John Hendrickson (1965–2024) has secured a place in American history as one of our nation’s greatest good neighbors. The owner of New York’s historic Whitney Park, who died unexpectedly last August at age 59, bequeathed the net proceeds from the sale of his beloved estate to the Town of Long Lake. The 36,600-acre forested landholding, which was assembled by generations of Whitneys beginning in the 1890s, includes an historic Adirondack Great Camp and more than 30 lakes, ponds, streams, and bogs.

The news was announced at a special meeting at Long Lake Town Hall on March 7:

“Pursuant to Mr. Hendrickson’s wishes, his estate will manage the continued marketing and sale of the property, which began in 2020. The sale process will require the fulfillment of legal procedures and obligations, including ensuring that all the obligations of the estate are properly settled. The estate will then deliver the net sale proceeds to the town. Though the actual amount of money that Long Lake receives will not be known until the property is sold, it is currently listed at more than $100 million.”

There are no restrictions on how the town must use the funds.

“This is an historic moment and one of the most significant events in the town’s history,” said Long Lake Supervisor Clay Arsenault. “John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney were strong supporters of Long Lake during their lifetimes. They were beloved and respected in this community and contributed generously to the Long Lake Library, our medical center, our celebrated fireworks displays, and countless other causes. But their generosity through the years did not adequately prepare us to learn that John left the town with a gift of this magnitude and transformational potential. It is totally unexpected, amazing, and will provide incredible opportunities for our community that will have a profound and positive impact for generations to come.”

ADIRONDACK ESTATE. More than 100 miles of undeveloped shoreline can be found on Whitney Park.