Estate of Andrew Haswell Green Available to the Public for the First Time in Auction Held September 9-12, 2010

WORCESTER, Mass., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in U.S. history, property of the Green family estate and personal items from Andrew Haswell Green (b. 1820, d. 1903), a notable city commissioner for New York, will be auctioned off to the public starting Thursday, September 9^th and ending on Sunday, September 12^th.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/NE60225 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100907/NE60225 )

Green, who to some may seem an obscure figure, was actually once proclaimed by his friend President Theodore Roosevelt as the "Father of Greater New York."  Green served in a variety of official positions in New York City and State and is widely credited with among other accomplishments: the development of Central Park, the amalgamation of New York City in the five boroughs, the unwinding of the Tammany Hall system of graft, as well as the organization of the New York Public Library, the Bronx Zoo, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Botanical Garden.  In February 2010, the City of New York announced that it will dedicate $4.5 million and one and a half acres of land on the East River and at the end of 66^th Street for the building of a memorial park in his honor.

Today, more than 100 years since his death, Green's estate is largely intact thanks to generations of relatives who have preserved priceless antiques, valuable artwork and notable timepieces along with scores of historical documents. Over 2,200 items will be auctioned – linking form the mid-17^th century to the end of the Victorian Age. Included in the lots are a rare copy of the last will and testament from President George Washington dated February 1800; early Presidential letters of Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and Jackson; and hand-written appointments of military posts from the Revolutionary War, dated in 1776.

"This will be a phenomenal auction with items for everyone – from 19^th century toys to fine art, estate furniture to vintage clothing, rare stamps and important presidential documents; antique lovers and historians alike will be pleasantly surprised and intrigued," said Richard W. Oliver, auctioneer and founder of Oliver's, an auction house.

Over 10,000 documents have been found including family letters representing an extraordinary expression of thought, surprising candidness and personal observations of the world during the years between 1760 and 1903. Many of the letters are those from the family of William Elija Green (b. 1777, d. 1865), a prominent and well-respected lawyer in Worcester. Letters of Levi Lincoln, Gov. John Davis, Gov. Charles Sumner, Sen. James Talmadge of the Missouri Compromise and Rufus Putnam "the Founder and Father of Ohio," are also available for auction.  

Taking place for four days at the DCU Center in Worcester, located at 50 Foster Street, two miles from Green Hill Park, the family's estate from 1754 to 1903, daily sessions will include:

Thursday, September 9^th

• Session I: Toys, Dolls and Games

 Friday, September 10th

• Session II Andrew H. Green Tiffany glass & silver; and other decorative items
• Session III: Green Family Vintage Clothing Collection, jewelry, paisleys & linens

Saturday, September 11^th  

• Session IV: Andrew H. Green Memorabilia
• Session V: Stamps, Coins, Paper Money

 Sunday, September 12^th

• Session VI: Paintings, Antiques and General Estate

"For ten generations, my family has cherished Andrew's possessions," said, John D. Green, a descendant of Andrew Haswell Green. "We're excited to be offering these items to the public so as to inspire a greater appreciation for the historical importance and cultural developments that occurred during this vital period of American history."

The auction, beginning on Thursday, September 9^th, will be open to the public. Auction items will also be available online through LiveAuctioneers, can be bided over the phone and through absentee bid forms, for those interested who cannot attend in person. An exclusive auction preview party benefiting the Worcester Historical Museum will be held on Tuesday, September 7^th at 6 pm EDT. For tickets to the party and further information, please call (508) 753-8278. To learn more about the items available for auction, please contact Richard W. Oliver at (207) 985-3600.

About Andrew Haswell Green

Andrew Haswell Green is a well-known city commissioner for the City of New York and worked towards the betterment of the city from 1843 to 1898.  Green greatly contributed to the growth and progress of both New York City and the state of New York.  During his time of service, Green's accomplishments included bringing together the five boroughs which now comprise New York City, heading the Central Park Commission and creating a cultural center which under his direction included the creation of the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, the New York Zoological and Botanical Garden, and the Bronx Zoo. Green was named the founder of the Scenic and Historic Preservation Society and was appointed the State Commissioner for Parks.  Green also worked to develop the United States side of Niagara Falls and directed the development of the area as a protected reservation alongside the great natural wonder. Because of his legacy, the city of New York and its institutions, parks and museums are still enjoyed by millions of Americans today.

SOURCE Estate of Andrew Haswell Green