Was it Arson that Destroyed the Prospect Hill School at Jackson and Plymouth Avenues in 1917?

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In 1840, John Hunter of Hunter's Island (who also owned a large tract of land on the mainland just to the southeast of Prospect Hill) deeded a small corner of his land as a site for a new public school building.  According to one account, "In 1866, for some reason, the town purchased part of lot 51 from Terrance Malloy and moved the school to that site, which is now the front part of the main center section of 982 Split Rock Road."  See The Junior League of Pelham, Inc., A Glance at the Past: Pelham's Growth From 1775-1975 p. 14 (The Junior League of Pelham, Inc. Sept. 1976) (Pamphlet associated with accompanying map; 32 pp. including Map Bibliography, Manuscript Bibliography and illustrations by Hedy Klein).

As early as 1879, the Board of Education of the Union Free School District No. 1 of the Town of Pelham formulated a plan to replace the tiny one-room schoolhouse in Pelham Manor on Split Rock Road.  Pelham voters authorized a $4,000 bond issue to fund construction of the new school building on October 14, 1879.  Later in the year, the School District petitioned the Westchester County Board of Supervisors to permit it to sell the tiny Prospect Hill Schoolhouse and the land on which it stood along Split Rock Road and to permit the District to use the proceeds of the sale to purchase "other lands for the site of their school-house, and to the erection of necessary buildings therein." 

On December 22, 1879, Odle Close (a member of the Judiciary Committee of the Westchester County Board of Supervisors) presented to the Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Judiciary Committee a report recommending that the School Board's petition be granted and that authority to sell the schoolhouse and land be given.  The petition subsequently was granted and construction of a new school known as the Jackson Avenue School began shortly thereafter.  

The school building had been erected by the time G. W. Bromley and Co. published a map of the area in 1881.  A detail from that map showing the location of the school appears immediately below.

Detail from 1881 Bromley Map with Arrow

Showing Location of the Jackson Avenue School.

Detail from 1899 Map by John F. Fairchild

Showing Location of the Jackson Avenue School

Referenced on the Map as "Prospect Hill School."

The Jackson Avenue School served Pelham schoolchildren for nearly forty years.  Not long after the turn of the 20th century, however, the population of the Town of Pelham began to explode.  In 1900, the population of the Town was 1,571.  In 1905, the population reached 1,841.  By 1910, the population had grown to 2,998 -- nearly doubling over a ten-year period.  Pelham schools, including the little Jackson Avenue School, were bulging at the seams.  

Post Card View of the First Prospect Hill School on

Jackson Avenue at Plymouth Street in 1907.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Pelham did not even have its own high school at the turn of the 20th century.  It sent its young scholars to other communities such as Mount Vernon and New Rochelle for high school educations.  Finally, Pelham constructed the "Pelham High School, and Siwanoy Grammar School," the structure that we know today as the central portion of Siwanoy Elementary School.

After dedication of the new structure in 1911, Pelham Manor schoolchildren began attending the Pelham High School, and Siwanoy Elementary School."  The School Board closed the little brick Jackson Avenue School, although it used the structure for storage.

In late 1916 and early 1917, the School Board magnanimously allowed a local church to store some material in the building.  The congregation of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church was building a new church building at Four Corners on the location of the Little Red Church the congregation opened in 1876.  The last service in the Little Red Church took place on December 10, 1916. The Little Red Church building was not demolished at that time.  Rather, elements of the church were salvaged from the structure and the building was moved across Pelhamdale Avenue to a site on Boston Post Road near the service station located there today. It was used as an apartment building with a retail store on the ground floor and lower level for many years until the building finally was razed.

With the permission of the School Board, Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church stored some of the salvaged elements of the Little Red Church and various furnishings in the Jackson Avenue School building.  That decision, it turned out, was an unfortunate one.  

On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 10, 1917, at about 4:30 p.m. a fire began in the structure.  The Pelham Manor Fire Department responded quickly, but the flames "had gained a good headway" by the time they arrived from their firehouse only a few blocks away.  

The fire roared through the building.  There was little that could be done.  By the time the Fire Department brought the fire under control, all that was left standing of the building were the exterior brick walls. The building, valued at $6,000, was a total loss.

The fire, it turned out, was suspicious.  Authorities concluded that an incendiary likely was used to start or spread the flames.  There is no indication, however, that any culprit ever was caught.  The fire remains one of the two most notorious arson fires ever experienced in the Town of Pelham.  (The other will remain for a later article on the Historic Pelham Blog.)

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There does not seem to be much news coverage regarding the fire that destroyed the Jackson Avenue School.  If the fire was reported in The Pelham Sun (which would seem likely), the issue or issues no longer exist.  The only report of the fire uncovered so far appeared in the July 14, 1917 issue of the New Rochelle Pioneer.  I have transcribed the text of that brief report immediately below, followed by a citation and link to its source.

"SCHOOL FIRE A MYSTERY.
-----

An incendiary is believed to have been at work in Pelham Manor.  Tuesday afternoon the old Jackson avenue school house, corner of Jackson and Plymouth avenues, was gutted by fire.  The fire started about 4:30 o'clock and the fire department was called out.  The flames had gained a good headway.  The brick walls of the building was the only remains left standing.

The building at the time of the fire was unoccupied.  Some of the old Red church which was torn down, was placed in the building until the new church is built.  The building was valued at about $6,000 and was used as a school building prior to the construction of the high school buidling.  It is owned by the board of education of the first school district of the town of Pelham."

Source:  SCHOOL FIRE A MYSTERY, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 14, 1917, p. 6, col. 7. 

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Christ Church's 80th Anniversary Sermon by Rev. J. McVickar Haight on November 18, 1923

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On Sunday, November 18, 1923, the congregants of Christ Church in Pelham Manor gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the church.  In honor of the anniversary, the rector of the church, J. McVickar Haight, delivered a lovely sermon recounting the history of Christ Church.  The sermon was so interesting that the local newspaper, The Pelham Sun, published it in its entirety five days later.  That article, with the complete text of Rev. Haight's sermon, appears at the end of today's posting followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"Photograph by S. Roots

THE REV. J. McVICKER [sic] HAIGHT"

Photograph of Rev. J. McVickar Haight

in 1929 Taken at Camp Pasquaney

School in Hebron, NH.  NOTE:  Click on

Image to Enlarge.

John McVickar Haight (known as J. McVickar Haight) was born October 11, 1882.  He was a son of Effie Kneeland Haight and Charles Coolidge Haight.  He met and married Elsie Stanton, a great granddaughter of John Harper, one of the founders of Harper Brothers Publishers.  The couple had two children:  John McVickar Haight Jr. and Phyllis Haight (who married William Mitchell Robinson of Rutherford, N.J.)  

For several years before 1917, J. McVickar Haight served as the Civilian Chaplain at the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station.  He was called in 1917 by the Vestry of Christ Church to serve as the rector.  While he was at Christ Church, Parish Hall was built and the Sunday School grew into a successful institution with over two hundred pupils.  He authored a book on The History of Christ Church.

Rev. Haight resigned as rector of Christ Church in 1935.  Thereafter he became the rector of St. Luke's Church in Tuckahoe, New York.  In 1937 he was instituted as the tenth rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Harlem.

He and his wife lived in Pelham for 23 years (a number of those years in a home located at 118 Clay avenue.)  They also owned a cottage on Newfound Lake near Bristol, New Hampshire where they spent time during many summers.  In 1941, Rev. and Mrs. J. McVickar Haight purchased a 150-year-old farm on the Pemigiwasset River about 3-1/2 miles east of Bristol, New Hampshire on Route 104.  The couple moved to the farm where Rev. Haight began rural church work under Bishop John Dallas of New Hampshire.  

Reverend Haight died in 1965 at the age of 83.  He is buried in Heath Cemetery in Bristol, Grafton County, New Hampshire.  

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Below is the article containing the text of the sermon Reverend Haight delivered on November 18, 1923 regarding the history of Christ Church in honor of the 80th anniversary of the church.

"INTERESTING HISTORICAL SERMON DELIVERED BY PASTOR AT CHRIST'S CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE
-----
Eightieth Birthday of Pretty Church on Pelhamdale Avenue Commemorated by Large Congregations Last Sunday.
-----

The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Christ's Church brought large congregations to the services on Sunday.  The Rev. J. McVickar Haight preached a special sermon which outlined the history of the church, taking for his text Genesis 28:17, 'This is noe other but the house of God and this is the gate to heaven.'  There was so much historical interest in his remarks that The Sun publishes it in full herewith.  Mr. Haight said:

How true these words are as we assemble in this beautiful church.  A few years ago Bishop Shipman came here for the first time, and after carefully looking about the Church said, 'This building is filled with the atmosphere of worship;' and this is true because this building was planned, built, beautified and dedicated by persons whose hearts were full of the love of God and their fellow-men.

Reverend Robert Bolton was the founder of this parish.  He was born in Savannah, Ga., on the 10th of September, 1787, and was the son of Robert Bolton, the cotton king of Savannah.  He was sent to England on business, and there he met and married Anne Jay, the daughter of the Rev. William Jay of Bath, England.  Mr. Jay gave permission for his daughter to marry on condition that the young people would not go to the 'wilds of America.'  So Mr. Bolton and his wife settled down to a peaceful life in England, but after Mr. Jay died and because of financial reverses Mr. Bolton decided to bring his wife to America.  They bought a place in Bronxville where they expected to make their home but for reasons they felt that this was not a good place for them to live, and they decided to mmove to Pelham Manor where Mr. Bolton bought what is now known as the 'Bolton Priory,' property where he built the large house where he lived for several years.  This house was designed after the Norman style and bears the date of 1838.

Mr. Bolton was ordained Deacon at St. Paul's Church, Eastchester, on the 25th day of Juy, 1837, by Bishop Onderdonk, and preached the same year, the 12th of November, by the same Bishop.

Life at the Priory was very charming.  Mr. Bolton and his wife had five sons and nine daughters, though two of the daughters died while quite young.  They published a little paper in the household called the 'Pelham Chronicle,' which consisted of poems and articles and bits of humor.  It was for the amusement of the family living in the 'wilds of the country.'

One of the rooms of the Priory was a large hall which Mr. Bolton called the 'Armory.'  Here he gathered together the children of the neighborhood for Sunday School and the older people for Sunday services.  Very shortly after this his congregation outgrew the hall and he and his sons decided to build a church.  They went to a sooded spot of their estate near the cow lane which is now Pelhamdale Avenue, and there they laid out the church, and on April, 1843, the foundation stone was laid by Mr. Bolton and his five sons.

The following poem, which was published in 'The Harp of Pelham,' a little book gotten out by Mr. Bolton and his family, must have been used at the time of the dedication of this stone.

'The Foundation Stone.'

Head of the Church! with light divine
Deign on thy people's works to shine,
And make the building now Thine own, 
By blessing this, 'The Corner Stone.'

Hence let the gospel's joyful sound
Enlighten every desert round
And here let sinners find the road
That leads them to the Lamb of God.

Oh Thou! who wast Thyself the stone
Which haughty builders did disown
Let this Thy house uninjured stand,
Establish'd by Thine own right hand.

The 'corner stone' surmounted thus
Shall be a footstool to the cross,
The Church a fruitful garden prove,
To train us for the Church above.

On September 15th, 1843, the church was consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk.  The church was built of Gothic style and was beautified by Mr. Bolton and his five sons.  The large East window, which was directly above the altar, is the first stained glass figured window to have been made in this country, and was probably made by William Jay Bolton.  All the windows in the old church were made by some member of the Bolton family -- a number of them are copies from Salisbury Cathedral.  On either side of the present main entrance of the door are two windows which were made by Robert Bolton in 1850.  One bears the Pell coat of arms and the other the Bolton coat of arms.  Under the large window was a Reredos [Ed. Note:  a screen or a decorated part of the wall behind an alltar in a church] made by John Bolton in 1853.  It is handsomely carved and painted and is divided into five panes, the entire one of which bears the sacred initials of Christ; the other four contain the Creed, the Lord's prayer and the Ten Commandments.  The old Communion table was also made by one of the Boltons, as was the Communion rail, which is said by Mr. Lamb, the ecclesiastical artist, to be one of the finest communion rails in the country.

The old pulpit was also designed and made by one of the Boltons.  Originally it had a flat soundinug board over it.  I wish that this sounding board might be replaced.

The marble font, which was originally used in the church, was given by Miss Clark.  The organ was situated in the loft over the main entrance of the door in 1887.  This organ was enlarged and a beautiful case was put about it which bears this inscriptioin:  'Praise Him in the psaltery and hary; praise Him in stringed instruments and organs; praise Him in sound of the trumpet.'

The Christ's Church was attached a parochial free school for male and female children of the neighborhood.  At first it had 15 male aand 20 female scholars.  This building was erected in about 1845.  The door of this building is most interesting as it is a Norman arch executed in brick.  It is said that Mr. Bolton could not get anyone to execute the arches so he made them himself.  It is interesting to note that all the sons of Mr. Bolton were ordained into the ministry, and Reverend Cornelius Winter Bolton returned to Christ's Church as its rector several years later.

In 1861 a Mission was commenced at City Island.  The Sunday School at Pelhamville and City Island was started largely through the personal efforts of Miss Nanette Bolton, Miss Fanny Schuyler and Miss Grace Schuyler.  Miss Fanny Schuyler and Miss Cornelis Jay Bolton organized the Woman's Auxiliary of the Board of Missions, and for many years Miss Fanny Schuyler was the inspiring leader of the parish branch of the Woman's Auxiliary.

We gleaned the following from the rector's report of 1861:

'Pelhamville.  This mission established some two years since has continued to flourish with the most blessed results during the past year, amply compensating the loving and Christian hears who first organized and still under God continue to nourish it.'

'City Island.  A church is in the course of erection.  $1,358 has been most generously contributed for this glorious purpose by the ladies connected with the Pelham Priory, exclusive of $600, promised by the Islanders, one of whom, Mr. George Horton, gave the ground for the church and $100 toward the funds.  The building will cost $3,000.  Already there is a good and active congregation and a flourishing Sunday School.'

In 1920, Grace Church, City Island, became part of this parish.

'David's Island Hospital.  A kitchen has been built upon the Island with sleeping apartments and servants employed, and the ladies in turn devote a week-day and night in ministering to the sick and wounded soldiers.  Garments furnished to the sick and wounded 3,224, boots and shoes 286 pairs, sheets 321, other garments to the value of $318.'

David's Island is now Fort Slocum.  

On Hart's Island there was a military rendezvous where the Rector of Christ's Church held frequent services.

In 1866 the parochial school was closed because a public school was started in Pelham Manor.  

In 1872 the Church of the Redeemer, Pelhamville, was incorporated as a separate parish and severed its connection with the mother parish.  

The eldest daughter of Mr. Bolton's was Nanette Bolton.  For many years after her father's death she conducted a school for young ladies in the Bolton Priory, and when she died in 1884, her former pupils and friends raised a fund to erect the Nanette bolton Memorial Building, which was placed close to Christ's Church.  With one of the gifts came this message:  'Nothing seems too good for me to give in memory of that dear friend who was chosen by my dear mother to lead me in the paths of righteousness.'  This building is now used for our Sunday School.

In 1893 Reverend Alfred Francis Tenney became Rector.  The outstanding event of his rectorate was the enlargement of the church which was done in 1910 at a cost of $13,000.  The church owes it Mr. Tenney's untiring efforts that the enlargement fits in so perfectly with the spirit of the old church.

Five years ago Reverend J. Mcvickar Haight became Rector, and in 1920, the old system of renting pews was abolished and all pews were declared free and unassigned.

As we think of the love and interest of the founders of this parish we raise our hearts in gratituded to God for this beautiful church, hallowed by the prayers and devotions of these saintly men and women.  Let us learn to love this beautiful building and to make it indeed our religious home, and let us seek to beautify and adorn it still more, for there are several improvements which we should make at this time.  The lighting fixtures are out of date and very trying to the eyes -- new ones should replace these.  We need a new and larger organ to lead our choir and congregation in singing the praises of God.  The church should be redecorated and we should raise an adequate endowment fund, but above all let us catch the inspiration of the missionery spirit of the early members of this parish, aand let us give and work for things outside this parish, catching from this building the inspiration which will help us in all our lives." 

Source:  INTERESTING HISTORICAL SERMON DELIVERED BY PASTOR AT CHRIST'S CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE -- Eightieth Birthday of Pretty Church on Pelhamdale Avenue Commemorated by Large Congregations Last Sunday, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 23, 1923, p. 7, cols. 1-4.   

"Rev. And Mrs. J. McVickar Haight Leave To Live In New Hampshire
-----

The Rev. and Mrs. J. McVickar Haight of Clay avenue moved on Wednesday to their new home in New Hampshire.  They have purchased a 150 year old farm on the Pemigiwasset River, 3-1/2 miles east of Bristol on Route 104.  Rev. Haight will do rural church work under Bishop John Dallas of New Hampshire.  The Haights have been spending their Summers on Newfound Lake near Bristol, where they have a cottage, a spot well known to their many Pelham friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Haight and their two children, John McVickar Haight, Jr., and Phyllis, now the Mrs. William Mitchell Robinson of Rutherford, N.J., have resided in the Manor for the past 23 years.  Mr. Haight was called in 1917 by the Vestry of Christ Church.  Prior to that time he was Civilian Chaplain at the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station.

During his ministry at Christ Church, Parish Hall was built and the Sunday School grew into a successful school of over two hundred pupils.  Mr. Haight endeared himself to his parishioners by his personal interest and by his firm belief in the powers and comforts of prayer especially in times of illness.  He is the author of a book on The History of Christ Church.  After his resignation as rector of Christ Church in 1935, Rev. Haight became the rector of St. Luke's Church in Tuckahoe.  

Mrs. Haight is the former Miss Elsie Stanton, great granddaughter of John Harper, one of the founders of Harper Brothers, publishers."

Source:  Rev. And Mrs. J. McVickar Haight Leave To Live In New Hampshire, The Pelham Sun, May 29, 1941, p. 5, cols. 1-2.  

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Pelham Manor Narrowly Avoided Becoming Part of the World's Largest Airport

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The entire Town of Pelham was stunned.  Though news reports and rumors had been swirling for more than a year, Pelham seems to have paid little attention.  Now the rumors not only seemed true, but Pelhamites were shocked to learn that plans were so far along that it looked as though they likely would be implemented.  

What were those plans?  Plans to construct the world's largest airport across the Hutchinson River from Pelham Manor and to build an associated dirigibles landing field on sixty acres of Pelham Manor land to be annexed by New York City.  Indeed, Bronx leaders announced not only that New York City would annex the Pelham Manor lands but also that the formalities for closing fifty streets in the Baychester area of the Bronx had been achieved.  

We know, of course, that no such airport ever was built.  What most Pelhamites don't know, however, is how close things came for the creation of such an airport between 1927 and 1929 on the Town's doorstep.  Nor do most know that a second effort to build the airport was attempted in 1936 and 1937.  After a second failure, proponents simply would not give up.  Even after the construction of LaGuardia Airport seemed to put the plans for an airport next to Pelham to rest, in 1944 local Bronx leaders proposed a scheme to create a major helicopter landing field on some of the same property.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog will detail some of the story of the Bronx airport that never came to be.

Early Recognition of the Need for a Major Airport in New York City

During the Teens and Twenties of the 20th century, the world became wildly excited about aviation.  New York City began exploring the need for a New York metropolitan airport during the mid-1920s.  On May 21, 1927, however, Charles A. Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget Field in Paris, successfully completing the first solo, non-stop transatlantic flight in his single-engine airplane, The Spirit of St. Louis.  Though much of the world had been excited about the potentials of aviation, the Lindbergh flight drove home to many the likelihood that the United States and the world were on the brink of a revolution that would center around air transportation.  New York City became even more serious about establishing an airport.  

Many New York City leaders began to believe that the metropolis already was behind other municipalities.  Plans for the opening of Newark Metropolitan Airport were underway.  (The airport opened October 1, 1928 on 68 acres of reclaimed land along the Passaic River; it was the first major airport serving passengers in the New York metro area.)  New York City, however, did not have a major airport.  

New York City's earliest efforts to develop its own airport are described in an excellent Masters Thesis recently prepared by Sarah K. Cody.  In it, the author writes:

"New York City's first effort to establish a municipal airport was on April 8, 1925.  The Chairman of the Landing Places for Commercial Air Lines Committee of the New York Board of Trade and Transportation sent the City Board of Estimate and Apportionment a request to establish a landing field for commercial air transportation in the New York City area.  This request was not responded to until September 23, 1925, when the chief engineer of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment recommended that the City '. . . take active steps in the near future to set aside at least one site for ultimate development as a municipal air field to be operated by the City, and that the day is not far distant when such a field will be self-supporting.'  However, city officials still did not fully recognize the need for a municipal airport and no action was taken with regard to the recommendations for another two years.

On January 29, 1927, the Port Authority of New York became involved in the efforts.  The Port Authority's deputy manager issued a report, which included the statement that existing flying fields in New York City were either inadequate or unsuitably located and none were commercial airports.  Also in the report were statements regarding the important relationship between the Post Office and public airports.  While by this time, the Post Office had enough funds to maintain airmail fleets, in early 1927 the Post Office decided to entirely forego their fleets and routes.  They then began to enter into exclusive contracts with public airports. . . . 

Even with the potential support from the Post Office, it would still take a considerable amount of time for New York City to develop its own airport.  In August 1927, the process of establishing an airport officially began when Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Herbert Hoover, established a fact-finding committee to locate suitable facilities for a municipal airport.  The committee consisted of twenty-three New York and New Jersey officials, and commercial and industrial aircraft representatives.

On November 29, 1927, the Report of the Fact-finding Committee on Suitable Airport Facilities for the New York Metropolitan Region was released, outlining the results of Hoover's committee.  It listed a total of six sites, two in New Jersey and four in New York. . . . 

Later in the year, Newark, New Jersey finalized plans for its own municipal airport.  Newark Municipal Airport officially opened on October 1, 1928.  Residents of New York began to protest the revenue benefits that New Jersey would see from the new airport, which further pressured New York City officials.  Only then did New York City take the municipal airport project seriously." 

Source:  Cody, Sarah K., Balancing Past and Present:  The Cultural Landscape of Floyd Bennett Field, pp. 46-47 (Published Ann Arbor, MI:  2007) (Master Thesis, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry).

The Port Authority of New York Proposes Building the Airport Near Pelham

On July 15, 1927, the Port Authority of New York released a "tentative" report suggesting an area near Pelham Bay Parkway as one possible site for a New York City airport.    Although the report suggested other possible sites on Long Island and in New Jersey, it noted that accessibility and proximity to Manhattan were primary considerations in selecting the sites.  It also noted that sites on the bank of a river or harbor would be particularly attractive with the rise of sea-planes and, according to one report, noted that "[t]he Bronx site possesses these qualifications, and has the added advantage of being situated on the water, providing facilities for sea-planes."  The Port Authority report explicitly stated:

"Pelham Bay Parkway, in the Borough of the Bronx has been suggested as a site.  It is distant forty minutes from the Grand Central terminal.  It is in the direction of minor traffic, but is otherwise a good site.  It has the advantage of free title vested in the city of New York, and therefore real estate investent would be unnecessary if the city cooperated."

The idea for an airport in the Northeast Bronx, it seems, began to take on a life of its own.  For example, during the week of January 23, 1928, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce met to discuss the same issue.  Capt. John E. Heywang, speaking at the weekly luncheon of the Chamber, urged the acquisition of an airport in the Bronx.  Eventually, the Taxpayers' Alliance of the Bronx submitted a petition to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment of New York City supporting development of a 300-acre airport within Pelham Bay Park.  

Curtiss-Wright Tries to Pull a Fast One

An important early American aviation company was Curtiss-Wright Corporation.  The company was a manufacturer of aircraft, but was expanding into other associated ventures in an effort to grow its business.  Pelham, it seems, was about to become a victim of circumstances as well as a victim of early "Corporate America."  

Curtiss-Wright came into existence on July 5, 1929.  It was the result of a merger of twelve companies associated with "Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company" of Buffalo, New York, and Wright Aeronautical of Dayton, Ohio.  Curtiss-Wright was merging.  It was acquiring.  It was growing.  Pelham stood in its way.  

In 1929, Curtiss-Wright concocted a plan to develop a nationwide chain of airports and airplane service facilities with a concentration on major American cities including Baltimore, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and multiple locations in and around New York City.  Curtiss-Wright formed a new group known as "Curtiss Airports Corporation" to build and operate the chain and capitalized the new venture with $35.2 million.

Apparently hoping to steal a march on the Port Authority of New York and New York City, Curtiss Airports Corporation quietly acquired a 250-acre tract on the western side of the Hutchinson River immediately across from Pelham Manor.  The company's President announced that the company would spend $3,000,000 to build a new airport on the tract and that construction would begin "immediately."  The President further noted that "The new project will be provide [sic] an ideal port for seaplanes as well as a field for land planes.  Quick access to downtown New York will be made available by boat service down the East River and through connections with nearby rail and rapid transit facilities."

Within a short time, a Pelham Manor resident sold a large sixty-acre tract on the east side of the Hutchinson River between Split Rock Road and the Hutchinson River to the company as well.  Plans were announced to turn the Pelham Manor property into a dirigibles landing field associated with the airport.  On it would be built massive dirigible hangars, services facilities, and dirigible mooring masts.

All of Pelham was stunned.  The rumors and reports were true.  Worse yet, it seemed that the matter was a done deal.  (Everyone was surprised by the Curtiss-Wright move.  Even the Taxpayers' Alliance of the Bronx withdrew its petition supporting the Port Authority's proposal to build the airport within Pelham Bay Park, seemingly preferring to allow the Curtiss-Wright project to proceed "immediately.") 

 Little did Pelham know it at the time, but the almost unseemly efforts of Curtiss-Wright Corporation to steal a march and create the world's largest airport immediately adjacent to (and even extending into) Pelham Manor may well have been the first nail in the coffin of the efforts to create an airport in the Northeast Bronx.

NIMBY:  Pelham Organizes to Fight

Within two weeks, all of Pelham prepared for a fight.  On June 21, 1929, The Pelham Sun detailed the plans for what reportedly would be known as "Hutchinson Airport."  According to The Sun, Curtiss-Wright and the Bronx planned the establishment of "the world's largest airport on the shore of Eastchester Creek."  There would be commercial landing and flying fields, air beacons, airplane and dirigible hangars, dirigible mooring masts, and more, all in an effort to create "the premier flying field in the world."

A few weeks later on July 19, 1929, The Pelham Sun reported that every effort would be made to block the project.  In recognition of the advanced stage of the efforts by Curtiss-Wright to commence construction of the airport, the newspaper noted ominously "If nothing can be done to prevent the establishment of the airport steps will be taken to block the dirigible landing field which is under consideration for the easterly bank of the Hutchinson creek."  To make matters even more bleak for Pelhamites, the newspaper further reported than on July 17, 1929, the Board of Aldermen of the Borough of the Bronx approved an application from Curtiss Airport Corporation for the closing of thirty streets in the Baychester section of The Bronx (later reports said fifty streets), in preparation for the airport project.  Only a week later, The Pelham Sun reported "what once was regarded as highly improbable is soon to be a fact."

By the week of July 26, however, opposition to the project had organized in Pelham.  Attendance at the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor was high that week.  First, the Board announced that an amendment to the zoning law had been prepared which would prohibit the use of any land within the village limits for the purpose of an airport.  (Though little more than a symbolic move, the zoning restriction was only the first salvo against the project.)  Second, the Board authorized an effort to register a strong protest with New York City Hall.  That protest followed shortly, with reminders of the many powerful residents of the Town who opposed the project.  Still, The Pelham Sun later reported rather pessimistically that "Although a protest has been lodged with the City of New York over the establishment of an airport on the borders of Pelham Manor, it is believed that the matter has progressed too far for the protest to be effective."

Pelham Manor Becomes A National Symbol of Barriers to Progress  

On August 12, 1929, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor enacted amendments to local zoning ordinances to bar airports, airport facilities, and associated airport services anywhere withing the Village of Pelham Manor.  The response that followed, once again, shocked the entire Town of Pelham.  

As word spread that the tiny little one square mile Village of Pelham Manor in the State of New York was attempting to block any attempt to build a world class airport for the City of New York, the editorial boards of countless publications throughout the United States cranked into action excoriating Pelham Manor.  

The tiny little village was portrayed as behind the times, stubborn, unwilling to sacrifice for the common good and, generally, unpatriotic.  The outcry among editorialists hit the little village hard.  Its officials tried to counter by noting that the proposal to annex sixty acres of the village for use as a dirigible field would take away much of the village and that the village was a tiny place about to be bullied and, once again, overrun via annexation by New York City.  

Such protests by the Manor, however, had no effect on the editorialists.  Pelham Manor had a black mark against it easily awarded by the editorialists of communities throughout the United States that were not faced with any similar threat to their way of life, their bucolic surroundings, and their very existence.  

What really seemed to hurt Pelham Manor residents was the lack of support from Westchester County.  Many of the ugliest editorialists who condemned the tiny village were from the very county that Pelham Manor had been a part of since the county's formation.  One editorialist portrayed Pelham this way:  "Banning airplanes at this day recalls the efforts that were made to stop bicycle riding on Sundays and to keep automobiles off city streets."  The truth, of course, was that Westchester County editorialists wanted a convenient local airport that was located anywhere for the convenience of their residents other than near their own homes.  

Pelham understood.  It was on its own.  Or so it thought.  The Town of Pelham and one of its villages, Pelham Manor, actually had a single ally.  Only one -- a critically important one, it turns out, because it likely saved Pelham as we know it.  

Pelham's ally is known today as "The Great Depression."  The Wall Street Crash of 1929 began on October 24, 1929.  It led, we know now, to an associated financial crash.  

Willing to Spend $3,000,000 to Build an Airport, but Unable to Pay Property Taxes

When the Curtiss-Wright effort to steal a march on The Bronx and New York City became known, local efforts by Bronx leaders to support use of a portion of Pelham Bay Park along Pelham Bay for the City's principal airport ended.  Admittedly, the Curtiss-Wright affiliate made an announcement that shocked Pelham (and thrilled Bronx leaders). It made the announcement that it would spend $3,000,000 to establish the world's largest airport only four months before the world fell apart, beginning on October 24, 1929.  

The stock market crashed.  The economy fell into The Great Depression.  Curtiss-Wright and all of its affilliates suffered.  The Town of Pelham and one of its villages, Pelham Manor should have rejoiced!!!!

As the Great Depression tore through the economy, its flames consumed some of the infant air industry.  Curtiss-Wright was utterly unable to develop its two Bronx and Pelham Manor airport properties in any way.  Moreover, by 1936 the company's potential airport property was a half a million dollars in tax arrears to New York City alone.  (I haven't been able to establish its likely arrears in the Village of Pelham Manor -- yet!)

New York City and its borough of The Bronx, thankfully, had given up on taking part of Pelham Bay Park for an airport adjacent to the Town of Pelham.  Instead, they had left it to private enterprise.  The fact that Curtiss-Wright tried to steal a march by buying a massive amount of property adjacent to the planned location of the Pelham Bay airport only months before the stock market crash of 1929 (and the financial depression that followed) likely saved the Town of Pelham.  

Believe It Or Nor, The Matter Was Not Over

Though The Great Depression raged, the matter was far from resolved.  Curtiss-Wright continued to own a massive property adjacent to Pelham Manor that was not subject to the Pelham Manor zoning ordinance against airports.  

Floyd Bennett Airfield was built at about this time as New York City's first airfield in 1930.  It was tiny.  It was isolated in the hinterlands of Brooklyn.  

The Bronx was not satisfied with Floyd Bennett Airfield (or with anything other than an airfield built in The Bronx). The Bronx still saw itself as the likely location of the world's greatest airfield.  

In 1935, Bronx Borough President James Lyons addressed the Bronx Civic Congress urging consideration of a renewal of the effort to construct a world class airport adjacent to the Village of Pelham Manor.  There was, at the time, talk of an alternative site on Throggs Neck referenced as "the Old Ferry Point peninsula."  However, that site (it was noted) would have to be purchased outright, which might not be the case with the Curtiss-Wright properties that were subject to tax liens.  Moreover, Bronx Borough President Lyons noted that "a proposd bridge to Queens which may be built some time in the future" (i.e., the later-built bridge now known as Throgs Neck Bridge) "would render the Ferry Point spot useless for an airport."  The Real Estate Board of The Bronx, in 1935, said "New York City needs it and the Bronx will hail its aquisition as one of the greatest strides for commercial and civic progress ever experienced in this borough."

The Bronx Chamber of Comerce embraced the cause.  It sought the involvement of New York Governor Herbert H. Lehman.  Things started to heat up yet again.  One Bronx-oriented report noted that "An airport built on the proposed Hutchinson River site in the North Bronx would, after the first year of its operation, become one of the largest flying centers in the United States [and] . . .  would draw the air traffic overflow from Newark Airport . . . in the first year of operation, the proposed airport could expect 40,000 passengers, transport more than a million pounds of air express and carry 651,598 pounds of air mail."

What Happened to the Renewed Effort to Build an Airport Adjacent to Pelham?

The Bronx Board of Trade began to press New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia hard.  Of course, the Mayor happened to summer in a mayoral office that he and his aides crafted in the Bartow-Pell Mansion in Pelham Bay Park only hundreds of yards from where the proposed airport would have been erected.  The likelihood of success of the renewed proposal seemed remote at best.

Nevertheless, can "Providence" be thought ever to protect "the few" by raining down misery on "the many" though not all?  Perhaps in the case of efforts to ressurect the world's largest airport on Pelham's borders in 1936 and 1937 Providence so protected the few.  The terrible plunge into the Recession (some say Depression) of 1937-38 seems to have taken apart the disorganized efforts of the time to ressurect an airport in the Bronx on Pelham's doorstep.  At a minimum, the initiative by The Bronx to ressurect the airfield adjacent to Pelham was slowed tremendously.

Moreover, all the air was sucked from the efforts of Bronx leaders as New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia worked to improve the Glenn H. Curtiss airport on a site included within today''s LaGuardia Airport into a commercial airport to serve the region.  LaGuardia Airport was officially dedicated on October 15, 1939 as the New York Municipal Airport and opened for business on Deceber 2, 1939.  The opening of LaGuardia seems to have deflated efforts by Bronx leaders to ressurect the notion of a major airport adjacent to Pelham Manor.

Despite LaGuardia Airport, A Third Attempt at an Airfield Adjacent to Pelham

LaGuardia Airport, of course, became a major commercial airline hub within a few short years.  That, however, did not satisfy certain Bronx businessmen.  Just a few years later in July 1944 as World War II was winding toward its close, a group known as the "Airport Committee of the Bronx Board of Trade" issued a report proposing a plan to convert a portion of what it called "the abandoned Curtiss Airport site" bounded by the Hutchinson River Parkway, Boston Post Road, and Baychester Avenue into a major "helicopter field."  The report further stated that members of the Airport Committee had confered several times with Mayor Fiorello La Guardia who felt "that an airport for the Bronx is 'inevitable.'"

Inevitable or not, the plans for an airport (or at least a helicopter field) adjacent to Pelham, thankfully, never quite got off the ground, allowing Pelham to continue to mature into the beautiful and quaint Town that it is today.

Pelham as it Might Have Looked Today Had

the Plans of the Port Authority of New York

and Bronx Business Leaders Come to Fruition.

*          *           *          *          *

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of news articles about the plans to construct the world's largest airport adjacent to Pelham.  Below are a few selected articles referenced above that shed a little light on these historic events of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.   

"Urge Airport In the Bronx
-----
Port Authority Suggests Pelham Parkway

(International News Service)

NEW YORK.  July 15.--Recommending that one or more modern airports be established in the Metropolitan district, the New York port authority in a report made public today suggested Pelham Bay Parkway as one of the possible sites for the project.  

The report, which is tentative in nature, follows a survey which was conducted some months ago in conjunction with other agencies interested in the development of air transportation.  Because of popular enthusiasm awakened in aviation since the epochal New York to Paris flight of Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, the report was made public for informative purposes.

Suggest Other Sites

In addition to recommending the establishment of one or more airports, the report suggests locations for possible sites in Long Island, New Jersey and the Bronx.

Accessibility and proximity to the centre of the Metropolitan district are given as primary considerations in selecting the sites and if it is possible to combine these features in a site on the bank of a river or harbor, it should be so placed, the report states inasmuch as the water can be used by seaplanes and flying boats, thus making the port available for all types of air travel.  

The Bronx site possesses these qualifications, and has the added advantage of being situated on the water, providing facilities for sea-planes.

'Pelham Bay Parkway, in the Borough of the Bronx,' says the report, 'has been suggested as a site.  It is distant forty minutes from the Grand Central terminal.  It is in the direction of minor traffic, but is otherwise a good site.  It has the advantage of free title vested in the city of New York, and therefore real estate investent would be unnecessary if the city cooperated."

Source:  Urge Airport In the Bronx -- Port Authority Suggests Pelham Parkway, The Yonkers Statesman, July 15, 1927, p. 5, cols 5-6. 

"OPPOSES AIRPORT AT BARREN ISLAND
-----
Martin Dodge Declares Site Too Inaccessible.
-----

Barren Island is not a desirable site for an airport for New York because of its inaccessibility.  Martin Dodge, manager of the Industrial Bureau of the Merchants Association of New York, said yesterday in a discussion before the Exchange Club at the Hotel Mcmalpin.

Mr. Dodge said the Barren Island site was large enough, but declared that those who were urging the construction of an airport there were chiefly persons who held real estate in the section and wished to increase the value of their land.

The best place, he said, was in the Queens-Flushing Bay area, near Middle Village.  He said this was large enough and could be reached from Manhattan in short time.

He discussed other sites mentioned as desirable by the Hoover committee, saying he believed the meadow site ner Secacus, N.J., the next best.  Governors Island, he said, might be a good spot, but could not be obtained because of the opposition from the War Department.

Capt. John E. Heywang, speaking at the weekly luncheon of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, urged the acquisition of an airport in the Bronx."

Source:  OPPOSES AIRPORT AT BARREN ISLAND -- Martin Dodge Declares Site Too Inaccessible, N.Y. Sun, Jan. 27, 1928, p. 10, cols. 3-4.

"$3,000,000 AIRPORT PLANNED FOR BRONX

Plans for the development in the Bronx of one of the finest airports in the country as a unit in the nationwide chain of the Curtiss-Airports system were announced today by Walter s. Marvin, president of the Curtiss Airports Corporation.  The company has purchased a site of 250 acres adjoining Pelham Bay Park and will invest $3,000,000 in the flying field and its equipment.  Construction work will be started immediately.

The new project will be provide [sic] an ideal port for seaplanes as well as a field for land planes.  Quick access to downtown New York will be made available by boat service down the East River and through connections with nearby rail and rapid transit facilities."

Source:  $3,000,000 AIRPORT PLANNED FOR BRONX, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Jun. 5, 1929, p. 36, col. 1.  

"Planned Hutchinson Airport For Dirigibles May Extend Into Manor
-----
Taxpayers' Alliance Of the Bronx Petitions New York City Board of Estimate For Dirigible Landing Field On Easterly Bank Of Hutchinson River.  Part Of Proposed Field Is Within Boundary Of Village Of Pelham Manor
-----

The Board of Estimate and Apportionment of New York City has received a petition from the Taxpayers' Alliance of the Bronx for the development of a park and airport of 300 acres of Pelham Bay Park on the easterly bank of Eastchester Creek.  Part of this territory is recommended to be used as a dirigible airport in conjunction with the new Curtis Flying Field to be laid out on the opposite side of the waterway.  

The plan provides that the airport shall extend to Split Rock Road, and to the Boston road, some of which territory lies within the boundaries of the Village of Pelham Manor.  The site is especially favored for dirigible mooring masts and maneuvering grounds due to the level ground and the absence of trees and foliage.  

The proposal was approved at a meeting of the Taxpayers' Alliance, last week.  Alex U. Mayer, secretary of the organization reports that the members of the association were extremely enthusiastic.  If the New York City authorities approve of the plan it is expected that the Pelham Manor officials will be approached.

The dirigible airport scheme follows a plan for the establishment of the world's largest airport on the shore of Eastchester Creek.  Early in April petition was prepared proposing that the territory on the easterly bank of the waterway between the Boston Post and Shore Roads, extending as far as Split Rock Road, be developed as an airport.  Here it was planned to lay out commercial landing and flying fields, erect air beacons, airplane and dirigible hangars, dirigible mooring masts, to establish the Hutchinson Airport as the premier flying field in the world.

The convenient location of the site was favored because transit facilities could be developed.  Most of the property was already owned by the city, and needed little development.

It was proposed that the part of the field in Pelham Manor could be acquired by annexation to New York City.  In their petition the members of the taxpayers' organization expressed an opinion that 'in view of the object to be attained, which would be of great material benefit to Pelham and its people, we anticipate no serious difficulty in arriving at an amicable conclusion as to this phase of the matter.'

It was also set forth that the northerly city line at this point is most awkward and involved, and should have been straightened out in 1895, the year of annexation.

The original plan, however, was abandoned early this month when it was announced that the Curtis Aircraft Corp. had purchased a large tract of land for an airport on the opposite side of the river.

The Taxpayers' Alliance then withdrew their petition, but then did not lose site [sic] of their objective.

The new plan which recommends the development of the major part of the tract as a park, holds to the airport program as far as Pelham is concerned.  The northern section of the tract is proposed as the airport.  

Mr. Mayer told The Pelham Sun that no action would be taken on the matter until the fall."

Source:  Planned Hutchinson Airport For Dirigibles May Extend Into Manor -- Taxpayers' Alliance Of the Bronx Petitions New York City Board of Estimate For Dirigible Landing Field On Easterly Bank Of Hutchinson River.  Part Of Proposed Field Is Within Boundary Of Village Of Pelham Manor, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 21, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 12, p. 14, cols. 1-2.

"Hutchinson Airport Approved; Protest Expected In Manor
-----
Residents Of Villages Express Sentiment Against Nuisance To Be Created By Flying Field
-----

The announcement that the Curtis [sic] Aircraft Corporation will establish a large airport adjacent to the Pelhams has caused much comment among the residents of Pelham Manor, and it is expected that formal protest will be filed with the Board of Trustees to prevent an encroachment in the villages.  If nothing can be done to prevent the establishment of the airport steps will be taken to block the dirigible landing field which is under consideration for the easterly bank of the Hutchinson creek.  Part of the territory which may be used is within the limits of Pelham Manor.  

On Wednesday night the Board of Aldermen of the Borough of the Bronx approved the application of the Curtis [sic] company for the closing of thirty streets in the Baychester section of the Bronx, in preparation for the airport just opposite to the site on which the dirigible field is planned."

Source:  Hutchinson Airport Approved; Protest Expected In Manor -- Residents Of Villages Express Sentiment Against Nuisance To Be Created By Flying Field, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 19, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 16, p. 1, col. 4.  

"Active Protest Against Flying Field; Pelham Manor Trustees Revise Zonling Law As Barrier
-----
Resolution Of Protest To Be Sent To City Of New York -- Zeppelin Field Adjoining Boston Post Road Will Be Barred By Statute -- Statement Of Bronx Organizations That Pelham Manor Will Give Hearty Cooperation A 'Bit Presumptuous,' Says Mayor Greene.
-----

Vigorous protest against the proposal by the Curtiss Aeroplane Corporation to establish a flying field adjoining the Boston Post Road and adjacent to the boundary line of Pelham Manor was voiced at the meeting of Pelham Manor trustees on Monday night.  

Now that the land has been purchased and permission given to close off over fifty streets on the site of the airport, there is no doubt that what once was regarded as highly improbable is soon to be a fact.  There is great enthusiasm among Bronx business men over the location of the airport in their borough, and considerable speculative discussion as to possibility of developing the Zeppelin landing field which has been 

(Continued on page 3)

Active Protest Against Airport in Pelham Manor
-----
(Continued from page 1)

tentatively proposed for a site adjoining the airport, but located in Pelham Manor.

Definite steps to offset this were taken on Monday night.  First, William H. Blymer appeared before the Board and asked if action had been taken to prevent the establishment of the commercial airport in Pelham Manor.

Mayor Greene told him that an amendment to the zoning law had been prepared by Village Attorney Beecroft, which would prohibit the use of any land within the village limits for the purpose of an airport.  

Trustee Lawrence Sherman said the village should register decided objection to a Zeppelin and airplane port with its noise and danger.  'It would not be amiss to register with the City of New York our disapproval of the establishment of an airport on the threshold of our village,' said Trustee Sherman who later on got a motion through the Board whereby formal protest was made to the City of New York.

'I believe the time will come,' continued Mr. Sherman, 'when legislation will prohibit the location of an airport within ten miles of a city or village.'  Public thought has already expressed decided objection to the airport.  The arrival and departure of airplanes at all times of the day and night would destroy the peace of the village and cause loss of property value, and be a nuisance.  This was the sentiment of the Board.

Mayor Greene said that the airport had been planned for over a year, and that last week city authotities gave official sanction to the closing off of over fifty streets laid out across the site of the airport.

'There is a great deal of enthusiasm over the project among Bronx business men,' said the Mayor.  'I read an article which set forth that the village authorities of Pelham Manor would welcome and co-operate with the Bronx over the establishment of the airport.  I think that's a little presumptuous,' he added amid the laughter of the other members of the Board.

'The plan for the airport has been revised to include a portion of Pelham Manor for the location of a Zeppelin landing station,' continued the Mayor.  'There was talk of annexing that portion of Pelham Manor to the City of New York, but we are protected by a state law which will not permit of annexation without the consent of a majority of the property owners in the territory to be annexed.'

Mayor Greene then turned the chair over to Trustee Sherman while he put through a motion that the zoning laws should be amended to prohibit the use of any portioin of the village for commercial airport development of airplanes, seaplanes, or training of air pilots.  A public hearing will take place on August 12th at village hall."

Source:  Active Protest Against Flying Field; Pelham Manor Trustees Revise Zonling Law As Barrier -- Resolution Of Protest To Be Sent To City Of New York -- Zeppelin Field Adjoining Boston Post Road Will Be Barred By Statute -- Statement Of Bronx Organizations That Pelham Manor Will Give Hearty Cooperation A "Bit Presumptuous," Says Mayor Greene, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 26, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 17, p. 1, cols. 6-7 & p. 3, col. 2.  

"ZONING LAWS FOR PROTECTION

*   *   *

Another amendment to the zoning laws will remove some of the apprehension which is felt among the owners of the many fine homes in Pelham over the coming of an airport at Boston Post road and New York City line.

Although a protest has been lodged with the City of New York over the establishment of an airport on the borders of Pelham Manor, it is believed that the matter has progressed too far for the protest to be effective.  

As another protective measure, the entire village has been zoned against the establishment of flying fields or airports, and it is hoped that this will effectually stop the proposal to use sixty acres of Pelham Manor property for a Zeppelin landing place.

The village trustees will continue the determined fight to retain for the village its homelike surroundings, eliminating noise and danger as much as possible."

Source:  ZONING LAWS FOR PROTECTION, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 26, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 17, p. 2, cols. 1-2.  

"Tales of Three Villages
By One Who Listens

*   *   *

Land Values!

A few years ago the tract of land fronting Boston Post Road from Split Rock Road to New York City line was for sale at a figure under fifty thousand to cover a mortgage held by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  It later changed hands several times within a year and netted we believe, over $200,000, and now is spoken of as the site for an airport.

*     *     *

Airport Unwanted.

Zoning legislation will, however, bar the airport from the Village of Pelham Manor.  Ironically enough, the Curtiss airport which is to be built on the land adjoining the Boston Post Road and bordering Hutchinson River was sold to the Curtiss Corporation by a resident of Pelham Manor."  

Source:  Tales of Three Villages By One Who Listens, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 26, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 17, p. 2, cols. 2-3. 

"PELHAM MANOR
-----
MANOR TO BAN AIRPORTS HERE
-----
Village Board Will Pass Prohibiting Resolution Tonight
-----

The village board of Pelham Manor will hold a public hearing tonight in the village hall on proposed amendments to the resolution of July 22, changing the zoning ordinances of the village.  The new amendments relate to airports and billboards.

The board tonight will pass a resolution providing that every district in the village be zoned against the establishment of airports, airplane hangars, and all businesses relating to the landing or dealing with airplanes or zeppelins.  The action will be taken as a result of the decision of the city of New York to permit a landing field in Pelham Bay park district of the Bronx.

An answer is expected tonight from the city of New York on the protest of Pelham Manor for permission of New York for a landing field in the Hutchinson valley district, adjoining Pelham Manor.  The letter was written as a protest on the grounds that Pelham Manor will be bothered and inconvenienced by the planes.

A resolution will also be passed prohibiting billboards in three zoning districts in the village.  They are now prohibited in several districts."

Source:   PELHAM MANOR -- MANOR TO BAN AIRPORTS HERE -- Village Board Will Pass Prohibiting Resolution Tonight, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 12, 1929, p. 10, col. 1.  

"AIRPORTS AND ANNEXATION
-----

The recent objection to the proposed Hutchinson Airport, raised by taxpayers of Pelham Manor has caused much comment among editorial writers in Westchester county.  One eminent critic chides the villagers first for blocking progress by adhering to rigid zoning restrictions, and then assails the stand on the airport.

'Pelham Manor may not like airports at its back door, but airports are coming' the editorial reads.  'Progress dictates their establishment.  It is beyond the power of any little group to stop them.

'The establishment of an airport on the Pelham-New York line will mean something to all Westchester, Pelham Manor included.  Located at Boston Post road and the city line, the Hutchinson River Parkway will lead directly to it.  It will contribute to the upbuilding of that part of Westchester within easy reach of the field.

'Banning airplanes at this day recalls the efforts that were made to stop bicycle riding on Sundays and to keep automobiles off city streets.'

There is no site within the limits of the Village of Pelham Manor available for a landing field for aircraft.  The aim of the villagers is directed at another target.  

Pelham Manor's problem is not entirely one of a nuisance to be created by airplanes flying above the village.  There has also been proposed a dirigible landing field on the easterly bank of Hutchinson creek, on property that is now within the limits of the Village of Pelham Manor.  It is proposed that this property be annexed to New York City.  One enthusiastic taxpayers' organization in the Bronx, eager to stretch the tentacles of the metropolis out into residential suburbs, has expressed an opinion that the taxpayers of Pelham Manor can be expected to concede to this plan readily in view of the importance of the program.

'Pelham Manor will not object to this' they say, and we can imagine their adding, 'Airports are coming.  Progress dictates their establishment.  It is beyond the power of any little group to stop them.'

Then can the objection of Pelham Manor be classed as nonprogressive, or as a protection against annexation?"

Source:  AIRPORTS AND ANNEXATION, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 16, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 20, p. 2, col. 2.  

"THEY CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S TRUE, BUT PELHAM MANOR COULDN'T FIND ROOM FOR AN AIRPORT IF IT WERE NECESSARY
-----
Action Of Board Of Trustees Banning Airport Causes Much Comment In Press Of Nation, Unaware Of Reasons For Action.  Air Mail Pilot Registers Scornful Protest
-----

The little village of Pelham Manor and its scarcely five thousand souls got a lot of publicity in the press of the nation since the Board of Trustees amended the zoning ordinance of prevent the encroachment of the Hutchinson Airport within the limits of the village.  Pelhamites traveling in distant states have been startled to read the scornful editorials in which newspapers have ridiculed the action of the local village fathers.

Mayor Joseph N. Greene told The Pelham Sun this week that he had received a full column editorial chiding the village, which had been clipped from a Syracuse, N. Y., newspaper.  Joseph Towne, Pelham Memorial High School student on a transcontinental automobile tour forwarded The Pelham Sun a clipping from a San Diego, Cal., newspaper, ridiculing the ordinance, all because news services which dispatched the news throughout the country failed to explain the real reason for the action.

In no instance wherein the village was placed on the air black list was it explained that the village is only a mile square and has no vacant land suitable for an airport, nor was it stated that the action of the trustees was merely a measure to prevent the annexation of a large section of the village by the city of New York to be included in an airport which is to be established there.  

In a statement to The Pelham Sun, Mayor Greene explained that the amendment was not directed at airmen who may be forced down within the limits of the village, as some editorial writers have intimated.

'It is ridiculous to imagine that Pelham Manor will not place its every facility at the aid of unfortunate fliers who may find it necessary to land within the limits of the village,' said the Mayor.  'Our action was simply a preventative measure directed against a group in New York City, which seeks to grab a section of the village by annexation.  If their program for an airport on the westerly shore of Hutchinson Creek is approved,, they propose to extend the field into Pelham Manor slicing off another section of Westchester County in similar manner to that which was done some years ago when City Island and large section of what is now Pelham Bay Park were taken into New York City.  Even this section of the village alone would not be sufficient for a flying field.

'Inasmuch as it is impossible for a commercialized aviation venture to find suitable land for a flying field in any section of the village, our action in barring an airport cannot be construed as unprogressive.  We are all aware of the importance of the airplane, and of the vast strides in transportation that it will take, and we are not restricting our village against unfortunate fliers, but we must protect ourselves against the land grabbing plan."

Source:  THEY CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S TRUE, BUT PELHAM MANOR COULDN'T FIND ROOM FOR AN AIRPORT IF IT WERE NECESSARY -- Action Of Board Of Trustees Banning Airport Causes Much Comment In Press Of Nation, Unaware Of Reasons For Action.  Air Mail Pilot Registers Scornful Protest, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 23, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 21, p. 5, cols. cols. 1-2.  

"PRESIDENT LYONS ASKS AIRPORT SITE
-----
Bronx President to Defend Edenwald Land As Plane Field
-----

Bronx Borough President James Lyons, who defended the Edenwald site for the proposed county airport at an executive committee meeting of the Bronx Civic Congress last month, will take similar action tonight at the Bronx County Building, when a general meeting of the group takes place.

The airport proposal will be one of 15 subjects to be discussed by the Civic Congress.  All 15 were prepared and approved by the executive committee at its meeting in the office of President Lyons.  

The plot recommended by President Lyons borders on the Hutchinson River and Pelham Bay and is bounded by the Boston Road and Baychester Avenue in Edenwald.

The site in the North Bronx is the property of the Curtiss-Wright Airport Company, which purchased it in 1929.  According to Lyons, the alternative site which has been suggested -- the Old Ferry Point peninsula, will have to be purchased outright, which may not be the case with the Curtiss ground. 

President Lyons also argues that a proposd bridge to Queens which may be built some time in the future, would render the Ferry Point spot useless for an airport."

Source:  PRESIDENT LYONS ASKS AIRPORT SITE -- Bronx President to Defend Edenwald Land As Plane Field, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 5, 1935, p. 5, col. 1.  

"TRADE GROUP RESUMES BRONX AIRPORT BATTLE
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Announces Wholehearted Support of Hutchinson River Site For City Landing Field -- Believes Plan Would Aid New York and Benefit Communities
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Cooperating with other civic and community units of the Bronx and persistent efforts of Borough President Lyons, the Real Estate Board of the Bronx, through its special committee on aviation sites, today again renewed its appeal for establishment of an airport within borough limits.  

The board, some time ago, announced its wholehearted support of a widely-discussed site on the Hutchinson River, bounded by Steenwick Avenue, Edenwald, Curtiss Avenue, Steers Avenue and East 222nd Street, Williamsbridge.

Because the consensus of opinion favoring the proposed site, the board declared, through Fred Nehring, chairman of the committee, that Bronx progress depended greatly upon development of such a site due to the community's growing need for air service.

'The board,' said Mr. Nehring, 'believed that the Hutchinson River site, which was originally picked by experts in the aviation business, has distinct advantages beneficial to many nearby communities as well as aanswering requirements of the Bronx.

'It is strongly recommended that the City acquire this Hutchinson River site with as little delay as possible and its development commence at the earliest moment.  New York City needs it and the Bronx will hail its aquisition as one of the greatest strides for commercial and civic progress ever experienced in this borough.'"

Source:  TRADE GROUP RESUMES BRONX AIRPORT BATTLE -- Announces Wholehearted Support of Hutchinson River Site For City Landing Field -- Believes Plan Would Aid New York and Benefit Communities, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Aug. 31, 1936, p. 5, cols. 3-4.  

"BOARD PLANS CIVIC MOVES
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Highway System, Airport, City Island Sewers To Be Surveyed
-----

Sessions devoted to development of Bronx civic and commercial needs will be held by the Bronx Board of Trade over a three-week period, beginning today and ending Nov. 19.

Included in the conferences will be discussions of the development of a comprehensive highway and parkway system for the borough and furtherance of the Bronx airport on a site adjacent to Baychester Avenue, below Edenwald.

The first of the meetings, scheduled for today, will be held for the purpose of obtaining aid for City Island in securing a non-assessable sewerage system.

The meeting is to be under direction of Dr. J. Lewis Amster, chairman of the Committee on Public Health, and will take place at the Park Department Arsenal, where members will confer with General Superintendent Allyn R. Jennings and William H. Latham.  

Bronx Parkway Development Committee members will meet at the Board of Trade rooms on Wednesday, Nov. 4.  This will mark the first meeting of the committee, recently appointed by Roderick Stephens, board president.

The airport committee, headed by Dr. Herbert L. Wilson, will meet with Mayor LaGuardia during the week of Nov. 9, it was announced."

Source:  BOARD PLANS CIVIC MOVES -- Highway System, Airport, City Island Sewers To Be Surveyed, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Oct. 29, 1936, p. 17, col. 1.  

"AID SOUGHT ON AIRDROME
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Governor Expected to Reply to Organization Request
-----

Bronx Chamber of Comerce members today awaited a reply to a letter which the board sent Governor Lehman asking that a conference be held with legislative leaders in furthering the cause for a Bronx airport, a matter which has been a topic for discussion for many years.

The chamber's letter, in part, follows:

'In May of this year we had occasion to communicate with you in respect to the advancement of aviation throughout the State of New York, and expressed the hope that the State Aviation Commission might be revived and permanently established.

'Since that time we have been forcibly reminded of what is being done by other States in this matter.  For example, you will find the State of New Jersey has an active commission, and the State of Connecticut has established a Department of Aeronautics; no doubt many other states can be placed in the same category.

'It means that they will keep abreast of the times in the great strides being made in aviation, and that provision will be made to meet every condition to have the state gain the advantages that are always bound to accrue.  

'Here in the Bronx, we have splendid advantages for an airport and every effort is being made to have them recognized, but how much better it would be if we had a State Commission active in the development.  After all, land development cannot and does not wait in the march of progress.

'Sites now available may well be diverted to some other use.  That every section should provide landing fields cannot be questioned, and the time for action here in the Bronx, and no doubt elsewhere in the state, is at hand.  Your advice will be appreciated.'  

The letter is signed by George F. Mand, chamber president."

Source:  AID SOUGHT ON AIRDROME -- Governor Expected to Reply to Organization Request, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Nov. 13, 1936, p. 17, col. 5.  

"TRADE BOARD HEAD SEES AIRPORT A QUICK SUCCESS
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Stephens Tells North Bronx and Bronx Civic Representatives That Flying Base Would Accommodate 40,000 Passengers During First Year
-----

An airport built on the proposed Hutchinson River site in the North Bronx would, after the first year of its operation, become one of the largest flying centers in the United States, Roderick Stephens, chairman of the Bronx Joint Committee and president of the Bronx Board of Trade, declared yesterday afternoon at a board meeting.  

Mr. Stephens, declaring that such an airport would draw the air traffic overflow from Newark Airport, estimated that, in the first year of operation, the proposed airport could expect 40,000 passengers, transport more than a million pounds of air express and carry 651,598 pounds of air mail.

The trade board and the Bronx Joint Committee -- the latter consisting of 32 civic organizations of the borough -- decided on three steps towards securing the airport.

Arrangements will be made for a conference with Mayor La Guardia; a call will be issued for a public hearing before the Board of Estimate, and the efforts of all Bronx organizations will be unified to avoid duplication on the work.

Mr. Stephens informed members of the committee that the Board of Trade has a special commission of its own acting on the airport.  This already has obtained a hearing from the Department of Commerce at Washington.  The hearing has been deferred until a local plan of action is well under way.

Campaign Well Worn

The airport campaign, which has been in progress for years, seeks the establishment of a modern air base on a 300-acre tract of land in the Bronx, bounded by Boston Road, Baychester Avenue, the Hutchinson River and Givans Basin.  

The plot of ground is now the property of the Curtiss-Wright Company, which purchased it as an airport site but never developed it.  It was indicated that the property is a half million dollars in tax arrears and the city is in a position to negotiate for the leasing or purchasing of the acreage at a reasonable figure.  

Efforts also will be made to secure support from Westchester County organizations, it was decided.

Committeemen Listed

Other members of the executive committee of the Bronx Joing Committee who deliberated yesterday were William E. Matthews, general secretary of the committee and executive secretary of the Bronx Board of Trade; George F. Mand, president, Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Joseph T. Houlihan, president, Building Industry Leage and Robert Williamson, president, Bronx Lions Club.

Also Charles V. Halley, Jr., president, Bronx County Bar Association; Elmer C. Gates, president, Real Estate Board of the Bronx; Henry F. A. Wolf, president, Bronx Taxpayers' Association; Joseph F. Lamb, president, Grand Jurors Association; John Moroney, president, Taxpayers' Alliance of the Bronx, and Dr. William Maller, president, Bronx Rotary Club."

Source:  TRADE BOARD HEAD SEES AIRPORT A QUICK SUCCESS -- Stephens Tells North Bronx and Bronx Civic Representatives That Flying Base Would Accommodate 40,000 Passengers During First Year, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Dec. 11, 1936, p. 9, cols. 2-3.  

"Bronx Board Of Trade Proposes New Airport For Eastchester Creek Land Pelham Manor Opposed In 1928
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Propose to Develop 300-Acre Tract Across From Pelham Manor for Largest Commercial Landing Field in Metropolitan Area; Similar Plan was Responsible for Village Ban on Airports.
-----

Plans for the development of a 300-acre tract of land on the westerly shore of Eastchester Creek, as the largest airport in the metropolitan area has been presented again to civic organizations below the New York City line.  Such a proposal presented in 1928 caused the Village of Pelham Manor to file a protest with the Department of Commerce and to enact an ordinance banning the airports within the limits of the village.  Pelham Manor didn't want airplanes zooming over its heads, neither did it want the disturbance of a nearby landing field.

The program has been renewed by the Bronx Board of Trade, which will await on Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, whose support is sought, and application for a hearing has been made to the Department of Commerce at Washington.

At a recent meeting of the Bronx Board of Trade, Roderick Stephens, president, found the Bronx businessmen receptive to the plan.  Mr. Stephens said that the need for the airport is great, because of over-crowded conditions at Newark and Floyd Bennett airports.  He estimated that the new airport could expect 40,000 passengers in the first year, and could transport more than a million pounds of air express and carry 651,598 pounds of air mail.

The site on which the airport is proposed lies just across the Eastchester Creek from Pelham Manor.  The and is already in the hands of the Curtis-Wright Corporation, aircraft manufacturers which purchased it several years ago when the first talk of the proposed commercial aviation field was heard.  

They are optimistic about Westchester's consent to the airport, according to report, because of the many demands heard throughout this county for a local airport.

When the airport plan was first presented in 1928, the layout for dirigible landing field extended across the Eastchester Creek into Pelham Manor.  This property has since been developed and this with the objections raised by the Village of Pelham Manor has caused the proponents of the airport to restrict their program to land within the Borough of the Bronx."

Source:  Bronx Board Of Trade Proposes New Airport For Eastchester Creek Land Pelham Manor Opposed In 1928 -- Propose to Develop 300-Acre Tract Across From Pelham Manor for Largest Commercial Landing Field in Metropolitan Area; Similar Plan was Responsible for Village Ban on Airports, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 18, 1936, Vol. 27, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 6-8.

"PLEA SENT TO LEHMAN
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Mand Asks Governor to Create State Aviation Commission
-----

George F. Mand, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, today wrote to Governor Lehman in a move to create a permanent State aviation commission so that New York may 'keep abrease of the march of progress.'

'While we have not had the pleasure of hearing from you' Mr. Mand's letter read, 'Assemblyman Carl Pack has already indicated he will introduce a bill, and assurance has come from other members of the Legislature that they are for the measure.'

'While true that we hope the creation of the Commission would advance our own Bronx airport project, from the standpoint of the State the measure is of unlimited importance.

Florida Report Quoted

'May we quote the following, which came to us from Florida:

'Realizing the importance of air transportation, the people of Florida have inaugurated a ten year program of aviation development.  For the past three years this program has been carried forward under the direction of the aviation division of the Florida WPA and State Road Department.

'During this period, 74 new airports have been constructed, 10 more are under construction, and 33 old airports have been enlarged or improved by the addition of paved runways, lights, hangars, and other facilities.

'A state-wide system of radio stations has been designed and constructed for the purpose of disseminating accurate weather information from all parts of the state.

Towns 'Airmarked'

'Every city and town has been adequately airmarked and many projects have been inaugurated to educate and stimulate interest in aviation among the general public.'

'Surely New York must be impressed by such action in other states, and we again invite your cooperation,' Mr. Mand's letter concluded."

Source:  PLEA SENT TO LEHMAN -- Mand Asks Governor to Create State Aviation Commission, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Amusements Section, Dec. 31, 1936, p. 5, col. 6.  

"BODY ASKS AIR BOARD
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Revival of Defunct Aviation Group Held Aid To Campaign
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Declaring the advancement of aviation in New York State requires adequate planning, the Bronx Joint Committee, consisting of 32 civic organizations of the borough, today urged Governor Lehman to revive the defunct State Aviation Commission.  The request was signed by Roderick Stephens, president of the Bronx Board of Trade.

Explaining its interest in the establishment of an airport in the Bronx to relieve commercial flying congestion now faced by New York City, Mr. Stephens stated the original State Aviation Commission, legislated out of existence last January, had approved the Bronx site.

Pointing to the actions of other states in adopting such commissions, Stephens stated that New York is far behind other states in airport development.

Sees Aid to Campaign

Declaring that the campaign for a Bronx airport could be considerably enhanced through the cooperation of a state commission of technical advisors, Stephens urged prompt organization of the body.

Mr. Stephen's letter to the Governor and to Bronx members of the Legislature said, in part:

'In behalf of the Bronx Joint Committee, consisting of 32 civic organizations of the Bronx, I take this opportunity, as chairman, to urge the prompt revival of the State Aviation Commission on a permanent basis.  This is essential not only to the development of commercial flying in New York State which has already reached a point of congestion here in New York City, but necessary to the coordination of airport planning in meeting the existing requirements of the aviation industry.

'Especially Interested'

'We in the Bronx are especially interested in the revival of this commission inasmuch as we are now actively engaged in a campaign to establish an airport in this borough.  

'Unless this vital need is filled it goes without saying that aviation in New York will suffer a serious setback.'"

Source:  BODY ASKS AIR BOARD -- Revival of Defunct Aviation Group Held Aid To Campaign, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Amusements Section, Jan. 2, 1937, p. 3, col. 6.  

"ASSEMBLYMAN IS THANKED FOR AIRPORT COOPERATION
-----

George F. Mand, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, today wrote to Assemblyman Carl Pack, thanking the legislator for his cooperation in the drive to revived the State Aviation Commission, which, according to Mr. Mand, is one of the first steps towards the securing of a North Bronx airport.  

Mr. Mand reported receipt of the following letter from Assemblyman Pack:

'Senator Feld and myself have been in conversation with reference to the drafting of the legislation designed for the purpose of reviving the State Aviation Commission on a permanent basis.  The bill is being prepared by the bill drafting commission in accordance with your ideas along these lines and we expect that such bill will be completed in time for introduction during the coming week or the week thereafter.

'You will be advised of the time when such bills are introduced and copies will be forwarded to you as soon as they are printed and ready for distribution.'

The Chamber of Commerce is joining in the drive to secure a Bronx airport in the meadows bordering Pelham Bay.  Within this area, a 250-acre tract of land bounded by Boston Post Road, Baychester Avenue, and Hutchinson River and Givans Bay has been suggested.

Charles S. Dion, vice-president of the National Association of Aviation Officials and a well known designer of air bases has declared 'so grave is the problem of congestion at Neward Airport that great sums of money are now being spent in research and in installations of new equipment to handle the existing traffic.  The Bronx airport, therefore, does not enter into the question as a competitive factor.  Obviously, a second airport in New York City, where congestion is particularly bad, is imperative and will help Newark Airport, rather than hinder it.'"

Source:   ASSEMBLYMAN IS THANKED FOR AIRPORT COOPERATION, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 16, 1937, p. 5, cols. 6-7.   

"News from the Norht Bronx
-----
'DUMP HELD UNAVOIDABLE
-----

A temporary solution has been reached in the problem of airport versus 'garbage dump,' Bronx Borough President James J. Lyons has informed members of the Allied Civic Associations of Old Eastchester.

The question before the association revolves around the final fate of the Hutchinson River site which is being sought after by Bronx officials as a possible airport or a public park.

Mr. Lyons, in a letter to the executive committee of the association, said the site willl have to be filled in and leveled off whether it is used later for a public recreation center or as an airport.  Continuing, he declared the best interests of the whole borough must be considered, and not just those of one section.  

Mr. Lyons explained that the 'fill and cover method of refuse disposal' is a modern one and that residents of the Northeast Bronx need have no fear of 'vermin infestation' through such a project.

In accordance with Mr. Lyons' suggestion that Commissioner Carey, who is in charge of refuse dumping, be invited to address the group and explain the filling-in proposal, the executive committee has set Friday night, Oct. 28 as a tentative date for a mass meeting of Northeast Bronx residents to hear the question discussed.

Executive officers of the association declared that although the Allied Civic Association 'is in no way relaxing its vigilance in regard to the airport,' it feels that, perhaps, the most constructive course for the community to pursue is to advocate acquisition of the site by Commissioner Moses for ultimate use as a recreational center and sports field."

Source:  News from the Norht Bronx -- 'DUMP HELD UNAVOIDABLE, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 21, 1938, p. 9, col. 1.  

"Helicopter Field Is Proposed For Abandoned Airport Site

NORTH BRONX -- In a report made public last week the Airport Committee of the Bronx Board of Trade put forth a plan to convert part of the abandoned Curtiss Airport site, in the area bounded by the Hutchinson River Parkway, Boston Road and Baychester Avenue, into a local helicopter field.

The report states that the committee has confered several times with Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and that the Mayor feels that an airport for the Bronx is 'inevitable.'  Also in the report is a history of the field which originally was planned as part of a network of flying fields but later abandoned.  

The committee calls attention to the new express highway which is scheduled to utilize some of the field area, but says that sufficient land will remain to make a helicopter field.

The proposal implies that commercial planes would not land at the field and that connecting planes and helicopters would provide worldwide service.  The report states that the field also could serve as a local terminal for planes operating within 200 miles."  

Source:  Helicopter Field Is Proposed For Abandoned Airport Site, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], North Bronx Section, Jul. 25, 1944, p. 12, cols. 1-2.  

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