Created in 1955 by Susan Vanderpoel Clark, the Village Beautification Contest was a culmination of her
support of beautification efforts for the Village over the years. Her efforts extended from hanging
baskets on Main Street to having her gardeners plant flowers along the walkways of the Village
churches, tulips in the spring and geraniums and petunias for the summer. At Christmas, her
greenhouses provided poinsettias to adorn their alters, and also lilies for Easter. Susan Vanderpoel
Clark’s horticultural legacy to Cooperstown continues to be reflected by the Village’s year-round beauty,
and her efforts live on through the leadership of The Clark Foundation and its President, Jane Forbes
Clark.
The Annual Beautification Contest maintains Susan Vanderpoel Clark’s vision and encourages
Cooperstown residents to maintain their properties at a very high standard. Each year a varying panel of
judges makes the award selections, which are presented jointly by the Village of Cooperstown and The
Clark Foundation. As in years past, the awards will be given in the following three categories:
– Most Attractive Floral Display in a Business Setting
– Most Effective Overall Planting Which Enhances a Residential Property, as Seen from the
Street
– Most Appropriate Residential or Business Window Box or Boxes and/or Hanging Basket or
Baskets
First Place All Categories $1,000.00
Second Place All Categories $750.00
Third Place All Categories $500.00
Honorable Mention All Categories $400.00
2022 First Place Winners:
Metro Cleaners
41 Nelson Street
203 Main Street
