The Massive Real Estate Boom of the Roaring Twenties in the Little Town of Pelham
One local newspaper seemed to sum up the frenzy in 1925 when it published a series of articles led by a screaming headline that stretched across an entire page. That headline read: "Plans Representing Nearly Two Million Dollars Only Forerunner of Pelham Manor's Building Boom." Pelham Manor, of course, was one of only three villages that comprised the Town at that time.
The building boom seemed to benefit everyone and everything including the chickens of Pelham. One of the building permits issued in Pelham Manor in 1925 was for construction of a chicken coop by M. A. Reynolds at Peace and Hudson Streets. According to one account, the chicken coop permit was "a reminder of the days when every backyard contained its own quota of fowls, and the early-morning risers needed no alarm clocks." Another building permit issued by Pelham Manor the same year was for a fruit stand on Boston Post Road valued at $50 -- another reminder of Pelham's agrarian roots that long since have vanished.
Only a few short years later, Pelham's economy was devastated. The Pelham National Bank failed. Its President was hustled off to Federal prison. Tax liens on private residences shot through the roof and the Town struggled to find ways to ease the pain of foreclosing against homeowners who could not pay their taxes. Federal work programs became an important means for many Pelham residents. Small businesses closed and the local Community Chest became a critical means of providing local assistance to a variety of Pelham programs designed to assist the needy.
For a few shining years in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, however, no one in Pelham could foresee the economic pain to come. During those shining moments, Pelham was engaged in a building frenzy that forever changed the makeup of the Town.
Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the series of articles that accompanied the "screaming headline" quoted above. Each is followed by a citation, and link, to its source.
1950 Map of the Town of Pelham.
NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.
"Plans Representing Nearly Two Million Dollars Only Forerunner of Pelham Manor's Building Boom
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155 Permits Issued There During 1924
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Nearly $2,000,000 was the aggregatge amount of the valuation of building permits issued in Pelham Manor for 1924. Never before in the history of that village has this sum been even approached. The largest single item, for which permits have been issued, is the apartment building with its accompanying garage at Pelhamdale avenue and the Boston Post road.
This construction is under way and is described elsewhere in today's issue.
The total valuation of the new buildings is set at $182,500.00.
A cursory glance through this list will show that the permits were issued in the main for the erection of dwellings. The permits for the building of one chicken coop in the village is interesting: a reminder of the days when every backyard contained its own quota of fowls, and the early-morning risers needed no alarm clocks.
All other licenses of the past year were either for alterations, or for the erection of a combination of garage and dwelling, except one item of $50, which is recorded to be for a fruit stand.
155 Permits Issued
This permit is the smallest in valuation of all of the 155 which were issued by Building Commissioner William Templeton.
According to available information at the office of Mr. Templeton, the building boom has only just begun for the village of Pelham Manor. All indications point to a resumption of building operations in the spring, which will surpass in valuation even the record-breaking year of 1924.
The following is a report of building permits issued in 1924 in the village of Pelham Manor, showing the owner, description of building and value of the structure, together with its location:
Irving W. Lyon, dwelling, Edgewood avenue, $16,000.
Henry Rodenback, dwelling, Windsor place, $7,000.
William Templeton, dwelling, Carol place, $6,000.
Peter Jackson, garage, Washington avenue, $125.
A. A. Otis, dwelling and garage, Stellar avenue, $10,000.
A. A. Otis, dwelling and garage, Stellar avenue, $10,000.
B. O. Taylor, jr., alteration, Wynnewood road ,$2,000.
J. Rice Building company, dwelling, Pelhamdale avenue, $12,000.
Dorothy K. Lynch, dwelling, Hunter avenue, $3,500.
Peter Rhynes, dwelling, Iden avenue, $16,000.
Rachel H. Ryan, dwelling, Suburban avenue, $13,000.
Florence Thomas, dwelling, Pelhamdale avenue, $8,500.
Murray B. Parks, dwelling, Roosevelt avenue, $17,000.
George Douglas, dwelling, Wolf's lane, $10,000.
William A. Sale, dwelling and garage, Stellar avenue, $8,000.
Louis Johnson, dwelling, Park lane, ,$12,000.
M. A. Reynolds, garage and chicken coop, Peace and Hudson streets, $1,000.
Joseph Nero, dwelling, Highbrook and Heywood streets, $25,000.
William Templeton, dwelling and garage, Carol place, $5,000.
William Templeton, dwelling and garage, Carol place, $5,000.
A. Longo and Son, dwelling, Stellar avenue, $15,000.
August Ackerman, garage, Carol place, $600.
Daniel Van Horn, dwelling, Rochelle terrace, $12,500.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling, Manor circle, $20,000.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling, Manor circle, $20,000.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling, Manor circle, $20,000.
John Smith, dwelling, Mount Tom road, $26,000.
Miss Armstrong, dwelling, Grant and Union aveneu [sic], $3,000.
M. S. McKinstry, jr., alteration, Windsor place, $1,000.
Charles Wadsworth, 3rd, garage, James street, $700.
Nelson S. Rundlett, dwelling and garage, Grant avenue,, $3,500.
Robert McConneky, garage, Reed avenue, $860.
Peter Rhynas, dwelling and garage, Iden avenue, $15,000.
H. W. Nichols, alteration, Peace street, $5,000.
J. L. R. Van Meter, dwelling, Mount Tom road, $25,000.
Livingston Leeds, dwelling, Wolf's lane, $14,000.
A. Longo and Son, dwelling, Reed avenue, $15,000.
A. Longo and Son, dwelling, Reed avenue, $15,000.
F. A. Coletta, dwelling, Stellar avenue, $15,000.
Herman Mehlhop, dwelling, Washington avenue, $8,,000.
Florence Thomas, dwelling, Manor lane ,$12,000.
Carson and Carson, dwelling and garage, Highland avenue, $15,000.
Ubald Landry, dwelling, reed avenue, $12,200.
D. C. Smith, dwelling and garage, Mount Tom road, $35,000.
John Templeton, dwelling and garage, Stellar avenue, $9,000.
R. G. Collins, jr., garage, Monterey avenue, $1,000.
Matilda K. Brown, garage, Boston Post road, $450.
Mrs. E. L. Kellogg, dwelling, Grant avenue, $30,000.
A. G. Bryan, alteration, James street, $900.
Pelhamdale Holding corporation, apartment building, Pelhamdale avenue, $175,000.
Galen M. Harris, garage, Fowler avenue, $800.
Matteo Bartone, dwelling and garage, Iden avenue, $15,000.
Charles Vetter, garage, Highbrook avenue, $770.
Mrs. Milton Peasley, alteration, Wolf's lane, $335.
M. P. Rosche and Joseph McCarthy, dwelling and garage, Bonmar road, $45,000.
Mrs. K. C. Mulligan, garage, Washington avenue, $500.
Charles Albrecht, dwelling, Carol place, $12,000.
J. H. Browne, garage, Boston Post road, $480.
G. H. Kerr, garage, Clay avenue, $500.
Florence Thomas, dwelling and garage, Francis street, $13,000.
R. C. Butler, alteration, Manor lane, $6,800.
Pelham Country club, alteration, Wynnewood road, $1,500.
J. P. McAliley, dwelling, Carol place, $11,700.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Bontier Realty company, dwelling, Esplanade, $10,000.
Gertrude Thomas, dwelling and garage, James street, $10,000.
Douglas and Hall, dwelling, Wolf's lane, $12,000.
Robert G. Lorson, garage, Rochelle terrace, $400.
W. W. Gow, dwelling and garage, Hunter avenue, $9,500.
Alfred L. Hammett, dwelling, Clay avenue, $15,000.
M. B. Carpenter, garage, Rochelle terrace, $650.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling, Bonmar road, $20,000.
William Thiele, alteration, Grant avenue, $2,500.
William L. Inglehart, dwelling and garage, Pelhamdale avenue, $16,000.
Galen M. Harris, dwelling and garage, Fowler avenue, $16,000.
Douglas and Hall, garage, Wolf's lane, $500.
D. W. Lyon, garage, Edgewood avenue, $900.
B. E. French, garage, Iden avenue, $475.
Theresa B. Miller, alteration, Pelhamdale avenue, $500.
Ernest Rollins, alteration, Suburban avenue, $15,000.
Julius Manger, playhouse, Wolf's lane, $600.
Florence Thomas, dwelling and garage, Pelhamdale avenue, $12,000.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling and garage, Bonmar road, $20,000.
John Smith, dwelling, Rockledge road, $35,000.
Joseph P. Murray, alteration, Cedar road, $2,000.
Andrew Zarrian, fruit stand, Boston Post road, $50.
Olva S. Roos, alteration, Pelhamdale avenue, $1,000.
Mahaffey Construction company, dwelling and garage, Rochelle terrace, $16,000.
A. Longo and Sons, garage, Reed avenue, $1,000.
Dorothy K. Lynch, garage, Hunter avenue, $350.
A. M. Meyer, dwelling and garages, Esplanade, $18,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
Winnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling, Wynnewood road, $9,000.
William Templeton and Son, dwelling and garage, Reed avenue, $9,000.
Westchester Improvement company, dwelling, Bonmar road, $20,000.
Charles F. Haring garage, Colonial avenue, $500.
Douglas and Hall, dwelling, Suburban avenue, $10,500.
Mrs. J. Langley, garage, Manor circle, $800.
R. H. Ryan, garage, Wolf's lane, $500.
T. P. Lancaster, dwelling, Siwanoy avenue, $11,000.
M. C. Reynolds, garage, Peace street, $700.
Remington Schuyler, dwelling, Union street, $10,000.
Frank A. Carr, dwelling and garage, Hunter avenue, 7,000.
Mr. Kuhn, garage, James and Lawrence place, $1,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, Lawrence and James, $10,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, Lawrence and James, $10,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, Lawrence and James, $10,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, Lawrence and James, $10,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, Lawrence and James, $10,000.
John Templeton, dwelling and garage, Carol place, $6,000.
Ines M. Davis, alteration, Hunter avenue, $10,000.
Alice K. Hanway, dwelling and garage, Esplanade, $5,000.
E. J. Kiely, dwelling and garage, Reed avenue, $12,000.
Lillian W. Bagley, dwelling, Esplanade, $25,000.
Pelhamdale Holding corporation, garage, Pelhamdale avenue, $7,500.
T. L. McCready, dwelling, Grant avenue, $10,000.
Mrs. John Hass, dwelling, Washinton avenue, $10,000.
Isabel G. Gillett, alteration, Esplanade, $1,250.
John Nevins, alteration, Fowler avenue, $600.
Livingston Leeds, dwelling, Stellar place, $13,500.
Matteo Bartone, dwelling and garage, Siwanoy avenue, $14,000.
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, James street, $1,000 [sic].
Bonalt Realty company, dwelling, James street, $10,000.
Harry S. Haupt, dwelling and garage, Ely avenue, $33,000.
Harry S. Haupt, dwelling and garage, Ely avenue, $27,000.
Harry S. Haupt, dwelling and garage, Ely avenue, $23,000.
Livingston Leeds, dwelling, stellar place, $14,000.
John Anderson, dwelling, stellar place, $14,000.
Harry S. Haupt, dwelling, Black street, $20,000.
Harry S. Haupt, dwelling, Esplanade, $40,000.
Carson and Carson, dwelling, Pelhamdale avenue, $15,000.
Total, $1,809,545."
Source: Plans Representing Nearly Two Million Dollars Only Forerunner of Pelham Manor's Building Boom -- 155 Permits Issued There During 1924, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 18, 1925, p. 32, cols. 1-8.
"1925 PROMISES TO BREAK ALL RECORDS HERE
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Pelham Proud of Its Growth -- Many Improvements Planned
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The year 1924 saw one of the greatest advances in the real estate boom in the history of the town of Pelham, in the opinion of local people. More than three millions of dollars have been spent during that period for the realty development in this town.
Of this amount nearly two millions alone have been invested in real estate in the Pelham Manor section of the town. But the remarkable record set during the past year bids fair to be eclipsed during 1925, if present tendencies are any criterion.
Already prospective builders have been looking over the locality for the purpose of planning building operations early in the spring.
Not only have the building operations been on a grander scale this past year than heretofore, but added to this the progress in road-building has bone on apace in these three villages.
New roads have been under the process of construction during the open months, and the Pelhams are now noted far and wide for the excellence of their highways. For the year of 1925, a new project of sewage disposal is under consideration.
This new system will do away with whatever objectionable points have been brought to light, and will increase the value of real estate in this vicinity even greater than its present worth.
Added to these improvements there is now under consideration in North Pelham the proposition of installing a new system of incineration in the village for the disposal of garbage within the limits of the village. It is conceded by many informed on this subject that such a move will add materially to the better living conditions of the residents of North Pelham.
In Pelham Manor, that village which has more room to spread and develop along the real estate line, there are several homes being projected for beginning when the ground is ready in the spring. Streets will be resurfaced, and the general improvement of the village is looked for.
Although nothing definite has been done in North Pelham regarding the widening of Fifth avenue, that improvement is looked for in the near future. Businessmen of the village are agitating the widening of this main thoroughfare, and the matter will doubtless be disposed of during the coming year.
With all these improvements in the air, it is certain that the developments in the three villages of Pelham will make the town an even more desirable location for real estate investors than it is at present.
Pelham is proud of its growth. Its people are proud of their schools, their beautiful environs and proud of the progressiveness of their officals."
Source: 1925 PROMISES TO BREAK ALL RECORDS HERE -- Pelham Proud of Its Growth -- Many Improvements Planned, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 18, 1925, p. 32, cols. 3-4.
"Village Presidents See Continued Developments In the Pelhams
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Officials of the town of Pelham are enthusiastic over the prospects for the further development of Pelham.
W. E. Bunnell, president of the village of Pelham, said recently in talking about the prospects of real estate development for the coming year: 'I believe that the development in building will continue indefinitely. There is still room for expansion in Pelham despite the fine record made during the past year.'
Newton M. Argabrite, president of the village of Pelham Manor, was enthusiastic when asked his opinion in regard to the realty outlook for his village for the year of 1925. 'There is a grand opportunity,' said Mr. Argabrite, 'for the further development of the village of Pelham Manor. Never before have the building operations looked so rosy as at present.'
According too a statement of James Rielly [sic - Reilly], president of the village of North Pelham, made recently, the situation is satisfactory at present and, according to indications, the village of North Pelham will continue to develop during the coming year."
Source: Village Presidents See Continued Developments In the Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 18, 1925, p. 32, col. 4.
"PELHAM ARMS TO BE READY ABOUT MAY 1
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In Ideal Location, It Is Already Winning Much Praise
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Pelham Arms, a modern apartment building, which is now under construction in Pelham Manor, at Pelhamdale avenue and Boston Post road, is unique in many respects. Automatic elevators are being installed which will be available for occupants of every apartment.
Waste of all kinds will be disposed of on the premises through a specially processed system of incineration. The building is fireproof throughout, being considered the latest type of suburban fireproof construction yet devised.
The structure, when complete, will be five stories high, and will have accommodations for 44 families in apartments of three, four and five rooms and bath.
One noteworthy feature in the construction of this building is that all work, in so far as is practicable, is being done by local firms.
It is the policy of the builders to make the work that of Westchester county jobbers.
The Pelhamdale Holding corporation is financing the project.
Mount Vernonite President
It is for this corporation that the Haskell Associates, Inc. of New York city, is constructing the building. William P. Haskell, of Mount Vernon, is president of this company. The building was designed by Townsen, Steinley & Haskell, Inc., of New York.
There will be 175 rooms in all.
Every room will have an outside exposure, as spacious courts are being laid out, adding a touch of architectural beauty to the building and its environs in keeping with the exclusive residential district in which it is located. The building is financed by a first mortgage bond issue of $390,000, and the valuation when complete will approximate $550,000.
William H. Baker, of New York city, is president of the Pelhamdale Holding corporation, and William P. Haskell is vice president.
The apartment will be ready for occupancy by May 1. Only the highest type of tenant will be admitted to these apartments, it is said. The location of the edifice is fortunate, being on the much traveled highway between Boston and New York. Direct car service between New Rochelle and Mount Vernon is maintained, and the Pelha Manor station of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad is within ten minutes walking distance. The building was begun last June on what was known as the old Baker property, and is the only apartment dwelling of its kind in Pelham Manor."
Source: PELHAM ARMS TO BE READY ABOUT MAY 1 -- In Ideal Location, It Is Already Winning Much Praise, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 18, 1925, p. 32, col. 5.
"Extensive Building Development I Recent Years In North Pelham
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Plans Representing More Than Half Million Dollars Were Filed During Nine Months -- Beautiful Houses -- Business Increases.
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A visitor to Pelham from the decade just past would have a difficult time to recognize in the thriving and busy village that village he knew as 'Pelhamville' ten years ago. For North Pelham has grown extensively during the past decade, both in residents and in building operations. Plans representing more than a half million dollars were filed in North Pelham during the period between March 3rd to December 1st, 1924, for the erection of buildings. This is a criterion of the growing wealth and influence of this suburban village.
The erection of apartment houses in the village has been another forward step in the progress of the community. Fifth avenue has become one of the business centers of this district, and merchants are developing the business enterprises which are tending to make the village of North Pelham up-to-date in all modern transactions.
In the Pelhamwood district of North Pelham there are only dwellings. These are attractive. People come from all over this section to admire them. Street after street has blossomed forth in the finest specimens of architecture known to the modern builder. Spacious terraces, sunken gardens, tennis courts, and other improvements of like nature are to be seen on every hand, all built up within the past few years. Shade trees line the streets. The roads are all well made and as smooth as any in the state.
Pelham Heights has not lagged behind Pelhamwood in the improvement of the property by dwellings. This section of the village, bordering on the city of New Rochelle, has become a veritable gardent plot, especially noticeable for its shade trees and wonderful gardens.
Building permits of the village of North Pelham from March 1924 to January 1, 1925:
OWNER -- DESCRIPTION -- LOCATION -- VALUE
William Spencer -- Store -- Fifth avenue -- $9,000.00
Mary Louise Ward -- Garage -- Central avenue -- 300.00
Martha L. Durham -- Garage -- Linden avenue -- 600.00
Harold Ring and R. C. Redmond -- Dwelling -- Maple and Central avenus -- 7,000.00
D. J. Enright -- Alterations -- Fifth avenue -- 600.00
Jeannette Davis -- Garage -- First avenue -- 300.00
John Corbett -- Dwelling -- Third avenue -- 10,300.00
Asenath N. Dressler -- Garage -- River avenue -- 450.00
Van Cook -- Garage -- Third avenue -- 350.00
David Lyon -- Garage -- Third avenue -- 300.00
Mrs. Minnie S. E. A. Broege -- Garage -- Main street -- 528.00
Marie Tamke -- Garage -- Third ave. and First st. -- 35,000.00 [???]
Nels Anderson -- Dwelling -- Second ave. and Fifth st. -- 11,000.00
Anthony Smith -- Apartement -- Fourth street -- 60,000.00
Charles Koechling -- Garage -- Harmon avenue -- 600.00
Mrs. R. Landsmann -- Alterations -- Chestnut avenue -- 800.00
R. Isole -- [Omitted] -- Fifth avenue -- [Omitted]
Mrs. Laura Di Gualimo -- Dwelling -- Sixth st. and Sixth ave. -- 15,000.00
Michale Paris -- Garage and Dwelling -- Fourth avenue -- 12,000.00
Michale Paris -- Garage and Dwelling -- Fourth avenue -- 12,000.00
Michale Paris -- Garage -- Third avenue -- 600.00
A. Caulderwood -- Garage -- River avenue -- 400.00
Joseph P. Kerker -- Garage -- River avenue -- 600.00
Clem J. Schwieterman -- Dwelling -- Highbrook avenue -- 15,000.00
Philip Godfrey -- Dwelling -- Center avenue -- 10,000.00
Lawrence M. Wardrop -- Dwelling -- Linden avenue -- 9,000.00
Mrs. Hicinbotham -- Alterations -- First avenue -- 3,000.00
Frank W. Salmi -- Dwelling -- Sixth street -- 5,000.00
John Holm -- Dwelling -- Sixth street -- 5,000.00
Gustav Weidhaas -- Dwelling -- First avenue -- 21,000.00
O. M. Becker -- Garage -- Second avenue -- 500.00
George Cotrell -- Garage -- Fourth avenue -- 500.00
Charles H. Merritt -- Dwelling and Garage -- Lot 30, Chester Park -- 11,500.00
Alfred J. Johnson -- Garage -- First avenue -- 500.00
Hecht and Eilotz -- Store and Apartments -- Fifth avenue -- 20,000.00
William F. Ridout -- Garage -- Third avenue -- 500.00
Stephen E. Ryan -- Dwelling -- First avenue -- 3,000.00
Stephen E. Ryan -- Alterations -- First avenue -- 3,000.00
Herman C. Hermansen -- Garage -- Fourth avenue -- 200.00
Mrs. Jennie Acocello -- Garage -- Chestnut avenue 7,000.00 [??]
John H. Young -- Dwelling -- Eighth avenue -- [Omitted]
TOTAL $303,228.00
This list does not include the apartment buildings of John T. Brook."
Source: Extensive Building Development In Recent Years In North Pelham -- Plans Representing More Than Half Million Dollars Were Filed During Nine Months -- Beautiful Houses -- Business Increases, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 18, 1925, p. 32, cols. 6-8.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."
Labels: 1924, 1925, Construction, Pelham Arms, Real Estate, Roaring Twenties
posted by Blake A. Bell @ 5:05 AM
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