Some 17th Century Records Relating to Pelham Founder, Thomas Pell

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On June 27, 1654, an English settler named Thomas Pell who lived in Fairfield in today’s Connecticut signed a deed with local Native Americans. By that document, Pell acquired the lands that became the Manor of Pelham – a Manor that covered much of today’s northeast Bronx and lower Westchester County.  Although much has been written about Thomas Pell, principally by Pell family members and genealogists, I have spent years trying to piece together brief references to Pell from 17th century documents in an effort to shed additional light on his life.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes two more such records.  Both appear in published records of New Haven where Pell once lived.  Both provide interesting insights into Pell, his acquaintances, and some of the ways he made a living in the seventeenth century.

Thomas Pell Acquired a Debt in 1648 and Sought to Enforce it in Court in 1663

The following record dated September 1, 1663 illustrates that Thomas Pell was involved in financial transactions including the acquisition and subsequent enforcement and collection of unpaid debts when he lived in New Haven and, later, Fairfield.  The record suggests that in 1647, Mr. Thomas Bridges was owed a debt that was due in May of that year by Sergeant Jeffrie.  The debt was reflected in a "Bill" (perhaps a bill of lading).  The face of the bill indicated that only partial payment had been made by the due date of May, 1647.  In 1648, Thomas Bridges endorsed the bill over to Thomas Pell, presumably because Pell paid for the bill or discharged a debt owed by Bridges in exchange for the bill.  

Nearly fifteen years later, in 1663, Pell went to court in New Haven to enforce the debt and sought both damages for non-payment as well as eight percent interest.  It appears that Thomas Pell was represented in the matter by "Mr. Augur."  In a court session held in New Haven on September 1, 1663, the Court told Pell's representative, Mr. Augur, that by law Pell was not entitled to any interest on the debt, but that he could seek damages for non-payment of the debt.  Mr. Augur stated that he would leave it to the Court to determine the damages due to Mr. Pell for non-payment of the debt.

The Court considered the matter and confirmed the legitimacy of the unpaid portion of the debt reflected on the face of the bill.  It then referred the matter to Lieutenant John Nash, directing that he consult with Pell to determine the amount of damages for non-payment that would be due in addition to the unpaid debt.  The Court further directed that if Nash and Pell could not make such a determination, the Court would consider the matter further.

Below is a transcription of the record, followed by a citation and link to its source as well as my own "translation" of the old English reflected in the record.

"AT A COURT HELD ATT NEW HAVEN SEPTEMBER Irst 1663.

Mr Augur propounded about a debt due by Bill from Serjt Jeffrie to one Mr Thomas Bridges marcht made ouer to Mr Thomas Pell in the yeare 1648 but due in May 1647, part of which was payd as upon Bill appeares with somme dammage for none paymt; He defired intereft onely dammage for nonepaymt:  Mr Augur fd he would Leave it to the Court.  The Court Confidering of ye Cafe, did allow ye debt foe farre as yet appeares, & Left the buifenes wth Leifetennt John Nafh to compound with Mr Pell about it, & if he Could not iffue it, the Court would Confider further wt to doe in it."

Source:  Dexter, Franklin Bowditch, ed., New Haven Town Records 1662-1684:  New Haven Colony Historical Society Ancient Town Records, Vol. II, p. 58 (New Haven, CT:  New Haven Colony Historical Society, 1919).

Here is a modern "translation" of the old English of the entry.

AT A COURT HELD AT NEW HAVEN SEPTEMBER 1st 1663.

Mr. Augur propounded [i.e., laid an evidentiary foundation] about a debt due by Bill from Sergeant Jeffrie to one Mr. Thomas Bridges marked [and] made over [i.e., endorsed and transferred] to Mr. Thomas Pell in the year 1648 but due in May 1647, part of which was paid as upon [the] Bill [it] appears with some damage for non-payment:  He desired eight percent interest; It was told him [by the Court] that by law he could not demand interest only damages for non-payment:  Mr. Augur said he would Leave it to the Court [presumably to determine damages].  The Court considered the case [and] did allow that debt so far as it appears, and left the business with Lieutenant John Nash to compound [i.e., consult] with Mr. Pell about it, and if he [John Nash] could not issue it, the Court would consider further what to do in it [the matter].

Thomas Pell Helps Arrange Apprenticeship for Son of Deceased Friend in 1659

On August 14, 1658, Jeremiah Jagger of Stamford, husband of Elizabeth Jagger and father of fourteen-year-old John Jagger, died.  Jeremiah Jagger was a local planter and apparent friend of Thomas Pell and Henry Jackson.  Jagger's wife, Elizabeth, was named executrix of his will.  

About one year after Jeremiah Jagger's death, Thomas Pell and Henry Jackson were appointed as "overseers" for the then-fifteen-year-old boy, John Jagger.  In this capacity and with the signed consent of John Jagger, Pell and Jackson executed an indenture binding young John Jagger to serve as an indentured servant and apprentice  to New Haven Cooper John Winston for a term of six years (until John Jagger reached the age of twenty-one).  The indenture required Winston to teach young Jagger the "Art of Coopery," and to feed, clothe, and house him.  The indenture also required young Jagger to serve Winston, and to avoid "unlawful games," taverns, and alehouses.  The indenture further prohibited the young Jagger from marrying or entering into any contract without Winston's authorization during the term of his servitude.  

Below is a transcription of the record, followed by a citation and link to its source as well as my own "translation" of the old English reflected in the record.

"[On the fly-leaf, at the opening of the volume.]

This indenture followeing was Recorded at ye Defire of Mr Thos. Pell & Henry Jackfon, the 5th of August 165[9].

This indenture (made ye eleuenth of March, Anno: Dom: one thoufand fix hundred & fifty eight) Witnefseth, That we Henry Jackfon & Thomas Pell, being made oufeers and Betrufted by Elizabeth Jagger Late wife to Jeremiah Jagger Planter Deceafed*  [NOTE:  Footnote "*" states "*Jeremiah Jagger, of Stamford, died on August 14, 1658."] in Stamford & whole Executrix, Doe order, Appoint, & Putt John Jagger (wth his Confent), the Sonne of Jeremiah & Elizabeth Jagger abouefd, an apprentifse to John Winfton, Cooper, inhabiting in New Haven, being about ye age of fifteene yeares, to Learne the art & trade of a Cooper, both Keyne-worke & Sett-worke  † [NOTE:  Footnote "†" states:  "† Sett-worke = piece-work."] (according to his Capacity), ffor ye full tearme of Six yeares after ye Date hereoff:  The fd John Jagger his Mafter faithfull to ferue, his fecrets to keepe, any unlawfull games, tauernes, and alehoufes he fhall not frequent, or bee from his Mafters houfe att unlawfull times or feafons, But in all things as an obedient feruant ought to doe:  (marriage or Contract he fhall auoyd within ye abouefd time, without ye leave and approbation of his Mafter).  But in finglenes of heart & life fhall attend all his Mafters fervife as a good & faithfull feruant.  The fd John Winfton Carefully to inftruct him in all his Art of Coopery of Keyne & fettworke, to provide him meate, Drinke, Apparel, wafhing & Lodging, meete & Conuenient for fuch a feruant in all Ciuillity, wth Correction in Rightenousnes, the whole tearme of fixe yeares, and to prouide him att his departure fuch Apparell as appeareth by Articles of Agreement.  Witnes our hands ye daye & year aboue written.

John Jagger
Thos:  Pell
Henry Jackfon

Witnes, James Bifhop, Secretary

This is a true Record of ye originall, per James Bifhop Secretary"

Source:  Dexter, Franklin Bowditch, ed., New Haven Town Records 1662-1684: New Haven Colony Historical Society Ancient Town Records, Vol. II, pp. 441-42 (New Haven, CT: New Haven Colony Historical Society, 1919).

Here is a modern "translation" of the old English of the entry.

This indenture following was recorded at the desire of Mr. Thos. Pell and Henry Jackson, the 5th of August 165[9].

This indenture (made the eleventh of March, A.D. 1658)  Witnesseth, that we Henry Jackson and Thomas Pell, being made overseers [i.e., "protectors" or guardians] and entrusted by Elizabeth Jagger, lately the wife of Jeremiah Jagger, deceased in Stamford and sole Executrix [of Jeremiah Jagger's will], do order, appoint and put John Jagger (with his consent), the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Jagger abovesaid, an apprentice to John Winston, Cooper, living in New Haven, being about the age of fifteen years, to learn the art and trade of a Cooper, both regular work and piece-work (according to his capacity), for the full term of six years after the date hereof:  The said John Jagger, to serve his master faithfully, to keep his secrets, any unlawful games, taverns, and alehouses he shall not frequent, or be [away] from his master's house at unlawful times or seasons, But in all things as an obedient servant ought to do:  (marriage or contract he shall avoid with the abovesaid time, without the leave and approval of his master).  But in singleness of heart and life [he] shall attend all his master's service as a good and faithful servant.  The said John Winston is to instruct him carefully in all his Art of Coopery of regular and piece-work, to provide him meat, drink, apparel, washing and lodging, meet and convenient for such a servant in all civility, with correction in righteousness, the whole term of six years, and to proide him at his departure such apparel as appears by Articles of Agreement.  Witness our hands the day and year above written.

John Jagger
Thos:  Pell
Henry Jackson

Witness, James Bishop, Secretary

This is a true Record of the original, per James Bishop Secretary

"Thomas Pell" by Thom Lafferty from an Original

by an Unknown Artist Who Imagined Pell as He

Would Have Looked. There Are No Known Images

of Thomas Pell. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

I have written about Pelham founder Thomas Pell and various aspects of his life on countless occasions.  For links to more than sixty articles and one book dealing with the topics, see the following.

Fri., Jan. 16, 2015:  Possible Service of Pelham Founder, Thomas Pell, with English Forces in the Siege and Capture of Bois-le-Duc in the Netherlands in 1629.

Thu., Jan. 15, 2015:  The Man For Whom The Town of Pelham Is Named.

Wed., Dec. 10, 2014:  Did Pelham Founder Thomas Pell Have a Residence in Pelham?

Tue., Nov. 04, 2014:  Rev. Nathaniel Brewster, Stepson of Thomas Pell.

Thu., Oct. 30, 2014:  Did Thomas Pell Act on Pangs of Remorse After Witchcraft Persecution Involving His Family?

Mon., Mar. 31, 2014:  Inventory of the Estate of Pelham Founder Thomas Pell Taken Shortly After He Died in Late September, 1669.

Wed., Oct. 7, 2009:  1656 Native American Deed for Fairfield, Connecticut Lands Signed by Thomas Pell as a Witness.

Fri., Apr. 24, 2009:  Dutch Authorities Remove the Settlers At West Chester in March, 1656.

Tue., Apr. 07, 2009:  1666 Record Containing "Observations" on the Patent Granted to Thomas Pell.

Thu., Dec. 20, 2007:  Two 17th Century Fairfield Probate Records Referring to Thomas Pell.  
Tue., Dec. 18, 2007:  1648 Commercial Record Involving Claim Against Thomas Pell for Three Hundred Pounds.

Mon., Dec. 17, 2007:  1649 Record Whereby Thomas Pell Appointed Agent to Recover Bond Due From Pewterer Ambrose Adlam of the City of Bristoll.

Fri., Dec. 14, 2007:  Additional 17th Century Shipping and Commercial Records Mentioning Thomas Pell.  

Tue., Nov. 27, 2007:  Thomas Pell Was Elected a Freeman of Connecticut on October 9, 1662, the Day the Crown's Connecticut Charter Was Read to the Public.

Wed., Oct. 24, 2007:  July 3, 1666 Letter on Behalf of the Governor of the Province of New York To Thomas Pell.

Tue., Oct. 23, 2007:  1664 Petition of Inhabitants of Westchester to Commissioners for the Affairs of New England Mentioning 1654 Purchase by Thomas Pell.

Mon., Oct. 22, 2007:  Dutch Authorities Demand That Thomas Pell Halt His 'Intrusion' at Westchester in 1656.

Fri., Oct. 19, 2007:  Thomas Pell Was Feared Drowned or Lost at Sea in 1656.  

Thu., Oct. 18, 2007:  April 19, 1655 Dutch Protest Against Thomas Pell's Efforts To Settle Englishmen on Lands the Dutch Called VreedLandt.

Wed., Oct. 17, 2007:  1669 Map of Lands in Dispute Between Thomas Pell and John Richbell.

Tue., Oct. 16, 2007:  Information About Thomas Pell's Treaty Oak Published in 1912.

Wed., Oct. 10, 2007:  Thomas Pell Accompanies Delegation of Dutch from New Haven to Hartford in October, 1663.

Tue., Aug. 14, 2007:  Biographical Data About Thomas Pell, His brother, John, and His Nephew, John Pell of the Manor of Pelham.  

Tue., Jul. 24, 2007:  Article About the Pell Treaty Oak Published in 1909. 

Mon., Jul. 23, 2007:  1906 Article in The Sun Regarding Fire that Destroyed the Pell Treaty Oak.

Wed., May 2, 2007:  Information About Thomas Pell's Treaty Oak Published in 1922. 

Mon., Apr. 2, 2007:  More Evidence That Thomas Pell Paid 500 Pounds Sterling for the Lands that Became the Manor of Pelham.

Wed., Mar. 07, 2007:  Published Abstract of 1669 Will of Thomas Pell, Followed by Entire Text of Will of Thomas Pell.

Wed., Feb. 07, 2007:  Information About Thomas Pell in the Catalogue of the Names of the First Puritan Settlers of the Colony of Connecticut Published in 1846.

Fri., Feb. 02, 2007:  1670 Letter from John Winthrop, Jr. to William Lord Brereton, Describing the Arrival of John Pell in America to Receive Thomas Pell's Estate.

Thu., Jan. 11, 2007:  More 17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach.

Wed., Jan. 10, 2007:  17th Century Commercial Records Involving Thomas Pell and Edmund Leach.

Tue., Jan. 9, 2007:  1648 Notarial Record by Boston Merchant Providing Power of Attorney to Collect Debt From Thomas Pell of New Haven.

Mon., Jan. 8, 2007:  Dutch Authorities Decide To Station a Ship With Men Off Today's City Island on February 9, 1654 To Keep Watch on the Activities of the English.

Fri., Dec. 22, 2006:  Brief Biographies of Thomas Pell, First Lord of the Manor of Pelham, and His Nephew, John, Published in 1912.

Tue., Dec. 12, 2006:  Did Thomas Pell Avoid Taxes by Maintaining a Medical Practice?

Fri., Dec. 08, 2006:  An Interesting Power of Attorney Executed in Favor of Thomas Pell on October 29, 1651 Plus Other Records.

Thu., Dec. 07, 2006:  Additional Authorities Supporting Assertions that Thomas Pell Conducted Trade by Ship Along the East Coast.

Wed., Dec. 06, 2006:  When Did Thomas Pell Arrive in America?

Wed., Nov. 22, 2006:  Young Thomas Pell Unjustly Accused of "Extortion or Sinfull Unrightousness".

Mon., Nov. 06, 2006:  The Source of Confusion Over the Date Thomas Pell Acquired the Lands That Became the Manor of Pelham.

Tue., Oct. 24, 2006:  Thomas Pell's and John Pell's Land Dispute with John Richbell in the Late 1660s and Early 1670s.

Mon., Oct. 23, 2006:  More Early Evidence That Thomas Pell Had a House Later Used by His Nephew, John Pell, on Rodman's Neck. 

Fri., Oct. 06, 2006:  Additional Evidence That Thomas Pell Acquired His Lands At the Behest of English Authorities.

Thu. Oct. 5, 2006: Additional Evidence That Thomas Pell Paid 500 Pounds Sterling for the Lands That Became the Manor of Pelham.

Wed., Oct. 04, 2006:  Did Thomas Pell, First Lord of the Manor of Pelham, Act as an Attorney?

Fri., Aug. 25, 2006:  Thomas Pell, First Lord of the Manor of Pelham, Traded Tobacco Along the East Coast by Barque.

Mon., July 24, 2006:  A Statute Enacted in 1666 Seems to Have Prompted Thomas Pell To Seek a Royal Grant Confirming His June 27, 1654 Land Acquisition.

Fri., July 7, 2006:  The Involvement of Thomas Pell's Family in the Witchcraft Persecution of Goody Knapp.

Mon., July 3, 2006:  Where Is Thomas Pell's Handwritten Copy of the Treaty Signed With Local Native Americans on June 27, 1654?

Wed., Jun. 28, 2006:  A Biography of Mathematician John Pell, Brother of Thomas Pell (First Lord of the Manor of Pelham).

Tue., Jun. 27, 2006:  Land Owned by Thomas Pell and His Wife in New Haven, Connecticut in the Mid-17th Century.  

Thu., Apr. 13, 2006:  Rumors in 1657 That Thomas Pell Manipulated Local Native Americans To Protect His Land Acquisition From Incursions by the Dutch.

Fri., Mar. 03, 2006:  1666 Letter from Thomas Pell to John Winthrop, Jr. Regarding Pell's 1654 Purchase of the Lands That Became Pelham.

Thu., Feb. 16, 2006:  Evidence of the Use of Thomas Pell's Insignia To Seal a Letter from Lion Gardiner in 1636.  

Fri., Jul. 29, 2005:  Has Another Piece of the Treaty Oak Surfaced?

Bell, Blake A., Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak (Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc., 2004). 

Bell, Blake A., How Much Did Thomas Pell Pay for the Manor of Pelham?, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XV, Issue 43, Nov. 3, 2006, p. 10, col. 1.

Bell, Blake A., Thomas Pell's Feud With the New Haven Courts, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 14, Apr. 2, 2004, p. 10, col. 2.

Bell, Blake A., Thomas Pell: The Historical Context, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 12, Mar. 19, 2004, p. 10, col. 1.

Bell, Blake A., Pelham History: The Involvement of Thomas Pell's Family in the Witchcraft Persecution of Goody Knapp, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 4, Jan. 23, 2004, p. 11, col. 1 through p. 12, col. 2.

Bell, Blake A., Pelham History: Why Did Thomas Pell Buy the Lands That Became Pelham?, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 2, Jan. 9, 2004, p. 11, col. 1 through p. 12, col. 3.

Bell, Blake A., Thomas Pell's Treaty Oak, The Westchester Historian, Vol. 28, Issue 3, pp. 73-81 (The Westchester County Historical Society, Summer 2002). 

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Sudden Death of Village of North Pelham Police Chief While on Duty in 1934

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Michael J. Fitzpatrick was a no-nonsense and successful Irish cop who served the Village of North Pelham as a police officer and, eventually, its Chief of Police for nearly 23 years.  He was an important player in a power struggle with the North Pelham Mayor who appointed him as Chief of Police, Thomas James, as Mr. James exited office in 1929.  I have written about that interesting power struggle which led to the brief removal and prompt reinstatement of Fitzpatrick as North Pelham Chief of Police.  See Fri., Apr. 24, 2015:  The North Pelham "Speakeasy Section" Created Quite a Stir During Prohibition.

Born in Queens County, Ireland on January 6, 1879, Chief Fitzpatrick came to the United States at the age of 23 and settled in the Village of North Pelham shortly after arriving.  He married Katherine McManus and, as a young man, served as a coachman for a number of prominent families in Westchester County.  He became a Villlage of North Pelham Police Officer in July, 1911.  He was appointed Police Chief in 1926 and served for eight years until his death at the Village of North Pelham Police Desk in Town Hall on Fifth Avenue on Saturday, April 7, 1934.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the front page article that announced Chief Fitzpatrick's death to the readers of The Pelham Sun on April 13, 1934.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"The Late Michael J. Fitzpatrick"

Source:   M. J. FITZPATRICK CHIEF OF POLICE
DIED SUDDENLY -- Stricken While at Desk in
North Pelham Police Headquarters; Had Been Police
Officer for 22 Years, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 13,
1934, Vol. 25, p. 1, cols. 1-2.

"M. J. FITZPATRICK CHIEF OF POLICE DIED SUDDENLY
-----
Stricken While at Desk in North Pelham Police Headquarters; had Been Police Officer for 22 Years.
-----

Michael J. Fitzpatrick chief of the North Pelham police department died suddenly on Saturday while preparing for his work at North Pelham police headquarters in the Town Hall.  Death was caused by a heart attack.  The chief had been on duty for only a week after a three months illness with heart disease.  He was 65 years old and would have completed his twenty-third year as a member of the police department in July.  

Police officials of many Westchester County communities paid tribute to the deceased chief of police at the funeral which was held on Tuesday morning.  Delegations from many police departments formed an escort of honor for the hearse as it passed through the streets of the village from the home of the deceased at No. 444 River avenue to St. Catherine's R. C. Church, where the Mass of Requiem was celebrated.  As the ccortage passed Fire Headquarters the old fire bell which has not been used for several years, was tolled.  Village and town officials attended the Mass which was said by the Rev. Father Vincent de Paul Mulry.  Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

(Continued on Page Two.)

CHIEF FITZPATRICK DIED SUDDENLY
-----

(Continued from Page 1)

Chief Fitzpatrick was born in Queens County, Ireland on January 6, 1879.  He came to the United States when he was 23 years old, and came to North Pelham soon after that.  He was engaged as a coachman in prominent Westchester households before he was appointed a patrolman of the North Pelham police department.  In January 1921 he was appointed Captain by Village President James Reilly.  In April, 1926 he was appointed Chief by Village President Thomas J. James.  He was in active command of the police department until January when he became ill and was on sick leave until April 1, when he returned to duty, apparently fully recovered.

On Saturday he came to police headquarters in the middle of the moring and had a conference with Mayor Eugene L. Lyon.  At noon he was seated at his desk in conversation with desk officer James Murphy and Matthew Fitzpatrick of North Pelham.  The latter was not a a relative of Chief Fitzpatrick.

During the conversation, Chief Fitzpatrick suddenly slipped sideways out of his chair.  Officer Murphy summoned Dr. E. S. Newel and Father Mulry.  They arrived a few minutes before the chief died.  Father Mulry administered last rights of the Catholic Church.

Dr. Amos O. Squire, County Medical Officer was summoned and he gave as the cause of death chronic myocarditis.  The body was removed to the Brunner Mortuary.

 Before the funeral many officials paid their last respects to the late chief of the North Pelham police department.  Mayor Lyon and the members of the police department marched to the home of the deceased on Monday night for a short visit.  

Among those who sent floral tributes where:  Lieut. Bruce Dick and Family, The Westchester County Policemen's Benevolent Association, The Ladies' Auxiliary of the A. O. H., Thomas J. James, The Pelhamwood Association, the Mayor and Board of Trustees and Officers of the Village of Pelham, Mayor Eugene L. Lyon, the North Pelham Board of Trustees, the Pelham Comfort Society, Receiver of Taxes Robert A. Cremins, former Supervisor and Mrs. David Lyon, Fire Chief Irving J. Wallach, the Pelham Heights Police Department, former Fire Chief William Templeton of Pelham Manor, Street Commissioner Joseph J. Gerard, the Sanborn Map Company,. Pelham Manor Police Department and The Pelham Sn.  

Officers of the North Pelham Police Department acted as pallbearers.  

Attending the funeral were Mayor Lyon, former Supervisor David and Mrs. yon, Captain George Duff of Pelham Heights, Chief Michael J. Grady, former Chief Philip Gargan of Pelham Manor, Mayor Leslie Bateman, Chief Inspector Michael I. Silverstein, Captain Herman Mattes, former Chief George Atwell of Mt. Vernon; Fire Commissioner Dominic Amato, former Village President Thomas James, Tax Receiver Robert Cremins, Village Clerk John Prtichard, Chief Irving Wallach, Town Attorney George Lambert, Dr. Augustine C. McGuire, former Mayor Edward B. Harder and many officials and former officers of the town and villages.

The following police departments were represented in the guard of honor.  Pelham Manor, Pelham Heights, Port Chester, Mount Vernon, Tuckahoe, Peekskill, Bedford, Mamaroneck and Eastchester.

Chief Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife, Mrs. Katherine McManus Fitzpatrick; two daughters, Katherine and Helen and two sisters, Mrs. James Donlon and Mrs. Arthur Sutton, both of New Rochelle.

On Wednesday night the North Pelham village board unanimously adopted a resolution praising the work of the late Police Chief Fitzpatrick and extending the sympathy of the village to his family.  An engrossed copy of this resolution will be presented to the family.  The resolution follows:

'Whereas, Police Chief Michael J. Fitzpatrick of North Pelham died on April 7, 1934 while on duty at the desk in police headquarters, and 

'Whereas Chief Fitzpatrick had at the time of his death completed nearly 23 years on the North Pelham police department, and 

'Whereas this service was of the highest order of excellence and marked by consistent adherence to the highest ideals of efficiency and faithfulness to police work and

'Whereas said Michael J. Fitzpatrick had earned for himself the respect of all the police officers who worked with him and of all the citizens of North Pelham with whom he came into contact,

'Now, therefor, be it resolved that the Board, by this Resolution give expression of its deep appreciation of the work done by Chief Fitzpatrick for the Village of North Pelham and direct the Village Clerk to transmit to Mrs. Fitzpatrick and the family of the late Chief its sincere and heartfelt sympathy for the loss which they have sustained and which the village feels deeply.'

The board also adopted a resolution expressing its appreciation of the action of neighboring communities in sending police officers to attend the funeral of the late chief."

Source:  M. J. FITZPATRICK CHIEF OF POLICE DIED SUDDENLY -- Stricken While at Desk in North Pelham Police Headquarters; Had Been Police Officer for 22 Years, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 13, 1934, Vol. 25, p. 1, cols. 1-2 & p. 2, cols. 5-8.  

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A Portion of the Pelham Reservoir Dam Was Destroyed in 1896 to Save the Filter Beds

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During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it seems as though the water system that supplied water to Pelham and the surrounding region went through periods of feast and famine.  Either the level of Pelham Reservoir became dangerously low due to drought, or the water levels grew so high due to excessive rain that the filter beds were in danger of destruction.

Early 1896 was an example of the latter.  Torrential rains led to flooding in the area.  The runoff flooded into the Hutchinson River and the reservoir system that stored water for treatment and distribution of drinking water to the region.  

The Superintendent of the Mount Vernon Water Company, G. E. Hoffmaster, watched as the water level of the Pelham Reservoir grew and grew until the water level was nearly level with the top of the earthen banks that separated the critical filter beds adjacent to the resservoir from the reservoir itself.  He knew that if the waters flooded over the earthen banks, they would destroy the sand-based filtering beds.  He knew that it would cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair the filter beds and that a portion of the the water supply system of the region would be placed at risk of closure for quite some time.

Hoffmaster had employees throw open the reservoir gate to release water from the reservoir.  The water, however, could not escape quickly enough to lower the level of the reservoir as needed.  

Hoffmaster had to make a difficult decision.  He decided to destroy a portion of the dam at the corner that was the greatest distance away from the filter beds to allow more water to escape from the reservoir.  He had a force of twenty-five men wade waist deep into the water and begin tearing at the dam just as "[t]he flood was beginning to trickle over into" the filter beds.  As a portion of the dam tore away, water flooded through, but the filter beds were saved.

Although the filter beds were saved, the dam was damaged and had to be repaired.  Those repairs were estimated to cost the company about $3,000 -- far less than the $25,000 it was estimated to rebuild the filter beds had they been destroyed.

Below is the text of an article that appeared in The New York Times about the incident on February 8, 1896.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"LOST $3,000 TO SAVE $27,000.
-----
Part of the Pelhamville Dam Torn to Protect the Filters.

MOUNT VERNON, N. Y., Feb. 7. -- A portion of the dam at the pumping station of the Mount Vernon Water Company, at Pelhamville, was cut away late yesterday afternoon, in order to save the big filter beds from being ruined by the flood.  The damage to the dam is estimated at about $3,000.

The Hutchinson River, which feeds the Pelhamville reservoir, had not been so high in many years.  G. E. Hoffmaster, Superintendent of the water company, watched the water rise until it was almost level with the top of the banks that separate the filter beds from the reservoir, and decided that if the Hutchinson once poured into the filters, $25,000 would not repair the damage.  The reservoir gate was thrown open, and still the water flowed nearly two feet deep over the sluiceway.

Mr. Hoffmaster decided to sacrifice the dam.  He put a force of twenty-five men at work tearing it away at the corner furthest from the filters.  Some of the men worked waist deep in the water.  An opening was soon made, and in a few minutes the filter beds were safe.  The flood was beginning to trickle over into them when the dam was opened.

Mr. Hoffmaster said to-day that the water supply of the city would not be affected by the loss of the dam, as the other reservoirs owned by the company are ample to meet all needs at present."

Source:  LOST $3,000 TO SAVE $27,000 -- Part of the Pelhamville Dam Torn to Protect the Filters, N.Y. Times, Feb. 8, 1896.  

"No. 134. Water Supply Pelham N. Y."

Post Card View of Pelham Reservoir,

Circa 1905. Post Card Postmarked Jan. 11, 1907.

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Recently I have written about the evolution of the facilities developed to meet the ever-growing water needs of the Town of Pelham and the surrounding region.  See 

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.
Fri., May 1, 2015:  Pelham Manor's Efforts to End Use of the Pelham Reservoir for Drinking Purposes.

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1921 Report of Inspection of the Pelham Reservoir Water Supply System

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It certainly is difficult to imagine today, but during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, our region received its potable water from the Hutchinson River.  The Pelham Reservoir was constructed as part of a series of connected reservoirs intended to store water to meet the region's growing water needs.  Recently I have written about the evolution of the facilities developed to meet the ever-growing water needs of the Town of Pelham and the surrounding region.  See 

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

Fri., May 1, 2015:  Pelham Manor's Efforts to End Use of the Pelham Reservoir for Drinking Purposes.

Detail of 1910 Map Showing Pelham Reservoir and Filter Beds.

Source: Bromley, George W. & Bromley, Walter S., Untitled

Map Bounded by Town of East Chester, City of New Rochelle,

Pelham Station, Clarefmont Avenue and Central Boulevard

in Atlas Of Westchester County, Vol. One, p. 17

(Philadelphia, PA: G. W. Bromley & Co., 1910).

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the entirety of a brief inspection report reflecting inspections of the water purification and delivery systems of the New York Interurban Water Company in late 1921.  These systems delivered drinking water to a wide region and included the Pelham Reservoir and its pumping and filter bed systems.  The report provides a stark reminder of just how crude these early water purification systems actually were.

"NEW YORK INTERURBAN WATER COMPANY

A reinspection of the public water supply furnished by the New York Interurban Water Company to the city of Mt. Vernon and to the village of Mamaroneck, town of Harrison, and the districts of Orienta and Rye Neck, Westchester county, N. Y., was made by Mr. Alfred Mullikin, a representative of this Department on October 4, 1921.  Previous inspections of this supply have been made by this Division in 1909, 1915, and 1920 and the reports thereon published in the Annual Reports of the Department for those years.

Mt. Vernon, a city with a present population estimated at 43,000 is located north and adjacent to New HYork City on the Bronx river.  The village of Mamaroneck and the other districts served lie to the northeast of the city and have an estimated population of 9,000.  Of the total population, all are served with water from the public water supply.  The waterworks are owned and operated by the New York Interurban Water Company under the direction of Mr. H. E. Walbert, superintendent.  The water supply of the New York Interurban Water Company is obtained from three sources namely, the Hutchinson river, Tom Paine brook and the Mamaroneck river.  The supply from the Hutchinson river consists mainly of the overflow from the New Rochelle reservoirs together with the drainage from the watershed between these reservoirs and the reservoir of the Interurban Company at Pelham.  The water from Tom Paine brook is collected in a large reservoir, known as the Mahlstead reservoir, from which it is siphoned to the Pelham reservoir.  The water from these 2 sources is then filtered through open slow sand filters.  The supply from the Mamaroneck river is collected in a small storage reservoir and then pumped through pressure mechanical filters after coagulation and sedimentation in a preliminary settling basin and after treatment with hypochlorite of lime.  The description of these two filter plants will be found on pages 419 and 429, Vol. 2 of the 30th Annual Report of this Department.

After filtration and sterilization, the water passes into a distributing system.  The water mains over the entire system are flushed once a year.  The average daily water consumption for the month of September was 3,694,554 gallons, of which some 2,377,400 gallons was supplied by the Mamaroneck plant and 1,317,250 gallons by the Pelham plant.  Storage is provided by a steel stand pipe.

The Mamaroneck reservoir formed by a timber and stone dam is located about 8 miles east of the center of the city of Mt. Vernon and about 1 mile north of the village of Mamaroneck.  Signs are posted to prevent trespassing but the reservoir is not fenced.  Monthly inspections are made and copper sulphate is added 3 or 4 times a year to inhibit the growth of algae.  Above the reservoir the drainage area of the Mamaroneck river is about 12.8 square miles.  The soil is rocky and traversed by a number of highways along which are numerous houses on the watershed.  The river receives surface wash from this populated area.  It is also said that the supply is subject to direct pollution from time to time from the overflow of sewers carrying sewage from the city of White Plains.  The Pelham reservoir is located about 1 1/2 mies east of the center of the city of Mt. Vernon and north of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.  Although signs against trespassing are posted, the reservoir is not fenced.  The physical condition of the water was somewhat impaired at the time of the inspection due to the presence of algae growths in the reservoir.  Located near the inlet pipe leading from the reservoir to the slow sand filters, a barrel is placed and used in connection with the application of copper sulphate for treatment of the raw water at a rate of 5 pounds per day or approximately 0.46 parts per million.  The Peham reservoir is fed by water from the Hutchinson river and the Tom Paine brook.  The Hutchinson river has a drainage area of about 2 square miles and receives the overflow from the New Rochelle reservoirs.  There are also numerous houses and highways on this watershed which in all probability give rise to pollution of the supply.  It was learned that the Hutchinson river receives direct pollution from leaks occurring in a tile sewer laid in Hutchinson boulevard. Tom Paine brook has a drainage area of about 1.9 square miles.  The water is collected in two small rip-rapped ponds in the city of New Rochelle and flows to Mahlstead storage reservoir.  The watershed receives less pollution than the other sources.  It contains some swamp area above the upper pond and is open to the public.  Above the upper pond crossing the brook in Wykagyl park, the city of New Rochelle has recently laid sewers constructed of 24-inch cast-iron pipe with leaded joints.  The Mahlstead reservoir is rectangular in shape and rip-rapped.  Although signs are posted prohibiting trespassing, 5 people were fishing from the banks of the reservoir at the time of the inspection.  Although the reservoir is treated with copper sulphate several times a year, the water contained considerable algae.  Rules and regulations for the sanitary protection of the public water supply of the city of Mt. Vernon were enacted by this Department in 1907.

The Pelham filter plant is located at the Pelham reservoir, 1 mile east of the city of Mt. Vernon and consists of 3 slow sand filters.  With a consumption of 1.3 million gallons of water per day, the filters were operating at a rate of 1.16 million gallons of water per day, the filters are cleaned about every 6 weeks, when 1/2-inch of sand is removed at each cleaning.  Two of the filters were being cleaned at the time of the inspection.  The filtered water is sterilized with liquid chlorine which is applied by a Wallace and Tiernan manual control solution feed chlorinator having a pulsometer capacity of 45 c.c.  At the time of the inspection chlorine was being applied at the rate of 0.8 parts per million.  An additional new chlorine apparatus has been installed, having a pulsometer capacity of 39 c.c.  This apparatus is held in reserve.

The Mamaroneck filter plant is located about 1 mile north of the village of Mamaroneck and some 200 feet below the impounding Mamaroneck reservoir.  The water from this reservoir flows by gravity to a coagulating basin.  It is cleaned every three months.  From the coagulating basin the water flows through 4 horizontal pressure mechanica filters.  With a consumption of 2.38 million gallons of water, the rate of filtration based on a cross-sectional area of 160 square feet each, would be 162 million gallons per acre per day.  Every day two of the four filters are washed giving a 48 hour run between washing for each filter.  The first filtrate is not wasted.  At the time of the inspection some 200 pounds of alum were being applied to the raw water per day, the rate of application is 0.59 grains per gallon which gave a satisfactory floe to the raw water.

The filtered water is sterilized with liquid chlorine at nearly 1.3 parts per million.  From the recent inspection if appears that our previous recommendations have been carried out with the exeption that the chlorine cylinder connections have not been arranged so that two cylinders may be kept connected to the apparatus at all times.

The results of the analyses of the filtered and chlorinated water made by the Division of Laboratories and Research and collected at the Pelham plant show nearly 100 per cent removal of turbidity, 50 per cent removal of color, 70 per cent and 53 per cent removal of organic matter as measured by the albuminoid ammonia and oxygen consumed tests respectively.  The results of the bacteriological examination show a total bacterial increase of some 92 per cent as indicated by the 20 degree count which is probably due to the fact that one of the filters had just been cleaned prior to the time of the inspection.  The results of the analyses of the filtered and chlorinated water collected at the Mamaroneck plant show nearly 100 per cent removal of turbidity, 58 per cent and 47 per cent removal of organic matter as measured by the albuminoid ammonia and oxygen consumed tests respectively.  The results of the bacteriological examination show a total bacterial removal of 94 per cent as indicated by the 20 degree count and a removal of 100 per cent of organisms of the B. coli type in all inoculations examined.  

In a report upon an inspection of the supply dated December 20, 1921, the following recommendations were made:

1.  That as previously recommended the Interurban Water Company maintain at all times a careful supervision over the watersheds tributary to the supply.
2.  That adequate pumping machinery be installed at the Westchester avenue sewage pumping station and care be taken to see that no sewers overflow or other sources of pollution continue.
3.  That frequent tests of the treated water at both filter plants for excess chlorine be made by the starch iodide method in accordance with the enclosed directions, and the rate of application of the chlorine regulated in accordance with the results of these tests.
4.  Taht the water company make careful daily tests of the raw and filtered water with a view to determining the exact quantity of alum and chlorine require at all times and the rate of application of these chemicals be regulated in accordance with the results of these tests and applied continuously.
5.  That copper sulphate be properly applied to the Pelham and Mahlstead reservoirs throughout the year under the supervision of a competent expert in order to prevent the occurrence of algae growths in the reservoir.
6.  That the present depth of sand on the Pelham filters be increased by the addition of a suitable quality of sand and at no time shouldd the depth be less than 30 inches.
7.  That the water company increase the filter capacity of the Mamaroneck filter plant in order that the rate of filtration will not at any time exceed 125,000,000 gallons per acre per day.
8.  That the pressure gauges on the filters of the Mamaroneck plant be tested and the filters washed frequently in order that at no time may the loss of head exceed 10 feet, or a difference of 4 pounds on the gauges.
9.  That in accordance with the previous report two chlorine cylinders be attached to the chlorine apparatus at all times so that an interval of time will not elapse when gas is not applied to the filtered water when changing cylinders,"

Source:  State of New York Forty-Second Annual Report of the State Department of Health For the Year Ending December 31, 1921, Vol. I, pp. 204-06 (Albany, NY:  B. Lyon Company, 1922).  

Undated Photograph of Pelham Reservoir, Ca. 1902.

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The Rich Rituals of Pelham's Annual Memorial Day Remembrances Followed Since the Civil War

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The Town of Pelham's Memorial Day commemoration is rich with ritual.  Indeed, descriptions of Memorial Day ceremonies for the last century make clear that Pelham today commemorates its men and women who died while serving exactly as it did a century ago or even longer.  Indeed, as we remember with reverence the heroic dead on this 2015 Memorial Day through a reverential small-town parade through the streets of the little Town of Pelham, we are following an annual ritual that has been part of the history of our town since Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day" not long after the Civil War.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog describes Pelham's Memorial Day commemoration held eighty years ago on May 30, 1935.  Nearly the entire description of that Memorial Day commemoration held four score years ago could appear in this week's local newspaper with nary a change except the names of those who participated and still accurately describe Pelham's 2015 Memorial Day remembrances. 

Though times and the nation have changed, important similarities between Memorial Day 1935 and Memorial Day 2015 are readily apparent.  Just as the ranks of veterans of World War II are thinning now, so were the ranks of the veterans of the Civil War and the Spanish American War then.  Just as many perceive American ideals to be under assault by forces who wish America ill today, so were there perceptions, as the keynote speaker warned in 1935, that "radical forces are attempting to break down our American Ideals and institutions and these forces are supported by thousands of individuals."  Just as Americans vigorously debate today the value of spending on military might and defense, so were such vigorous debates part of the daily fabric of American life in 1935.  Most importantly, just as the desire to remember and honor those who died in service burns brightly in the breasts of Americans including all citizens of Pelham today, so did the same desire burn brilliantly in the breasts of our forbears on Memorial Day in 1935.

Thus, the rich rituals of reverential remembrance followed on Memorial Day in 1935 remain with us today.  Then, like now, the Town remembered those who died in service with a parade to Memorial Park.  Then, like now, that parade began in front of the Manor Club and proceeded along the Esplanade to Wolfs Lane and Fifth Avenue, ending at Memorial Park.  The carefully-selected route was chosen so that the parade passed through all three villages of the Town in 1935.  The same route followed today passes through both of the villages within the Town of Pelham.

Those who marched in 1935, like those who march today, included Town and Village officials, military units, military bands, members of the local American Legion post, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Pelham Memorial High School Band, local police, local firefighters, representatives of local organizations, and many more.  

Marchers and parade goers gathered then, and now, at Memorial Park next to Town Hall for the laying of a wreath and the firing of a salute in honor of the dead.  Then, and now, the patriotic march was led by a Grand Marshal and ended with the remarks of a keynote speaker delivered to a respectful crowd standing in front of Memorial Park.

As Pelham celebrates Memorial Day 2015, Pelhamites should remember that we have a shared history that connects us.  Moreover, that shared history also serves to connect us with our forbears who have built a rich tradition of rituals passed to us as caretakers for future generations of Pelhamites to ensure that four score years from today, Pelhamites will still march through the Town, gather at Memorial Park, and honor those who have given up their lives in service to the United States, to Pelham, and to the American Way.

1910 Memorial Day Post Card.

"To day the thronging millions troop

Where floats that standard in their view,

And ours, dear Flag, the joy to stand

Beneath thee loyal to our Land.

Chapman"

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Below are articles published in the local newspaper in 1935 describing the Memorial Day remembrances conducted in Pelham.

"Citizens Join Tribute To Heroes In Memorial Parade and Program
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Veterans' Organizations Planned Program in Tribute To Memory of Heroic Dead; George C. Plume, Vice-Commander of V. F. W., Delivers Inspiring Address.
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Pelhamites turned out in great numbers to pay tribute to the memory of their heroes in the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies conducted yesterday morning.  About 800 members of military, patriotic and civic organizations marched in the parade which passed through the three villages.  At Memorial Park, adjacent to the Town Hall, an inspiring program was presented.  George Plume, of Mt. Vernon, Junior State Vice-Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars delivered the Memorial Day address.  Grig. Gen. Louis C. Covell of Pelham Manor was Grand Marshal of veterans, members of Walsh-Marvel Post No. 507, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion.  

The committee headed by J. Gardner Minard included George Godfrey, James B. Connolly, Kneeland S. Durham, Jr., Fred C. Genz, Gen. Covell and Clyde F. Howes.

The parade began at the Manor Club in Pelham Manor.  As the column passed through the three villages on the route over to Memorial Park in North Pelham, young and old residents lined the streets and cheered the marchers.  The colorful display of uniforms which began with a detachment of U. S. Army regulars from Fort Slocum, and included the natty uniforms of the Legionnaires and members of veterans post, women's patriotic organizations, policemen, firemen, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.  Music was furnished by the Mount Vernon Post V. F. W. Drum and Bugle Corps, the Mamaroneck Post American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps and the Pelham Memorial High School Band.

Distinguished guests who included Commander Frederick H. Allen, of Botlon Priory, who was an official observer at the Versailles Peace Conference.  Maj. John F. Fairchild, post commander of Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, and one of Pelham's most distinguished veterans of the World War; John M. Shinn, former Town Historian, and James A. Moore, a veteran of the Indian Wars, rode in automobiles and were accorded a spendid reception all along the line of march.

Supervisor William M. McBride headed the delegation of local officials who included Mayors Randall Cremer, Dominic Amato and Talbert W. Sprague, Councilman Henry J. Van Cook, Judge James E. Male, Trustees Branch P. Kerfoot, Edmund C. Gause, Charles A. Muessel, Receiver of Taxes Robert A. Cremins, Village Attorney George W. Hinckley, Village Treasurer W. J. Makay and Street Superintendent Thomas F. Dooley.

A picturesque figure in the parade was Thomas Jensen, Jr., eight years old, son of volunteer fireman Thomas Jensen of Pelham Manor, who, attired in a midget fireman's uniform, was one of the proudest marchers as he kept step with the Pelham Manor Fire Department members.

At Memorial Park the program opened with a musical selection by the Pelham Memorial High School band under the leadership of A. J. Fregans.  the Rev. Arthur Campbell of St. Catherine's Church offered the invocation.  Mr. Minard introduced the speaker of the day.

George G. Plume, junior Vice-Commander of the Department of New York, Veterans of Foreign Wars, delivered an inspiring address at Memorial Park.  He told of the thinning ranks of the Veterans of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War and he paid 

(Continued on Page Four)

Citizens Unite In Tribute To Heroes
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(Continued from Page One.)

homage to the veterans of the World War.  

'There stands before us today, a great number of men who 18 years ago today were being called to camps as the nation's last resort,' he said.  'The time had come when we could no longer maintain peace and honor by argument or diplomacy.  We had urged Peace.  We had worked for Peace.  Could we fight for Peace?  We couldm and we did.

'The military man wants Peace above all else.  It is in men such as those who fought for you, that the world must see its only hope for a lasting peace.  Conditions are such that to have peace we must have an adequate National Defense.

'There are certain groups in the United States that have been quick to oppose military expenditures.  Secretary of the Interior Ickes insists that approved public works projects must show a return in money or in service to the community.  It is certainly logical that the War Department should benefit by some of these projects.  Money invested by the United States Government in the rehabilitation of its armed forces will bring a definite return to the nation in protection and security.  

'A weak national defense only invites the contempt and disdain of nations that are strong and powerful.  Without the security of a strong national defense, America will always be on the brink of discord and disagreement with other countries.  As long as we can back up our demand for international amity with a properly equipped and well trained armed force, Uncle Sam will always have the respectful attention of international conferences, having to deal with the economic welfare of individual nations.

'We, as veterans, should appreciate the precious heritage of our country.  We value our citizenship.  We cannot and will not be internationalists.  Right now radical forces are attempting to break down our American Ideals and institutions and these forces are supported by thousands of individuals.   

The time has come when we, as veterans and citizens should rise and combat this insidious propaganda and wipe it out once and for all by deporting every alien caught taking part in any of these un-American movements.

'We challenge these men and women who have so far forgotten their national heritage that they lose sight of the cornerstone on which this nation is founded.  This then, should be the sentiment of all Americans on this Memorial Day:  As individuals to be loyal Americans; to be jealous of our birthright and be determined that never again shall America be swept into the maelstrom of war without an adequate defense; and to care for him who bore the brunt of the battle, also to care for his widows and orphans.

'Our Peacetime fight is on.  Our work is laid out for us.  We shall continue on with our efforts for  a peaceful existence and to create a unified nation with purely American ideals, preaching and practicing 'One Flag, One Country, One Country, One Language.'

The Star Spangled Banner was sung and Commander Minard and Commander Charles Hardy of Pelham Post placed a wreath on the Memorial monument.  There was a 

Source:  Citizens Join Tribute To Heroes In Memorial Parade and Program, The Pelham Sun, May 31, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 8, p. 1 cols. 6-8 & p. 4, cols. 5-7.  

"MEMORIAL DAY.
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Memorial Day, this year, occurs in the midst of rumors of war, and a frenzied armament building race between European countries, so it is well that we give a thought to just how significant this all is in relation to the honored dead whose graves will be decorated on Thursday.

Courage will always command admiration, regardless of the surroundings in which it may be exercised or the conditions which call for its exhibition.  It takes great courage to fight in a war, but it will take greater courage in the future to declare war knowing that the aerial enemy can reach into the hitherto secure places of those who issue the orders for others to do the fighting.

That was a ray of hope for peace that stood out like a shining star in the recent lecture delivered by Richenbacker, war-time ace, at the High School before the Men's Club.  There was comfort in that for those who remember at Memorial Day, the ones who were victims of civilization's progressive curse.

The United States of America, with its unification of internationals, represents the seed rm which an international understanding may arise.  The more dangerous war can become to those who have the responsibility of issuing orders for war, the less likely shall be war.

We honor our dead with reverence and a determination to do our part in bringing about international understanding that shall protect future civilization from the horrors of war."

Source: MEMORIAL DAY, The Pelham Sun, May 24, 1935, Vol. 26, No. 7, p. 2, col. 1.  

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