Doris Duke's home must be saved

The Doris Duke Residence Must be Saved Duke Estate 2 Doris Duke Open public letter from: Elisabeth McConville Bridgewater, NJ 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 knew 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 knew from Miss Duke herself how much Duke Farms meant to her father who 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, but because this was the place she called home and this was where she spent the majority of her time. In honor of what Doris Duke has done for this township, the county and this state (she was the largest taxpayer in Somerset County, gave us Duke Farms, Duke Island Park, donated the land on which Raritan Valley Community College is located, donated a children’s camp, donated millions of dollars toward the protection of animals, preservation of land, the Duke Gardens, and environmental issues) the place she called home should and must be preserved. This was her legacy and should be passed on to future generations. This is what Doris Duke wanted and this is what the people of New Jersey should have. Over 3,000 people have signed the petition to save her home so let’s work together to make this happen. Demolition is destruction and is permanent. [Add your name to the petition] If you are interested in saving the Doris Duke Residence, please attend the meeting on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.in the Hillsborough Municipal Building. We have already lost forever the Duke Gardens, please don’t let them take away Doris Duke’s home as well.