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.
-----
ANOTHER DECISION IN THIS LITIGATION NOW
-----
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.
-----
(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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Village of Pelham Manor's Initiative to Annex No-Man's Land from New York City in 1931

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Sandwiched between the southern boundary of the Village of Pelham Manor in the Town of Pelham and the northern boundary of Pelham Bay Park is a tiny strip of land only 250 feet wide that long has been known as "no-man's land."  While the phrase may evoke images of a forsaken strip that no one wishes to frequent, nothing could be further from the truth.  

No-man's land is a long strip of land made up today of about thirty-five properties that sit in the Bronx.  Because they are separated from other Bronx residential areas by Pelham Bay Park, however, they derive many of the amenities of the suburban lifestyle offered by the lovely Village of Pelham Manor.  For example, the children of homeowners located on the strip attend schools in Pelham Manor.  Yet, the lucky homeowners who live on this strip pay modest New York City property taxes (at least when compared with property taxes in Pelham).

There is no shortage of explanations for the existence of no-man's land.  Some say that a surveyor's error was responsible.  Others claim that New York City originally intended the city boundary to end at the northern boundary of Pelham Bay Park but changed its mind and decided to annex slightly more land to the north to ensure that small islands located in Long Island Sound would be within the City's boundaries.  Another account says that a road named "Park Drive" once was intended to be built along the northern boundary of Pelham Bay Park so that extra land was annexed to allow the road to be built.  Plans for that roadway supposedly were abandoned due to opposition by Pelham residents, thereby freeing the area adjacent to the planned roadway for residential development.  

I have written several times about Pelham's no-man's land.  See:


Mon., Dec. 5, 2005:  The Fabled "No-Man's Land" of Pelham Manor: A Tiny Strip of New York City.

Thu., Feb. 27, 2014:  More About the Fabled "No-Man's Land" of Pelham Manor: A Tiny Strip of New York City.

Tue., Jun. 06, 2017:  James Burnett of Pelham Manor: Chief Pooh-Bah and Jack of All Trades.

Whatever the reason for its creation, the result was 'no-man's land."  By the early 1930s, no-man's land had become a headache for all concerned. New York City found it difficult to provide the area with basic services.  The City did not maintain the roadways, did not provide transportation to New York City Schools for the children who lived there (who had to pay tuition to Pelham to attend its schools), and -- in effect -- relied on Pelham Manor to provide utility hookups and the like to residents in exchange for the payments of fees.

In about early March, 1931, there were seventeen residences built in no-man's land.  (Today there are more than thirty.)  Pelham Manor decided to do something about no-man's land.  Petitions began circulating to have the entire area annexed by the Village of Pelham Manor to return the land to Pelham.  Any such annexation would require approvals by New York City, the Village of Pelham Manor, and the Town of Pelham, followed by final legislation enacted by the State of New York.  

Within a short time, every property owner in no-man's land except one signed the petitions in favor of annexation.  The one dissenter was a local real estate developer named Arthur Cole who was using his property as a horse riding academy in violation of New York City zoning ordinances and planned, one day, to erect an apartment building on the property which, he believed, would likely not be permitted by the Village of Pelham Manor.  

Then, a no-man's land resident filed a formal complaint with State authorities arguing that because a few feet of his property was in Pelham Manor (though most was in New York City as part of no-man's land), his daughter had the right to attend Pelham schools without having to pay tuition.  State authorities ruled against the Pelham School Board and directed the Pelham Union Free School District to accept the student without requiring tuition payments, opening the door to the possibility that others might pursue similar claims.

The annexation initiative kicked into high gear.  The Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor held hearings and fully supported the move.  Everyone believed that New York City wanted to relieve itself of the headache of dealing with no-man's land.  

The Pelham Manor Board of Trustees directed the Village Clerk to estimate what the assessed value of the property would be if annexed by Pelham.  The Clerk estimated it to be worth about $496,000 although Arthur Cole disputed the figure claiming the value would be closer to $1,000,000.  Whatever the value, it was clear that annexation would return a substantial amount of valuable real estate to the tax rolls of the Village of Pelham Manor.

The Village of Pelham Manor Village Attorney, Edgar Beecroft, prepared the necessary papers for submission to New York City to seek its approval for annexation.  That is when things ground to a halt.

New York City raised an interesting legal issue.  It indicated that it needed to calculate the amount of bonded debt that would have to be attributed to the property -- and dealt with -- before the property could be annexed.  

The Village of Pelham Manor began to wait.  As time began to pass, it became increasingly clear that annexation would not happen.  Indeed, nearly eighteen months later the local newspaper, The Pelham Sun, speculated that perhaps the matter would be resolved in the year 1933.  It was not.  

In the meantime, as the years passed, when a Pelham child needed to attend a school for the hard-of-hearing in 1938, Pelham negotiated with New York City to allow such Pelham schoolchildren to attend a special school in New York City in exchange for allowing schoolchildren in no-man's land to attend Pelham schools without paying tuition fees.

With no approval from New York City, the annexation of no-man's land languished until World War II when the proposal seems to have died of old age.  No-man's land continues as part of New York City to this day.

Detail of Map Published in 1929 with Portion of No-Man's Land Shown

at Bottom of Page.  Source:  G. M. Hopkins Co., Atlas of Westchester

County, Vol. 1, Pg. 03 (Philadelphia, PA:  G. M. Hopkins Co., 1929).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"MANOR MAY GET BACK PROPERTY ANNEXED TO N. Y.-----
Residents of 225 Foot Strip Petition Village to Annex Property East of Park.
-----

If a plan advanced by a group of New York City residents who live just across the Manor boundary line, is approved by the state legislature, Pelham Manor will regain a section of the property which it lost when New York City annexed what is now Pelham Bay Park and City Island.  Residents of the Park Drive section, recognized as Pelham Manor, but in reality within New York City, are circulating petitions urging the return to the village of a 225 foot strip of land several blocks long on the easterly border of Pelham Bay Park, in order that service connections, school facilities and other advantages of Pelham Manor may be gained without additional cost.

At the present time the residents of a half dozen houses in the strip which extends from Long Island Sound almost to the Boston road, are enjoying the advantage of local schools, sewer and service connections by paying certain fees to Pelham Manor and to the school district.  The Pelham Manor police department has an agreement with the New York City police to provide protection.

It is impossible for New York City to provide for the section because it is divided from the rest of the city by the extensive Pelham Bay Park.  

At the meeting of the Pelham Manor Board of Trustees on Monday night Village Attorney Edgar C. Beecroft reported:  That the property had been taken by New York City early in the century when the park lands and City Island were annexed.  The strip at the easterly end was not included in the park land as the city had intended to construct a highway around the park, but the plan was never realized.  In the meantime, the property had been developed.

The petition which was received on Monday night was tabled pending the receipt of others."

Source:   MANOR MAY GET BACK PROPERTY ANNEXED TO N. Y. -- Residents of 225 Foot Strip Petition Village to Annex Property East of Park, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 13, 1931, Vol. 21, No. 50, p. 1, col. 6.

"MORE PROPERTY OWNERS URGE ANNEXATION
-----

Six more property owners have signed the petition urging that the Village of Pelham Manor regain the strip of property lying between the village boundary and Pelham Bay Park, according to the announcement of Village Clerk Gervas H. Kerr.

The new signers were William B. Randall, Mrs. William B. Randall, the Robert C. Black Realty Company, the Skania Realty Company, Inc., Robert H. Crosby and Murray B. Parks.

At the meeting Monday, Gervas H. Kerr, village clerk, was instructed by Mayor Lawrence F. Sherman to determine the assessed valuations of the parcels of property for which annexation is sought."

Source:   MORE PROPERTY OWNERS URGE ANNEXATION, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 10, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 10, col. 2.

"PROPERTY VALUED AT $496,592 MAY RETURN TO ROLL
-----
Public Hearing on Annexation Of Strip at Village Boundary To Be Held May 25.
-----

Property assessed at $496,592.00 will be annexed to [the] village of Pelham Manor if the plan to regain part of the property which was taken from the village in the early days of this century, is carried through by legislative act.  Owners of property in this strip of land which borders Pelham Bay Park on the north will attend a public hearing at the Village Hall in Pelham Manor on Monday, May 25.  The trustees will plan their campaign to regain this property on the testimony offered by these property owners.

The property in question which was formerly in Pelham Manor, measures approximately one hundred feet across the northerly border of the park.  It was included in the land taken by the city and included in the plan of Pelham Bay Park for the construction of a highway around the park, but the program was never carried out, and the property has since been developed by private enterprise.  Residents of the strip although virtually living in Pelham Manor are unable to secure the privileges of Pelham Manor residents without payment of fees, and their homes are separated from the city services by the park which measures several miles.

The Board of Trustees of Pelham Manor has received a petition from seventeen property owners arguing that the village take over this strip of property by legislative act.

Village Engineer Julius Dworshak has reported that it will cost the village $58,637.50 to install street improvements in the strip that is proposed to be annexed to the village.  William B. Randall, chairman of the village planning committee, has approved the program and estimates that the property is worth a million dollars."

Source:  PROPERTY VALUED AT $496,592 MAY RETURN TO ROLL -- Public Hearing on Annexation Of Strip at Village Boundary To Be Held May 25, The Pelham Sun, May 1, 1931, Vol. 21, No. 5, Section 2, p. 9, col. 1.  

"STREET REPAIRS IN NEW STRIP TO COST $22,507.50
-----
Village Engineer Estimates Improvement Work To Be Done Should Property Be Annexed by Village.

According to the estimate of Village Engineer Jules Dworschak, it will cost the village $22,507.50 to make street improvements in the strip of property that is proposed to be annexed to Pelham Manor.  Eighteen property owners residing in the half mile strip at the northerly boundary of Pelham Bay Park are ready to secede from New York City and become residents of the village, which has catered to their needs for several years.  On Monday, May 25, a public hearing will be held at the Village Hall, to discuss the submission of a bill to the legislature to permit the annexation of the property by the village.

History repeats itself.  Early in the 20th century [sic] the City of New York effected legislation which took from the Town of Pelham all that property which is now Pelham Bay Park and City Island.  The bulk of that property was developed for park, but a strip measuring 250 feet wide along the northerly boundary of the land was left out of the park in anticipation of the construction of  a highway around the tract.  The property has since been developed and eighteen residences constructed thereon.  If the legislature will permit it the village will re-annex some of the land which it lost almost thirty years ago."

Source:  STREET REPAIRS IN NEW STRIP TO COST $22,507.50 -- Village Engineer Estimates Improvement Work To Be Done Should Property Be Annexed by Village, The Pelham Sun, May 15, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 6, Section 2, p. 10, col. 5. 

"ZONING CHANGES AND ANNEXATION UNDER DISCUSSION
-----

Two important issues will bring out several hundred residents of Pelham Manor to the public hearing to be held at the Village Hall on Monday.  The application of Arthur W. Cole for a change in zone restrictions to permit the construction of a two-and-one-half story block of stores and offices at the Red Church Corner will be opposed by property owners who desire to retain the strict residential character of the village to annex a 250 foot strip of New York City property at the southwesterly boundary of the village will be favored generally."

Source:   ZONING CHANGES AND ANNEXATION UNDER DISCUSSION, The Pelham Sun, May 22, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 8, p. 1, col. 6. 

"LAND BETWEEN PARK AND VILLAGE IS CALLED 'NO MAN'S LAND'; ONLY ONE DISSENTING VOTE AT PUBLIC HEARING
-----
 William B. Randall Formally Presents Petition for Annexation of 250 Foot Strip to Village of Pelham Manor; Arthur W. Cole Voices His Objections; Trustees Prepare To Submit Plan to Legislature.
-----

Eighteen residents of the 'No Man's Land' between Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park made their formal application to join the village on Monday night when William B. Randall, former president of Pelham Manor urged that the village annex a strip of property one mile and a quarter long and 250 feet wide.  He was supported by all but one owner of property in the strip in question.  That was Arthur W. Cole, who entered his protest saying that annexation would cut the value of the property in half.

The petition was accepted by the Board of Trustees, and the matter held over for consideration.  It is expected that Village Attorney Edgar C. Beecroft will be instructed to prepare the annexation bill which will be submitted to the legislature at its next session.  The plan must be approved by the City of New York, but inasmuch as the property is marooned from the rest of the city, and may at some future date become an economic 'sore toe' it is expected that there will be no official opposition.

Although the hearing on Monday night was attended by officials of the Bronx, Mr. Cole's opposition was the only dissenting vote.  At the present time a riding academy operated by Cole on a section of the property in question is under fire in New York City as a zoning violation.  If this property is taken into the village, it will be included in the residential district and Cole will have another zoning fight on his hands.

Mr. Randall in presenting the petition said as follows:

'The petitioners wish to express their thanks to the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor, for the interest which they have taken in helping them secure action in reference to having the narrow strip of land, 250 feet by 6600 feet, lying between Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park, now belonging to New York City, incorporated into our Village.

'We do not know how this strip came to be left between Pelham Manor and the Park, but it may be that the Park Commission in 1886 expected to use this strip as a Boulevard.  That reason no longer exists, as the cost of condemning the land, now considerably improved, would be too great.  Major Fairchild states that it was an engineering mistake.  Very few of the property owners have declined to sign the petition.  One reason given was the fear of increased taxes in Pelham Manor, that they might be more than those levied now by the City of New York.

Comparison between the taxes assessed in Pelham Manor, on improved property, and those assessed in New York, does not justify this opinion, and even if they were higher, the advantages of living in a beautiful residential suburb like Pelham Manor, would offset such increase.  Another reason for declining to sign this petition, given by one property owner, was, that some time he might wish to build an apartment house on the property.  This is a good reason for the Village taking over this strip, if possible, as the residents of Pelham Manor do not wish for apartments, which would lower the value of residential property in the vicinity.

'As an actuality, the citizens residing within the debatable territory really belong to Pelham Manor.  Their friends and neighbors live in Pelham Manor, and they desire their children to use our Public Schools.  They are virtually citizens of our Village, but are not entitled to its advantages.  These people pay taxes to New York, but receive no service in return.  New York City is unable to give them Schools.  Police.  Fire Protection.  Garbage removal and other utilities.  In order to remedy this uncomfortable and unfair condition, it will be necessary to introduce in the State Senate and Assembly, a bill covering this matter, after approval by the Governor.  It requires the approval of the New York City Authorities.

'It is believed that the city of New York regards this strip as of little value to the City, and as more or less of a nuisance, on account of the difficulty in giving utilities to this territory.  If a demand should be made by the people of this section, who are entitled to vote, the City under the election law would be obliged to constitute a separate election district -- with all the expenses attached, for only a handful of votes.  Again, if a demand should be made for school privileges, New York would have to arrange transportation several miles to the Bronx.

'It seems practically impossible for the City to give this section Water, Gas, Fire and Police Protection, or Public Schools.  We hope that Pelham Manor is willing to do so.  It has already been most helpful on many occasions.

'We, therefore, ask you to give favorable consideration to our petition, as providing a just and fair treatment of the property owners  on our border who now live in a sort of 'No Man's Land.'  If Pelham Manor is willing to accept them, we feel confident that New York will be glad to be relieved of the problems of giving this section necessary services.'

Mayor Sherman informed the petitioners that the village board would lose no time in considering their petition."

Source:  LAND BETWEEN PARK AND VILLAGE IS CALLED 'NO MAN'S LAND'; ONLY ONE DISSENTING VOTE AT PUBLIC HEARING, The Pelham Sun, May 28, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 9, Section 2, p. 9, cols. 1-2.  

"COUNTY AND TOWN MUST APPROVE OF ANNEXATION
-----
Village Attorney Preparing Legal Portfolio in Response To Petition of New York City Residents.
-----

Legal matters incumbent on the proposed annexation by the Village of Pelham Manor of a 250 foot wide strip of land across the southerly boundary of the village, are in preparation by Village Attorney Edgar C. Beecroft [illegible] regarded as residents of Pelham Manor, they are unable to enjoy the privileges of civic improvements here without paying fees.  They contend that New York City has neglected their section and that they will be benefited by joining Pelham Manor.

Village Attorney Beecroft reported to the Board of Trustees on Monday night that it will be necessary to gain the approval of the County Board of Supervisors, the Town Board and of the state legislature."

Source:   COUNTY AND TOWN MUST APPROVE OF ANNEXATION -- Village Attorney Preparing Legal Portfolio in Response To Petition of New York City Residents, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 2, 1931, Vol. 21, No. 14, p. 1, col. 2.

"PREPARE LEGAL WORK BEFORE LAND CAN BE ANNEXED
-----

The Pelham Manor Board of Trustees is expected to announce a definite plan on Monday for the annexation of a 250 foot strip of New York City property to the village.  Village Attorney Edgar C. Beecroft has been preparing the necessary legal papers.  The strip in which there are seventeen residences lies along the southerly boundary of the village between the village line and Pelham Bay Park.

Of the seventeen property owners only one has expressed opposition to the plan to annex the strip to Pelham Manor.  Arthur W. Cole, who maintains a riding school at one end of the 250 strip [sic] is experiencing legal difficulties with the New York City authorities relative to zoning.  It is believed that he can expect even more rigid zoning restrictions if the property is taken into Pelham Manor."

Source:  PREPARE LEGAL WORK BEFORE LAND CAN BE ANNEXED, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 10, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 15, p. 1, col. 1.  

"SCHOOL BOARD LOSES TUITION CASE; BOUNDARY LINE RESIDENCE OWNERS CAN SEND CHILDREN TO LOCAL SCHOOLS
-----
Deputy Commissioner of Education Decides that Parent Can Select Pelham Manor as His Residence When House Is Located on Boundary Line; Property Included in Strip Proposed To Be Annexed to Village.
-----

Reserving the decision of the Board of Education of the Pelhams, Deputy and Acting Commissioner of Education Ernest E. Cole, has declared that tenants of houses on the Pelham Manor village line can send their children to the Pelham schools without payment of tuition.  The decision was handed down at Albany on Saturday.  William L. Ransom was attorney for the appellant Melville T. Chandler, of No. 11 Monroe street.  Tuition fees charged for seven-year-old Adelaide Chandler, daughter of the appellant, were responsible for the suit.  

The action has a bearing on the status of some of the school children residing in the 250 foot strip of property on the northerly boundary of Pelham Bay Park, just across the Pelham Manor village line.  An action is pending to have this property annexed to the village of Pelham Manor.  It was taken into New York City late in the nineteenth century.

Chandler is the owner of a 50 x 125 foot parcel of land which is partially in Peham Manor and partially in New York City.  Inasmuch as an eight foot frontage of his property is within Pelham Manor, and 16% of the house, also, he objected to being charged tuition fees for the attendance of his child at Prospect Hill School.  The Board of Education contended that Chandler paid the greater percentage of school taxes to  New York City, he was not properly a resident of the Pelham school district and should not therefore be entitled to free educational privileges.

Commissioner Cole in his decision dated as follows:

'It has long been held that to acquire a domicile or residence, two things are necessary -- the family residence in a place and the family to make it a home.  Both conditions are present in this case.  The appellant resides in a house that is located partly in said Union Free School District.  We should not indulge in too great refinements in determining just what proportion of the house is located on each side of the line.  The house is a home for residential purposes.  It would not be a dwelling house with the Pelham side eliminated.  Under these circumstances I think that the appellant had the right to choose the place of residence, at least for school purposes, and he has clearly indicated such choice.  Therefore, I find his daughter a legal resident of said Union Free School District for the purpose of school attendance and must be received and instructed in the public schools maintained in said district with no tuition charge.'"

Source:  SCHOOL BOARD LOSES TUITION CASE; BOUNDARY LINE RESIDENCE OWNERS CAN SEND CHILDREN TO LOCAL SCHOOLS, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 31, 1931, Vol. 22, No. 18, p. 1, cols. 7-8.

"SCHOOL PROBLEM FOR PARENTS IN BORDER STRIP
-----
New York City Refuses To Provide Transportation for Pupils in 250 Foot Strip.
-----

Problems of residents of the 250 foot wide 'no man's land' strip between Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park were increased last week when the new York City School authorities refused to provide school transportation to children living there because their parents own automobiles.  Thus the parents are forced to take their children to schools several miles across Pelham Bay Park or pay tuition fees in the Pelham schools.  Many have adopted the latter policy, hoping for an adjustment under recent legislation which requires New York City to reimburse the Pelham school district according to the school tax paid on the property.

At the meeting of the Board of Education last Thursday night the case of one parent was cited.  School Trustee William B. Shaw urged that the Pelham Board of Education be lenient with the parent because of financial difficulties.  The father is a native of Pelham was educated in Pelham schools and has been engaged in building construction for several years.  Trustee Shaw recommended that because this man has materially added to the school district income by building several houses, he should be granted an extension of time in paying tuition fees.  The board agreed to accept a note.

A year ago it was proposed by property owners in the strip that the village of Pelham Manor take steps to acquire the property, in order that the residents of this section could gain the benefits of village improvements without paying fees.

The property was formerly part of Pelham Manor, but it was annexed by New York City about thirty years ago when Pelham Bay Park was planned.  A section 250 feet wide along the easterly border of the Park was to have been purchased by the city and a highway around the park constructed thereon.  The city, however, did not follow this plan and a developing company subsequently sold the property in lots. 

The re-annexation plan has not progressed very rapidly.  An investigation was started several months ago to determine how much of the bonded indebtedness of the City of New York was chargeable to the border strip.  However, no report has been made."

Source:   SCHOOL PROBLEM FOR PARENTS IN BORDER STRIP -- New York City Refuses To Provide Transportation for Pupils in 250 Foot Strip, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 21, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 31, p. 13, col. 3.

"PERHAPS IN 1933 WE SHALL SEE . . . 

The annexation to Pelham Manor of the 'No Man's Land strip' across the northerly boundary of Pelham Bay Park so that the residents of this section may gain the benefits of village improvements without the payment of fees. . . ."

Source:   PERHAPS IN 1933 WE SHALL SEE, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 22, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 40, p. 12, cols. 5-6.  

"No Official Approval Of Agreement With N.Y. City On School Pupils
-----

Although press report from New York City has stated that official approval has been given by the City Board of Education to the proposal for an exchange of pupils between Pelham and New York City, President William L. Chenery of the local Board of Education stated last night that he had not received any notification.  The plan for the exchange provides that Pelham schools will accept, without fee, the children residing in the 250 foot 'no man's land' strip across the northerly border of Pelham Bay Park within New York City in exchange for New York City accepting hard-of-hearing pupils at the Elementary School for the Deaf conducted by the City Board of Education."

Source:  No Official Approval Of Agreement With N.Y. City On School Pupils, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 9, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 36, p. 1, col. 6. 

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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
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Driving Range Added to Sports Facilities of Attractive Miniature Golf Course.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Driving Range Owner Drops Case Against Two Suspects
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(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
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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
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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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