There are many reasons why one town or village appears more attractive than the
next relative to its livability, assets and resources as well as desirability and
cultural aspects for bringing up children. Pawling is that town. There are excellent
schools in Pawling – both public and private. There is state-of-the-art senior housing.
Ecumenicity flourishes. All religious denominations are represented.
Pawling abounds in history from the time of the early settlement of Quakers on Quaker
Hill to 1778 when General George Washington’s troops were headquartered. It was
in the John Kane House, on East Main Street, that Washington planned his strategies
that led to our winning the Revolutionary War. Other historic landmarks include
the Quaker Meeting House and the Akin Free Library and Museum on Quaker Hill.
In the Village of Pawling stands an impressive landmark called the Dutcher House,
the scene of many operas and entertainment back in the 1800s. The red brick building
with its white trim is the centerpiece of the Village. Nearby Lakeside Park, is
a resource featuring riding trails, tennis courts, swimming and boating on beautiful
Green Mountain Lake. Seminars and conferences are held here and meetings by local
organizations take place on a regular basis. Pawling boasts other resources that
provide opportunities for skiing, bike riding, hockey and other sports. There are
year round sports and cultural events, which makes it perfect for year round living
and attractive for those who spend weekends and summers.
Ecology is important to the people of Pawling. Over 1,000 acres of open spaces have
been preserved in order to maintain the rural nature of the area for which Pawling
is famous.
Outstanding citizens have been Governor Thomas E. Dewey, Edward R. Murrow, Lowell
Thomas, William B. Ziff, Jr. and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale whose legacy to our town
is the Center for Positive Thinking located in the Village. Pawling continues to
attract celebrities and others who seek refuge from the crowded cities to the south
and are looking for clean air and clear water. Just seventy-miles from New York
City, commuters use Metro-North out of the Village while others drive on direct
highways to points south and north.