Opus 40 Oral History Project
Harvey Fite carved his legacy in stone and wood. Opus 40, his awe inspiring bluestone earthwork, is certainly the most significant example of how, as he was fond of remarking, he hoped to “leave my footprints on the sands of time.”
But Harvey left his footprints not just on the pile of rubble that would become Opus 40. He was also a teacher, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a step-father, a grandfather, a traveler, a figure of the community, a true friend and more. In each of those relationships he left his mark as indelibly as those relationships left their marks on him.
We are reaching out to you to add to that legacy. We’d love to hear anything you have to share about Harvey Fite, whether relating to:
His 36 year tenure at Bard College (were you a student? a colleague?)
His work on Opus 40 and the Quarryman’s Museum.
Maybe you saw one of his presentations at the Woodstock Artist’s Association?
Maybe you rubbed elbows at Wilgus’s Country Store?
Perhaps you knew Barbara Fite?
Or one of his step-sons, Tad or Jonathan Richards?
Maybe you were lucky enough to attend one of the grand parties at Fite House?
Even if you weren’t acquainted with Harvey, we’d love to hear your impressions of Opus 40:
When did you first come here? What did you feel?
Or do you have stories about the old days of bluestone quarrying?
In more recent years – did you attend concerts or events & have photos you’d be willing to share? We’d love to see them!