More About the History of Happyland, Pelham's First Motion Picture House

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"Happyland is a place where residents of the Pelhams, old and young,

may come and forget their troubles while listening to good music,

viewing good motion pictures or while participating in a

community sing.  It is a place where no class or distinction is

made.  Where neighbors may meet together and enjoy an

evening's entertainment."

-- Description of the Happyland Welfare Centre Motion Picture House

that Once Stood at 401 Fifth Avenue Published on February 24,

1920 During Efforts to Save the Financially-Strapped Institution.

In the spring of 1916, a "Child Welfare League" movement gained momentum in the Village of North Pelham.  The purpose of the movement was to "make children a priority."  Within a short time, the local Child Welfare League movement (distinct from the later-organized "Child Welfare League of America") embraced a broader national initiative known as "Happyland."  

The Happyland initiative gained great traction in Pelham.  A number of specialists in welfare work traveled to Pelham from New York and addressed meetings of adults and, sometimes, large audiences of children and adults.  Considerable literature was published and distributed by welfare organizations and by the New York State Department of Health.  An experienced nurse gave a talk to mothers and made available exhibits loaned by the State Department of Health.  

It appears that as part of this child welfare movement, residents of the Village of North Pelham banded together to support an initiative by a preacher named James R. Hewitt who opened a temporary "Happyland" facility in space leased at 319 Fifth Avenue.  Hewitt opened the temporary facility as "a place of worship and for moving pictures." 

Led by Rev. James R. Hewitt, in 1917 the local Happyland movement pushed for construction of a small motion picture theater for the benefit of the Pelham community.  Village of North Pelham "mechanics" volunteered the necessary labor and built a small wooden structure to serve as a theater on a lot located at 401 Fifth Avenue (where M&J Auto and Truck Clinic now stands).  During early October, 1917, projection equipment was installed in the new structure for the projection of moving pictures.  The building was known, formally, as the "Happyland Welfare Centre."  Rev. Hewitt and his wife clearly were the moving forces behind the Happyland initiative in North Pelham.  

Happyland Movie Theater, Fifth Avenue, Pelham, ca. 1919.
The Projection Room Extension is Visible Next to the People.

Source: Courtesy of the Office of the Historian of the

Town of Pelham. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Happyland, as it became known to Pelhamites, exhibited its first motion picture program on October 10, 1917.  The theater quickly became more of a community center than a mere motion picture house.  It hosted worship services, social gatherings, sing-alongs, lectures, and even small dances.  The most popular events that it hosted, however, always were motion pictures.  Though still in their infancy, such silent films were becoming more sophisticated, more beautiful, and longer in the years shortly before the 1920s.  The films often were accompanied by beautiful live music and even soloist singers.  

By February, 1920 -- barely 28 months after Happyland showed its first silent film -- the theater had hosted 250 "motion picture programs" consisting of "nearly two million feet of excellent motion pictures . . . shown to the delight and education of young and old."

In 1918, Pelham's Child Welfare League merged with a local benevolent organization known as St. Paul's Society.  (This organization was distinct from the local St. Paul's Sunday School which was a distinctly religious school for children.)  St. Paul's Society was a non-sectarian benevolent organization with a board of trustees and a "committee of management."  Its purpose was "to aid as far as possible in creating a wholesome atmosphere in . . . social gatherings and to carry on charitable and benevolent work in the community."  After the merger, the merged entity operated under the name "St. Paul's Society" and took responsibility for operating the beloved Happyland Welfare Centre -- known to all of Pelham simply as "Happyland."

I have written extensively about the history of Happyland before.  See Tue., Jun. 30, 2015:  Community Efforts to Save Happyland:  Pelham's First Picture House.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog article transcribes a host of local newspaper references to Pelham's Happyland which was Pelham's first movie theater and pre-dated construction of the famed Pelham Picture House in 1921.  Each of the references quoted below is followed by a citation and link to its source.

*          *          *          *          *

"Pictures Wednesday.

The usual program of pictures will be presented at Happyland Welfare Centre next Wednesday.  A Universal current event reel will hereafter be a weekly feature.  Industrial films, a Paramount comedy and a film produced by the state board of health entitled 'Bringing it Home,' will be shown.  This film is designed to show the merit of infant welfare work as carried on by the department of health and to urge the observance of such simple precautions as make for health.  Hereafter children will not be admitted to the second performance.  The first performance at 7 o'clock is especially for them.  The second performance at 8:15 will be for adults only.  Special music will be given by Mrs. L. Enders, soloist."

Source:  Pictures Wednesday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], No. 8588, Feb. 2, 1918, p. 3, col. 2.  

"Local Addenda.

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Hill returned Monday evening after a brief motor trip to the Catskill Mountains.

The usual high class motion picture performance will be given this evening at Happyland on Fifth avenue, by the local Child's Welfare League.  There will be two performances, one at 7 and the other at 8:15.  The latter is for adults only.  These pictures have been selected by Rev. James R. Hewitt with great care and with the view of giving clean, wholesome entertainment as well as affording local residents the advantage of seeing the best educational features filmized.

The third annual dance of the Nokomis Canoe club will be held at the firemen's hall on Fifth avenue on Saturday evening, April 20.  The music will be by Keller's orchestra.

Saturday evening a musicale and entertainment followed by dancing will be given under the auspices of the Young Men's association of Pelham which is a forerunner of the Y. M. C. A.  The musicale program will be by local artists and the entertainment will be the productions of 'Biscuits and Bills,' by the members of the association.  Keller's orchestra will play."

Source:  Local Addenda, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], No. 8864, Apr. 10, 1918, p. 10, col. 3.

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----

Because of Wednesday being a holiday, the regular meeting of the town board scheduled for that evening will be held on the Wednesday following.

A successful cake sale took place Saturday afternoon in the headquarters of Nyida council, 207, Degree of Pocahontas, on Fifth avenue, under the auspices of the members.

Wednesday being a holiday, the post office will close at 10 a.m.  The first regular delivery will be made, but no money order or postal savings bank business will be transacted.

A few new cases of influenza were reported last week in this town.  All of them were light ones and the condition is well in hand.  No deaths were reported from the disease last week.

The annual meeting of the town board took place Thursday evening in the town hall and the accounts of Supervisor Herndon and the justice of the peace were audited.  Several bills were also audited and ordered paid.

There was a large attendance at the Christmas exercises Friday evening in 'Happyland.'  A Christmas tree was enjoyed and gifts distributed.  A motion picture show was given which greatly pleased the little ones.

A special program of motion pictures will be given tomorrow evening in the 'Happyland' on Fifth avenue near Fourth street with music and dancing following.  The evening regular program will be resumed.

The annual Christmas exercises for the Sunday school of the First M. E. Church were held Friday evening in the church in Chester Park.  A large number of parents and local residents attended and enjoyed the program, in which the children participated.  The distribution of gifts also took place.

Edith Chayet of Fifth avenue, this village, has been indicted by the Westchester County Grand Jury on two charges, one of assault in the third degree and the other disorderly conduct.  The offenses it will be recalled were alleged to have occurred in this village on the day the armistice was signed.  The indictments were returned last Friday.

It is now learned that Joseph Choate Bickford, aged 13 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Bickford, of 529 Elderwood avenue, Pelham Heights, who when riding a bicycle on Christmas eve collided with a taxicab owned by John Cammerons, of Fourth street, this village, operated by Frank Kennedy, of North Pelham, is suffering from a fracture of the skull, besides concussion of the brain.  The accident occurred at Highbrook avenue and First street.  The condition of the boy was reported Saturday afternoon as being slightly improved, he having regained consciousness.  Dr. McGuirk, of this town and Dr. McGrath of New York, are in attendance.  For a time the boy's condition was critical, but when he regained consciousness Friday hopes for his recovery were rewarded.

Rev. J. Rowell Hewitt, director of the Happyland motion pictures which are conducted at 401 Fifth avenue under the directions of the Child Welfare League of Pelham, has issued a circular on the work in this community, which states, among other things:  'The war has afforded a practical lesson in co-operation on a large scale.  Several nations worked in harmonious union to conquer an outlaw.  How well they succeeded after they all got into action is convincing proof of the saying:  'In union there is strength.'  Team work is necessary in order to accomplish big tasks.  A neighborhood divided is out of tune with the spirit of the new age.  Never, since time began, has there been such a challenge to parents, teachers and leaders of young America as comes with the dawning of a new era -- which we hope may usher in a period of peace on earth and good will among people of all races and sects.  The management of Happyland recognizes the fact that it is only through the cooperation of those who have rendered assistance in some practical way and have assured us of their continued interest that the work can be made permanent.  Our policy is to provide wholesome entertainment and also educational programs of merit, with the hope that both children and adults may find here at home a place where they may see and hear something that will add to the joy of life and inspiration for future service as citizens of a great republic.  Pelham boys who have been in the army or navy will be given a reception when they return and will be admitted to all motion picture exhibitions, given under Happyland management, free during the year 1919.'

The following realty changes have been reported for this town by the Real Estate Record:

Wagner, Ernst to Selenia Wagner, NYC (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 19 20 21 22 23 bk 205 Dec 16, '18 .........$1

Mahoney, Adele and or to Margaret F Robinson and ors N J (Reevs and Co.) S. s Washington Ave ($1.50 Nov 1 Dec 16, '18...........$1.275

Sa to sa (sa) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 73 Nov 1, Dec 16, '18.........425

Sa to sa sa map lot 71 ($1) Nov 1, Dec 16, '18..............$637.50

Otto, Walter G C ref to Elizabeth M Becker, N Y C. (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 2 Rel-sig prop Dec 16, 19, '18........$4,000

Pelham Hgts Co to John T. Brook Co., Pelham (L T & T Co.) Map por Scott Est lots 107 109 111 113 bk 19 ($3.50) Nov 26, Dec 20, '18.........$10

Vought, Nathan F and w to Cornelia E Scot and or. Mount Vernon (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 26 27 28 bk 318 mtge $5,000 ($4) Dec 17, 21, '18.............$1

The following mortgages have been reported for this town by the Real Estate Record:

John T Brook Co to Isaac N Mills (Johnson-Mills) Map Pelham Hgts lots 107 109 111 113 bk 19, 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 20, '18.............$9,000

Scott, Cornelia E and or to Nathan F Vought, Pelham (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 26 27 28 bk 218 mtge $5,000 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 20, 21, '18 pm..........$2,750

Becker, Elizabeth M to Anna E. J. Keastner, N Y C (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 3 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 6, 19, '18 pm..........$3,500"

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 30, 1918, p. 5, col. 2.  

"GOING TO GIVE BENEFIT TO NORTH PELHAM SOCIETY
-----

North Pelham, Feb. 24. -- The good work of the St. Paul's society, which conducts Happyland, and its struggle for an existence, has attracted the attention of several citizens of the town with the result that a meeting was hurriedly arranged yesterday morning and plans formed for a monster benefit of the society.  Rev. James H. Hewitt was asked to attend, and the plan as outlined explained to him.  He was pleased with the suggestion and offered to do all in his power to aid with his services and advice.  Harry S. Houpt of Pelham upon being told the history of the local branch of the St. Paul society and the object of the meeting, became enthusiastic and made a donation of $50 to start the ball rolling.  The suggestion of a method of raising funds was viewed from all sides and a theatrical performance was favored.  The committee will compose forty people who will divide itself into sub-committees.  An attempt will be made to secure the Firemen's hall, and the date will be some time after Lent, probably April 10.  When the fine work of the St. Paul's society has been explained to the people, the committee feels certain that a great many will come forward from Pelham Heights and Pelham Manor and do all in their power to promote the success of the enterprise..

The keynote of the needs of the society was struck at the 'Father and Son's' dinner on Lincoln's birthday when Henry L. Rupert, called upon for a speech, recited the good work accomplished and the need of funds to carry on the plans for the future.  The people in general regard Happyland as merely a moving picture place and know nothing about its aims and character.  Happyland is a place where residents of the Pelhams, old and young, may come and forget their troubles while listening to good music, viewing good motion pictures or while participating in a community sing.  It is a place where no class or distinction is made.  Where neighbors may meet together and enjoy an evening's entertainment.  It is centrally located at 401 Fifth avenue, occupying its own building, erected by mechanics of the village by voluntary labor.  The controlling body is St. Paul's society, a non-sectarian organization with a board of trustees and a committee of management.

This society is the successor to the Child Welfare League, which was organized in 1916 and merged with the St. Paul's society in 1918 (St. Paul's Sunday school is a separate organization -- a distinctly religious school for children and youth).  The purpose of St. Paul's society is to aid as far as possible in creating a wholesome atmosphere in our social gatherings and to carry on charitable and benevolent work in the community.  Much benevolent work is done in a quiet way and aid is rendered according to our ability.  The popular feature is the motion picture programs.  It has passed the 250th program.  Since the beginning of the picture program on October 10, 1917, nearly two million feet of excellent motion pictures have been shown to the delight and education of young and old.

Through the medium of the moving picture, many subjects of interest and educational value have been projected upon the screen.  The programs are selected with the view of presenting stories with uplifting ideals and with a note of inspiration.  Sunshine stories like 'Carolyn of the Corners' with Bessie Love, and children's dramas with little Mary McAlister and Gloria Joy.  Occasionally a classic has been shown as Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and 'Anthony and Cleopatra.'

the churches of the town will be asked to lend their support to the plan for the big benefit.  The committee will contain the names of men from all walks of life, neither creed nor race being a bar.  It is believed that Gustav Weidhaus, William Kampf and Edward Fenstenmacher will serve on the theatrical end of the committee.  In fact, the committee was suggested by one of these gentlemen and a fine evening's performance may be looked for.  The public will be kept posted on the progress made by the committee and it is hoped everybody will take an active part in making the performance a real benefit."

Source:  GOING TO GIVE BENEFIT TO NORTH PELHAM SOCIETY, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 26, 1920, No. 9217, p. 7, col. 4.  

"In the Pelhams
-----
North Pelham
-----

There will be the usual mid-weekly services and prayer meeting at the Fourth avenue chapel tonight by the First M. E. church of Pelham.  The meeting will start promptly at 8 o'clock.

Unless the village exercises extreme caution in the wording of the agreement with the New Rochelle Water company, the project for placing the 15-inch main under the sidewalk on upper Fifth avenue is liable to be more costly to the village than to the company.  An experienced contractor, who is thoroughly familiar with sub-surface conditions in the town expresses the belief that the work cannot be done in three weeks as has been claimed by the company and the representative of Smith Brothers, who have the contract.  This informant states that nothing but rock exists below the surface in front of the Sanborn and the blasting of this will weaken the foundation of the concrete curbing.  A wide trench must be dug for a main of that size, which means that the shade trees along that side of the street will suffer.  He further states that the work will take closer to three months than three weeks.

The committee in charge of the benefit which is to be given at the Hutchinson school next Friday night for Happyland, has sent out the following notice:  'Dear Brother Pelhamite:  Our neighborly greetings and a cordial invitation to you to join with us in a project of which we have grown very proud indeed, and which we know you will enjoy just as keenly as do we, once your are in the game.  Here's the proposition:  The kiddies of Pelham have 'got a club,' and the Rev. Bro. Hewitt is running it for them.  He has devoted his time and his dollars in developing this, his pet ideal and having succeeded in placing it upon a solid working basis has reached a point where he must have assistance, as his personal funds are exhausted and we all feel sporting interest enough to want to help the work along and make it live.  You all know something in a general way at least about Happyland and its aims.  If you are blessed with children, you will surely appreciate what it all means in the way of healthy influence; and even if you haven't a little chap in your own home, yet you are directly concerned as to the character of the community in which you live, and somebody else's kiddie of today is your fellow citizen of tomorrow.  Of course, you'll want to help.  Give us a little of your time if you can, or if not, then give us some money.  You probably didn't have any 'Happyland' yourself when you were a kid, but all the more, will you want these little ones to enjoy the benefits you missed.  Of course you will!  You're a Pelhamite!  Every dollar contributed will be put to work to properly earn its quota of smiles and happiness from the week folks of Pelham.  Your presence at the first gala event of 'Happyland' at the Hutchinson school, April 16th, is considered important to the cause.  Tickets for the first great event of 'Happyland,' may be purchased from Boy Scouts, members of the committee who will call on the residents of the village or from the chairman of the committee at the Pelham Main line depot.  And lest you forget, there will be no moving pictures at Happyland next Friday, the regular performance will be held this afternoon and evening.  Mabel Normand in one of her best screen hits, 'Up Stairs,' better than 'Sis Hopkins.'  Also the seventh episode of the Brice serial, and a weekly.  'Don't foreget the place tonight, 401 Fifth avenue.'"

Source:  In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 14, 1920, No. 9260, p. 5, col. 4.  

"In the Pelhams -- North Pelham . . . 

At Happyland tomorrow afternoon and evening will be shown 'Fan Fan.'  This is a charming photo play with the atmosphere of Japan.  There are six principal characters in 'Fan Fan,' and the queen of them all is Virginia Lee Corbin, the daintiest, sweetest and altogether the most lovable little girl the screen has produced.  Francis Carpenter, as Hanki Pan, the hero, is a brave and manly lad who commands admiration for everything he does.  Violet Radcliffe plays the part of the villain.  The beauties of photography are unsurpassed in this pretty screen fantasy.  There will also be a Brice serial and weekly, 3:30 and 8 p.m. . . ."

Source:  In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 6, 1920, No. 9279, p. 10, col. 4.  

"North Pelham . . . .

There will be an excellent five-reel picture, 'The Desert Scorpion,' at Happyland tomorrow afternoon and evening, in addition to a Charlie Chaplin comedy and a Kineto Review.  At both performances tickets will be distributed entitling the holders to admission to the performance on August 25, at which 'The Wizard of Oz' will be shown.  This will be a free performance, admission being by ticket only. . . ."

Source:  North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 17, 1920, No. 9365, p. 6, cols. 1-2.

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