Douglas R. Kent, Passionate Supporter of Cooperstown’s Hyde Hall, Dies at 93

Douglas R. Kent has died.

Kent was a major and very early supporter of the historic Hyde Hall residence in Cooperstown.  He joined the Friends of Hyde Hall in 1964.  Kent was a well-known architecture expert and his writings about Hyde Hall in Cooperstown were important in the mansion gaining national fame.

Kent's 1967 article, Hyde Hall, Otsego County, NY, for Antiques Magazine, was key to establishing the mansion as an American treasure.  At the time of his article New York State was considering the destruction of Hyde Hall and replacing it with a series of tennis courts.  His article galvanized support, both local and national, for the saving and restoration of this historic structure.

Douglas R. Kent was the second recipient of the annual Anne Hyde Clarke Logan Cultural Preservation Award for his "unmatched depth of knowledge about the history, architecture and furnishings of Hyde Hall."