J. Hampden Robb

The City and State of New York owe much to the public services of James Hampden Robb; and likewise The Century Association and other clubs of which he was a member. His political career began in 1882, when he was elected to the Assembly; he was State Senator in 1884 and 1885. In politics, he consistently upheld what was best, working together for good with our late member, Walter Howe, although the two belonged to opposite parties. He devoted himself to the scheme of a Niagara Falls Reservation, working for this end in the Senate, and helping to foster an efficient sentiment in its favor throughout the State. When the desired law was passed, Robb was appointed by Governor Cleveland as one of the commissioners to carry out the plan. He was active and efficient in promoting the nomination of Cleveland for the presidency. He declined, however, the place of Assistant Secretary of State, which was offered him by Mr. Cleveland, but accepted an appointment from Mayor Hewitt as Park Commissioner. This was in 1887, and the next year he was made President of the Park Board. While holding this office, he carried into the beautifying and safeguarding of the city parks the same beneficent enthusiasm which had marked his endeavors for the Niagara Reservation.

Robb was treasurer of The Century Association during that critical period when the Club moved from Fifteenth Street to Forty-third; and was thus one of the members who took most active part in the construction of our present building. Personally he was one of those men with whom it is refreshing to come in contact: cheerful, kindly, and sincere.

Henry Osborn Taylor
1912 Century Association Yearbook