The Town of Highlands Historical Society
Linda Buzzeo Best describes a research visit in 2004 to the historical society in Highland Falls, where its historian had gathered Ladycliff materials ahead of her arrival.
Linda Buzzeo Best, class of 1972, in December 2004, on a research visit to the Town of Highlands Historical Society in Highland Falls while finishing her book. Stella Bailey, the Society's historian and president, had gathered the materials in advance and showed her a display on the college still in progress and a shelf of Ladycliff yearbooks from the 1940s to 1980. The Society's collection goes back to the 1800s, and Best recommends a visit to anyone who knew the college.
Recently, I visited the Town of Highlands Historical Society in Highland Falls to search the archives for information that will help me finalize my book about Ladycliff. Stella Bailey, the Society's Historian and President, provided exceptional assistance to this end. Prior to my arrival, she had gathered all materials on the topic; she also directed me to other sources of information after I arrived. These included a beautiful display she is creating to depict the College's story and a bookshelf filled with Ladycliff yearbooks from the 1940s to the 1980. I found everything I needed--and more--in this rich collection, which dates back to the 1800s. The Society is worth a visit. Anyone familiar with Ladycliff will reminisce as well as learn a great deal when leafing through the meticulously kept files.
Linda Buzzeo Best, 72, December 2004
A few questions
Why did Linda Best visit the historical society?
She went to search the archives for information to help her finalize her book about Ladycliff. Stella Bailey, the Society's Historian and President, had gathered all materials on the topic before she arrived and pointed her to other sources.
What did she find in the collection?
She found a beautiful display depicting the College's story that Stella Bailey was creating, and a bookshelf filled with Ladycliff yearbooks from the 1940s to 1980. She says the collection, which dates back to the 1800s, held everything she needed.
More from the archive
Ladycliff Remembered: A Journey Through Time, 1933 to 1980
A 57-page book by Linda Buzzeo Best, class of 1972, reflecting on Catholic education for women at Ladycliff from 1933 to 1980, issued in a limited run of 300 copies.
ReadCollege historyThe Story Behind the Ladycliff Watercolor
A reader found a handwritten note behind a framed 1905 watercolor and traced it to Ladycliff. She asks the alumnae site what it knows about the booklet, the artist and the building.
ReadCollege historyAbout Ladycliff
A short profile of Ladycliff College: founded in 1933 by the Franciscan Sisters of Peekskill, located beside West Point, and closed in 1980 for financial reasons.
ReadCollege historyThe Cliffies Next Door: Gray Matter Article
A West Point column explains who the 'Cliffies' were, how Ladycliff's campus became part of the academy, and how alumnae kept gathering for reunions.
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