The completion of this drive is largely due to the
enterprise of the late Mr. George Corlies, who did much to make
Poughkeepsie beautiful. The view from this "Lookout" takes in the
river for ten miles to the south, and reaches on the north to the
Catskills. In a ramble with Mr. Corlies over Lookout Point, he told
the writer that it was originally the purpose of Matthew Vassar to
erect a monument on Pollopel's Island to Hendrick Hudson. Mr. Corlies
suggested this point as the most commanding site. Mr. Vassar visited
it, and concluded to place the monument here. He published an article
in the Poughkeepsie papers to this effect, and, meeting Mr. Corlies
one week afterwards, said, "Not one person in the city of Poughkeepsie
has referred to my monument. I have decided to build a college for
women, where they can learn what is useful, practical and sensible."
It is interesting to note the fountain-idea of the first woman's
college in the world, as it took form and shape in the mind of its
founder.
[Illustration: POUGHKEEPSIE BRIDGE]
[Illustration: TROPHY POINT, WEST POINT]
[Illustration: OLD CRO' NEST AND STORM KING]
[Illustration: POLLIPEL'S ISLAND AND MOUNT TAURUS]
[Illustration: THE CATSKILLS FROM THE HUDSON]
[Illustration: NORTHERN GATE OF HIGHLANDS]
* * *
And from their leaguering legions thick and vast
The galling hail-shot in fierce volley falls,
While quick, from cloud to cloud, darts o'er the levin
The flash that fires the batteries of heaven!
_Knickerbocker Magazine.
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