The Bryant Library Local History Collection is pleased to announce that the Charles H. Hechler Family Collection, donated to the library by Ken Hechler, is now available for researchers. These papers have been arranged and described in a finding aid by project archivist Carol L. Clarke, with funds from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. 

 

This unique collection gives insight into the Hechler family, as well as into the operations of the former Clarence H. Mackay estate, “Harbor Hill.”  Charles H. Hechler was the superintendent of the Mackay estate from 1907-1938. He also was involved in local civic affairs and politics, and served on the Roslyn Board of Education. His wife, Catherine, raised three sons, George, Charles (Jr.) and Ken, and was active in the Roslyn chapter of the Red Cross, and the Roslyn Heights Garden Club. Catherine also served as Historian of East Hills and was a Republican Committeewoman. Their son Charles (Jr.) was a life-long resident and also served as East Hills Historian.  After the death of Charles (Jr.) in 1995, his brother Ken (now Secretary of State of West Virginia) donated this collection of papers to the library’s Local History Collection.

 

The library and the community are indebted to Ken for his thoughtfulness and foresight and we invite researchers to visit the library’s Bryant Room archives and look through this newest addition to Roslyn history. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Carol L. Clarke for her hard work in organizing this collection and for her excellent finding aid. We would also like to thank our special donor, whose funds made this possible.