88 



nor is it likely that the other American poets whose names are 

 now given to adjacent streets, would have been thus honored 

 by the Borough. 



After the literary exercises at the Morris High School had 

 been concluded with the singing of " The Star Spangled 

 Banner," the members of the Society and guests proceeded by 

 automobiles to Joseph Rodman Drake Park, at Hunts Point, 

 where the graves of Drake and his sister had been substantially 

 restored by the Society, having been enclosed by an eliptical 

 iron fence set upon eight granite fence blocks, whilst a 

 Tiffany bronze tablet containing lines from Halleck's elegiac 

 poem on Drake had been placed upon the tombstone. The 

 total expense of this work was $273.25. 



A large and attentive audience witnessed the unveiling exer- 

 cises. The Hon. James L. Wells, Treasurer of the State of 

 New York, read an important paper on "The Hunt Family 

 and Hunt's Point," which revealed a remarkable knowledge of 

 local history, deduced from much research and personal in- 

 formation. It is expected that this paper, which should not 

 be lost, will be prepared for future publication when Mr. 

 Wells can find more time than is available now with his 

 arduous duties in the service of the State. 



The unveiling of the tablet was gracefully performed by 

 Miss Helena van Brugh de Kay, a great-granddaughter of the 

 poet. As the folds of the American flag were drawn aside, 

 revealing the first verse of Halleck's tribute to Drake. Chair- 

 man Paltsits read the touching poem, which follows : 



Joseph Rodman Drake Park, 

 May 29, 191 5. 



GREEN BE THE TURF. 

 Fritz-Greene Halleck. 



Written at the old Hunt Grange in memory of his friend and companion, 

 Joseph Rodman Drake, a few days after his death, Sept. 21, 1820. 



Green be the turf above thee, 

 Friend of my better days ! 



