May 14, 2007
Article from the Spring 2007 Newsletter

NYPAP was deeply saddened over the loss of two preservationists in the past year: Evelyn Ortner and Arnold Bergier. Evelyn Ortner and her husband, Everett, first became active in preservation activities in the late 1950s when they attended community meetings focusing on landmarks issues. They later moved to Brooklyn and became involved in giving house tours in their neighborhood, Park Slope. An interview with the Ortners is available here. 

Arnold Bergier was a well-known sculptor who founded Save the Village in 1959. Save the Village played an instrumental role in advancing sensitive zoning and the use of the Bard Act to preserve the character of Greenwich Village. Bergier lived in Greenwich Village with his wife, Jean Kwon. Mrs. Ortner and Mr. Bergier were both honored at NYPAP’s Golden Jubilee Celebration in April, 2006 for their contributions to the history of preservation in New York City. They will be missed!