Grimes Glen
Grimes Glen
48 Vine StreetNaples, NY 14512 Website
The Glen is known for its waterfalls. However, it is best remembered as the source of the oldest fossilized tree in New York. The so-called Naples Devonian Tree was discovered in the glen by D. Dana Luther in 1882. A Naples native who served as President of the village, was a descendent of pioneers who first settled the town. Born in 1840, Dana Luther became interested in geology and spent many years assisting the research of his nephew, Dr. John M. Clarke, State Geologist and State Paleontologist for many years. Mr. Luther served on Clarke’s staff at the State Museum from 1891 to 1916. The fossilized three that Luther discovered in Grimes Glen was removed by paleontologists in 1887 and put on display in the State Museum in Albany. In 1982, the Naples Historical Society published a nine page pamphlet, “D. Dana Luther and the Naples Devonian Tree 1882-1982,” that is still available and relates the complete story of the fossil tree and Mr. Luther.
