Governor Averell Harriman and New York Mayor Robert F. Wagner were among the growing number of officials who have decided to shun a meeting of Mayors of cities in this state which will be held at an Adirondack club which has been charged with discrimination against Jewish guests. The club is the Lake Placid Club.
Gov. Harriman refused an invitation because of a “prior engagement,” while Mayor Wagner reversed his plans and decided not to attend the state mayors parley on June 1-4, going to a national meeting of municipal officials in Canada. Other officials who had rejected invitations are: Schenectady Mayor Samuel Stratton, Poughkeepsie Mayor J. George Spitz, Ellenville Mayor Eugene Clusker, Long Beach City Manager Maurice J Fleischman and Elmira Mayor Edward A. Mooers.
The Anti-Defamation League has complained to the State Commission Against Discrimination that Jews are barred as members or guests of the Lake Placid Club. Club officials have challenged the right of the commission to interfere, claiming that it is a private club and not subject to the state’s fair accommodations law.
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