Levi P. Morton (1824-1920) served as Vice President of the United States to Benjamin Haririson, Governor of New York, Congressman from New York City, and Ambassador to France. As the Ambassador, Morton formally accepted the Statue of Liberty from the French on July 4, 1884. He died in nearby Rhinebeck, NY.
The building was erected by Anna L. and Levi P. Morton in memory of their daughter Lena for the use of the people of Rhinecliff. It was dedicated as a library in 1908. The building the family gave to the community is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Morton Memorial Library is known for its cozy atmosphere and eclectic library collection. This historic building houses a wonderful children’s room with books, puzzles, beanbags, all graced by a mural painted by artist and Rhinecliff resident, Joseph Maresca. Morton Library is renowned for it’s Lacan Collection and Hudson Valley Collection, enhancing its well-selected mix of new best sellers and classics. The library has public computers and WiFi for online work, comfortable spaces for quiet reading, and friendly personnel for help and conversation.
Morton Hall is used for art shows, acoustic nights, a youth chess club, classical guitar concerts, historic talks, ARTalks, a yearly talent show, and many other events. The room can also be rented for private parties, concerts, and the like, all adding to Morton’s warm atmosphere of community activity.
Morton Memorial Library and Community House has received recognition for its civic engagement activities, for sustainability, and for hosting the New Netherlands exhibit in conjunction with the New Netherlands Institute. Among other benefactors, The Thompson Trust and Frost Memorial Fund have granted funds to Morton to improve and sustain the historic facility. Morton is financially sustained by: an endowment created by the Morton family; fundraising; space rental; donations; grants; taxpayers who have passed three votes in support of Morton.
And now they host a geocache!
The best way to approach this cache might be:
1. Review the library's website for hours. https://morton.rhinecliff.lib.ny.us/
2. Review the title of this cache. Superfluous trivia: Don Quixote de La Mancha was written by Miguel de Cervantes.
3. Locate Stage 1. Read the message.
4. Stage 2 is located inside the Library. Enter the Library to locate the cache.
5. Open the cache container. Swap any swag that interests you. Sign the log. Score a smiley.
6. Please return the containers as found.
This cache was placed in collaboration with the Library Director, Sandy Bartlett who is responsible for the containers and clever title.
Difficulty level at 2.5 because parking may be somewhat problematic at times.