The James Foundation’s mission is to fulfill the wishes of Lucy Wortham James in the State of Missouri as expressed by her to the Distribution Committee of the New York Community Trust.

Excerpts from Lucy W. James’s Will and Letter of 1936

Lucy’s Will – Oct. 16, 1936

Page 1-2

“My reason for purchasing the tract was that it is a spot of great natural beauty, which has been in the possession of my family for generations, and through our permission, the Spring basin has been and now is used by the public as a pleasure ground under such regulation and supervision as to insure that the public use shall be seemly and shall not mar its natural beauty. I wish to continue such permissive use by the public and to keep the natural beauty unmarred.”

Page 3

“…to carry out such duties, powers, or functions, it is my desire that an organization to be known as “The James Foundation” be established by the Distribution Committee in Phelps County…”

Letters of Request to Distribution Committee – Oct. 16, 1936

Request #8

“As this is considered to be the most beautiful spot in the State of Missouri…it may ever be in private, considerate control…open to the enjoyment of the people…”

Request #14

“…you may wish to appoint a resident supervisor of the various activities to be carried forward in St. James and at Maramec…the work there shall be done under the title of the ‘James Foundation.’”