To the editor:
I worked for Doris Duke for 20 years, had a house on her estate, and my office was in her main residence at Duke Farms. I also traveled with and for her to all five of her homes. I got to know her very well and feel compelled to speak out on her behalf against the proposed intention of the Duke Foundation to demolish the Doris Duke residence.
I know from Miss Duke herself how much Duke Farms meant to her, not just because her father had built it, not just because it was the only place where she could get away from the public, relax and enjoy her privacy and her animals. It was the place she called home and this was where she spent the majority of her time.
Because of what Doris Duke has done for this township, this county and this state, the least we can do for her is to preserve her legacy. She was the largest taxpayer in Somerset County, and gave us Duke Farms, and Duke Island Park. She donated the land on which Raritan Valley Community College is located. She donated a children’s camp and millions of dollars toward the protection of animals, the preservation of land, the Duke Gardens and environmental issues.
The building that was Doris Duke’s home is an iconic structure of 67,000 square feet that deserves to be preserved, restored and enjoyed by the people of New Jersey and future generations. The millions of people who have visited Duke Farms have never had the opportunity to see “where Miss Duke actually lived.“ Her residence can and must be preserved as the central and most critical part of Duke Farms.
Because of the connection between Raritan Valley Community College and the Duke estate, this building could be used in part for the college’s environmental and ecological classes for future scientists, environmentalists and preservationists.
The Duke estate and the Duke residence are part of Doris Duke’s legacy, which needs to be recognized, preserved and remembered. This is what Doris wanted and this is what the people of New Jersey want! More than 2,900 people have already signed the petition to save her home so let’s work together to make this happen. Demolition is destruction and is permanent.
Please attend the meeting on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough Municipal building to express your concerns about the demolition of the Doris Duke residence.
Elisabeth McConville
Bridgewater
