"Truly, An Illuminating Little Passage in the History of New-York!" - Efforts to Develop Shore Road Trolley Line in 1897

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Recently I wrote a brief posting on efforts to develop a trolley line on Shore Road in 1897.  See Wed., April 28, 2010:  Efforts by the Pelham Park Horse Railroad to Expand and Develop a Trolley Car Line on Shore Road in 1897.

I have located another couple of references to the incident.  One notes that the line was unlikely to be built and described the whole affair as "Truly, an illuminating little passage in the history of New-York!"  The second is a one sentence reference indicating that a court injunction was issued forbidding the Mayor and Aldermen from taking any further action in the matter.  I have transcribed the articles below.

"THE ALDERMEN HARD AT IT.

It now appears probable that the franchise granted on Thursday for a surface railroad through Pelham Bay Park and along the shore road will be made inoperative by the refusal of the Park Board to give its consent to the grab.  It is desirable, nevertheless, to say that the action of the Aldermen was a signally indecent exhibition of infidelity to public interests and of contempt for public opinion.  The resolutions bestowing a rich gift on persons who have not yet been identified, but are obviously in close touch with Tammany Hall, were rushed through with little more discussion than was necessary to afford a chance for discovering and removing flaws which might have impaired their value.  The whole procedure was in flat contradiction of the professions and promises concerning public franchises on which Tammany candidates were elected on November 2, and a rank violation of the policy which the new charter embodies.  The plain, undisputed purpose was to get ahead of the charter if possible, and cheat the city for the benefit of individuals with a pull.  The job is altogether fit to be compared with that which was put through in Brooklyn the day before, and which within twenty-four hours ran up against an injunction.  Perhaps in our case an obstacle of that sort is not needed or available, but by some means the business ought to be stopped, and it is gratifying to believe that the Park Board has the power and will to stop it.

There is no conceivable motive for such a performance which is not discreditable.  The only reason for such haste is found in the fact that the days when such a thing can be done are almost past.  There is not a single citizen of New-York who doubts that the provision of the new charter limiting the bestowal of franchises is a good thing for the city, however it may affect the private interests and calculations of individuals.  Every Alderman who voted for this Pelham Park Railroad scheme knows that he betrayed the public welfare in so doing.  'How do you reconcile this with your platform about municipal ownership?' asked Alderman Hall.  'That is easy enough to answer,' remarked Alderman Goodman, who also voted against the resolution; 'the election is over.'  'You bet the election is over,' said Alderman Noonan; 'you fellows on the other side ought to know that.'  Truly, an illuminating little passage in the history of New-York!"

Source:  The Aldermen Hard At It, New-York Daily Tribune, Dec. 2, 1897, p. 6, col. 2.

The following brief reference indicates that a few days later, a court injunction was issued in the matter.

"CITY AND SUBURBAN.--An injunction was served upon the Mayor and Aldermen restraining them from taking action in the Pelham Park Railroad matter. . . . "

Source:  City and Suburban, New-York Daily Tribune, Dec. 8, 1897, p. 8, col. 1.

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City Islanders Complain and Force the Operators of Their Horse Railroad to Agree to Replace Antiquated Cars in 1908

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Regular readers know that I have been engaged in a project to document the history of the horse railroad once operated in the Town of Pelham between Bartow Station and the tip of City Island.  The horse railroad, operated by Pelham Park Railroad Company and the City Island Railroad Company, continued to operate after New York City annexed the area.  I have collected many links to previous postings on the topic at the end of this brief article.

In 1908, the residents of City Island became fed up with the conditions of four of the cars operated on the line.  They complained to the Public Service Commission and a hearing was scheduled.  When City Islanders showed up for the hearing to address their complaint, they found that it had already been held.  A brief newspaper article describes what transpired.

"REJOICING AT CITY ISLAND.
-----
Old Bandboxes To Be Replaced by Four New Cars.

They were talking last night in City Island of getting up a transit celebration, with balloon ascension and 'sich like,' after the fashion of the subway celebration held by Jamaica.  And why?  Because the managers of the Pelham Park Railroad Company and the City Island Railroad Company had promised Commissioner Eustis, of the Public Service Commission, that four of the nine antiquated bandboxes operated between Bartow and Belden's Point, City Island, termed cars through courtesy, would to to the junk heap.  In their place the companies will buy four brand new cars. 

Most of City Island moved down to the offices of the Public Service Commission yesterday afternoon to attend the hearing on a complaint they had made against the companies.  When they got there they found the hearing was over, and they were inclined to be indignant.  But when they heard the news of the cars, and also that the roadbed was to be repaired, they cooled down.  The representatives of the companies had got in before them and, admitting the necessity for improvements, had promised to make them.  The hearing was therefore adjourned at once."

Source:  Rejoicing At City Island, New-York Daily Tribune, Jun. 9, 1908, p. 4, col. 4.


Wed., April 28, 2010:  Efforts by the Pelham Park Horse Railroad to Expand and Develop a Trolley Car Line on Shore Road in 1897.

Tue., April 27, 2010:  New York City's Interborough Rapid Transit Company Sued to Foreclose a Mortgage on the Horse Railroad in 1911.

Mon., April 26, 2010:  Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.

Fri., March 5, 2010:  Construction of the City Island Horse Railroad in 1887.

Thu., March 4, 2010:  Beginnings of Horse Railroad - News from Pelham and City Island Published in 1884.

Wed., March 3, 2010:  1879 Advertisement for Robert J. Vickery's City Island Stage Line, A Predecessor to the City Island Horse Railroad.

Tue., March 2, 2010:  1901 Report Indicated that The Flynn Syndicate Planned to Buy the Pelham Bay Park & City Island Horse Car Line.

Mon., March 1, 2010:  Flynn Syndicate Buys the City Island Horse Car Line in 1907 to Incorporate It Into Electric Trolley Line.

Fri., February 26, 2010:  1913 Decision of Public Service Commission to Allow Reorganization of City Island Horse Railroad for Electrification.

Thu., February 25, 2010:  Photograph of Patrick Byrnes and Article About His Retirement of the City Island Horse Car in 1914.

Wed., February 24, 2010:  Attempted Suicide of City Island's Long-Time Horse Car Driver

Wed., February 3, 2010:  Early Information Published in 1885 About the Organization of the "City Island Railroad", a Horse Railroad from Bartow Station to City Island

Tue., February 2, 2010:  Information About the Pelham Park Railroad at its Outset

Fri., January 22, 2010:  1884 Account of Early Origins of Horse Railroad Between Bartow Station and City Island

Tue., September 1, 2009:  Pelham News on February 29, 1884 Including Talk of Constructing a New Horse Railroad from Bartow to City Island

Wed., December 2, 2009:  Accident on Horse-Car of the Pelham Park Railroad Line in 1889

 Thu., December 31, 2009:  1887 Election of the Board of Directors of The City Island and Pelham Park Horse Railroad Company

Mon., January 4, 2010:  1888 Local News Account Describes Altercation on the Horse Railroad Running from Bartow Station to City Island.

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Efforts by the Pelham Park Horse Railroad to Expand and Develop a Trolley Car Line on Shore Road in 1897

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I have written fairly extensively regarding the little horse railroad that once ran from Bartow Station on the New Haven Branch Line to the tip of City Island.  For examples of such previous postings, see the links at the end of this posting.

The horse railroad once consisted of two lines that met at Marshall's Corners on the mainland near the City Island Bridge:  the line owned by the Pelham Park Railroad Company and the line owned by the City Island Railroad Company.  In 1897, the Pelham Park Railroad Company attempted an expansion bid to operate an electric trolley line along Shore road and across the Pelham Bridge.  The article quoted below appeared in the December 1, 1897 issue of the New-York Daily Tribune.

"THE FRANCHISE GRANTED.
-----
SUCCESS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PELHAM PARK RAILROAD COMPANY.
-----
TWENTY-FIVE ALDERMEN VOTE FOR IT AND ONLY THREE AGAINST IT--OPPOSITION OF PROPERTY-OWNERS DISREGARDED--A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT GET THE PRIVILEGE AFTER ALL.

The Board of Aldermen yesterday voted to grant the application of the Pelham Park Railroad Company for a franchise for a railroad through Pelham Bay Park along the Shore road and across the long and narrow Pelham bridge.  As told in The Tribune yesterday, it was upon that application the Railroad Committee of the Aldermen gave a public hearing on Monday when property-owners and their representatives appeared to protest against the granting of such a franchise.  It was explained then that a trolley road as shown in the plans accompanying the application would ruin the only fine drive in the Pelham Bay Park and obstruct travel on the Pelham bridge.  Yesterday other objections to the trolley plan were presented, but a majority of the Railroad Committee had signed a favorable report, and the resolution to grant the franchise was passed by a vote of twenty-five in the affirmative to three in the negative.  Later, after being amended, the resolution was passed again, only four Aldermen voting against it.

The action of the Board of Aldermen, however, does not mean that the trolley company will get the franchise to spoil the Shore road in the Park.  It is probable that the Mayor will veto the resolution and that the present Board of Aldermen will go out of power before they can take action to override the veto.  There is a question as to the legal right of the Aldermen to grant the franchise in the way they voted to grant it.  The consent of the Park's Commissioners, it is believed, would have to be obtained before the trolley road could go through the Park, franchise or no franchise, and the Park Commissioners are strongly opposed to having a fine drive which cost about $60,000 spoiled by a trolley road.

DID NOT SIGN IT.

When the report of the Railroad Committee was read to the Aldermen yesterday it was noticed that Aldermen Hall and Goodman, members of the Committee, had not signed the report.  Alderman Hall moved to have the report laid over for a week and printed.  He pointed out some errors in the resolution to grant the franchise, and said that the Aldermen were restrained by an injunction of the Supreme Court to act on the Kingsbridge extension franchise on a question that might apply to the Pelham Park Railroad Company's application.  Alderman Goodman wanted to know if the Aldermen had the right, under recent decisions of the courts, to grant a franchise for a term of twenty-five years, as proposed in the resolution to grant the franchise.  President Jeroloman said he had taken the advice of some of the best lawyers in the city, and they all were agreed that the Aldermen, as the law stood, did not have the right to grant a franchise for a limited term before the Greater New-York charter went into full effect on January 1.  Mr. Goodman also raised the point that the consent of the Park Commissioners would have to be obtained before the franchise, if granted by the Aldermen, would be of any value to the trolley company. 

The motion to lay the report over was voted down, and the resolution to grant the franchise was adopted, President Jeroloman, Alderman Hall and Alderman Goodman alone voting against it.  After the vote was announced there was some more discussion as to the power of the Aldermen to grant the franchise for a limited time.  The resolution had been adopted in the following form:

Resolved, That the consent of the Common Council is hereby given to the Pelham Park Railroad Company to extend, build, construct, maintain and operate a railroad for public use and conveyance of persons and properties in cars for compensation over, along and through the following streets, avenues and highways:  Commencing at the junction of the road from Bartow to City Island with the road known as the Shore Road, or road to Pelham, north along said Shore Road or road to Pelham, to the city line at Pelham Manor.

CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT.

Resolved, That this consent is granted upon the following conditions:

First--That the right, franchise and privilege of using the streets and avenues as so specified shall be sold at public auction, as provided by law.  That the corporation operating said road shall not charge any passenger more than five cents for any continuous ride from any point point [sic] on its road, or on any road, line or branch operated by it or under its control.

Second--That the company receiving the franchise and operating said railroad shall at all times keep the street between its tracks and two feet beyond the outer rail on each side of of the street clean and free from dirt or snow, and shall pave the street along the route between the rails of its tracks and two feet on either side of the tracks, and conform in all respects with the character of the pavement laid down on said street or streets, and keep the same in repair.  If not so done, the Commissioner of Street Improvements of the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth Wards, or any other officer designated by law to perform the work of said Commissioner shall have it done at the expense of said railroad company, the amount to be collected by the Controller under due process of law.

Third--That at the end of twenty-five years the said company, after a revaluation, shall have the privilege of acquiring the same rights by paying the additional valuation; or, that in case the city or some other corporation shall procure the same, then the Pelham Park Railroad Company shall be reimbursed the amount of the cost of building said railroad.

MR. O'BRIEN'S RESOLUTION.

Alderman O'Brien thought that some provision should be inserted to protect the trolley comapny in case the courts decided against the right of the Aldermen to grant a franchise in perpetuity.  He offered the following, to be tacked on to the third provision:

But in the event of the courts' decreeing that under the provision of the charter of Greater New-York, the Board has not the power to grant to the said railroad company the consent in perpetuity, then, that the consent so given by the Common Council shall exist, obtain and be vested in same company for the period of twenty-five years.

Despite the suggestion of Alderman Goodman that the addition was superfluous, it was passed.

The report on the Westchester branch of the road was the same, excepting, as to the route.  This branch is to begin 'at the junction of the road from Bartow to City Island and the road known as the Shore Road, to Pelham; thence southerly along the Shore Road or road to Pelham to Pelham [sic] Bridge, over said Pelham bridge, continuing south on the road to Pelham to the junction of said road with the Eastern Boulevard, and continuing over said Pelham or Shore Road to the road to Fort Schuyler and Main-st., West Chester.

Later Alderman Oakley had the vote on the franchise resolution reconsidered to permit him to introduce an amendment to make the franchise one in perpetuity in case the courts decided that the Board still had the power to grant a perpetual franchise.  The amendment was passed, as follows: 


'But should said courts decide that the power of the Board has not been limited by the provisions of the charter, then the same consent shall be in perpetuity.'

This was a chance for a new opposition by Alderman Hall.

'How about municipal ownership?' he asked of Alderman Oakley, with a laugh?

'As Judge Jeroloman says, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it,' was the answer.

'The Board is now taking the position that it will give away the franchise if it can,' declared Alderman Hall.

'The intent of the amendment is to provide in case the courts decide in such a way that the twenty-five-year limit is illegal,' replied Mr. Oakley.

'How do you reconcile this with your platform about municipal ownership?' again demanded Alderman Hall. 

'That's easy enough to answer,' interrupted Alderman Goodman before Alderman Oakley could answer.  'The election is over.'

'You bet the election is over.  You fellows on the other side ought to know that,' was the answering sally of Alderman Noonan. 

The resolutions granting the franchise for the first branch, so amended, were passed, Alderman Ware voting 'aye,' although the franchise was to be in perpetuity, if posssible.  Alderman Hall and Goodman and President Jeroloman were the only votes against it.  On the vote for the second branch of the road, Alderman Ware voted 'no.'

MAY NOT GET IT.

President Jeroloman said, after the meeting, that he did not think the trolley company would get the franchise.  'The Mayor,' he said, 'probably will be advised by the Corporation Counsel that the action of the Aldermen was in conflict with the law.  Then the Mayor may hold the resolution for fourteen days, and send it back with a veto.  Under the rules the resolution will have to lie over for fifteen days longer before it could be passed over the Mayor's veto.  By that time it would be too late for the present Board of Aldermen to act.'

Edward Mitchell, who was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of Park Commissioner W. A. Stiles, when seen at his office yesterday by a Tribune reporter, expressed himself strongly as opposed to the granting of a franchise to the Pelham Park Railway Company. 

'I am unalterably opposed to the granting of such a franchise,' said Mr. Mitchell, 'and especially opposed to granting such a franchise for the use of the Shore Road just completed by the city.  It would have been just as monstrous to have granted franchises for street cars to run along the [parkways] of Central Park when that was laid out in 1865.  There is no demand for such a road, in the first place, and the projectors of the scheme merely want to prepare themselves for a time when the population in that district will be much greater than it is now.  The building of such a road along that beautiful  driveway would be a blot on the park system.  One of the most attractive features of our park system is that tone may drive or ride a horse or a bicycle through Central Park or Riverside Drive through the entire park system over good roads, without being inconvenienced by the incursions of street cars of any kind.  The building of a trolley line on the Shore Road would mar the system.  No, you [can say] that I am unalterably opposed to any such plan.'"

Source:  The Franchise Granted, New-York Daily Tribune, Dec. 1, 1897, p. 8, col. 3.


Tue., April 27, 2010:  New York City's Interborough Rapid Transit Company Sued to Foreclose a Mortgage on the Horse Railroad in 1911.

Mon., April 26, 2010:  Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909.

Fri., March 5, 2010:  Construction of the City Island Horse Railroad in 1887.

Thu., March 4, 2010:  Beginnings of Horse Railroad - News from Pelham and City Island Published in 1884.

Wed., March 3, 2010:  1879 Advertisement for Robert J. Vickery's City Island Stage Line, A Predecessor to the City Island Horse Railroad.

Tue., March 2, 2010:  1901 Report Indicated that The Flynn Syndicate Planned to Buy the Pelham Bay Park & City Island Horse Car Line.

Mon., March 1, 2010:  Flynn Syndicate Buys the City Island Horse Car Line in 1907 to Incorporate It Into Electric Trolley Line.

Fri., February 26, 2010:  1913 Decision of Public Service Commission to Allow Reorganization of City Island Horse Railroad for Electrification.

Thu., February 25, 2010:  Photograph of Patrick Byrnes and Article About His Retirement of the City Island Horse Car in 1914.

Wed., February 24, 2010:  Attempted Suicide of City Island's Long-Time Horse Car Driver

Wed., February 3, 2010:  Early Information Published in 1885 About the Organization of the "City Island Railroad", a Horse Railroad from Bartow Station to City Island

Tue., February 2, 2010:  Information About the Pelham Park Railroad at its Outset

Fri., January 22, 2010:  1884 Account of Early Origins of Horse Railroad Between Bartow Station and City Island

Tue., September 1, 2009:  Pelham News on February 29, 1884 Including Talk of Constructing a New Horse Railroad from Bartow to City Island

Wed., December 2, 2009:  Accident on Horse-Car of the Pelham Park Railroad Line in 1889

 Thu., December 31, 2009:  1887 Election of the Board of Directors of The City Island and Pelham Park Horse Railroad Company

Mon., January 4, 2010:  1888 Local News Account Describes Altercation on the Horse Railroad Running from Bartow Station to City Island

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New York City's Interborough Rapid Transit Company Sued to Foreclose a Mortgage on the Horse Railroad in 1911

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In its final years before it was replaced by a monorail line and, then, buses, the horse railroad that once ran from Bartow Station on the New Haven Branch line to the tip of City Island ran into financial difficulties.  In 1902, the Pelham Park Railroad Company took out a $27,500 mortgage on the line.  Nine years later, New York City's Interborough Rapid Transit Company sued to foreclose on that mortgage.  A very brief notice of the suit appeared in the December 10, 1911 issue of the New-York Tribune and is quoted below.

"I.R.T. CO. SUES PELHAM PARK R.R.

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company filed a suit yesterday against the Pelham Park Railroad Company and others to foreclose a mortgage of $27,500 on the line of the Pelham Park company, extending from the Bartow station of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad through Pelham Park to Marshall's Corner, with tracks, rights, franchises and privileges.  The mortgage was made in 1902."

Source:  I.R.T. Co. Sues Pelham Park R.R., New-York Tribune, Dec. 10, 1911, p. 6, col. 2.

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Public Service Commission Couldn't Find Marshall's Corners in 1909

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Marshall's Corners once was an area in the Town of Pelham near the Marshall Mansion known as Hawkswood on the mainland near the City Island Bridge.  Marshall's Corners was a stop on the horse railroad where the Pelham Park Railroad once joined the City Island Railroad in an area annexed by New York City in the mid-1890s. 

After the annexation, Marshall's Corners was removed from maps of the area.  That, it seems, presented a bit of a problem during hearings of the Public Service Commission conducted in 1909 as the Commission considered an application of the American Monorail Company for permission to issue $100,000 in bonds for construction of the now infamous monorail that replaced the horse railroad. 

The article below describes the Commission's troubles determining the location of Marshall's Corners during the hearing.

"MARSHALL'S CORNERS HARD TO FIND.
-----
Maps of City Searched in Vain for It at Monorail Hearing Before P.S.C.

The whereabouts of Marshall's Corners, New York City, provided a poser at a Public Service Commission hearing held yesterday to pass on the application of the American Monorail Company for permission to issue $100,000 in bonds for the construction of its monrail road from Bartow station to Belden's Point, City Island.  Bion L. Burrows, president of the company, and Commissioner John E. Eustis, who was holding the hearing, got out all the maps accessible, and finally decided that Marshall's Corners used to be in Pelham Bay Park, but was crossed off the map some years ago.  At any rate, it is the point where the Pelham Park Railroad joins the City Island Railroad.  These two roads at present operated a horse car line over the proposed route of the monorail road.

Of the $100,000 of new bonds, $55,000 will go toward refunding the maturing obligations of the Pelham Park and City Island roads and $45,000 will go toward the construction of the new monorail line.  The total cost of this line is figured at $76,731, divided as follows:  Construction, $38,181; three monorail cars, $20,530, and hower house, $18,000.

'We are all ready to go ahead with the construction of the road, said Mr. Burrows.  'The city has given us the right to proceed through Pelham Bay Park, hedged about with certain restrictions.  We hope to have the road in operation in the fall.'

The Board of Estimate and Apportionment has already approved of the route, as has the Public Service Commission and it is expected that the commission will act favorably on the bond issue.  The hearing was adjourned until next Wednesday."

Source:  Marshall's Corners Hard To Find, New-York Tribune, Apr. 25, 1909, p. 5, col. 4.

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Charles Blaskowitz, Surveyor Who Created Important Map Reflecting the Battle of Pelham

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Charles Blaskowitz produced an important map showing troop movements in and around the Manor of Pelham for the period that included the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.  An image of the map appears immediately below.  Here is a citation to the map, held in the collections of the Library of Congress:  A Survey of Frog's Neck and the Rout[e] of the British Army to the 24th of October 1776 . . . Manuscript [1776] by Charles Blaskowitz.  Scale 1:24, 000.  74 x 43 cm. (Library of Congress G3701 .S32177 1776 .B5 Faden 57) (known as the "Blaskowitz Map"). 

 Blaskowitz Map

The Blaskowitz Map is significant because it more accurately depicts both the area and the troop movements than does an analogous map by Claude Joseph Sauthier.  See Map Entitled "A Plan of the Operations of the King's Army Under the Command of General Sir William Howe, K.B. in New York and East New Jersey, Against the American Forces Commanded by General Washington from the 12th of October to the 28th of November 1776, Wherein is Particularly Distinguished the Engagement on the White Plains the 28th of October", ca. 1776 by Claude Joseph Sauthier (often referenced as The Sauthier Map and generally deemed an inaccurate depiction of events surrounding the Battle of Pelham).  The map is held in the collection of the Library of Congress (Call Number G3804.W7S3 1776 .S2 Faden 58; Control Number gm 71000649; Repository:  Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Washington, D.C., 20540-4650 USA). 

 

For a number of years, local historians and scholars misplaced the starting point of the Battle of Pelham based on inaccuracies reflected in the Sauthier Map.  Those issues were finally addressed and resolved in the 1920s.  

Charles Blaskowitz' origins are obscure, he clearly served for a time as deputy surveyor to His Majesty's surveyor-general of lands for the northern district of North America.  During the Revolutionary War he joined the "Guides and Pioneers," a provincial Loyalist regiment of which Samuel Holland was a founding officer. 

 

Some claim that Blaskowitz was Polish.  See, e.g., Kos-Rabcewicz-Zubkowski, Ludwik, The Poles in Canada (Volume 7 of Canada Ethnica), pp. 12, 48 (Polish Alliance Press 1968).  Others believe "[t]here are also some doubts about Blaskowitz' Polish origin."  See Canadian Association of Slavists, Canadian Slavonic Papers, Vol. 13, p. 275 (Canadian Association of Slavists, 1971).  .

 

Below is an excerpt from a brief biography of Blaskowitz, followed by a citation to its source:

 

"[THE SURVEYOR:  CHARLES BLASKOWITZ (C. 1743-1823)]

 

Charles Blaskowitz served Samuel Holland as a deputy surveyor; unlike his commander, his origins remain unclear.  Even his birth date is unknown, though a British War Office note of his death in 1823 gives his age as sev- [Page 123 / Page 124] enty-one, making his year of birth 1751 or 1752.  However, the Army Index of 1783 gives his birthplace as Prussia and his age as forty, making his year of birth 1742 or 1743.  This latter date accords more closely with the assertion that he entered the Tower Drawing Room in 1753, at age twelve.  He was officially salaried as a member of Samuel Holland's North America survey team as of 24 March 1764.  But he may well have arrived in North America earlier, for he signed as a draftsman the map of the St. Lawrence surveyed under the supervision of General James Murray during 1761.  He also signed as draftsman a manuscript copy of a survey of Lake Champlain in May 1765.  He rose in salary from 1s per day to 1s 6d per day by December 1767.  Over the next eight years, he would continue to climb the ranks from volunteer surveyor to assistant surveyor to deputy surveyor by 24 December 1775.  In 1777, during the War of American Independence, Blaskowitz joined the Guides and Pioneers, a provincial Loyalist regiment of which Samuel Holland was one of the founding officers.  Blaskowitz served this unit in the rank of captain as a draftsman and surveyor throughout the rest of the war. . . . "

 

Source:  Pedley, Mary Sponberg, The Commerce of Cartography - Making and Marketing Maps in Eighteenth-Century France and England, pp. 123-24 (London:  The University of Chicago Press, Ltd., 2005) (footnotes omitted).

 

For a list of officers of the Guides and Pioneers (including Captain Charles Blaskowitz), see The Tory Contingent in the British Army in America in 1781, The Historical Magazine, Vol. VIII, No. 13, p. 391 (Dec. 1864).

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Account of Early Judicial Decision Relating to Ownership of Land Beneath Coastal Waters of City Island

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Occasionally I have written about legal disputes that have arisen concerning ownership of the land beneath certain coastal waters surrounding City Island when it was part of the Town of Pelham.  For examples, see:

Monday, November 27, 2006:  The 19th Century Ejectment of Henry Piepgras from Land Beneath the Waters Surrounding City Island.

Monday, September 7, 2009:  More on the Ejectment of Henry Piepgras from Land Beneath the Waters Surrounding City Island. 

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a newspaper article published in The New Rochelle Pioneer on February 9, 1889 about an early judicial decision in the dispute regarding land beneath the waters surrounding City Island.

"The City Island Water Front.

Under the above heading the New York Commercial Advertiser of the 7th inst., had an article stating that a deicision had been rendered in favor of Mrs. De Lancey, in relation to her claim to 145 acres surrounding the greater part of City Island.  We are informed by Mr. C. H. Roosevelt, of this place, counsel for Pelham, that on all points relating to the validity of the deed to Mrs. De Lancey, from the Comptroller of the State, the Attorney General decided in favor of the points contended for by him; that at the time when the grant was made to Benjamin Palmer, in 1763, the Colonial Government had no title to convey to him, and hence the sale of all his rights under the grant, for non-payment of quit rent conveyed nothing, and therefore Mr. Hunter got nothing by the deed from the Comptroller, because the Charter made in 1666 to Thomas Pell, and afterward confirmed to John Pell, all the lands in the Manor of Pelham, both upland and land under water, hence it follows that the owners of land along the shore also own all the rights that are appurtenant thereto, and have owned the same from the early days as successors in title to John Pell.  Mr. Roosevelt also says that the conclusion arrived at by the Attorney General contains the following:  'Upon an examination of the whole case, we are of the opinion that the confirmatory grant or patent from the Crown of Great Brittain [sic] to John Pell, bearing date October 25th, 1687, conveyed to the grantee the territory embraced within its limits, both uplands and lands under water.  Such construction is in accordance with the decisions of our courts from an early day, until a very recent period, and as no doubt the law of this state upon that subject.'

Also, in 1762, at the time Benjamin Palmer and others made their petition to the then Colonial Governor, for a grant of land under water around Minneford's Island, they' (that is the petitioners owners of land on the Island) were the successors in title to John Pell, and as they aver, were the owners of the Island.'  'From all that appears in the case, Pell had never before that time conveyed or released his interest in the land under water surrounding the Island, to any person -- consequently he was the owner of it, and the grant to Palmer by Governor Monckton conveyed nothing to him for the reason that the Crown at that time had nothing to convey.'

Hence it follows, that Mrs. De Lancey's title being dependent upon the validity of the Palmer Patent, and the decision being that the State conveyed nothing to Palmer, she could not gain title by the Comptroller's deed, which was made in pursuance of a sale of the land described in the Palmer Patent for non-payment of quit rent.  From all that appears so far the title to land under water, below high-water mark, is owned by the descendants of John Pell, or by his grantees, the owners of land along the shore, and not to Mrs. De Lancey or any of the heirs of John Hunter."

Source:  The City Island Water Front, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Feb. 9, 1889, p. ?, col. 1 (no page number printed on the newspaper page). 

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Town Petition to Move the Pelhamville Depot in 1887

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Recently I wrote about the early efforts of citizens of Pelham to petition seeking a move of the New Haven Line train station in Pelhamville.  See Monday, April 19, 2010:  Early Talk of Moving the Pelhamville Train Station from its Original Location.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides more information about the efforts of the Town's citizen and transcribes their petition.

"It is also proposed to change the name of the station and post office to the euphonious one of 'Winyah Park.'  There are now in the town of Pelham, the following post offices:  Pelham, Pelham Manor and Pelhamville, and many letters are delayed in getting to their proper destination, and strangers get confused, in finding which Pelham they all desire to reach.

The following who signed this petition to the railroad company also signed the one forwarded to the Postmaster-General at Washington.

To the President and Board of Directors of the N.Y., N.H. & H.R.R. Co.:

GENTLEMEN:  We, the undersigned, residents of Pelhamville, N.Y., do humbly petition your honorable Board, to locate the new depot to be erected at this place, cast of and as near Fifth avenue as the grade will permit, on grounds given by Mr. Richard Lathers, as a park, and to change the name of the station from Pelhamville to Winyah Park.  Depotnot to be more than 100 feet from Fifth avenue:

E.H. Gurney, George McGalliard, Vincent Barker, Loftus Brotherton, Augustus Godfrey, C. W. Bolton, I.C. Hill, John T. Logan, James Shoebottom, John Bos, E. A. Paterson, J. P., Jacob Heisser, Stephen J. Stilwell, Wm. H. Penfield, Geo. Wright, Wm. Barry, Wm. H. Sparks, Chas. Barker, Henry Montgomery, F. W. Case, John Case, S. E. Case, David Lyon, E. Lyon, H. Gurney, Chas. B. Oakley, C. H. Merritt, G. W. Jager, E.C. Merritt, P.H. Acras, Alfred P. Delcambre, F. C. Buxton, Geo. Pearson, Alex Anderson, John Britten, Bridget Flanagan, Delia Flanagan, H. T. Stone, L. A. Stone, L. McGalliard, C. V. R. Bolton, D. J. Meade, Mrs. C. Barker, Miss Caroline Barker, Mrs. George Wright, Mrs. Fred. Case, Mrs. J. Bos, Mrs. S. Johnson, Mrs. M. Clark, Mrs. I.C. Hill, J. P. Marquand, T. Jackson Lambert, Wm. T. Standen, N. B. McGalliard. -- Mt. Vernon Record."

Source:  [Untitled], New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 26, 1887, p. ?, col. 5 (no page number printed on the newspaper page).

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Brief Announcement that the Pelham Manor Tribune Commenced Publication in 1893

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I have written before about the Pelham Manor Tribune, a newspaper published by R. C. Beecroft who quickly sold the publication to Edgar C. Beecroft.  William G. Beecroft served as editor of the publication.  See Friday, July 22, 2005:  Editorial from the Pelham Manor Tribune Published on October 1, 1894.

I have located a very brief reference to the commencement of publication of the Pelham Manor Tribune and want to include it on the Blog in an effort to document the beginnings of the little newspaper.  Below is the reference, followed by a citation to its source.

"We desire to welcome to our exchange list, a new contemporary in the person of the Pelham Manor Tribune.  The Tribune is devoted to the local news of the Manor, and is issued bi-weekly."

Source:  [Untitled], New Rochelle Pioneer, Nov. 18, 1893, p. ?, col. 2 (no page number printed on the newspaper page).

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Early Talk of Moving the Pelhamville Train Station from its Original Location

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The Pelhamville train station originally stood near the Pelham National Bank building that stands today at One Wolfs Lane in the Village of Pelham (the old Post Office Building).  During the spring of 1887, there was talk about the need to move the train station to a plot somewhat closer to its current location in a building constructed in 1893.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a column published in 1887 in The Chronicle (Mount Vernon, New York) referencing possible plans to move the train station. 

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND.

The Pelham Board of Excise will meet at the hotel of Chas Mahony, Bartow, to-morrow.

The Pelhamville Improvement Association is soon to give an entertainment for the purpose of replenishing its depleted treasury.

The Horse Cars are running between Bartow and City Island, and they are largely patronized.  The first day 150 passengers were carried.  The fare is ten cents.

Town Counsel Stillwell, of Pelham, has been ordered to proceed against the gentlemen composing the last year's Board of Excise, to recover the amount of the defalcation of their treasurer, Mr. Ross.  This will be quite as interesting as the suit to recover the money spent on City Island Bridge. 

The following are the officers elect of the Pelhamville Improvement Association:  President, John Bos; Vice-President, W. T. Standen; Secretary, I.C. Hill; Treasurer, A. Anderson; Executive Committee, John Britton, C. W. Bolton, David Lyon, John T. Logan, W. H. Sparks.

There is a boom in building on City Island.  Mr. Wm. H. Bard's house on the King Estate, is rapidly approaching completion; Mr. David Turner is to build a new store and dwelling; Mr. Wm. Anderson is putting up a house on Fordham avenue, and Mr. Woolsey is to build a large brick building on Main street, for stores and tenements.

Mrs. Bell, wife of Captain Nathan C. Bell, died last Sunday, aged 73 years.  Captain and Mrs. Bell were among the oldest inhabitants of City Island, having resided here for fifty years, and raised a large family of children, among whom are Mrs. Walters, Nathan C. Bell, Jr., and James D. Bell.  Captain Bell is very old and infirm, and will probably not survive long.

There is to be a new passenger and freight depot at Pelhamville, and the people there want the location changed, and with this end in view, are circulating a petition to the Superintendent of the railroad, praying that the depot be located on land generously donated by Col. Richard Lathers, in Winyah Park, on Fifth avenue, north of the track.  The plot is 400 x 75 feet, and it is understood that Mr. Johnson, the owner of the property on the opposite side, will give a like portion.  The conditions under which Mr. Lathers gives the land is that it be kept in good condition by the Railroad Company, and that the station be known as Winyah Park."

Source:  Pelham and City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], either June 1 or June 2, 1887, p. ?, col. 2 (newspaper page contains no date or page number, but text references make clear that it was published on either June 1, 1887 or June 2, 1887).

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Formation of the City Island Beldonites Baseball Club in June 1884

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I long have researched the history of baseball in the Town of Pelham. For references to the many previous postings and articles I have written about the subject, see the end of this posting, below.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a newspaper column published on June 14, 1884 referencing the formation of the Beldonites Baseball Club in June 1884.

"CITY ISLAND.

--Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Leviness gave a tin wedding last week.  Many invitations were issued and numerous fortunate ones responded.  The presents were many and in accord with the occasion. 

--Three men, one of whom is a negro, are staying at Bob Brown's hotel, and it is rumored about that they are Tom Kean, Jack Dempsey, and 'Black Star.' pugilists training for prize fights.

--The new side walk to the M.E. church is being laid.  It is a great convenience even now, but when the muddy weather comes people will appreciate the work of the ladies, who have raised the money to pay for this improvement.

--Many complaints are heard about the entertainment at Capt. Josh's place last Saturday night.  Music, dancing and singing were continued until a very late hour to the discomfort of many of the neighbors. 

--A certain young man has been generously giving out his checks drawn on a Tarrytown bank, and to the dismay of many people here these checks have been returned, not honored, and notices of protest have startled some of the business people.  No more checks of this kind are being received.

--A B. B. club has been organized on City Island, styling themselves the 'Beldonites.'  The club are about with a subscription list to obtain the necessary means to procure uniforms, and the gentleman after whom the club was named headed the list with $20.  It is expected the club will prove worthy of the name it bears.

--On Wednesday next, the 18th inst., Miss Susie D. Carll, eldest daughter of Mr. David Carll and Mr. George Rich, will be married at Mr. Carll's residence.  A large number of invitations have been issued, and many of the rooms at Von Leihn's Hotel have been engaged for the accomodation of guests coming from a distance.  The wedding will doubtless be the most [illegible] and largely attended of [illegible] has taken place here."

Source:  City Island, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 14, 1884, p. ?, col. 4 (no page number printed on newspaper page).

Thursday, April 15, 2010:  Account of Baseball Game Played in Pelham on June 9, 1884:  The Country Club Beat the Knickerbockers, 42 to 22.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010:  Earliest Reference Yet to Organized Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thursday, January 28, 2010:  News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884. 

Monday, December 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889. 

Friday, December 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham. 

Thursday, December 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Monday, November 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Friday, November 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Friday, November 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thursday, November 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009:  Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Friday, March 20, 2009:  Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008:  Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Monday, November 26, 2007: Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007: Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Friday, July 20, 2007: Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897

Friday, November 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham

Monday, October 9, 2006: Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham

Thursday, March 23, 2006: Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884

Tuesday, January 31, 2006: Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered

Thursday, October 6, 2005: Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thursday, September 15, 2005: Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

Thursday, February 10, 2005: New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

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Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Account of Baseball Game Played in Pelham on June 9, 1884: The Country Club Beat the Knickerbockers, 42 to 22

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
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Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

I long have researched the history of baseball in the Town of Pelham. For references to the many previous postings and articles I have written about the subject, see the end of this posting, below.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a fascinating article published in 1884 describing an important baseball game.

"The Country Club Victory.

A special train left the Grand Central Depot on Monday [June 9, 1884] at three o'clock for Bartow on-the-Sound, having on board the friends and members of the Knickerbocker and Country clubs.  The much talked of match game of baseball between the picked nines of these clubs was to take place at four o'clock on the grounds of the Country club and in consequence of the interest it created, a large number of the residents of Westchester County drove over to witness the contest.  The afternoon was singularly fine, and although the sun beat down upon the field a light breeze blew making the heat, at least, tolerable.  The spectators, who were largely composed of the sisters, the cousins, the aunts and the wives of the players, watched the progress of the game with keen interest, applauding every good play and shouting with evident enjoyment as player after player clutched the air wildly in the vain attempt to catch a flying ball.  The heroes of the bat were not always complimented upon their appearance, for it was apparent that in many instances the tailor made the man.  The fat men, of whom there were many, afforded an amusing spectacle as they ran puffing after well hit balls.

The gentlemen who played in the Knickerbocker nine were Messrs. W. Bininger, captain; Spotswood D. Schenck, pitcher; Stephen Peabody, catcher; Gerald Hoyt, Henry Hoyt, M. Ward, R. Rives, H.P. Rogers and P. Allen.

Country Club:  -- George Adee, captain; William Sands, pitcher; S. H. Furman, catcher; F. Adee, H.L. Stevens, James Waterbury, Oliver Iselin, William Kent and E. Adee.

Mr. Deming, of Yale, '72, a veteran ball player, officiated as umpire and Mr. Howard Potter kept the score.

The Knickerbockers won the toss and went to the bat.  The score was as follows:

Knickerbockers......8....1.....6...3...4 -- 22
Country Club.........8...10...14...4...6 -- 42

The kindly shades of night fell on the field at the end of the fifth inning, enveloping the players in the darkness, so the game was called closed, the other innings being indefinitely postponed.

Mr. James Waterbury presented the silver challenge to the Country club, and the wearied players retired to the club house, where a dinner for twenty was served.  Mr. Hadden drove over from Yonkers in his brake, with Mrs. Hadden, Miss Lansing and Mr. Isaac Iselin.  Mr. Waterbury on his brake, with Mrs. William Jay, the Misses Bulkley and Mr. Rives.  Among others present were Mr. Gerald Hoyt, Mrs. Oliver Iselin, Mr. and Mrs. Lorillard Spencer, Mr. Cantor, Mr. and Mrs. Newbold Edgar, Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyt, Mrs. Richard Irvin, Mrs. Howard Cotter, Mr. Ray Miller, Mr. Bartow, Mr. Alfred Conkling, Mr. Howard Conkling, Mr. and Mrs. F. Lorillard, Jr., Mrs. Louis Lorillard, Mrs. Williams Sands, Mrs. Kent, Miss LeRoy and Mrs. Jacob Lorillard."

Source:  The Country Club Victory, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 14, 1884, p. ?, col. 5 (no page number printed on newspaper page).

Tuesday, March 9, 2010:  Earliest Reference Yet to Organized Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thursday, January 28, 2010:  News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884. 

Monday, December 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889. 

Friday, December 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham. 

Thursday, December 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Monday, November 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Friday, November 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Friday, November 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thursday, November 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009:  Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Friday, March 20, 2009:  Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008:  Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Monday, November 26, 2007: Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007: Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Friday, July 20, 2007: Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897

Friday, November 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham

Monday, October 9, 2006: Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham

Thursday, March 23, 2006: Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884

Tuesday, January 31, 2006: Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered

Thursday, October 6, 2005: Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thursday, September 15, 2005: Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

Thursday, February 10, 2005: New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Col. Delancey Kane Changes the Timing and Route of The Pelham Coach in 1876

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Over the last few years I have written a great deal about Col. Delancey Kane's "Pelham Coach," also known as the Tally-Ho.  For just a few of the many, many examples of such writings, see, e.g.: 

Friday, February 11, 2005: Col. Delancey Kane's "Pelham Coach", Also Known as The Tally-Ho, Is Located.

Bell, Blake A., Col. Delancey Kane and "The Pelham Coach" (Sep. 2003).

Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008: Brief "History of Coaching" Published in 1891 Shows Ties of Sport to Pelham, New York

Wednesday, July 27, 2005: 1882 Engraving Shows Opening of Coaching Season From Hotel Brunswick to Pelham Bridge.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005: Taunting the Tantivy Coach on its Way to Pelham: 1886.

Thursday, August 3, 2006: Images of Colonel Delancey Kane and His "Pelham Coach" Published in 1878.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of a lengthy, but interesting article about the coach and a change in its route that occurred in 1876.  The text of the article is followed by a citation to its source.

"COL. KANE'S COACH ROUTE.
-----
Extending a Pleasant Drive to Historical Grounds.

Col. Delancey Kane mounted the box of his canary-colored coach at 7:30 yesterday morning, after every seat was filled with passengers, on the lawn in front of the Neptune House, New Rochelle, and started on the new route for his four-in-hand to the Hotel Brunswick.  The time table now reads:  'On and after July 5 the New Rochelle and Pelham coach will make a single trip daily (Sundays excepted), between New York and New Rochelle:  leaving the Neptune House, New Rochelle, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 A.M., will arrive at the Hotel Brunswick every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 4:45 P.M., will arrive at the Neptune House, New Rochelle, at 6:45 P.M.'

Three changes of horses are made, in Mott Haven, Union Port, and Pelham Bridge.  The fare each way is $2, with a proportionately less amount to intermediate stations.  A pleasant feature will be in leaving New York on Saturday afternoon, remaining over Sunday in New Rochelle, and returning on Monday morning in time for business. 

The extended route abounds in historical and local interest.  The Neptune House is on a wooded island facing New Rochelle Bay.  In the distance the white caps of Long Island Sound are seen as they dash on the shores of several islands that obstruct the passage way to the bay.  The house was built by Philip Rhinelander Underhill, a descendant of the Rhinelander who fled to this country with the Huguenots from La Rochelle, France, and landed on Davenport's neck in 1689.  Thje neck is across the bay to the left of the hotel.  Facing the hotel is Locust Island, a secluded spot, where Edgar A. Poe spent some time when he lived in Fordham.  Further out in the sound is David's Island, a garrison post during the civil war, and nearby is Huckleberry Island, which tradition gives as a rendevous for Capt. Kidd.  The surface of the island has been dug over several times by the superstitious colored people of New Rochelle in search of the pirate's treasure.  It was last inhabited by a man who speculated in hogs for the garrison on David's Island.  At the close of the war he had a large drove of hogs, but no food for them.  They grew thin, and ran almost wild over the island.  One morning the hogs attacked the man, drove him into the house, battered down the door, and chased him to the roof.  The hogs surrounded the building and kept him there for three days.  Their wildness and squealing attracted persons from the main shore, and the speculator was rescued. 

A hedged roadway leads from the rear of the Neptune House to a stone bridge connecting with the mainland.  A short distance from the shore Col. Kane's route takes the road along the shore to Pelham Bridge.  On either side the roadway is lined with costly stone mansions, surrounded by large fields and beautiful lawns.  The word Pelham is of uncertain origin.  New Rochelle was formerly a part of Pelham Manor.

The tract of land on the sound shore was originally included in the grant by the Indians in 1640 to the Dutch West India Company.  Sire Richard Nicolls, Governor of the province, granted it to Thomas Pell, gentleman, Oct. 6, 1666, and he, in 1669, granted it to John Pell, commonly called Lord Pell, the first Judge that sat in Westchester county.  The tract extended for six miles along the coast, and about eight miles into the interior.  The settlement of the Huguenots founded New Rochelle.  The remainder of the tract was sometimes called Pell Hamlet, but local historians say that Pelham is derived from Pel (remote) and Ham (mansion).  It is one of the most beautiful suburbs of New York.  The roadway, after crossing the stone bridge, ascends a rocky ridge, and from there is a view across the Sound to Long Island.  Descending from the hill, Sheffield Island (sometimes called Emmet's Island) is seen.  It is connected by a rustic bridge with the main land.  A small stone mansion, built in a grove of tall elm trees, is occupied by Mr. Wm. Hoyt, a New York merchant, whose wife is a daughter of Chief Justice Chase, and was formerly tenanted by Wm. H. Leroy (brother-in-law of Daniel Webster), who married the daughter of Thomas Addis Emmet.  On the west side of the road is a large mansion, the residence of the family of Judge Robert Emmet, and the scene of a daring raid by the masked burglars two years ago.

A turn in the road brings the coach riders in sight of Col. Kane's first resting place, 'The Priory.'  It is an immense stone mansion; two large square turrets rise from either end, the roofs are quaint, and the outbuildings are old style.  This was the residence of the Rev. Robt. Bolton, an Episcopal minister.  It is on land that was granted to the Church of England.  The walls of the mansion are hung with family pictures by Etty, of the Royal Academy.  An original portrait of Bunyan is among them.  The library contains the original italian edition of Piranesi, collected by Napoleon I., and bearing his initial, surmounted by the imperial crown.  There is also a copy of Macklin's Bible, printed in six royal quarto volumes, a copy of Elliot's Indian Testament, said to be the first work 'written and published in the present United States.'  There is a valuable cabinet of coins and autographs, the oldest of which is that of Henry VII, and Elizabeth, Queen Mary, and Oliver and Richard Cromwell.

'The Priory' is used as a young ladies' seminary, conducted by Miss N. Bolton.  A wide terrace surrounds the house, and the gardens are laid out in elaborate designs.  The walks lead to several natural curiosities, among them a 'rocking stone, of full twenty tons in weight, so nicely poised that 'a stripling's arm can sway a mass no host could move.'

Col. Kane's route then passes through a stretch of forest trees, and Hunter's Island seen in the distance, and the residence of Dr. R. L. Morris, grandson of Robert Morris, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  The last mansion on the Pelham road before reaching Bartow's, is occupied by Mrs. Bartow in the midst of over 200 acres of fields and meadow lands.

At Bartow the road leads to Pelham Bridge, and a Arcularius Hotel the coach route extends over the same boulevard that Col. Kane has driven for the past few months."

Source:  Col. Kane's Coach Route, The Sun [New York], Vol. XLIII, No. 297, Jul. 6, 1876, p. 1, col. 2.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
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The New Pelham Bay Golf Course Became Popular in 1903

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There were early, slow efforts to build the first nine holes of the Pelham Bay Golf Course (which was redesigned by John van Kleek in 1937). Val Flood, New York City's "golf professional" was overseeing construction of the course. Although the first nine holes of the course were scheduled to open in August, 1900, its condition in September of that year -- a full month later -- was described as "chaotic".  Soon, however, the course opened.  I previously have written about early efforts by New York City to develop a golf course in the Pelham Bay area.  See, e.g.:  

Fri., October 2, 2009:  Failed Efforts in 1900 to Build a Golf Course on Hunter's Island Rather than on the Mainland in Pelham Bay Park.

Tue., December 20, 2005: An Early Description of Construction of the First Nine Holes of the Pelham Bay Golf Course.

Thu., March 19, 2009: More on the Early Efforts To Develop the First Nine Holes of the First Pelham Bay Golf Course.

By 1903, the little golf course in Pelham Bay Park was growing in popularity.  An interesting article about the course appeared in the October 2, 1903 issue of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.  Interestingly, the article describes a short cut used by golfers to get from the Pelham Manor Depot on the New Haven branch line to the course that saved about a half mile.  The route was described as the "old wagon trail through the woodland."  A careful analysis of old maps clearly indicates that the reference is to an old wagon trail that ran from today's Manor Circle along today's Beech Tree Lane to connect with the ancient roadway at the end of Beech Tree Lane that ran to the stone bridge that once connected the mainland with Hunter's Island where golfers could turn onto today's Shore Road to get to the Pelham Bay links.

Below is the text of the article.

"PUBLIC LINKS AT PELHAM BAY POPULAR.
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Course Now Catches the Overflow from Van Cortland Park.
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CADDIES ARE NOT TABOOED.
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New Rochelle Players Are Using the Links-Pelham Country Club Active.
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(Special to the Eagle.)

Pelham Manor, N.Y., October 2 -- Five times as many people are using the public golf links at Pelham Bay as last season.  The attendance on Sunday now averages 250 persons.  The course is beginning to catch the overflow from the public links at Van Cortland Park and folk who can afford the extra time and money necessary to reach Pelham Bay make no mistake in going there. 

The course was opened three or four years ago, but not until this summer did it attain much vogue.  It is located a mile from the Pelham Manor railroad station by the old wagon trail through the woodland.  By road it is nearer a mile and a half away.

The first hole overlooks Pelham Bay and the landing at Glen Island.  Altogether the city owns 1,700 acres of attractive pasture and woods hard by, which makes the extension of the links from nine to eighteen holes only a question of time.  Indeed, influence has already been exerted looking toward the doubling of the course, but the approach of the municipal election has caused the delay inevitable in all public improvements.

Caddies can be engaged at this course, although tabooed at Van Cortland.  The greatest drawback just now is the ack of locker rooms, although one of the Bronx social clubs, which uses the course, as the New York Golf Club does the Van Cortland links, has provided temporary arrangements in the tool house.  The Hunter Island Inn serves the purposes of a club house.

New Rochelle folk are using the course extensively, there being no golf club in that town.  It is almost 3,300 yards long and gives opportunity for more effective play than most public links.  J. M. Bennetts, formerly of the Ocean Country Club, Far Rockaway, is the professional.

The Pelham Country Club, located a mile the other side of the station and away from the water, is negotiating for land from the estate of Mrs. Black, which will bring the last holes close ot Long Island Sound.  This club, although practically a private organization, has developed a number of excellent players, as shown last week in the open tournament of the Westchester Country Club.

The members intend to widen the activities until the Pelham becomes one of the leading Hudson River clubs.  So far only club tournaments have been held.  At any rate the club must act soon, for building operations threaten to encroach on its present domain."

Source:  Public Links at Pelham Bay Popular, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Oct. 2, 1903, p. 12, col. 4.

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New York Athletic Club Stage Coach Accident Leads to Death of Pelham Manor Man

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In 1901, John R. Beecroft died following an accident involving the New York Athletic Club stage coach that ran between Pelham Manor Depot on the branch line and the club's facility on Travers Island.  I have written before about other members of the Beecroft family that was prominent in Pelham in the early 20th century.  See, e.g.: 

Tue., December 11, 2007:  Photograph and Biography of Edgar C. Beecroft, Pelham Town Supervisor in the Early 20th Century.

Fri., July 22, 2005:  Editorial from the Pelham Manor Tribune Published on October 1, 1894.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the obituary of John R. Beecroft that appeared in the March 9, 1901 issue of the New Rochelle Pioneer.

"OBITUARY.
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JOHN R. BEECROFT.

John R. Beecroft, superintendent of the Century Company, died at midnight on Saturday [March 2, 1901] in the Polyclinic Hospital from the shock following an operation for a broken leg.  Mr. Beecroft was injured during the holidays.  He was returning late one night from the Pelham Manor railroad station to his home, when the stage of the New York Athletic Club, in which he was riding, ran into a stone wall.  Mr. Beecroft was thrown out, and when he was picked up and carried home it was found that his right leg was broken near the thigh and that he had sustained other injuries.  He was taken to the hospital about two weeks ago on the advice of the physicians who were attending him, and operated on last week.

Mr. Beecroft was born in Kent, England, in 1848 and came to this country about thirty years ago.  He became identified with the Century Company about twenty-five years ago, and had since been the superintendent of its various publications.  He was well known as a hymnologist, having compiled a number of works, the most prominent of which is his 'In Excelsis', published by the Century Company and used extensively in the Protestant churches throughout the country.  Mr. Beecroft was a member of the New York Athletic [Club], the Church, Congregational and Polo clubs, and also of the Masonic order.  At his home in Pelham Manor he served as president of the Board of Education, and until lately as warden of the Episcopal church.  He leaves a widow, five sons and a daughter.  The funeral was held on Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m., in Christ Church, Pelham Manor, and was very largely attended.

The pallbearers were R. H. Scott, F. K. Hunter, James McLoughlin, C. A. Van Auken and Walter T. Bell."

Source:  Obituary.  John R. Beecroft, New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 9, 1901, p. ?, col. 3 (no page number printed on the newspaper page).

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The Closing of the "Eastern Railroad" of the Westchester Model Club, Inc. in the Pelham Manor Depot in 1953

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I have written before about the Westchester Model Club, Inc. that once ran a massive model railroad inside the old Pelham Manor Depot before the demolition of that station on the New Haven Branch Line to make way for I-95 during the 1950s.  See Tue., October 13, 2009:  Film of the Westchester Model Club, Inc.'s Model Railroad in the Pelham Manor Depot before its Demolition.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a brief article published in 1953 about the closing of the Club's facility in the Pelham Manor Depot prior to the station's demolition to make way for I-95.  The transcription is followed by a citation to its source.

"Putting Out A Big Line

At first it looked as if a big railroad were going out of business.  The story led off with the stark fact that the Eastern Railroad and its 65 locomotives, 500 freight and 150 passenger cars had been ordered to liquidate.  The railway had to get out of the way of a new highway. 

But it turned out, the Eastern Railroad presidents' conference reports that the E'astern Railroad' was only a model railroad -- though an extraordinary one.  It was being evicted from its quarters in the old unused station in Pelham Manor.

The station, it seems, was standing smack in the middle of the proposed New England Thruway. 

The 'Eastern Railroad' owns 3,500 feet of track and 12 stations and had been housed in the Pelham Manor station since 1936.  Equipment is scaled at one-fourth inch to the foot."

Source:  Putting Out a Big Line, The Cayuga Chief [Weedsport, NY], Jun. 4, 1953, p. 3, col. 1.

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