The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 Founded in 1922

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During the early 1920s, the little neighborhood of Pelhamwood had a one-man fire department.  His name was Jack Carroll.  

Truth be told, it was not a formal fire department.  In reality, Jack Carroll of Young Avenue was the only resident of Pelhamwood who served in the local fire department in Fire District No. 1.  He was a member of Liberty Engine & Hose Company No. 1.  His neighbors in Pelhamwood jokingly referred to him as the local one-man fire department.  The neighborhood "joke," however, seemed to mask a deep-seated concern that Pelhamwood had no formal fire-fighting organization.

Jack Carroll was proud of his fire service and his department.  In May or June of 1922, he suggested to Pelham Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy (who also lived in Pelhamwood) that a specialized fire company be recruited from among Pelhamwood citizens.  The company would be known as Fire Patrol Company No. 1 and would perform fire police work to control crowds and to guard fire scenes and would perform salvage work at fire scenes.  The intent was to reduce the burdens of such activities from the backs of Pelham firefighters.  

Commissioner McIlroy embraced the idea enthusiastically.  During a meeting of the Fire Commission on the evening of Tuesday, June 6, 1922, McIlroy presented the idea to his fellow Commissioners.  He noted that the First Fire District already had successfully raised a company of fire fighters from the tiny neighborhood of Pelham Heights and proposed that a company be raised from Pelhamwood to "act as fire police and as a salvage corps."  He further proposed that preparations should be made "in the future" for the purchase of a vehicle "to carry implements of salvage work such as tarpaulin, fire lines, etc."  Most significantly, he indicated that he could "have a company formed that would be a credit to the department" before "the end of the month."

On the evening of Thursday, June 15, Commissioner McIlroy appeared before members of the Pelhamwood Association to ask for volunteers to serve in a Pelhamwood fire company.  Members of the Pelhamwood Association volunteered enthusiastically.  McIlroy arranged for seventeen volunteers.  

The next day, The Pelham Sun reported:

"One of Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy's ambitions is realized.  The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 now has a membership of seventeen members, three more are needed to fill the company.  The new company will apply to the Board of Fire Commissioners for a charter.  Commissioner McIlroy addressed the meeting of the Pelhamwood Association at the Town Hall last night, and asked for recruits.  The following will be enrolled as members of the new company:  Harold Koevhling, Leslie Hart, Thomas Stewart, W. B. Haff, A. Koppell, James Thompson, C. B. Miller, William Uhler, J. Young, R. R. Mamlock, Dr. David Jones, P. E. Bacas, William Gehron, H. S. Clark, A. E. Andon, John O. Ball and Walter H. McIlroy.  The duties of the new company will be those of a salvage corps and fire police.  At the last meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners it was stated that a piece of apparatus would be purchased for the company in the near future."

The subsequent history of The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 is hazy.  More than two and one-half months later in early September, the company still had not been formally organized.  Thus, on the evening of Tuesday, September 5, 1922, Fire Commissioner McIlroy appeared before the Pelhamwood Association again and "reported that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol would soon be organized and granted a charter by the Board of Fire Commissioners."

Yet, the proposed annual budget for the First Fire District in 1923 included a line item of $1,000 to purchase an "Apparatus for salvage corps."  The Pelham Sun reported that "The proposed budget carries a figure of $1,000.00 for the purchase and outfitting of a Dodge chassis for the newly formed Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, the salvage corps of the department." 

Though it would appear that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol company was formed, research has not yet revealed its subsequent history.  

Page 2 of 1909 Pelhamwood Advertising Pamphlet.  Source:

Clifford B. Harmon & Co., Inc., PELHAMWOOD, p. 2 (NY: Clifford

B. Harmon & Co., Inc., 1909).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"McIlroy To Organize Pelhamwood Fire Patrol
-----
Fire Commissioner Enthusiastic About Enlisting Residents of Pelhamwood As Firemen
-----

The Pelhamwood Fire Department is no longer to be a subject for the wit of the wags of Pelham.  At present the man-power of the department numbers one, but Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy, who lives in Pelhamwood, will place plans before the Pelhamwood Association for the forming of Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1, which will have a membership of twenty or more.

At present the only Pelhamwood member of the Fire Department of the First Fire District is Louis Sivitello [sic], the Pelhamwood street man.  For some time Sivitello [sic] has been known as the Pelhamwood Fire Department.

At the meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners Tuesday night the subject of a company for Pelhamwood along the lines of that of Pelham Heights was discussed, and it was decided that the Pelhamwood company could act as fire police and as a salvage corps.  Preparations will be made in the future for the purchase of a piece of apparatus on which to carry implements of salvage work such as tarpaulin, fire lines, etc.

Commissioner McIlroy was very enthusiastic about the Pelhamwood company and stated that he would push the matter through before the Pelhamwood Association, and by the end of the month would have a company formed that would be a credit to the department."

Source:  McIlroy To Organize Pelhamwood Fire Patrol -- Fire Commissioner Enthusiastic About Enlisting Residents of Pelhamwood As Firemen, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 9, 1922, p. 2, col. 4.

"To Have Fire Patrol

The Pelhamwood section is to have a fire company; that is, there will be a company known as Fire Patrol Company No. 1 which will do salvage work and guard places.  Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy brought the matter to the attention of the fire board at its last meeting and stated that Jack Carroll of Liberty Engine Company, who resides on Young Avenue, Pelhamwood, has been known as the 'Pelhamwood Fire Department' and as he is the only fireman in the section, he suggested the formation of a separate company to be known as the Fire Patrol.  Commissioner McIlroy stated that there were many men in Pelhamwood who would be more than pleased to serve in such a company."

Source:  To Have Fire Patrol, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 13, 1922, p. 7, col. 4.  

"Pelhamwood Fire Patrol Has Seventeen Members
-----
Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy Interests Members of Pelhamwood Association
-----

One of Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy's ambitions is realized.  The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 now has a membership of seventeen members, three more are needed to fill the company.  The new company will apply to the Board of Fire Commissioners for a charter.

Commissioner McIlroy addressed the meeting of the Pelhamwood Association at the Town Hall last night, and asked for recruits.  The following will be enrolled as members of the new company:  Harold Koevhling, Leslie Hart, Thomas Stewart, W. B. Haff, A. Koppell, James Thompson, C. B. Miller, William Uhler, J. Young, R. R. Mamlock, Dr. David Jones, P. E. Bacas, William Gehron, H. S. Clark, A. E. Andon, John O. Ball and Walter H. McIlroy.  

The duties of the new company will be those of a salvage corps and fire police.  At the last meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners it was stated that a piece of apparatus would be purchased for the company in the near future."

Source:  Pelhamwood Fire Patrol Has Seventeen Members -- Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy Interests Members of Pelhamwood Association, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 16, 1922, p. 9, col. 5.  

"Routine Matters Before Pelhamwood Association
-----
Committee Appointed to Await On Village Board In Regards to Pelhamwood Sewer Question
-----

The Pelhamwood Association met for its first fall meeting, at the Town Hall, Tuesday night.  There were about forty members present.  President Brainerd opened the meeting at 8.30 o'clock.

A committee was appointed to await on the Village Board at its next meeting and request that some action be taken on the matter of sewers of the New Rochelle portion of Pelhamwood, draining into those of North Pelham.  The committee is composed of R. H. Shaw, Wm. M. Uhler, M. M. Schwartzschild, Walter H. McIlroy and Charles DeFreest.

Fire Commissioner, W. H. McIlroy, reported that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol would soon be organized and granted a charter by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

President Brainerd reported that the New Haven railroad company will investigate the matter of deeding the portion of Highbrook avenue from the center of the arch to the Washington avenue pavement, to the Village of North Pelham, in order that the concrete pavement can be carried through the arch.

The association resolved to request the Village Board to replace the street sign at Washington avenue and Fraser street, and to place a street sign at Clifford and Harmon avenues.  The matter of painting the street names on the pillars along Washington was also discussed.

The following membership committee was appointed:  For Highbrook avenue, A. D. Koppel; Young avenue, E. J. Dillon; Harmon avenue south, H. G. Weltmer, Harmon avenue north, R. R. Mamlock; Clifford avenue, A. E. Andon; Washington avenue, Frederick Worrall; Fraser street, J. O. Ball; Benedict place, N. F. Vought.

A resolution of thanks was ordered sent to the Rev. Dr. W. M. Hess, of the Congregational Church, for deeding the land at the corner of Washington and Highbrook avenues to the village, in order that the corner could be rounded.  The association will request the Church of the Redeemer to deed a portion of the corner of Fifth avenue and Harmon avenue, in order that a better approach to that street can be obtained, by rounding the corner.

The meeting adjourned at 10 o'clock."

Source:  Routine Matters Before Pelhamwood Association -- Committee Appointed to Await On Village Board In Regards to Pelhamwood Sewer Question, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 8, 1922, p. 6, cols. 4-5.

"Pelhamwood Fire Patrol.

The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol is being organized and will be the latest addition to the fire department of the first district.  Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy, who is a resident of Pelhamwood, announced that the company is formed and will receive a charter from the board of fire commissioners.  This is something the department has sadly lacked in the past and will relieve some of the men from fire police duty to handling the hose and other equipment at fires."

Source:  Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 20, 1922, p. 14, cols. 1-2.  

"Budget Of First Fire District Shows Decrease
-----
Board of Fire Commissioners Are Ready To Submit Budget To Town Board
-----
Little Difference in Major Portion of Items Of Expense For Ensuing Year
-----

It will cost $21,440.00 to run the affairs of the First Fire District through the ensuing year, according to the estimated budget of the Board of Fire Commissioners.  Of this amount the taxpayers will have to raise $18,200.59, as there is about $3,239.41 left over from the budget of last year.  The budget was to have been submitted to the Town Board for approval Monday night, but owing to the fact that a quorum could not be present the matter was laid over to a future meeting.

The budget is approximately $4,000 lower than that of last year.  The decrease is explained by the fact that last year's budget carried an appropriation of that amount for the installation of 17 new fire alarm boxes.  

The proposed budget carries a figure of $1,000.00 for the purchase and outfitting of a Dodge chassis for the newly formed Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, the salvage corps of the department.  The item of light, heat and power shows an increase of $50.  Each of the three drivers have received a salary increase of $5 per month, so the item of drivers' salaries is increased from $4,860.00 to $5,046.00.  Provision for equipment shows an increase from $300 to $800.  Repairs to building have increased from $500 to $1000.  Maintenance of autos shows a drop from $1,000 to $500.  The item of salary for the clerk to the board is double that of last year.  The budget follows.

Principal on bond due July 1, 1923...............$1,550.00
Interest on outstanding bonds for one year..........600.00
Interest on outstanding bond of $1,550.00 for one year..............46.50
Hydrant rental or water supply for North Pelham...................4,950.00
Hydrant rental or water supply for Pelham....................2,000.00
Light, heat and power.....................756.00
3 janitors and chauffeurs at $1680 each...............5,040.00
Equipment..............800.00
Hose..................550.00
Repairs to building............................1,000.00
Insurance (automobile).....................130.00
Insurance (compensation)................284.00
Maintenance of autos.................500.00
Inspection and parade...............150.00
Contingent Fund.......................1,000.00
Clerk to board............................240.00
Legal expense...........................700.00
Apparatus for salvage corps....................1,000.00
Tarpaulins......................150.00
______________________________________
                                            $21,440.00
Left from 1922 budget.........   3,239.41

Total 1923 budget...............$18,200.59"

Source:  Budget Of First Fire District Shows Decrease -- Board of Fire Commissioners Are Ready To Submit Budget To Town Board -- Little Difference in Major Portion of Items Of Expense For Ensuing Year, The Pelham Sun, Jan. 19, 1923, Vol. 13, No. 47, p. 1, col. 5.

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Pelham Once Had a "Fountain of Youth" That Was Believed to Cure Illnesses Including Polio

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During the 19th century and the first two decades of the 20th century, Pelham had a fabled "Fountain of Youth" believed to have miraculous powers to cure all ailments.  News accounts noted that "thousands" journeyed "by auto and on foot to drink the waters."  Pelhamites collected bottles of the magical water to maintain youthfulness and to cure all ailments and diseases.  

Where was this magical fountain of youth?  

The elixir of youth bubbled from a spring beneath the fabled Split Rock that stood adjacent to Split Rock Road.  For many years, the crystal clear and cool water seemingly bubbled from sands at the bottom of the giant cleft that gave Split Rock is name -- and fame -- as Pelham's best-known landmark.

According to one account:

"If Willie cut his finger, it would soon heal it washed with water from Split Rock spring; if Mary got a bad cold, or some member of the family was stricken with some disease, Split Rock spring water was used in the sickroom.  In the infantile paralysis epidemic it was believed that the water would cure the illness.  Much of the water was used at that time."

So many people traveled to Split Rock to drink its fabled waters and collect some to take home that during the teens, well after the area had become part of Pelham Bay Park annexed by New York City, the City Parks Department "placed a pipe through one of the rocks" so that the water would flow "in such a way that it is easy to fill a glass or bottle."

The cool spring waters nourished and refreshed the entire area surrounding Split Rock.  One "product of the spring" during summer months was a luxuriant carpet of water cress.  Pelham Manor residents often enjoyed walks in the cool of the evening to Split Rock where they collected water cress and drank what they believed were healthful waters of Pelham's Fountain of Youth.

The waters, however, turned out to be not so healthful.  With so many Pelham Manor residents drinking from the fabled fountain, in 1922 the Pelham Manor Board of Trustees asked the Village Health Officer, Dr. Augustine C. McGuire, to look into whether the waters of the Fountain of Youth were safe to drink.

McGuire collected water and submitted it for laboratory analysis.  When the results came back, he was shocked.  The water was profoundly contaminated with bacteria and was absolutely unfit for human consumption.  He promptly issued the following announcement:

"'The residents of Pelham Manor should be warned against drinking any of the water from the Split Rock Spring.  It is contaminated.  Many Manor residents are in the habit of drinking the water, because it is noted to be the coolest in the district, it also is supposed to have medicinal properties, but at present the water is not in fit condition for drinking.  Boy scouts have in the past, on hikes, gone to the spring for water.  I have notified Commissioner of Health Royal S. Copeland, of New York City.  Within which territory the spring is, of the condition and facts.  It is hoped that action will be taken to purify the water of the spring."

Dr. McGuire notified the New York City Health Officer, Dr. Royal B. Copeland, of the findings.  Dr. Copeland promptly "promised to see that the spring is closed to the public."

Clearly, however, the spring was not closed permanently.  Indeed, for years thereafter Pelham Manor residents were still able to drink and collect waters from their beloved Fountain of Youth at Split Rock.  One report, for example, indicates that five years later in late August, 1927, "Pelham Manor residents who favor a drink of the cool water which flows from the spring near the Split Rock in Pelham Bay were disappointed Saturday to find that the spring had been blocked off.  The New York City Park department men cleaned the spring trough on Wednesday and the clear water is again flowing."

Detail from Undated Post Card Showing Split Rock in

About 1915.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"'Fountain of Youth' Will Be Analyzed
-----
Split Rock Spring, Guaranteed By Many to Cure All Known and Unknown Diseases
-----

Pelham Manor's 'fountain of youth' is to be analyzed.  The Split Rock spring, for many years the standby of the older settlers in case of illness or ailment, is to be tested by Health Officer McGuire.  Some of the older residents of the Manor guarantee the spring to cure all diseases or ailments.  If Willie cut his finger, it would soon heal it washed with water from Split Rock spring; if Mary got a bad cold, or some member of the family was stricken with some disease, Split Rock spring water was used in the sickroom.  In the infantile paralysis epidemic it was believed that the water would cure the illness.  Much of the water was used at that time.

Even to this day the spring is a favorite with many.  It is located at the Split Rock, on Split Rock Road, about a quarter mile south of the Pelham Summer Home.  The water used to seep through the sand in the split in the rocks, but a few years ago the Department of Parks of the City of New York placed a pipe through one of the rocks, and now the water flows in such a way that it is easy to fill a glass or bottle.  Even now, daily, a steady stream of motorists fill large bottles with the water.  Water cress is another product of the spring.  In summer the spring is covered with the greens and many Manor residents enjoy a walk in the cool of the evening for water and water cress."

Source:  "Fountain of Youth" Will Be Analyzed -- Split Rock Spring, Guaranteed By Many to Cure All Known and Unknown Diseases, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 28, 1922, p. 7, col. 2.  

"Water At Split Rock Spring Unfit To Drink
-----
Health Officer Finds That 'Fountain of Youth' In Pelham Manor Is Contaminated

The 'Fountain of Youth' is not.  Moreover, the water is contaminated and unfit for drinking purposes.  This is the decree of Health Officer McGuire of Pelham Manor, in regards to Split Rock Spring, long famed as a remedy for all ailments and diseases.  The village board ordered the water tested and the reply was unfavorable.

Dr. McGuire said, 'The residents of Pelham Manor should be warned against drinking any of the water from the Split Rock Spring.  It is contaminated.  Many Manor residents are in the habit of drinking the water, because it is noted to be the coolest in the district, it also is supposed to have medicinal properties, but at present the water is not in fit condition for drinking.  Boy scouts have in the past, on hikes, gone to the spring for water.  I have notified Commissioner of Health Royal S. Copeland, of New York City.  Within which territory the spring is, of the condition and facts.  It is hoped that action will be taken to purify the water of the spring."

Source:  Water At Split Rock Spring Unfit To Drink -- Health Officer Finds That 'Fountain of Youth' In Pelham Manor Is Contaminated, The Pelham Sun, May 5, 1922, p. 5, col. 4.  

"Water Condemned.

The thousands who have journeyed by auto and on foot to drink the waters from the spring on Split Rock road, known as the Split Rock spring, and take a bottle or more away to drink, will be disappointed to hear that the waters are condemned as polluted.  Dr. McGuire, the health officer, was asked by the village board to have the waters analyzed to ascertain the truth of the claim that the water had certain medicinal properties.  Dr. McGuire did so and reports the water polluted.  He has gone still further and notified the health department of the Bronx and asked that action be taken to prevent its use for drinking purposes.  It was near this spring that Anne Hutchinson was murdered by the Indians."

Source:  Water Condemned, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 9, 1922, p. 10, col. 3.  

"Medical Officer of Health McGuire has received a reply from Dr. Royal B. Copeland health officer of New York City, to the notification sent last week regarding the Split Rock Spring, which on investigation by Dr. McGuire, was found to contain poisonous bacilli.

The spring is located in New York territory, but many Pelham Manor residents have been drinking water from the spring in the belief that it had peculiar medicinal properties.

Dr. Copeland will take steps to prevent any further use of the Split Rock Spring."

Source:  [Untitled - Headline Cut Off], The Pelham Sun, May 12, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 11, p. 10, col. 2.  

"Will Close Spring.

Dr. Royal B. Copeland of the New York Department of Health has acknowledged receipt of the complaint sent by health officer Augustine C. McGuire of this village to the effect that the waters of the Split Rock spring are contaminated and has promised to see that the spring is closed to the public."

Source:  Will Close Spring, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 15, 1922, p. 8, col. 4.  

"Split Rock Spring Blocked Off For Cleaning
-----

Pelham Manor residents who favor a drink of the cool water which flows from the spring near the Split Rock in Pelham Bay were disappointed Saturday to find that the spring had been blocked off.  The New York City Park department men cleaned the spring trough on Wednesday and the clear water is again flowing."

Source:  Split Rock Spring Blocked Off For Cleaning, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 2, 1927, p. 14, col. 2.  

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Pelham Manor Cracked Down on Proliferation of Miniature Golf and Golf Driving Ranges in the Early 1930s

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During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the nation's interest in golf was at a fever pitch.  Pelham was no exception.  

One manifestation of golf fever was the proliferation of so-called "midget golf courses."  These are courses we think of today as "short courses," akin to a smaller "par 3 course."  Another type of course that swept the nation was a "Tom Thumb course," otherwise known as a "putt putt course" -- what we think of today as a true "miniature golf course."  Indeed, I have written before of two such Tom Thumb courses that opened in 1930 in the Village of North Pelham.  See Tue., Dec. 09, 2014:  The Miniature Golf Craze Hits Pelham in 1930 as Two "Tom Thumb" Golf Courses Open.  

During this nationwide golf craze, driving ranges and a short course opened in the Village of Pelham Manor as well.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog article tells the story of those Pelham Manor driving ranges and short course. 

The Pelham Driving Range

By either late 1929 or early 1930, a man named Thomas Alton opened an extensive golf driving range along Boston Post Road in the Village of Pelham Manor near the Hutchinson River Parkway.  Alton named the facility "Pelham Golf Range."  It also was referenced as the "Pelham Driving Range" and the "Boston Post Driving Range."  

1932 Advertisement for the "Pelham Golf Range."  Source:

PELHAM GOLF RANGE, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 3, 1932,

p. 11, col. 8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

As the advertisement above notes, when the range opened lessons were available and a pail of golf balls cost 35 cents.  The facility also advertised itself as "THE FINEST RANGE IN WESTCHESTER" (see advertisement immediately below).  

1931 Advertisement for the "Pelham Golf Driving Range."  Source:

NOW OPEN PELHAM GOLF DRIVING RANGE, The Daily Argus

[Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 20, 1931, p. 22, cols 3-4.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

The Pelham Golf Driving Range gained some notoriety when, on Sunday, May 10, 1931, a terrible electrical storm swept over Pelham.  As the lightning began, three employees of the facility began running for cover toward a small shed on the range.  As they ran, a massive lightning bolt struck near them, knocking all three unconscious.  Others nearby phoned the police.  

Motorcycle patrolman Thomas Fagan arrived and found James McFarland, 22, William Dorasch, 18, and Thomas Alton, 33 unconscious.  He applied first aid and brought two of the men back to consciousness.  An ambulance arrived and took the three men to New Rochelle Hospital where two were promptly released and the third was held for observation though he also recovered.

The Pelham Golf Driving Range had a constant problem with trespassers who would sneak onto the range at night and steal golf balls.  Finally the owner, Tom Alton, seemed to follow a zero tolerance policy and prosecuted all who were caught -- even when they were caught with as few as three golf balls.  Culprits were dragged into the Pelham Manor police court repeatedly -- and usually were residents of New York City, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon.

By at least 1936 if not before, ownership of the driving range had changed.  Arthur Milton became the owner and the facility was renamed "Milton's Driving Range."  It became a location where members of the Pelham Memorial High School Driving Club practiced.

Although research has not yet revealed when the facility closed, it continued to operate as late as 1941.

The Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course

A man named Jules Kibel (also misspelled "Kibble") opened a golf short course on September 27, 1930 named the "Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course."  Although a number of newspaper references to its location were imprecise (and even erroneous), it was located southeast of the intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue in part of an area between today's Boston Post Road and Wynnewood Avenue once owned by Arthur W. Cole (through Colco Inc.).  The map detail immediately below shows the rough location of the short course and driving range.

Detail from 1929 Map With Arrow Indicating Approximate Location

of the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course and Driving Range on Land

of Arthur Cole (Owned Through Colco Inc.).  Source:  G. M. Hopkins

Co., Atlas of Westchester County, Vol. 1, Pg. 2 (Philadelphia, PA:

G. M. Hopkins Co., 1929).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

At first the short course offered mere golf experience for those interested in playing short clubs on a small course chock full of hazards.  In early July, 1931, however, Jules Kibel announced the opening of a new driving range "installed alongside of the attractive fairways of the miniature golf course."  Thus, the facility offered "not only the popular approach game" on its short fairways, but also the opportunity to practice long drives on a range that even offered distance targets as "an opportunity for those who like to smack them out for great distances."  

The Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course on the Boston road east of Pelhamdale avenue is now equipped to suit all the requirements of the golfing enthusiast who likes his game to be centered in a small space.  A new driving range has been installed alongside of the attractive fairways of the miniature golf course.  Here not only the popular approach game can be played but there is also an opportunity for those who like to smack them out for great distances."

The new driving range at Pelhamdale Avenue and Boston Post Road charged fifty cents per bucket of balls.  It cost twenty-five cents for adults and fifteen cents for children to play a round of golf on the adjoining short course.  According to one advertisement, a competition was held each Wednesday night for a $5 prize and free automobile parking adjoining the driving range.  

Some in Pelham Manor welcomed the "midget golf course" as it often was called.  Before construction of the course, there stood on a portion of the property an "unsightly pile of bricks" that had been there "for several years."  According to one account, the course was "beautifully landscaped, shrubs have been planted and an ingenious brook winds its way across the fairways which offer many hazards."  Interestingly, the short fairways were not of grass.  They were a mixture of "sand, clay and green slate granules" which required grooming, but not the sort of grounds keeping maintenance of an ordinary golf course.  According to an advertisement when the short course opened in 1930:

"Over 24,000 square feet of the finest playing greens and fairways that can be found anywhere makes playing the popular miniature golf here the most pleasant and healthful sport of all!  The course is three times as large as the average and offers natural water and tree hazards and sand traps that are found only on the best of full-sized golf courses.  You'll need mashie-niblicks here as well as putters -- we supply them with the balls."

Efforts by Pelham Manor to Limit the Spread of Such Golf Facilities

Others in Pelham Manor were outraged at the opening of the new "midget course" known as the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course.  First, they were offended that the facility opened at what then was considered the very heart of Pelham Manor:  Four Corners.  Second, they were fearful that with two relatively new golf facilities along Boston Post Road within a few hundred yards of each other, Pelham Manor soon would be "dotted" with such miniature courses.  

Indeed, there were substantial objections to the short course at Four Corners nearly from the beginning.  The day before the course opened and on the same day that a full page advertisement for the small course appeared in the local newspaper, the front page of the same newspaper (The Pelham Sun) reported on the status of a proposed zoning ordinance to ban driving ranges, miniature golf courses, and so-called "Tom Thumb" golf courses (so-called putt-putt courses or true miniature golf facilities.  The newspaper reported:

"Determined that the Village of Pelham Manor will not be dotted with miniature golf courses, the Board of Trustees has enacted an ordinance preventing the construction of any new golf course or golf range, conducted for profit, outside of the industrial district.  The miniature golf course which will be opened on the Boston road east of Pelhamdale avenue will not be ousted as the ordinance will not be effective until after a public hearing is held on October 6.  Mayor Lawrence F. Sherman told The Pelham Sun that the village could not block the opening of this course as no buildings are to be constructed thereon.  A permit for a caddy house was denied by the building department.  In the meantime a storm of protest has been heard from residents of the Boston road district.  Their contention is that the zoning ordinance bars any business except as an integral part of an apartment house.  Threats of suit to force the trustees to halt the construction of the course has been heard.  At the public hearing the trustees will be required to explain why the existing zone ordinance does not already prevent the construction of such courses as described in the amendment."

A few months later, on May 13, 1931, the Pelham Manor Zoning Board followed the building department's lead and denied a permit for the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course to build the "caddy house" it sought on the course.

There were other issues associated with the small golf facilities.  For example, police repeatedly had to respond to incidents of young people trespassing at the facilities as well as large thefts of range golf balls (as many as 3,000 in one instance).  

Despite such concerns, the Pelham Golf Driving Range and the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Facility with its driving range were popular recreation destinations for a number of years.

The proposed zoning ordinance banning such facilities passed.  Pelham Manor, it would seem, would be spared the horror of proliferating golf facilities.

Full Page Advertisement Announcing the Opening of the Pelham

Manor Junior Golf Course on September 27, 1930.  Source:  "THE

PELHAM MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE" OPENS TOMORROW,

The Pelham Sun, Sep. 26, 1930, Vol. 21, No. 26, p. 5 (Full-Page Ad).

NOTE:  Text Transcribed Immediately Below; Click on Image to Enlarge.

"'The greens are marvelous -- so accurate and even!'

'The fairways are of sand, clay and green slate granules!'

'THE PELHAM MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE' OPENS TOMORROW SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th

You and your friends are cordially invited to inspect Westchester County's most Beautiful and Scientific Miniature Golf Course.

Over 24,000 square feet of the finest playing greens and fairways that can be found anywhere makes playing the popular miniature golf here the most pleasant and healthful sport of all!  The course is three times as large as the average and offers natural water and tree hazards and sand traps that are found only on the best of full-sized golf courses.  You'll need mashie-niblicks here as well as putters -- we supply them with the balls.

PELHAM MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE
North of Pelhamdale Avenue on the Boston Post Road Next to Manor Gas Station

CHILDREN -- 25 cents
ADULTS -- 35 cents
Until Six P. M.

ADULTS -- 50 cents Evenings, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

FREE PARKING IN OUR WELL LIGHTED PARKING SECTION WHICH ADJOINS THE COURSE"

July 2, 1931 Advertisement Announcing Addition of a Driving Range at

the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course at Pelhamdale Avenue and Boston

Post Road.  Source:  NEW SPORT AT JUNIOR COURSE IN PELHAM

MANOR -- Driving Range Added to Sports Facilities of Attractive Miniature

Golf Course, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 2, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 14, p. 11, col. 6.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

1930 Advertisement for the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course.

Source:  There is a TOUCH OF REFINEMENT About the PELHAM

MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 3, 1930,

Vol. 21, No. 27, p. 2, cols. 5-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge;

Transcription of Text Appears Immediately Below.

"There is a TOUCH OF REFINEMENT About the PELHAM MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE That attracts Refined People

Over 24,000 square feet of the finest playing greens and fairways that can be found anywhere makes playing the popular miniature golf here the most pleasant and healthful sport of all!  The course is three times as large as the average and offers natural water and tree hazards and sand traps that are found only on the best of full sized golf courses.  You'll need mashie-niblicks here as well as putters -- we supply them with the balls.

PELHAM MANOR JUNIOR GOLF COURSE

NORTH OF PELHAMDALE AVENUE ON THE BOSTON POST ROAD

FREE PARKING IN OUR WELL LIGHTED PARKING SECTION WHICH ADJOINS THE COURSE"

*          *          *          *           *

"PREVENT SPREAD OF MIDGET GOLF COURSES IN MANOR
-----
Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Be Held Oct. 6.  Opposition Strong.
-----

Determined that the Village of Pelham Manor will not be dotted with miniature golf courses, the Board of Trustees has enacted an ordinance preventing the construction of any new golf course or golf range, conducted for profit, outside of the industrial district.  The miniature golf course which will be opened on the Boston road east of Pelhamdale avenue will not be ousted as the ordinance will not be effective until after a public hearing is held on October 6.

Mayor Lawrence F. Sherman told The Pelham Sun that the village could not block the opening of this course as no buildings are to be constructed thereon.  A permit for a caddy house was denied by the building department.

In the meantime a storm of protest has been heard from residents of the Boston road district.  Their contention is that the zoning ordinance bars any business except as an integral part of an apartment house.  Threats of suit to force the trustees to halt the construction of the course has been heard.  At the public hearing the trustees will be required to explain why the existing zone ordinance does not already prevent the construction of such courses as described in the amendment.

In the meantime Jules Kibel, proprietor of the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course has installed a picturesque miniature course on the property adjacent to the old Red Church building.  The ground is owned by Arthur W. Cole.  The golf course has replaced the unsightly pile of bricks that occupied the property for several years.  Kibel has laid his course out in a manner different to the usual variety of midget courses.

The course is beautifully landscaped, shrubs have been planted and an ingenious brook winds its way across the fairways which offer many hazards.

The new course will open to the public tomorrow afternoon."

Source:  PREVENT SPREAD OF MIDGET GOLF COURSES IN MANOR -- Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Be Held Oct. 6.  Opposition Strong, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 26, 1930, Vol. 21, No. 26, p. 1, col. 6.  

"TRESPASS ON GOLF RANGE; FINED $2
-----

Four youths were fined $2 each on charges of trespassing brought by Thomas Alton, of No. 637 James street, Pelham Manor, owner of the Pelham Driving Range.  In Pelham Manor court last night Alton said that the youths had been very sarcastic when he had asked them to get off the range, which is located on the Boston Post road near the Hutchinson River parkway.

The youths were:  Charles Garetta, 21, of No. 109 South 12th avenue; Vincent Fagano, 22, of No. 211 South 12th avenue; Anthony Tusillo, 20, of No. 216 South 6th avenue; all of Mount Vernon; and John Sacco, 19, of No. 45 Seton avenue, Bronx.

The quartette was arrested by Patrolman Thomas Fagan on Tuesday night while they were crossing the Secor Lane dumping ground after leaving the golf range.  At that time they told the policeman that they were looking for rats.

The youths told Judge John C. Townsend last night that they had left after Alton had directed them to go.  They had no golf balls on their persons when arrested."

Source:  TRESPASS ON GOLF RANGE; FINED $2, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 26, 1930, Vol. 21, No. 26, p. 4, col. 3.  

"STEAL 639 BALLS, PAY TWO $25 FINES
-----

Fines of $25 were imposed on Anthony Cassino, twenty, and Nicholas Larusso, seventeen, of New Rochelle by Judge Floyd Price in Pelham Manor Court last night.  The youths pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing golf balls from the Pelham Driving Range at Hutchinson Parkway and the Boston Post Road yesterday morning.  

Sergeant Michael Grady of the Pelham Manor Police saw the boys collecting the balls, waited until they had filled a burlap bag, and then arrested them as they left the range. 

They had labored from sunrise to 7 o'clock in gathering 639 balls from the grounds, they said."

Source:  STEAL 639 BALLS, PAY TWO $25 FINES, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 21, 1930, p. 22, col. 5.  

"MIDGET GOLFERS READY FOR TINY TOURNAMENTS
-----
Driving Range and Miniature Golf Courses Will Soon Be in Shape For Enthusiasts.
-----

With the activity around local pint-sized golf courses, it is easy to imagine that in the spring a young man's fancy turns to light forms of golf.  The knights of the driving range and putting courses are eager to be back of their less tiring games and there is every indication that the season will soon be at the same height that it ws ere the chilly winds put an end to activities last fall.

Over in Pelham Manor the Boston Post Road Driving Range has gotten its game under way early, and hooks and slices have been mixing in with long drives for the last two weeks.  For those to whom golf means simply a bucket of balls and a driver the range is proving most attractive.

But for those who take their game seriously and meticulously tap a pellet around a course clogged with rabbit hutches, hollow logs and over teaspoon water hazards, the Tom Thumb links will soon be ready.  Joe Carraher who presides over the North Pelham Tom Thumb Course on Fourth street, hopes to get his links in shape for opening tomorrow.  Angelo Da Quisto and Vincent Smith who fought it out for the local championship last year are eager to get into the game again; so cries of 'fore,' and sometimes five and six will soon be heard on the midget course.

The Pelham Manor Junior Country Club on the Boston Road will also be in shape within a few days."

Source:  MIDGET GOLFERS READY FOR TINY TOURNAMENTS -- Driving Range and Miniature Golf Courses Will Soon Be in Shape For Enthusiasts, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 24, 1931, p. 11, col. 2.  

"3 MEN RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS BY LIGHTNING BOLT
-----
Sudden Storm Did Damage in Pelham on Sunday Night; Peculiar Accident at Golf Range.
-----

Three men, employees of the Pelham Golf Driving Range at Hutchinson River Parkway and Boston Post Road, Pelham Manor, were rendered unconscious Sunday night during the severe electrical storm when a bolt of lightning struck the range near them.

The trio, James McFarland, 22, of No. 416 Bedford Avenue, and William Dorasch, 18, of No. 259 South Third avenue, both of Mount Vernon, and Thomas Alton, 33, of 3565 Ropes avenue, New York City, were rushed to New Rochelle Hospital in an ambulance.

Motorcycle Officer Thomas Fagan who was detailed to the scene following a telephone call to headquarters that three men had been struck by lightning, found the men lying unconscious in the mud a short distance from a shed on the range.

Officer Fagan, immediately upon discovering the three bodies, applied first aid methods and brought two of the trio back to consciousness before the arrival of the ambulance.

At the hospital, all three were treated for shock and Alton held for observation.  Hospital officials desired to hold McFarland for observation but he refused to stay and was allowed to go home.

The men said that they had been working on the range and had headed for the shed for shelter when the storm broke.  They had almost reached the building when the lightning struck near them and they were rendered unconscious.

Damage by the storm in Pelham was slight with the exception of a large number of branches of trees that were blown down.  The streets of all three villages were littered with leaves.  

Homes in North Pelham were plunged into darkness shortly after 8:30 o'clock when the storm damaged lighting wires in that village.  Police notified the Westchester Lighting Company that all lights between First and Sixth Streets on First, Second and Third avenues were out.  Emergency crews got to work as soon as possible and repaired the damage so that service was resumed shortly after midnight.

In Pelham Heights, a large tree on First street was struck by lightning and one section of the trunk split and the bark peeled off."

Source:  3 MEN RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS BY LIGHTNING BOLT -- Sudden Storm Did Damage in Pelham on Sunday Night; Peculiar Accident at Golf Range, The Pelham Sun, May 15, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 7, p. 1, col. 6.

"Permit Denied
-----

The Pelham Manor Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday night reviewed the application of the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course for a permit to construct a caddy house at the course which is located on the Boston road east of Pelhamdale avenue.  The permit was denied."

Source:  Permit Denied, The Pelham Sun, May 15, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 7, p. 1, col. 1.

"NEW SPORT AT JUNIOR COURSE IN PELHAM MANOR
-----
Driving Range Added to Sports Facilities of Attractive Miniature Golf Course.
-----

The Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course on the Boston road east of Pelhamdale avenue is now equipped to suit all the requirements of the golfing enthusiast who likes his game to be centered in a small space.  A new driving range has been installed alongside of the attractive fairways of the miniature golf course.  Here not only the popular approach game can be played but there is also an opportunity for those who like to smack them out for great distances.

Targets have been arranged for those who are able to regulate their direction accurately.

Jules Kibble is proprietor of the Pelham Manor Junior Golf Course."

Source:  NEW SPORT AT JUNIOR COURSE IN PELHAM MANOR -- Driving Range Added to Sports Facilities of Attractive Miniature Golf Course, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 2, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 14, p. 11, col. 6.

"PELHAM MANOR
CHARGE DISMISSED

A petty larceny charge against Ernest Garcian of Manchester, N. H., was dismissed by Judge Floyd Price in Pelham Manor Court last night.  Garcian had been picked up on the Boston Road by Sergeant Grady and Patrolman Smith.  He admitted having been on the property of the Pelham Driving Range, the manager of which appeared last night to press the charge of larceny of three golf balls."

Source:  PELHAM MANOR -- CHARGE DISMISSED, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 30, 1931, p. 14, col. 4.  

"BOYS CHARGED WITH GOLF BALL THEFT
-----

Four young New Rochelle boys were taken into custody by Pelham Manor police on Wednesday afternoon on complaint of Tom Alton of the Pelham Driving Range on Boston Post road, that they had stolen golf balls from his range.

When arrested the boys had 33 golf balls.  They were turned over to Children's Court authorities."

Source:  BOYS CHARGED WITH GOLF BALL THEFT, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 28, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 22, p. 1, col. 5.  

"BOYS CHARGED WITH GOLF BALL THEFT
-----

Charged with the theft of 80 golf balls from the Pelham Driving Range on Boston Post road, Pelham Manor, Edward Olson, 17, of No. 4029 Hill avenue, and Oscar Larson, 18, 2108 Strang avenue, both of the Bronx, pleaded not guilty before Judge Frank Roberson in Manor court last night.  The court found them guilty of petit larceny and suspended sentence.

The boys were arrested by Mount Vernon police on Wednesday afternoon on complaint of Thomas Alton, proprietor of the driving range.  Alton charged that the boys had stolen the balls from his property.  They were taken to Pelham Manor and later released in bail of $25.00 each, pending trial."

Source:  BOYS CHARGED WITH GOLF BALL THEFT, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 11, 1932, p. 8, col. 7.  

"Fine For Blasting Without A Permit
-----

Carlo Petrillo, contractor, of No. 114 Primrose avenue, Mount Vernon, was fined $15.00 in Pelham Manor  police court Friday night when he was found guilty by Judge James Male on a charge of blasting without a permit.  

Petrillo, who was summoned by Arthur W. Fawcett, acting chief of the Manor Fire Department, was charged with blasting rock on the golf driving range at Boston Post Road and the Hutchinson River Parkway."

Source:  Fine For Blasting Without A Permit, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 6, 1934, p. 12, col. 2.

"Reports Theft of 3,000 Golf Balls
-----

Three thousand golf balls, valued at $85.00 and the property of the Pelham Manor Driving Range at Boston road and Hutchinson River Parkway, were reported stolen Wednesday morning by William Scanlon, owner of the establishment.  Pelham Manor police sent out an alarm notifying county police departments of the theft in case attempts were made to dispose of the balls.  The balls were contained in cloth bags and were 'seconds.'

Scanlon discovered the theft Wednesday morning when he opened the frame building in which he stores his equipment.  Police investigated but were unable to find any trace of forced entry.  During the night the premises were inspected several times by policemen on their tours of duty, but everything was reported all right."

Source:  Reports Theft of 3,000 Golf Balls, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 20, 1934, Vol. 25, No. 5, p. 1, col. 6.  

"THEFT CHARGES ARE WITHDRAWN
-----
Driving Range Owner Drops Case Against Two Suspects
-----
(Special To The Daily Argus)

PELHAM MANOR, Aug. 26 -- Charges of petit larceny in connection with the theft of golf balls were withdrawn by the owner of the Pelham driving range in Village Court last night.

Louis De Caprio, twenty-eight, and Guisseppe Fuselli, twenty-one, both of New York City, were arrested Sunday on the complaint of Arthur Milton, owner of the range.  Milton told the Court he wished to withdraw the charges, but stipulated the men must keep away from Pelham.

'We are continually having golf balls stolen,' Mr. Milton said, 'but I don't want to press charges, because Caprio is trying for a Civil Service position.'

Fuselli received a suspended sentence for driving without a registration card."

Source:  THEFT CHARGES ARE WITHDRAWN -- Driving Range Owner Drops Case Against Two Suspects, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 26, 1936, p. 4, col. 5.  

"LEGAL NOTICE
-----
APRIL, 1938
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE for the VILLAGE OF PELHAM MANOR New York
Prepared by RUDOLPH P. MILLER Consulting Engineer
New York, N. Y.
Revised by the ZONING COMMISSION of the Village of Pelham Manor after a public hearing on March 21, 1938. . . . 

Section 32 -- GENERAL RESTRICTIONS.

     1. -- New Buildings and Uses.  No building or structure shall hereafter be erected, and no existing building or structure shall hereafter be enlarged or otherwise structurally altered, to be used or occupied for any purpose other than a use permitted in the district in which the building or land is located.

     2. -- Existing Buildings and Uses.  (a)  The lawful use of a building heretofore erected, or of a building heretofore authorized by a building permit lawfully issued and the construction of which, at the time this ordinance became effective, was actually begun and diligently prosecuted, may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance.

     (b)  No non-conforming use shall be extended so as to displace a conforming residential use.

     3. -- Non-Conforming Use. (a) The lawful use of any land existing at the time of this ordinance is adopted may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of this ordinance.

     (b)  Whenever a non-conforming use of a building or of any land has been discontinued such building or land shall not be used or occupied for any purpose other than a use permitted in the district in which the building or land is located.  A change of ownership or tenancy shall not be deemed a discontinuance of use, provided the occupancy is not changed to a use of different classification.

     4. -- Prohibitions.  Except as hereinafter specifically provided, the following prohibitions shall apply throughout the Village of Pelham Manor: . . . .

     (e) No building or structure shall be hereafter erected or altered, nor shall any land be used as an amusement park or motordrome, or as a driving range, Tom Thumb course, miniature golf course, or golf course of any kind, if in any case it is to be conducted or operated for hire or profit. . . ."

Source:  LEGAL NOTICE ----- APRIL, 1938 PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE for the VILLAGE OF PELHAM MANOR New York, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 22, 1938, p. 11, cols. 1-8 & p. 12, cols. 1-8.  

"GOLF GROUP PRACTICES ON DRIVING RANGE
-----

Pelham High School golf group held its first practice driving session on Monday afternoon at Milton's Driving Range, Boston Post road, Pelham Manor.

The club is composed of ten boys interested in learning the finer points of golf.  It is sponsored by Carl Schilling every Monday afternoon.  The club includes:  Victor Armell, Edward Casanave, George Gow, Charles Lang, Jack Newitz, Robert Riesner, Frank Ward, Dave Hayman, Charles Schrotter and Robert Moberg."

Source:  GOLF GROUP PRACTICES ON DRIVING RANGE, The Pelham Sun, May 2, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 4, p. 3, col. 5.

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