<P> The Clark family, whose fortune originated with a half - ownership of the patent for Singer Sewing Machine, have lived in Cooperstown since the mid-19th century . The family's holdings include interests assembled over a century and a half, which are now held through trusts and foundations . Their dominance is reflected in Clark ownership of more than 10,000 acres (40 km) of largely undeveloped land in and around greater Cooperstown . </P> <P> In the village, the Otesaga, the Cooper Inn, Clark Estates, and the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home are all Clark properties . In addition, the Clarks were founding partners of, and retain an interest in, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital . </P> <P> Cooperstown still receives support from the Clark Foundation, which has donated to a variety of causes including various scholarships, non-profit organizations, and village services . The family has also donated land for the Cooperstown Central School District's new high school location − formerly horse stables − as well as for parks such as Fairy Springs and Council Rock, and recently, for a new Little League baseball field . </P> <P> Jane Forbes Clark II, the primary family heir today, has continued this commitment . She has purchased strategic land to ensure the preservation of village entry points, as well as overseeing the expansion of the various Clark holdings . </P>

What impact has the clark family had upon cooperstown