The Estate and Home of W. T. Grant that Became the Grounds of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham Manor

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William Thomas Grant, Jr. was the founder and Chairman of W. T. Grant Co.,  one of the most successful retail chains in the United States for many decades. William T. Grant’s success enabled him to build a lovely estate on the north side of Boston Post Road where Our Lady of the Perpetual Help stands today. 

In the early years of his company, Grant worked long hours and opened stores in the northeast. He handled his own buying for the stores and negotiated leases for each store that he opened. Within ten years, he had opened thirty-six stores. By 1918 he raised the 25-cent price limit on the retail chain’s merchandise to $1. 

By about this time, W.T. Grant and his wife, Lena Blanche Brownell Grant (whom he married in 1907), were residents of Pelham Manor where they lived thereafter for many years. The couple, who adopted two children, built a lovely estate on the north side of Boston Post Road. The estate consisted of about six acres of property on which stood a large Manor House and two smaller houses. Records in the possession of the Library of Congress indicate that work on the estate continued for many years and that the beautifully-landscaped grounds were designed by “Lundquist, L., landscape architect.” The architect of the home was the noted Howard Major.

I have written a number of times about W. T. Grant and his company. See, e.g.:  

William Thomas Grant Jr. and His Estate in Pelham Manor, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 33, Aug. 20, 2004, p. 6, col. 1.

Mon., Apr. 02, 2018:  Pelhamite William T. Grant, Founder of Grant's Dime Stores, Donated Land for Our Lady of Perpetual Help - St. Catharine Parish in 1939.

W.T. Grant lived an exemplary life in Pelham as one of its leading citizens. He served as president of Pelham’s Men’s Club, an important civic and social organization. He was a member of the original board of directors of The Pelham Sun Publishing Company established in 1919 (only a few years after The Pelham Sun first began printing). He continued as a member of the board of directors until 1925. He also provided much needed financial support for Pelham’s Boy Scout program in its early years. 

William T. Grant, Jr.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

In about 1937, St. Catharine’s Parish served Catholics throughout the entire Town of Pelham and was experiencing a “rising number of standees at all Masses”. Grant, a Protestant, offered to give his estate to the Archdiocese of New York. According to a history of the church, the initial offer was refused because the diocesan office already had arranged an option on a piece of property at Hazen Street and the Esplanade for a proposed new parish. But, “[d]uring ensuing meetings with the village board of Pelham Manor, the idea met strong opposition, zoning permission was not granted, and eventually the option was dropped.” 

St. Catharine’s arranged an intermediary to approach W.T. Grant about his previously offered gift. The approach was successful and on May 27, 1939 a portion of the estate containing the Manor House and the land on which it stood was deeded for $1.00 to St. Catharine’s Parish as the gift of “Wm. T. and Beth B. Grant”. Approvals and legal technicalities required months of effort, but on December 8, 1939, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at 11:00 a.m., worshipers celebrated the first Mass in a tiny chapel created within the Manor House. William and Beth Grant deeded a gift of the remainder of the estate on December 31, 1940. 

W.T. Grant served as President of his company until 1924. Thereafter he served as chairman of the board. After the company went public in 1928 he controlled about 25 percent of the stock. In 1966 he retired as chairman at the age of 90, but remained as honorary chairman until his death on August 6, 1972. 

Only three years later, W.T. Grant Co. declared bankruptcy – the largest retailing bankruptcy in history up to that point.

The home that William T. Grant built in Pelham Manor in 1918 and 1919 was rather fascinating.  The architect, Howard Major, was inspired to design the home after seeing former slave quarters while visiting historic manor homes in Maryland.  Yet, the large estate home evoked an English cottage.  It was a low, unimposing structure with six bedrooms and servants' quarters on the second floor.  Great care was taken to preserve foliage and shrubbery on the estate grounds as the home was built to give the home an immediate country estate feel without the need for extensive additional plantings on the grounds.

The seemingly modest exterior belied a grand and elegant interior.  As one article about the home published shortly after it was built stated:

"With the simple exterior one is not quite prepared for the elegance of the interior, suggestive as it is of the best English and Italian decorative periods.  One enters a formal hall with the stair hall opening off, floors of which are black and white marble squares laid diamond wise.  This feature gives not only a feeling of palatial beauty but one of cool refreshment as well.  The walls of the halls and of most of the rooms are of rough finished plaster in a soft gray and the wood trim is painted a Colonial white.  The woodwork in the small hall, from which the staircase rises, is pure Colonial, with charmingly proportioned doors and a panelled archway between the top of which is ceiled, as are the sides."

Images of the home are maintained in the collections of the Library of Congress and are included immediately below.  Today's Historic Pelham article also transcribes the text of an article about the W. T. Grant home shortly after it was built with three images of the home that appeared with the article.  The text is followed by a citation and link to the source.

William T. Grant Home on Boston Post Road in

Pelham Manor in an Undated Photograph.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Estate Fountain on Grounds of the William T. Grant Home

on Boston Post Road in Pelham Manor in an Undated Photograph.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"W. T. GRANT'S HOME at PELHAM, N. Y., VIEWED FROM ITS

INFORMAL GARDENS.  HOWARD MAJOR - ARCHITECT."

Source:  PICTURESQUE LINES OF OLD SLAVE QUARTERS

FURNISHED ARCHITECT WITH MOTIF FOR DESIGN OF SUBURBAN

HOME, New York Herald, Jul. 13, 1919, p. 44, cols. 1-8 (NOTE:  Paid

subscription required to access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"ENTRANCE HALL WITH ITS FLOOR of BLACK and WHITE

MARBLE SQUARES LAID DIAMONG WISE."  Source:

PICTURESQUE LINES OF OLD SLAVE QUARTERS FURNISHED

ARCHITECT WITH MOTIF FOR DESIGN OF SUBURBAN HOME,

New York Herald, Jul. 13, 1919, p. 44, cols. 1-8 (NOTE:  Paid

subscription required to access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"AN ADDED TOUCH of PRIVACY is GIVEN the ENTRANCE

by the DORMERS FLANKING IT."  Source:  PICTURESQUE LINES

OF OLD SLAVE QUARTERS FURNISHED ARCHITECT WITH

MOTIF FOR DESIGN OF SUBURBAN HOME, New York Herald,

Jul. 13, 1919, p. 44, cols. 1-8 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required

to access via this link).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"PICTURESQUE LINES OF OLD SLAVE QUARTERS FURNISHED ARCHITECT WITH MOTIF FOR DESIGN OF SUBURBAN HOME

Howard Major Received Inspiration for Novel Plan During His Rambles Among Historic Manors in Maryland -- Later Embodied Crude Beauties of Outbuildings in Construction of House for W. T. Grant at Pelham, New York

It is safe to say no architect ever designed a house around such unique a motif as did Howard Major when he planned the long, low, rambling and altogether delightful dwelling for W. T. Grant at Pelham, N. Y.  Hugging the ground closely it stretches out over a hundred feet of pretty country, showing a contour of low gables and simple roof lines, of sturdy chimneys and quaint dormers that manifestly belong to the site.

At first glance the house does not seem to be made up of the various types from which our modern, domestic architecture is drawn, although it suggests the English cottage idea more than any other.  And it is only after Mr. Major -- one of the younger of New York architects, whose work is bound to enhance in value as time goes on, since he builds not for evanescent popularity but honestly with a vision for the future -- tells you how the idea for the Grant home took shape in his mind and gradually grew until it developed into this picturesque and livable home that the layman fully understands the inspiration that suggested it.

It was while visiting friends at Havre de Grace, Md., that Mr. Major, in prowling around among the famous old manors of that historic State, was struck by the exceedingly picturesque quality of the old slave quarters, always an adjunct to the 'big house.'  Invariably of brick and whitewashed with native materials that weathered into soft, mellow tones, these quaint little structures had a character peculiarly their own.  Sometimes they resembled the first Dutch Colonial houses of New Amsterdam and again the main unit had built against it the typical lean-to or additions graded down in size to small sheds.  Generally crude in form and shape, they nevertheless served to emphasize the picturesque character of the whole.

Masonry Haphazard.

As a rule there was a stanch though irregularly built chimney at one or both ends and the haphazard method of masonry added a distinction of its own.  Not only were those quaint little dwellings in harmony with their surroundings but they seemed to form a connecting link with nature and become a part of it, a feature all too often lacking in the fine country estates of to-day.  The more the architect saw of these simple native cottages the more he became imbued with the desire to build a suburban home around the motif.  The opportunity offered itself when a client, W. T. Grant of Pelham, sought his services to design for him a home.  Mr. Grant was delighted with the suggestion and soon the picturesque dwelling was under way.

The site for the new home bore all the evidences of having served for an earlier habitation and it seemed peculiarly suitable for the development of this novel idea.  The aspect of the surrounding country was essentially a domestic one, for the trees -- oak, maple, the elm -- were all native to the vicinity, and there were huge trees of box and giant bushes of lilacs already there that demanded a house of a simple, unpretentious sort.  The way the plan worked out and the manner in which the architect kept it all in 'key' combine to make it one of the most charming and essentially livable houses to be found anywhere.

House Set Close to Ground.

The house, with its delightful planes and roof surfaces, its gables and quaint dormers, is set close to the ground and field stone wall that follows the contour of the land encloses it in an intimate, friendly way that serves to emphasize the sweet, domestic character of the whole.  A flagstone pathway leads up through a country lot to the door and a grass path, rose bordered, offers another method of approach.  Only a little planting has been done, but that is of an effective sort such as the introduction of dwarf and blue spruces and dwarf Norway pines or vines planted in the angle of a gabled wing that climb up to the weathered , shingled roof and form a splash of green against the silvery surface that is as refreshing to the eye as it is picturesque in effect.  

With the simple exterior one is not quite prepared for the elegance of the interior, suggestive as it is of the best English and Italian decorative periods.  One enters a formal hall with the stair hall opening off, floors of which are black and white marble squares laid diamond wise.  This feature gives not only a feeling of palatial beauty but one of cool refreshment as well.  The walls of the halls and of most of the rooms are of rough finished plaster in a soft gray and the wood trim is painted a Colonial white.  The woodwork in the small hall, from which the staircase rises, is pure Colonial, with charmingly proportioned doors and a panelled archway between the top of which is ceiled, as are the sides.

Stairs in Fine Proportion.

The staircase itself is well worthy of comment.  Broken midway by a landing and a sharp turn, it forms a particularly interesting detail.  Slender spindles, delicately carved, are surmounted by a modest mahogany handrail and a crystal ball takes the place of the usual wood newel post.  The stairs are perfectly designed with broad treads and low risers, making the ascent to the upper story a real pleasure by reason of its fine proportions.  A simple crystal chandelier, small and unusual in design, suggests the type of lighting fixture carried out in the main living room on the first floor.

The main floor plan, built on one level, is simple but comprehensive, the living room, dining room and stair hall opening off the main hall.  The enclosed porch, which forms a gabled wing, is reached from the living room.  The service portion has ample space for its own needs.  The second floor contains six bed chambers and an equal number of baths.  The servants' quarters are arranged in the floor of the high portion.

Since Mr. Major is one of the architects who not only design their houses but furnish them as well, his work invariably has a charm of its own, dependent upon his fine decorative taste.  In the past an architect faced the possibility of having his work spoiled by the decorating, but nowadays it has become the custom for him to develop the furnishing to suit the design, and as a result there are far fewer failures to record.  Mr. Major depends more upon composition and arrangement to get his effect than upon the usual 'color schemes' of which we have, unfortunately, heard far too much in the past.

Dining Room Elegant but Simple.

Elegant simplicity prevails in the huge living room, lighted by four windows, which, furnished in Italian style with a predominance of green in the upholstery, harmonizes well with the gray rough plaster walls.  William Odom collected the furniture for this room while travelling abroad, and it includes some rare tapestries, furniture and draperies.  A number of fine canvases cover the walls, one of which is used as an over-mantel.  Mr. Major himself discovered some wonderful Italian polychrome sidelights, which he has used to good effect against the plain wall surfaces.

No room in the house is more effective than the Georgia dining room, which is panelled from floor to ceiling and painted in soft green, which has been rubbed down to a dull antique finish.  Against this background Mr. Major has placed the most delightful of furnishings in the shape of gilt consols used as side tables, a set of black and gold chairs, an ancient gilt mirror, an over mantel painted with gay flowers on a black background, and other similar fittings.  It is at once both simple and luxurious, and satisfies the taste for the elegant and refined without introducing anything obtrusive either in color or design.

Faithful devotion to an idea is one of Mr. Major's particular characteristics.  He believes, above all, in building honestly and well and in undertaking no more than he can personally carry out.  

'I never take more work,' he says 'than can be done under my direct supervision.  It must bear the imprint of my own taste and skill and so I never turn work over to others to execute for me.'

Just at present the architect is engaged on a $250,000 job at Southampton, L. I., besides the remodelling of a town house in the Empire period and several other contracts in the suburbs.  As to the continued high cost of building construction Mr. Major believes there is little if any chance of its coming down for some time to come.

'I believe we will see the present high rates for both labor and materials maintained for the next seven or eight years,' remarked Mr. Major in this connection.  'It looks to me as though the present inflated values will continue, but I don't believe that will have any effect in restricting building operations.

'There is an immense amount of work going on now and there is every reason to believe it will keep on, for in the majority of instances the incomes have increased with the high cost of living and so the people who want new homes will have them just the same.  The tendency to drop to normal will be gradual and it will be a number of years before this really happens, according to my judgment.'"

Source:  PICTURESQUE LINES OF OLD SLAVE QUARTERS FURNISHED ARCHITECT WITH MOTIF FOR DESIGN OF SUBURBAN HOME, New York Herald, Jul. 13, 1919, p. 44, cols. 1-8 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).

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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.

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"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
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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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More on the Westchester County Brewing Company that Operated in Pelham Before Prohibition

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Few realize that the extensive parking area behind the Village Hall building of the Village of Pelham on Sparks Avenue once was the site of a massive beer brewery, refrigeration stock house, and ice manufacturing facility operated by the Westchester County Brewing Company (often also referred to as the Westchester Brewing Company and, occasionally, as "Westchester Brewery").  The brewery operated from 1910 until about the beginning of Prohibition when it became a full-time ice manufacturing facility.

The brewery, stock house, and ice facility once was located along the Hutchinson River near Sparks Avenue in an area where, today, Tiffany & Co. (and other businesses) have back office operations.  In late 1909 and early 1910, that area was desolate and low-lying.  There were virtually no residences in the area except for a few homes (and businesses) along Wolf's Lane.  The brewery and ice facility was completed in about May, 1910.  The business had its "Office and Bottling Dept." located across the Hutchinson River in Mount Vernon.  Thus, the business often was referenced as the Westchester County Brewing Company of Mount Vernon, though its main plant was located in the Village of Pelham (Pelham Heights). 

Detail from 1914 Bromley Map With "WESTCHESTER BREWING CO."

Shown in Upper Left Quadrant of Detail Between Sparks Avenue and the

New Haven Main Line.   Source:  "Pelham and New Rochelle" in G. W. 

Bromley & Co., Atlas of Westchester County, N.Y. Pocket, Desk and

Automobile Edition, Vol. I, pp. 124-25 (NY, NY:  G. W. Bromley & Co.,

1914).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

I have written before about the history of the Westchester County Brewing Company.  See Wed., Jan. 07, 2015:  Westchester County Brewing Company Operated in Pelham Before Prohibition. Today's Historic Pelham Blog article documents additional research regarding the history of the company, its founders, and its facility in the Village of Pelham (Pelham Heights).  The focus of the research presented today is the serious set of financial difficulties faced by the business and its founders from its inception.

Early 20th Century Wooden Advertising Sign for the

Westchester County Brewing Company.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

There were two principal founders of the Westchester County Brewing Company:  William H. Ebling, Jr. of Pelham Heights who became President of the Company and William O. Hobby of Mount Vernon who became President after Ebling's untimely death.  In the months leading up to the completion of the main facility and its opening, the pair touted the new business as a sure "bonanza" and sold stock in the venture to investors throughout Westchester County and New York City.  

Although the United States economy was healthy in 1910, Ebling and Hobby over-extended themselves and their new business with debt at precisely the time the U.S. Economy moved from a twenty-year-period of rapid growth to a twenty-year-period of modest growth.  Indeed, the period from 1890 to 1910, generally, was one of economic growth in excess of 4%.  Beginning in 1910, however, there was a break as economic growth in the U.S. slowed to about 2.8% from 1910 to 1929.  The combination of slowing economic growth and too much debt turned out to be too much for the new business and its founders.

Indeed, financial strain may have played some role in the death of William H. Ebling, Jr.  He died "suddenly" on December 8, 1910, only seven months after the Westchester County Brewing Company opened its new facility near his home in Pelham Heights.  

In less than a year, the new business was in trouble.  On September 12, 1911, bankruptcy proceedings were commenced as a voluntary petition for dissolution of the business was filed.  In reality, the bankruptcy was merely a move to fend off creditors.  There were more than twenty lawsuits pending against the company at the time of filing with some nearing judgment.  According to one news account:

"The application was made because of the financial difficulties the corporation is in, and is preparatory to an application for a voluntary dissolution of the corporation.  It was also made to forestall having the plant and property levied on under judgments, as about twenty suits are now pending against the company, and have almost gone to judgment.  The bonded indebtedness of the company is secured by a mortgage for $250,000 held by the Empire Trust Company of New York to protect the bond holders.  There is due to different persons and corporations on promissory notes, the sum of $145,175.20, and for other debts and liabilities the sum of $95,496.87.  As against this immense debt, the corporation owns property buildings, plant, office furnishings, horses, wagons, harness, auto trucks and stock on hand valued at $395,568.20.  There are 114 stockholders of the corporation, scattered throughout Westchester County, New York City and in nearby Connecticut towns."

As the proceedings dragged along, the brewery continued to operate under receivers including William O. Hobby (the remaining living founder).  Hobby's own financial situation, however, grew increasingly bleak.  In March, 1915, Hobby filed for personal bankruptcy.  An account in the New York Times made clear how dire his situation had become.  It stated:

"WILLIAM O. HOBBY of Mount Vernon has filed a petition in bankruptcy, with liabilities of $182,664 and no available assets.  He has 1,000 shares of stock of the Westchester County Brewery, 720 shares Wauregan Hotel Company, 200 Elk Creek Oil and Gas Company, and 20 Mount Vernon National Bank, all of which are put in as of no value.  Most of his liabilities are for endorsing notes of the Westchester County Brewery, against which concern a petition in bankruptcy was filed here on Sept. 12, 1911.  William Hobby was President of the Company, and was also appointed one of the receivers for it.  Among his creditors are Philip Tillinghast, receiver of the Mount Vernon National Bank, $27,852; Mount Vernon Trust Company, $7,451; First National Bank of Jamaica, $4,184; Trustees of the First National Bank of Oneonta, $9,3331; Bollinger Brothers, Pittsburgh, $49,000; Frick Company, Waynesboro, Penn., $22,000, and Liberty Brewing Company, $6,631." 
 

 

Example of Beer Bottle of the "WESTCHESTER COUNTY BREWING

COMPANY" of  "MOUNT VERNON, N.Y." With Close-Up of the

Embossed Medallion of the Bottle Immediately Below.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

By the late Teens, with Prohibition looming, officials of the Westchester County Brewery Company negotiated a sale of the Pelham Heights facility off Sparks Avenue to the Knickerbocker Ice Company, a supplier of ice to lower Westchester County.  In 1933, as Prohibition came to a close, there were brief efforts to reinstate a brewery on the site, although Village building inspectors halted the work.  At least two lawsuits followed with one of those suits eventually resulting in a decision to relocate the proposed brewery elsewhere. 

*          *          *          *          *
 
"Wm. H. Ebling

Attended by many people of prominence from Pelham Heights, Pelham, New York and Philadelphia, and by the Mount Vernon Lodge of Elks, the funeral services of William H. Ebling, Jr., President of the Westchester County Brewery, who died suddenly on December 8th, were held on December 12th, at Pelham Heights, N. Y.

The services were conducted by the Rev. H. H. Brown, the rector of the Church of the Redeemer, in Pelham.  Following came the ritualistic burial service of the Elks, which was conducted by the Exalted Ruler Robert R. Kallman and the officers of the lodge.  Mr. Williams, of the Mount Vernon Lodge, sang 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' and 'The Vacant Chair.'

The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.  The honorary pallbearers were F. F. Ballinger, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Sidney A. Syme, Leon St. C. Dick, John L. Fee, E. J. Farrell, Charles Wintermeyer, Henry Muck, and William Hobby.  The body was placed in a receiving vault in Woodlawn temporarily.

Among those in attendance at the funeral were:  Edward, Harry and C. Schmidt, of Philadelphia; from New York:  Mr. and Mrs. Peter Doger, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zoller, M. Zoller, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Heabler, Charles Warner, secretary of the Brewers' exchange; Louis Heidenheimer and Harry E. Rauch.  Many in the list are prominent brewers."

Source:  Wm. H. Ebling, The American Bottler, Vol. XXXI, No. 1, p. 63 (NY, NY:  Jan. 15, 1911).  

"TWO RECEIVERS NOW ACTING FOR THE BREWERY CO.
-----
William Hobby and Leo Oppenheimer are Appointed in the Bankruptcy Proceedings by Judge Hough.
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ANOTHER DECISION IN THIS LITIGATION NOW
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Proceedings Yesterday -- Bonds Fixed at $10,000 Each -- Status Is Now of Federal Jurisdiction -- What the Attorneys Say.
-----

Judge Hough yesterday named Leo Oppenheimer, of No. 60 Wall street, New York, and William Hobby, of Mount Vernon, receivers in bankruptcy for the Westchester county brewery.  On whose application the receivers were appointed does not seem to be agreed upon as Moos, Princ and Nathan, of New York, who represent a number of creditors, claim that the appointment was made on their application while Judge Syme for the brewery corporation, says it was on their application.  The bond of the receivers was fixed at $10,000 each.

It was stated at the office of Moose, Princ and Nathan this morning by Attorney Princ that in answer to the application made before Judge Hough that the Westchester county brewery be declared in bankruptcy last week, Receiver Hobby, through
-----
(Continued on page 13.)

TWO RECEIVERS NOW ACTING FOR THE BREWERY CO.
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(Continued From Page One)
-----

Attorney Syme denied that the brewery was insolvent -- and denied that the petition of creditors who made the application were creditors of the Westchester county brewery.

As such an answer was filed with Judge Hough, Moos, Prince and Nathan secured an order to show cause which was returnable Monday as to why the answer of the Westchester county brewery should not be stricken -- out, on the ground that it was 'false, a sham and frivolous and interpose for the purpose of delay.'  When argument were heard on this order to show cause Monday, Moos, Princ and Nathan presented to the court a certified copy of the proceedings in the supreme court of voluntary dissolution proceedings of the brewery, which showed that the brewery was insolvent.  Other facts were brought out about the proceedings and Judge Hough ordered that the answer be stricken out and declared the Westchester county brewery to be in bankruptcy.

After that an application was made to the court that two receivers be appointed in bankruptcy for the brewery and Judge Hough made the appointments yesterday as already told.

Mr. Princ was asked this morning why it was that he requested that Mr. Hobby be appointed a receiver with Mr. Oppenheimer when in the original application he had asked for the removal of Mr. Hobby and the appointment of a receiver to take his place.  Mr. Princ said that the thought that it would be well to have Mr. Hobby retained in view of the fact that he was familiar with the business and it would be better for the creditors to have him appointed to act with somebody else.  

Judge Hough refused to appoint a receiver on September 15 but it was afterward found that money had to be raised to pay for the licenses of customers on October 1 and that it was necessary to have a receiver to do this.  Judge Hough yesterday allowed the receivers to issue certificates for $47,800 to be a first lien on the assets ahead of the mortgages.  Of this amount $34,300 is to be issued to be used solely to pay the liquor tax certificates $13,500 is to be held in a trust company as security for any damages that may arise to the non-assenting bondholders.

Judge Syme, as counsel, for Mr. Hobby when seen this morning denied that Judge Hough appointed the receivers on the application of the New York attorneys.  He declared that Mr. Hobby went before Judge Hough yesterday and stated that he was unable to get any money from the local banks on receiver's certificates and so it was necessary for him to get the money in New York.  He said that such a step would be necessary to keep the business; if it was not done it would have to close.  He declared that Judge Hough consequently appointed Mr. Oppenheimer and Mr. Hobby as receivers.  '''This appointment really makes Mr. Hobby's position -- stronger than it was before,' said Judge Syme this morning.  We beat those New York lawyers in their application to have Mr. Hobby removed and we obtained the money an hour after the appointment was made.'  

The receivers were given authority by the court to carry on the business for thirty days."

Source:  TWO RECEIVERS NOW ACTING FOR THE BREWERY CO -- William Hobby and Leo Oppenheimer are Appointed in the Bankruptcy Proceedings by Judge Hough-- ANOTHER DECISION IN THIS LITIGATION NOW -- Proceedings Yesterday -- Bonds Fixed at $10,000 Each -- Status Is Now of Federal Jurisdiction -- What the Attorneys Say, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 29, 1911, No. 6653, p. 1, col. 3 & p. 13, col. 1.

"Hobby Brewery in Bankruptcy
-----
276 Claims, 32 Notes and Several Contracts Unpaid.

Greatly to the surprise of everyone who heard of it, Justice Tomkins this morning appointed William Hobby of Mount Vernon, as temporary receiver of the Westchester Brewery of Mount Vernon, on the application of the Board of Directors of the institution.  Mr. Hobby immediately qualified by filing a bond for $30,000 and takes charge at once.

The Westchester Brewery stock was sold about the county and 114 invested in it.  One of the heaviest of the local investors was Henry Fulle.  Mr. Fulle served the Westchester beer at his hotel and it is quite popular there.  

The directors are:  William Hobby, Sydney A. Syme, C. Davies Tinter, William M. N. Eglenton and Henry Fulle.

When the stock was being sold the scheme was held forth as a bonanza.  There would be a refrigerator, cold storage and ice making plant in connection with it.  Stockholders from White Plains are Chas F. Armbruster, two shares; Henry Fulle, ten shares; I. V. Fowler, five shares; C. D. Horton, seven shares.  There are 276 claimants, besides 32 notes.  Hobby claims $30,000 for services as manager.

What Financial Difficulties Are. 

The application was made because of the financial difficulties the corporation is in, and is preparatory to an application for a voluntary dissolution of the corporation.  It was also made to forestall having the plant and property levied on under judgments, as about twenty suits are now pending against the company, and have almost gone to judgment.  The bonded indebtedness of the company is secured by a mortgage for $250,000 held by the Empire Trust Company of New York to protect the bond holders.  There is due to different persons and corporations on promissory notes, the sum of $145,175.20, and for other debts and liabilities the sum of $95,496.87.  As against this immense debt, the corporation owns property buildings, plant, office furnishings, horses, wagons, harness, auto trucks and stock on hand valued at $395,568.20.  There are 114 stockholders of the corporation, scattered throughout Westchester County, New York City and in nearby Connecticut towns.

The Justice has also appointed Arthur Rowland, of Yonkers, as Referee and has directed that notice be given to all creditors of the corporation to show cause before Mr. Rowland at his office in Yonkers on October 27 next at 3 p.m. why the corporation should not be dissolved. -- Westchester Co. Reporter, Sept. 1."

Source:  Hobby Brewery in Bankruptcy -- 276 Claims, 32 Notes and Several Contracts Unpaid, New Rochelle Pioneer, Sep. 9, 1911, Vol. 53, No. 24, p. 3, col. 7.


"BUSINESS TROUBLES.
-----
Receivers for the Westchester County Brewery Will Protect Liquor Licenses.

Judge Hough yesterday appointed Leo Oppenheimer of 60 Wall street and William Hobby of Mount Vernon receivers in bankruptcy for the Westchester County Brewery of Mount Vernon.  They are authorized to carry on the business for thirty days.  Judge Hough allows the receivers to issue receivers' certificates for $47,800 to be a first lien on the assets ahead of the mortgages.  Of this amount $34,300 is to be issued for cash, to be used solely to pay liquor tax certificates for customers, and $13,500 is to be held in a trust company as security for any damage that may arise to the non-assenting bondholders. . . ."

Source:  BUSINESS TROUBLES-- Receivers for the Westchester County Brewery Will Protect Liquor Licenses, The Sun [NY, NY], Sep. 29, 1911, p. 13, col. 5.  

"BUSINESS TROUBLES. . . .

WILLIAM O. HOBBY of Mount Vernon has filed a petition in bankruptcy, with liabilities of $182,664 and no available assets.  He has 1,000 shares of stock of the Westchester County Brewery, 720 shares Wauregan Hotel Company, 200 Elk Creek Oil and Gas Company, and 20 Mount Vernon National Bank, all of which are put in as of no value.  Most of his liabilities are for endorsing notes of the Westchester County Brewery, against which concern a petition in bankruptcy was filed here on Sept. 12, 1911.  William Hobby was President of the Company, and was also appointed one of the receivers for it.  Among his creditors are Philip Tillinghast, receiver of the Mount Vernon National Bank, $27,852; Mount Vernon Trust Company, $7,451; First National Bank of Jamaica, $4,184; Trustees of the First National Bank of Oneonta, $9,3331; Bollinger Brothers, Pittsburgh, $49,000; Frick Company, Waynesboro, Penn., $22,000, and Liberty Brewing Company, $6,631."

Source:  BUSINESS TROUBLES. . . .  WILLIAM O. HOBBY, N.Y. Times, Mar. 24, 1915, Vol. LXIV, No. 20,878, p. 16, col. 3.

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