marriage ended, she devoted herself to raising her children on her own in Norway. Her strength, determination, and unwavering love provided them with a secure and caring home, and her example of resilience left a lasting impression on both of them.
In 2005, Astrid returned to the United States to reconnect with her roots. She divided her time between Connecticut and Florida, enjoying the changing seasons of New England and the warmth of the Florida sunshine. It truly gave her the best of both worlds.
Creativity remained a constant throughout Astrid’s life. Whether through drawing, quilting, or sewing, she found joy in making beautiful things with her hands. Her artistic eye, patience, and attention to detail were evident in everything she created, and many family members and friends will cherish the quilts and handmade gifts she lovingly shared.
Astrid will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her creativity, her quiet strength, and her deep love for her family and friends. From a small town in Connecticut to voyages across the world’s oceans, she lived a life filled with curiosity, courage, and meaningful connections.
She is survived by her daughter, Vibeke; her son, Vidar; and many dear friends in both the United States and Norway whose lives were enriched by her kindness, warmth, and enduring friendship.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that her remarkable journey came full circle—from the Norwegian heritage that shaped her family, to a life that crossed oceans, and finally back to the country where her story began.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Keep ReadingShow less
Growing the next generation of local journalists
Millerton News
Aug 11, 2026
Every summer, our newsroom becomes more than a place where stories are written—it becomes a classroom, a workshop, and, we hope, the starting point for future careers in local journalism.
This year, eight interns joined The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News for an intensive six-week experience that immersed them in community reporting. Three were high school students attending Housatonic Valley Regional High School, The Hotchkiss School and Loomis Chaffee School. The remaining five were college students from Ithaca College, Marist University, the University of Connecticut, Loyola University and Northwestern University. Although they arrived with different backgrounds and varying levels of journalism experience, they all shared a connection to the Northwest Corner of Connecticut or neighboring Dutchess County and a curiosity about the communities most call home.
Rather than watching from the sidelines, the interns became part of the newsroom. They covered local events, interviewed residents, wrote feature stories, attended meetings, and worked alongside our editors and reporters as they learned how local journalism comes together—from the first interview to the final edit. Along the way, they discovered that reporting is equal parts preparation, persistence, curiosity and listening.
Their education extended well beyond reporting assignments. Throughout the summer, community leaders and media professionals volunteered their time to lead weekly workshops on subjects that every journalist should understand.
Attorney and LJMN Media Inc. board member Devereaux Chatillon explored media law and intellectual property. Veteran photographer Anne Day shared practical techniques for creating stronger images, even using a smartphone. Francesca Donner, former gender editor at The New York Times and founder of The Persistent, challenged the interns to think critically about representation in journalism. Compass editor Natalia Zukerman discussed the art of interviewing, while our news editors Christian Murray, Aly Morrissey and Nathan Miller offered practical lessons in reporting, feature writing and the newsroom process.
Perhaps the greatest lessons, however, came from simply being out in the community.
Several interns told us they now pay far more attention to what’s happening around them than they did before the program. Others said the experience pushed them beyond their comfort zones, whether that meant approaching strangers for interviews or covering busy public events. One intern joked about discovering “there can be a lot of drama over a tennis court,” a reminder that every community has stories waiting to be uncovered. Another described the experience as “breaking the bubble”—seeing familiar towns through fresh eyes and recognizing the people and issues that shape everyday life.
This week, each intern shares what they learned during the summer on pages B1 and B2.
Programs like this depend on people who know that local journalism matters. We are deeply grateful to the William and Mary Greve Foundation and individual donors for their generous support of this year’s summer internship program. We also welcomed one intern through our partnership with Marist University, another investment in developing future journalists.
That investment couldn’t be more important.
Strong communities need strong, reliable local reporting and coverage of town halls, school boards, housing, healthcare, environmental issues, local businesses, sports, and the countless stories that rarely make national headlines but shape daily life here.
The newsroom will feel a little quieter when they head back to school, but we have every reason to believe we’ll be hearing from many of them again.
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Grange at county fair, Hurricane Belle, Dairy compact
Millerton News
Aug 11, 2026
The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.
August 15, 1935
Exhibit Of Grangers To Be Fair Feature
Tent Housing Display Will Cover 8,000 Square Feet
The Dutchess County Fair opens its gates at Rhinebeck on Monday evening. Aug. 26, this year and continues night and day through-out the entire week with auto races on Saturday, Aug. 31. An outstanding feature as usual will be the Grange exhibit which is shown under a tent covering 8,000 square feet. Each year $1,000 is paid in prizes for this exhibit, and already eleven subordinate granges and four juvenile granges have entered the annual competition.
This outstanding event attracted hundreds of visitors each day at last year’s fair. Red Hook Grange, with a unique market basket exhibit, won the blue ribbon last year in the subordinate Grange class, while Wiccopee Grange, with an old-fashioned kitchen display, was the winner in the juvenile Grange division, both of these Granges will exhibit again this year.
Marshall Knapp, Clinton Corners, superintendent of Grange exhibits at the fair, has just announced the complete list of Granges which are scheduled to exhibit this year. In the subordinate division, the following Granges will compete: Red Hook, Arthursburg, Pine Plains, Silver Lake, Rhinebeck, Stanford, Sylvan, Wiccopee, Fallkill, Washington, Upton Lake. Juvenile class: Upton Lake, Arthursburg, Wiccopee, Oak Grove.
Prevailing Rates Govern PWA Wages
State Department Replies To Inquiries Of Labor Leaders
ALBANY - The State Department of Labor will not take into consideration “security wages” to be paid on WPA projects in setting the prevailing rate of wages for public works projects in the state, Industrial Commissioner Elmer F. Andrews announced today in answer to inquiries by labor representatives.
“The ‘security wages’ to be paid on WPA projects are primarily for relief, not for standard employ-ment and therefore are not in competition as employment wages,” Commissioner. Andrews declared. “The ‘security wage’ is paid by the month and is to be the same amount whether a worker actually works 120 hours or fewer hours per month. Were we permitted by law to consider the ‘security wage’ rates, these wages would not offer any hourly rates on which to make an estimate.
“The Department has, in the past, disregarded CWA and TERA wage rates in making surveys and setting prevailing rates of wages. The WPA security wages are in the same category.
“Any other decision would be unfair to the employees, to the contractors and to the taxpayer and contrary to the intent of the state prevailing rates of wages law and of the WPA. Our surveys and computations must be confined to laborers and mechanics employed by contractors in competitive industry if we are to provide fair wages for the workers, equal opportunity to contractors to bid, and the assurance to the state that its work will be done by competent workmen.”
About Millerton
Mrs. Estelle Paine of the Harlem Valley State Hospital Wingdale, spent a few days in town. last week.
George Kaye of New York City spent the week-end with his family at Mt. Riga.
Russell Palmer Jr. has been suffering from poisoning in one finger.
Donald Mathews had his tonsils removed at Sharon Hospital Monday. Dr. Gilbert S. Tabor operated.
Clarence McGhee of New York City spent the week-end with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George McGhee.
$500,000 Work Relief Program Presented To Board For Approval
Between 500 And 600 People Would Receive Employment
Resolutions providing for expenditures aggregating approximately $500,000 by July 1, 1936, were presented to the Dutchess County Board of Supervisors at its meeting Monday as steps were begun to transfer the TERA program to the new WPA. The list of projects including twenty-two county road jobs, a storage shed at the county highway property, a county planning and zoning enterprise and several other projects, was referred to the finance committee for consideration. The extensive program will be voted upon at the adjourned meeting of the board Aug. 20.
Work will be provided for between 500 and 600 people up until July 1, 1936, it is expected. Materials and equipment will cost the county $185.532. The federal government will pay the balance of the cost through the WPA which is now being organized. The national government expends $750 per man per year under regulations of the federal public works program.
A project is provided for each township under the road program, and in seventeen cases projects previously approved under the CWA and TERA have been adopted under the WPA. allocation of funds being provided in the resolution for the county’s contribution. Five new road jobs were designated in addition. Proposed projects include $8,060 as the county’s contribution to a $16,000 Infirmary at the county home at Oak Summit, $3,300 for remodeling the caretaker’s home at the county home, $1,870 for a men’s hospital and $1,500 for painting and repair work at the county home.
The county’s contribution for the Taconic Parkway project is limited to $5,000 under a separate resolution. Provision for the zoning and planning work, being directed by Harold R. Dean, executive secretary of the county planning commission, is also made under a separate resolution.
Among the projects listed under the WPA program, together with the county’s contribution were: 33-Bangall road, $8,500; 35-Amenia Union-South Amenia road, $6,000: 36-Dover Plains-Chestnut Ridge road, $3.050; 38-Little Rest road, $2,650; 46-Pulvers Corners-Knickerbockers Corners road, $7.700; Indian Lake-Coleman Station road, $8,800; county highway 1760 to Oak Summit, 1.7 miles, $6,600, a new road project.
Allocation of $81,000 from the county highway fund for additional county highway department projects was asked by the highway committee of the board of which Supervisor Frank L. Minor of the Town of North East is chairman. Resolutions for these projects were referred to the highway committee for consideration.
Proposed projects included:
No. 29 - Mt. Riga-Boston Corners road, Town of North East; additional allotment of $18,000 for completion of job. Previous allotment was $25,000.
No. 67 - Bangall-Hunn’s Lake road, town of Stanford, $10,000.
Snow removal fund of $30,000, the county and state to cooperate in clearing 284.70 miles of state highway and 214.93 miles of county roads next winter. Work will be done with county machinery and by employees engaged by the county highway department.
LANNY ROSS BUYS FARM IN TOWN OF STANFORD
Lanny Ross, radio, stage and screen star, has purchased the Johnson farm of 470 acres situated in the Town of Stanford in the Millbrook Hunt section, it was disclosed the first of the week by the George Whalen real estate agency of Millbrook who made the sale. The farm was formerly owned by Alva Warren and is considered one of the best farms in the township.
Star of the Maxwell House Showboat and Log Cabin radio programs, Mr. Ross appeared at the Millbrook Theatre this summer in “The Pursuit of Happiness.” His home is in New York City.
August 12, 1976
General Store Closes Doors In Ancramdale
The Ancramdale General Store, part of a restoration and revitalization plan for the village center, closed its doors Sunday, Aug. 8, after holding a week-long going out of business sale. The store’s fate had recently been the subject of much speculation because, among other unusual goings on, the gas pumps weren’t being refilled and the license to sell beer was allowed to expire.
With all the merchandise selling for half price, it was “like everyone won a prize to go shopping” said Shelia Brower, an employee who lives in the apartment above the store. By the time the store opened in the morning, a crowd of 20 or more people had gathered.
One resident termed the store’s demise a “great tragedy.” Margery Hoystradt, Ancramdale postmaster, said it is “kind of sad”. She said it draws a lot of people in the summer” into town.
“I’ll miss it,” said Audrey Clarke, another employee, adding “the people will miss the store.”
Just why Ancramdale’s only general store closed its doors is not very clear. Hoystradt attributes its failure to “too much deadwood” in the stock, citing “lamps, sherbet cups, yard goods, and tee-shirts with “I’ve seen Ancramdale” printed on them. Clarke said the lessee Dan Button, a former Congressman, gave the store up and the owner has been unable to find someone to run it. The former Mrs. Charles Rudnick, owner of the store, refused comment when contacted by The News.
Whatever the reason for its death, Ancramdale is now without without[sic] a general store.
Hurricane Belle Pays a Visit
Hurricane Belle paid a visit to the Millerton area late Monday night and early Tuesday and though she toppled trees, tree limbs and electric lines, she didn’t wreak as much damage as everyone had originally feared.
Belle, with her rains and high winds, made her way up the eastern seaboard and hit the Millerton area around 1 a.m. on Tuesday. “The major impact of the storm was felt between 1 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, said a spokesman for the Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation.
Central Hudson reported that the hurricane kayoed power in approximately 36,000 Central Hudson homes in Dutchess and surrounding Counties by topping[sic] trees down onto power lines. Central Hudson serves 200,000 customers in parts of 7 Counties.
Many Millerton area homes lost power in the storm beginning at 1 a.m. on Tuesday but Central Hudson had no specific estimates on exactly how many of their Millerton area customers were hit.
Central Hudson workers were busy all day Tuesday repairing lines. “We expect the majority of our customers will have had their services restored by Tuesday evening,” said a spokesman.
The N.Y. State Police and Millerton Police Officer David Decker reported that no major accidents took place because of the storm. Spokesmen for the State and County Highway Departments reported no major flooding. The State Highway Department reported that Route 22 in Amenia was closed around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday after a huge tree fell across the road. Route 22 was clear by daybreak.
North East Superintendent of Highways Ronell Kilmer and Millerton Highway Superintendent Larry Merwin said Belle mostly brought down tree limbs and branches and not much more. Kilmer, who was out at work at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, said, “A lot of small stuff went down. Nothing too much.”
Three electric lines were reported down in the Millerton area. One toppled over on Elm Avenue just north of the checkerboard and 2 went down on Rudd Pond Road. No injuries were reported.
Sharon Hospital reported no injuries resulting from the storm.
“A Big Crash”
While most area residents managed to avoid the worst of Belle, Howard V. Scutt and his family were not quite so lucky.
At around 9 p.m. on Monday, the Scutts were sitting in their house on Main Street in Millerton, opposite the IGA. As Mr. Scutt described it, “We heard a great big crash. It sounded like the side of the house went down.”
What happened was a giant maple tree (that’s what Mrs. Scutt says it is) had toppled onto the Scutt home. Mr. Scutt said he didn’t think there was much wind at the time but he explained that the tree roots were dead and at the 1st sign of Belle, the tree went down.
Millerton Fire Department responded quickly to the scene but there were no injuries and not much damage was done to the house. (Mr. Scutt said a telephone line went down). Workmen were busy Tuesday removing the giant tree from its resting place.
The Millerton firemen have Belle to thank for a busy couple of days Monday and Tuesday. From Monday night to Tuesday late morning they answered 3 hurricane-related calls — one at the Scutt home and 2 wires down on Rudd Pond Road. No fires resulted at any of the scenes. The firemen also answered 3 other fire calls over Monday and Tuesday….
Cumberland Farms Plans Millerton Opening Soon
Despite persistent rainfall which has held up construction this past week, the Cumberland Farms being built on Main Street in Millerton is expected to open by the end of this month.
Also holding up construction, along with the rain, is the need for a curb cut permit, which has been applied for with the New York Department of Transportation. The permit, which would allow workers to cut down the existing curb and allow access to the lot, is expected by next week at the latest.
Like other branches of the Cumberland Farm chain, the Millerton store will be an almost full-time grocery when in full operation. Construction supervisor Roy Terwilliger emphasized, though, that, “We are a dairy company first and foremost and will specialize in those products.” In addition to food services, the lot will contain self-service gasoline pumps. At full operation, the store plans to stay open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
Terwilliger commented, “If we’re not in operation by the end of this month, we’ll certainly be darn close to it.”
August 9, 2001
NE PONDERS SHARED SERVICES
NORTH EAST — In a town board workshop held last Thursday, members shared their concerns regarding the proposal to create one planning board and one zoning board of appeals that would encompass both the town and the village.
A draft of the Intermunicipal Agreement for Cooperation and Consolidation of Services had been presented at a joint meeting between the town and village boards on July 26.
In particular, members of the town board wanted to hear the thoughts of Warren Replansky, town attorney, on the proposed agreement. Like most of the board, Mr. Replansky supported the idea of combined services, but cautioned that there needs to be a lot of changes to the agreement in order for consolidation to be successful.
The main concern was the village’s zoning laws, which haven’t been updated since 1977. Mr. Replansky, who referred to the village’s codes as “the Model-T of zoning codes,” emphasized that these should be updated before the town agrees to combine planning and zoning boards.
“I wouldn’t do it unless [the law] was brought up to date,” he said.
Mr. Replansky explained outdated codes would be frustrating for residents trying to make changes to their homes or businesses, especially in cases where old village codes might supersede newer town codes.
Catherine Fenn agreed, saying although she supported the idea of consolidation, the new boards would need updated codes to work with. Referring to the village’s “antiquated” codes, she said, “I don’t want to thrust that on another board.”
Ms. Fenn, who is also chairman of the village planning board, said she has been trying to get the village to update its codes for five years. She said that the village hasn’t updated the laws because of cost.
Mr. Replansky said that the village “can’t afford not to” update their zoning laws, and Ms. Fenn concurred, saying there are “a lot of issues that could be addressed by the village board,” in terms of planning and development, that are not because the codes are out-dated.
As to the size of the proposed boards, Mr. Replansky said that he didn’t think the number of members was too small.
Concern had been raised at the joint meeting between the village and the town boards as to whether the size of each board should be increased to handle applications from both municipalities.
“Quantity hasn’t proven better,” said Mr. Replansky, explaining that the dedication of the members would be of more value.
In the same vein, Mr. Replansky did not support the proposal to have alternates who would attend meetings in a regular member’s absence. Mr. Replansky said he felt that, unless the alternate was present at each meeting, he or she would not be qualified to vote on pending decisions. He was not sure as to the legality of alternates, either.
Mr. Replansky said that the most important aspect of the consolidated boards would be to maintain consistency. He suggested that the building inspector and zoning enforcement officer be the same for each municipality in order to avoid different interpretations of the codes.
David Sherman, town supervisor, expressed concern that the efficiency of planning and zoning in the town would be diminished if those boards were to combine with the village. Mr. Sherman explained that the town had been progressive in updating town codes and records, citing the grant it recently received for $42,000 from the New York State Archives as evidence of this. He said he would like a strong commitment to expenditure and improvement from the village before consolidating planning and zoning boards.
In Other Business
Members of the board reviewed a draft, presented by Mr. Replansky, on accessory use composting. The board made minor changes to the document.
After the board settles on the draft, it will be presented to agrimarket affiliates for their comments and then eventually open for public comment.
The board briefly discussed David Trotta’s application for a go-cart track.
Mr. Replansky told the board the danger of re-zoning, in this situation, would be the creation of “spot-zoning.” He explained “spot-zoning” occurs when zoning laws are changed just to accommodate an application for a particular project.
In order to avoid spot-zoning, the applicant needs to justify why his or her project benefits the whole community.
Mr. Replansky suggested that, before the board goes any further with this application, Mr. Trotta should present an argument to the board as to why this project would benefit the community, and why re-zoning in this situation would not be considered spot-zoning.
He explained the board is under no legal obligation to even consider re-zoning for this application.
The board set the agenda for the next meeting to include a discussion with Mr. Trotta, but it is far from beginning any decision making process.
NE Dairy Compact Good for NY
ALBANY — In testimony submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee, New York Gov. George Pataki asked Congress to include New York state in the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact, which currently encompasses New England dairy farms and sets the price of wholesale milk above the federal minimum.
According to the governor’s statement, federal minimums do not account for the varying costs of milk production in different regions. Under this “one size fits all” policy, farmers in the Northeast, where milk production is more costly because of higher tax rates and expensive water, make a smaller profit than their Western counterparts.
Described as a “regional price coalition,” the compact would ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their milk in periods of low prices and that milk bought by consumers would be from local farms.
According to the governor’s testimony, rather than subsidizing an inefficient farm, the compact would serve as a safety net for productive farms in times of decreased profit. “We have also found, as we had expected, the compact will not save or artificially preserve the inefficient farm or prevent an aging farmer from retiring. What it has done is provide stability to farm businesses and hard-working farm families.”
Some New York dairies are already receiving compact prices because they sell their product to the New England region.
John Perotti, owner of a dairy farm of about 150 cows in North East, said that with compact prices, his profits have increased $2,000 to $4,000 a year, depending on the market.
He supports the compact, stating, “It’s kind of a lifeline when prices get real low.” When prices are high, he explained, farmers do not receive the compact price.
Mr. Perotti said the compact price would not significantly affect the consumer and, according to the governor’s statement, a New York resident who consumes 24 gallons of milk in a year would only pay an additional $4.30 per year.
Mr. Perotti explained that retailers often take advantage of the compact and raise their prices, blaming the compact for the increase.
Consumers stand to benefit from the compact, he explained, because it ensures a constant supply of local milk to the Northeast region, including major cities like Boston and New York.
Without a local milk supply, Mr. Perotti explained, the alternative would be to purchase milk from Midwestern farms and the shipping process would involve reconstituting milk.
Currently, Midwestern farmers are pushing a bill which would allow them to sell their product in the Northeast.
Mr. Perotti described the compact as “a safety net to keep farmers in business,” and believes that if more consumers were educated about the bill, they would agree with it.
The legislation, which is currently supported by New York county governments, the New York State Legislature, both U.S. senators from New York and a majority of New York’s congressional representatives to the House, must be ratified in Congress.
Saperstein’s Mural to Return
MILLERTON — An old landmark is set to return to the village. The railroad mural on the wall of Saperstein’s will be coming back.
For years, visitors to Millerton were treated to the railroad mural on the wall of the old Saperstein’s store. In 1986, a fire destroyed the store and the landmark with it.
Now, 15 years later, an effort is underway to bring back the train mural.
Moira Kelly, a New York City elementary school art teacher, began work Aug. 3 to paint a new mural on the wall along Dutchess Avenue. “It will be an updated railroad train mural, but similar to the old one,” she said.
“I hope it will be a community effort. I want to invite anyone down to help in this project. It doesn’t matter what skill you have, we’ll be glad to teach you,” Ms. Kelly said
Murals are a hobby of Ms. Kelly. She has panted[sic] dozens of murals in such places as California, Chicago and most recently outside the G. W. Tavern in Washington Depot, Conn.
She teaches at the Bronx Charter School and finds urban mural projects invigorating. And she said she usually gets a lot of help from the community.
The project is being commissioned by the owner of Saperstein’s. Lew Saperstein said the original mural was “my dad’s idea.” It was reflective of when Millerton used to be the hub for two intersecting railroads.
Saperstein’s is featuring a display on the project, including a photo of the old mural, in its front window.
Signs of the Times in Millerton
MILLERTON — Some shops in Millerton have recently spruced up their appearance. Both the Village Diner and the (former) Millerton Deli have changed their storefront signs. The latter has a new name as well.
Peggy McEnroe, owner of Back in the Kitchen (formerly the Millerton Deli), said that after seven years, she decided the establishment needed a new name. She bought the store when it was called the Millerton Deli, but, she explained, “it never has been a deli.” She said that often people come in expecting a typical deli, but her store features salads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and a set menu.
The name comes from a phrase Syd Byron, a frequent customer, is always saying to Ms. McEnroe and her employees: “Get back in the kitchen.”
The picture on the sign is from a drawing Ms. McEnroe’s friend did in college.
“I kept it all these years,” she said.
Marco Elbakly, owner of the Village Diner, said he decided to change the sign for the Village Diner simply “because the other one was old.” The sign was made by a local sign company and includes new neon lighting.
Keep ReadingShow less
Building Trump’s legacy
Mac Gordon
Aug 11, 2026
Throughout his second term President Trump has been preoccupied with creating a suitable legacy to leave behind for posterity. He was not willing to underplay his presidency like so many who served before him and whose names most of us can barely remember (such as Polk, Buchanan, Harrison or Arthur). He has even imagined himself as an additional chiseled portrait atop Mt. Rushmore joining Washington Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt!
He set about trying to win a Nobel Peace Prize, like four of our previous US presidents (including his nemesis, Barack Obama). But rather than work diligently for peace, he engaged actively as a partisan in seven wars (none of which turned out very well). He campaigned for the Prize as if it were a political contest and when he didn’t win he complained to the Prime Minister of Norway (who had nothing to do with the award) about not being chosen.
Trump became interested in the nineteenth century Monroe Doctrine which fitted well with his own America First opinions. Before long he was telling people that he needed to “take” Greenland! But even devoted subordinates realized that his assertion was politically ill-considered, his tactless aggression causing a furor over much of the world and a rift between the US and the rest of NATO.
While the takeover of Venezuela kept alive Trump’s international attempts at becoming historically significant, his unsuccessful war in Iran has caused him to turn his mind to more local accomplishments, specifically several in the nation’s capital. This started with redecorating most of the White House complex and its surrounding landscape and has grown to tearing down the entire East Wing and replacing it with a giant future ballroom way out of scale with the White House. The demolished remains of the former East Wing Trump had dumped in a huge pile in the middle of a popular public park that he intends to convert into a championship golf course for professional play.
Several new and renovated monuments are in the works, most recently the repaired Reflecting Pool extending from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. A massive “triumphal” arch at least twice the size of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is anticipated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery . A National Garden of American Heroes featuring statues of 250 individuals chosen by Trump for special memorialization is to be located in West Pontiac Park.
He took over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, replaced most of the board and made himself Chairman.
Every one of President Trump’s vanity projects has proceeded without legal authorization, a requirement in nearly every case. Despite several pending lawsuits, it seems doubtful that any of these projects will be stopped by the courts.
All of Trump’s attempts to increase his legacy have been very self-centered, not the sort of efforts that might bring him greater popularity or admiration. He is not likely to be remembered fondly for his war against Iran that has cost American taxpayers to date well over $200 billion dollars.
Historians will continue to look disdainfully at Trump’s Ballroom and Triumphal Arch as aesthetic eyesores pathologically obsessed with size.
And then there’s the money. The original estimate of $1.5 million for the Reflecting Pool is currently expected to cost at least $16 million; the Ballroom budget, originally $200 million (of private money) is now estimated at more than $600 million now and likely much more (mostly taxpayer funding). All told, it would not be unreasonable to assume that the final bill for all the vanity projects will total at least $3 billion.
Judging by his continuing low poll numbers Trump’s efforts to improve his standing for posterity have not been at all successful.
President Trump might look at how several of the late 19th century Robber barons became more public spirited in their later years. John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt and even Henry Ford gave enormous amounts to charitable foundations to do work in the public interest. This definitely put them in a much more favorable place in history. Perhaps were Trump to start making some moves in the public interest, his legacy might change for the better. A substantial, no strings gift to Washington, DC might be a good beginning in view of the damage his vanity projects have already caused the city.
Architect G. Mackenzie Gordon, A.I.A., lives in Lakeville.
Keep ReadingShow less
Let's hear it — August 13, 2026
Millerton News
Aug 11, 2026
This Week
As cannabis becomes legal and more widely accepted in communities across the region, the debate over how cannabis businesses should operate continues. New cannabis shops have faced challenges obtaining the licenses and approvals required to open, raising questions about local regulations and the role of cannabis businesses in the community.
Do you support the expansion of cannabis businesses in the area? Should licenses be easier to obtain, or should there be stricter limits on where and how these businesses can operate?
Send your responses to social@lakevillejournal.com by Monday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. or comment on Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll publish a selection in next week’s paper.
Keep ReadingShow less
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
loading
