The Beginnings of the Pelham Home Defense League of North Pelham During World War I

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This year marks the centennial of the entry of the United States into World War I on April 6, 1917.  Thus, today's Historic Pelham article is another intended to document Pelham's role in World War I.  At the end of today's article is a list of previous articles concerning Pelham and World War I, with links. 

Despite, or perhaps due to, American neutrality during the early part of World War I, by early April, 1917, German U-Boats had sunk seven U.S. merchant ships.  Like the rest of the nation, all of Pelham knew that neutrality no longer was possible.  

On the evening of Tuesday, April 3, 1917 -- only days before the United States declared war on Germany -- a meeting was held at the Highbrook Avenue School (a predecessor to today's Colonial Avenue Elementary School).  The purpose of the meeting was to organize a "Home Defense League," a forerunner to the Civil Defense efforts of World War II and the subsequent Cold War.  

Seventy-seven local residents enrolled in the Pelham home Defense League during that April 3rd meeting.  The patriotic enrollees resolved to meet eight days later on Wednesday, April 11, 1917 for organizational purposes.

On the following day (Wednesday, April 4 -- two days before the U.S. declared war -- the Board of Trustees of the Village of North Pelham got involved.  Several residents involved with the initial organization of the Pelham Home Defense League approached the Board with a proposed plan for the establishment of the organization.  

At the request of the organizers, and to give the imprimatur of local government involvement and support, the Board of North Pelham appointed six local residents to an "Executive Committee" to oversee the new organization.  Every appointee had military experience.  There were two from Pelhamwood, three from "North Pelham," and one from Chester Park.  The members were:  M. J. Wheeler, and Mr. Bacon of Pelhamwood; D. McLoughran, Captain A. P. Delcambre and Mr. Connacher of North Pelham; and A. M. Bienus, of Chester Park.  

The purpose of the Executive Committee was to "make arrangements for the organization" of the Home Defense League and to prepare "a call" to be distributed immediately to residents throughout the Village of North Pelham to join and support the league, the purpose of which was "to arrange for drills and other training for the protection of life and property in this village in event of emergency." 

As always in times of national crisis in America, Pelhamites were somber, serious, and dedicated.  No Pelham resident was permitted to join the Home Defense League without first taking a constitutional oath.  Applications for membership including the oath were prepared and distributed by Monday, April 9, 1917.  That night, organizers held a meeting in the Town Hall that stands today at 34 Fifth Avenue to receive signed applications and oaths from those intending to join the Pelham Home Defense League.  

During the Town Hall meeting on Monday, April 9, 1917, "About fifty residents" appeared at Town Hall and enrolled in the Pelham Home Defense League. Hoping for more, however, organizers returned to Pelham Town Hall every evening that week to enroll others in the league.  

By Thursday, April 12, "about 75" residents had enrolled as members of the Pelham Home Defense League.  The goal, however, was to enroll one hundred residents.  

Within days, it seems, the initiative took off.  By April 14, the league had 80 members.  Only three days later, however, membership in the Pelham Home Defense League had doubled to 150 members.  With 150 members, it was time.  

The new Pelham Home Defense League scheduled its first "meeting and drill" session on Thursday, April 26, 1917.  Pelhamwood resident, Captain Baker of the United States Army, addressed members on their duties before drills.  Thereafter, Sergeant Heller of nearby Fort Slocum took charge of the men and "put them through their first drills."  

There were about a hundred members of the Home Defense League at the Thursday evening "meeting and drill."  Although initially scheduled at Firemen's Hall, the session was held at Town Hall from 8:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.  Sergeant Keller of Fort Slocum put the Pelham men through "a series of drills" that night.  That same night it was announced that the league would hold regular meetings each Tuesday and Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m. at Town Hall "until further notice."  

The Town of Pelham was beginning to mobilize for War on its home front.  The beginnings included the organization of the Pelham Home Defense League.  

1917 World War I U.S. Army Recruitment Poster
With Depiction of Uncle Sam Painted by James Montgomery
Flagg Born in Pelham Manor. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of a number of news articles regarding the initial formation of the Home Defense League of Pelham at the outset of World War I.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"PELHAM HEIGHTS
-----
77 Enrolled

An enrollment of 77 residents resulted in a meeting which was held Tuesday evening at the Highbrook avenue school by the local residents for the purpose of organizing a home defense league.  The meeting adjourned to meet again on Wednesday, evening of next week."

Source:  PELHAM HEIGHTS -- 77 Enrolled, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 5, 1917, p. 9, col. 4.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----
AT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
-----
Lively Meeting Was Held on Wednesday Evening. . . .

Home Defense League.

The village board Wednesday evening adopted the plan submitted by a number of citizens for the organization of a Home Defense league, altho subjected to some minor changes.  The board appointed the following to serve on the executive committee:  M. J. Wheeler, and Mr. Bacon of Pelhamwood; D. Mc. Loughran, Captain A. P. Delcambre and Mr. Connacher, of North Pelham, and A. M. Bienus, of Chester Park.  This committee will make arrangements for the organization and has prepared a call which will be distributed today among the residents of the village.  The plan is to arrange for drills and other training for the protection of life and property in this village in event of emergency.  The executive board is made up of members with military experience and they ask the co-operation of every resident. . . ."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- AT BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- Lively Meeting Was Held on Wednesday Evening, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 6, 1917, p. 6, col. 2.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
----
Application for League.

The executive committee of the Home defense league which was appointed Wednesday evening by the village board and consists of Captain Baker and W. J. Wheeler, of Pelhamwood; W. C. Connacher, Captain A. P. Delcambre and Daniel McIvor Loughran, of North Pelham and Anson Blenus, of Chester Park, will distribute during the next few days application blanks for membership including the constitutional oath.  The committee expects to have all these distributed by Monday evening when it will hold a meeting at the town hall to receive signed applications.  A member of the committee will be present each evening during the coming week at the town hall and will receive applications and furnish whatever further information may be desired."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- Application for League, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 7, 1917, p. 9, col. 1.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM. . . 

50 in Defense League.

About fifty residents of this village enrolled Monday evening at the meeting of the executive committee of the Home Defense League at the town hall.  Every evening this week members of the committee will be at the town hall to enroll others desiring to join.  After the enrollment is completed the committee will announce further arrangements."  

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 50 in Defense League, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 11, 1917, p. 11, col. 4.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 

Defense Club Recruiting.

Residents of this village who have not as yet enrolled with the home defense league are requested to do so at once.  Members of the executive committee appointed by the village board will be at the town hall each evening this week to receive enrollments.  The organization now has about 75 members and an effort is being made to reach a hundred."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . Defense Club Recruiting, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 12, 1917, p. 9, col. 4.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 

League Needs Men.

The Men of this village are being urged to enroll with the Home Defense League by the executive committee appointed by the village board.  This committee has met every evening at the town hall on Fifth avenue, enrolling about eighty residents.  The committee desires a hundred and asks through the Argus that all who have not enrolled to do so this evening when the committee will hold their last enrollment meeting at the town hall."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . League Needs Men, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 14, 1917, p. 9, col. 1.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 

150 In Defense League.

The Home Defense League of North Pelham has an enrollment of about 150 members and the executive committee in charge of the work is pleased with the response of the villagers.  About seventy residents appeared at the town hall where the committee held its last enrollment meeting Saturday evening and signed their application for membership."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 150 In Defense League, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 17 1917, p. 9, col. 4.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----
Defense League to Drill.

The first meeting and drill of the North Pelham Defense league will be held Thursday evening at Firemen's hall.  Captain Baker, of the United States Army, a resident of Pelhamwood, will talk to the members on their duties.  This instruction is essential to the men as it will help greatly in the drills that follow.  After the talk Sergeant Heller, of Fort Slocum, will take charge of the men and put them through their first drills."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- Defense League to Drill, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 25, 1917, p. 11, col. 3.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 
Defense League Drills. 

About a hundred members of the Home Defense League met Thursday evening at the town hall where from 8 until 10:30 o'clock they were put through a series of drills by Sergeant Keller, U.S.A., of Fort Slocum.  The league will meet each Tuesday and Thursday evening at 8 o'clock at the town hall until further notice.  The executive committee announced that all members should appear at the town hall on the evenings mentioned whether notified or not as the cost of preparing notices can in that way be eliminated.  Those who have not already become members may do so by applying to the executive committee."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . Defense League Drills, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 28, 1917, p. 13, col. 3.

"NORTH PELHAM. . . 

Local Notes. . .

The Home Defense league has changed the drill night from Thursday to Friday owing to the Redmen meeting being held on that evening.  The meetings and drills are now held on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 8 o'clock sharp at the town hall.  The drills are under the direction of Sergeant Heller, of Fort Slocum."

Source:  North Pelham -- Local Notes, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 8, 1917, No. 8362, p. 7, cols. 1-2.   

"NORTH PELHAM. . . 

Attend Dance Tonight.

The Home Defense League of this village asks everyone to help them buy their equipment.  To do this all they have to do is to attend the dance at the Firemen's hall this evening and help make it a success."

Source:  NORTH PELHAM -- Attend Dance, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 16, 1917, No. 8395, p. 5, col. 4.

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Below is a list of previous Historic Pelham articles that touch on Pelham history during World War I.  Each is followed by a citation to its source.  

Fri., Feb. 03, 2017:  Barbara Allen Vagliano of Pelham Manor, Among the First American Women Recipients of the French Croix de Guerre During World War I.

Wed., Jan. 25, 2017:  Sixteen-Year-Old Pelhamite Nicknamed "The Kid" Received the French Croix de Guerre for Bravery Twice. 

Mon., Jan. 02, 2017:  Pelham Marches Into World War I in 1917.  

Mon., Nov. 14, 2016:  James Montgomery Flagg, Who Created the Iconic "I Want You" Uncle Sam, Was Born in Pelham.

Mon., May 30, 2016:  The Cannon That Roared: Pelham Sacrifices a Memorial for the Nation’s Sake.

Wed., Sep. 16, 2015:  Early History of The Pelham Comfort Society.

Fri., Jul. 17, 2015:  1918 Foreclosure Sale of 100 Lots On Bolton Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue in Pelham Manor.   
Wed., Jan. 03, 2007:  World War I Memorial Tree Plaques Honoring Pelham Citizens Who Died in World War I.  

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Air Attack in Pelham During World War II

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It was during the early months of World War II.  Pelham, like all Westchester communities near Long Island Sound, was on high alert.  The Pelham War Council had worked for hundreds of hours to prepare Pelham for the unthinkable.

The unthinkable was on everyone's mind during the evening of Thursday, November 12, 1942.  An enemy plane, flying low, passed over Prospect Hill and the school and residences below.  As it passed, the bomb bays opened and the plane dropped "high explosives and incendiary bombs" that resulted in a firestorm like none ever experienced by Pelham.  At exactly 9:06 p.m. Post Warden Charles H. Shedden notified the Pelham War Council control center of the devastating attack.  

Prospect Hill elementary school was in flames.  Eighty homes on Clay Avenue and Hudson Street were destroyed.  Thirty-two were injured.  Fire and police departments, rescue squads, ambulances and doctors, and demolition squads rushed to the scene.  The resulting fire was so overwhelming that Pelham Manor firefighters had to seek the assistance of North Pelham firemen.  The entire Prospect Hill area was evacuated and shelter was provided for most local residents.   

The unthinkable that had happened that night was deemed a total success.  As the newspaper headline screamed the next day:  "Pelham Had Synthetic Air Attack Last Night."

Pelham residents were spending countless hours in 1942 supporting the war effort and preparing for the unthinkable including attacks by air or by sea by an enemy and its allies that already had devastated the Pacific Fleet during the dastardly attack on Pearl Harbor.  For weeks, the Pelham War Council and the Office of Civilian Protection had been preparing for a "Synthetic" (i.e., simulated) air attack on Pelham.    

During World War II, Every Resident of the Town

of Pelham Was Expected to Do Their Part in Support

of the War Effort.  This Beauty Salon Advertisement

Promised to Give a Free Finger Wave and Shampoo

Treatment to Every Woman who Made a $50

Cash Purchase of a War Bond.

Source:  Buy Bonds [Advertisement], The Pelham Sun,

Nov. 6, 1942, Vol. 32, No. 31, p. 5, cols. 1-2.

NOTE:  Click On Image to Enlarge.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a pair of articles from The Pelham Sun discussing the simulated air attack and discussing the planning process for the simulated air attack.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"32 'Casualties' When Pelham Had Synthetic Air Attack Last Night
-----

'Thirty-two persons were injured, many of them seriously, last night when an enemy plane, flying low, dropped high explosives and incendiary bombs on Prospect Hill School and adjacent homes in Pelham Manor, necessitating the evacuation from their [sic] homes of many residents who sought shelter from the spreading fire which gained such headway that Pelham Manor firemen were required to call the North Pelham fire department for assistance.'

Such might have been the lead of this story had the incident staged last night by the War Council and the Office of Civilian Protection been a real one.

Planned by Deputy County Director Kenneth R. Kelly, it was witnessed by an inspection party headed by Herbert C. Gerlach, chairman Westchester County War Council; T. E. Hardenburgh, chairman of Westchester County Chapter of the Red Cross; Manuel Whittemore, chairman Westchester County War Council; members of the Pelham War Council, including Thomas B. Fenlon, supervisor of the Town of Pelham; Mayor Lester W. Du Bois of Pelham Manor; Mayor Roy H. Passmore of Pelham Heights; Mayor Dominic Amato of North Pelham; Mr. Geo. W. Hinckley, secretary, treasurer of the War Council; Harry D. Wright, chief air raid warden; Kenneth R. Kelly, chairman of Civilian Protection of the Pelhams; Captain Rossiter Holbrook, Westchestter County Deputy Director of Civilian Protection; Mrs. William L. Bradley, chairman of Community Service; Mrs. Victor W. Henningsen, chairman of the Division of Education and Consumers' Education; August Seltz, pres. of the county Village Officials Assn.; Dr. Erich Restin, chief of the county Emergency Medical Unit; Mrs. Francis Hargraves and Mrs. Herbert Gerlach of the District Warning Center in White Plains; Mrs. James Henie chief of the county salvage committee; Miss Janet Swayne, vice-chairman of the county Civilian Mobilization; Father Mahoney and Father Taggard.

The inspection party arrived at Prospect Hill School at 9:05 o'clock.  Captain Holbrook got in contact at 9:06 with Zone Warden Hoyle Wright, in charge of the incident and evacuation, who gave the signal and the incident was underway.

'Explosives' Dropped

Post warden Charles H. Shedden at 9:06 notified the Control Center of 'high explosive' and 'incendiary bombs' dropped on Prospect Hill School and vicinity.  Fire and police departments, rescue squads, ambulances and doctors, and demolition squads rushed to the scene.  

The demolition squad, supervised by Mr. Charles M. Chenery and acting heads Julius Dworschak, Edward Rich and Anthony Smith, roped off the area.  At 9:12 the Pelham Manor Fire Department, with Chief John J. Brennan came up Washington avenue and swung into position near the building.  Hoses were connected at 9:14 and 50 foot extension ladders were erected.  At 9:17 North Pelham apparatus led by Chief Irving J. Wallach, arrived at the Clay avenue side of the school.  The 'fire' was attacked, men jumped from windows of the building into nets held by regular and auxiliary firemen, and several casualties were lowered to 'safety' by life belts.  

After the fire was extinguished, rescue squads, under Captains Albert Dann, Fred Wirth and Geo. Hopkins entered the building.  

Four ambulances under the supervision of Lieut. Lenox Hawe, Lieut. Evelyn Baldwin, Lieut. Pat La wand, Capt. Francis Haag, and two Red Cross ambulances sent especially from White Plains, arrived at 9:19 on Plymouth street.

At 9:30 Doctors Nelson Cornell and Ken G. Hancher supervised the removal of 32 casualties, impersonated by Courier Group, headed by Mr. Eugene Baker and Captain Coogan, to casualty stations.

Evacuating the Area

The fire extinguished and the casualties removed, Zone Warden G. Hoyle Wright supervised the evacuation of the 80 theoretically destroyed homes, facing upon Clay avenue and Hudson street.  He was assisted by Sector Wardens Murray Parks and Harry C. Rubicam, Jr., and post wardens of Sectors D. and F.  The evacuees were removed in 20 cars of the Pelham Transportation Corps, supervised by chairman of the Traffic and Communications group, Mr. Martin J. Alger and chief of the Transportation Corps, Mr. J. Edgar Morris.  At the shelters which were in charge of Mrs. Charles Chenery the evacuees were registered by Mrs. P. I. Prentice's Registration Group, fed by Mrs. Charles Con-

(Continued on Page 4)

32 'Casualties' In Synthetic Air Raid Last Night
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

nor's Canteen Group, and those who were scantily clad were given adequate clothing by the Disaster Group headed by Mrs. Dana Grant.  At the shelters photogenic evacuees were photographed by amateur and professional photographers under the direction of D. Carey Borden and the Newton Ring which had arranged for some of the nation's outstanding photographers to light and pose the subjects.  Chief animal warden Edward A. Scott, Jr., and his corps were on hand to care for animals brought to the shelter.  Children were cared for by Mrs. Harry Apfel, chairman of Child Care.

Much of the responsibility for the successfull movement of the many motor vehicles, and the handling of spectators who came to witness the operations, fell upon the post wardens of Sectors D. and F.  One warden was detailed to keep space open for the rescue squads to work, three were stationed along Plymouth street to keep ambulances close to the curb.  One warden was stationed at Plymouth and Hudson to direct ambulances into the loading center, several patrolled the roped-off section to keep the curious back, six were assigned to assist evacuee cars parked on Oak lane.  Others maintained messenger service between Post Warden H. Galloway's home on Hudson street and Zone Warden Wright.

Visited Control Center

The official inspection party afterward visited the Red Cross Shelters; the Control Center, which was fully manned and which is supervised by Chief James Whalen and Mrs. Dewar Cross; the Casualty Stations which were fully manned by registered nurses and nurse's aides, supervised by Mrs. Nelson Cornell and Mrs. John Almy, respectively; the St. Catherine's Church shelter under the direction of Mrs. William Goeltz; the Salvage Depot, where Mr. Francis Lawton, Jr., chairman of the Salvage Committee and Mr. Frank Williams, supervisor of the Salvage Depot, reported on the salvage record of the Pelhams; the Volunteer Office, where they met Mrs. Randall Fulton, chairman of Civilian Mobilization, and Mr. J. Lloyd Handy, head of Personal Identification; and the Red Cross Headquarters, newly situated on Fifth avenue in North Pelham.

Fire Department Co-operation

Mr. Kelly expressed himself as particularly pleased with the co-operation of the two fire chiefs, Irving J. Wallach and John J. Brennan and of Chief James McCaffrey of Pellham Manor police, Chief James Whalen of North Pelham, and acting-Chief Ellsworth Totten of Pelham Heights.  He praised the work of the post wardens who were on their posts and expedited the movement of vehicles and pedestrians and assisted the Transportation Corps in removing the evacuees.

Canteen Unit Served Dinner

Prior to the incident, Mr. Kelly entertained at a dinner served for him by the Red Cross Canteen Unit of Christ Church, to the members of the officiaal inspection party and a number of out-of-town guests.

Test of Initiative

Mr. Kelly in his greeting to his guests announced the general nature of the incident and explained that it had not been worked out to any great detail because of his desire to test the initiative of the wardens and other personnel engaged in the incident.  He spoke briefly of the friendly feeling that exists in Pelham between the Red Cross and the Offie of Civilian Protection and expressed his appreciation of the little-publicized but valuable work of the members of the Pelham War Council.  In conclusion he thanked the members of the Canteen Unit of Christ Church for the dinner they served to the official inspection party.

Mr. Kelly introduced Captain Holbrook who spoke briefly before leaving to address the Westchester County Village Officials' Association on the spirit of co-operation which he observed and knew about in Pelham.  He mentioned how his predecessor, Col. Devereaux, and he have always felt that there was nothing for them to do in Pelham, that 'the situation was well in hand' and that Pelham was 'functioning well up in front in the parade of the Red Cross and Civilian Protection work.'  Complimenting Mr. Kelly on the work of the Pelham Office of Civilian Protection, he said that Mr. Kelly keeps in close touch with him in the county office but that he, Captain Holbrook, had often called Mr. Kelly for advice because Mr. Kelly is 'the man on the front.'  He spoke of Mr. Kelly's 'care and precision' in organizing and in keeping the Office of Civilian Protection in Pelham running smoothly.

Mr. Arthur Procter, head of the Shelter Service of the Pelham Red Cross, spoke of the efficient work of the women of the Canteen Service and of their suggestion that Mr. Kelly, who had planned on entertaining the inspection party at dinner avail himself of the services of the Canteen Unit whose duty, among others, is serving the service men.

In conclusion, Mr. Procter paid tribute in the splendid work done by Mrs. James F. Longley, chairman of the [illegible]." 

Source:  32 "Casualties" When Pelham Had Synthetic Air Attack Last Night, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 13, 1942, Vol. 32,  No. 32, p. 1, cols. 1-2 & p. 4, col. 3.  

"Will Evacuate Entire Area In Rehearsal of Civilian Protection Unit
-----

Kenneth R. Kelly, deputy county director of civilian protection and chairman of the Pelham War Council, today announced plans for Pelham's largest town-wide mobilization of all civilian protection and War Council units next Thursday evening, November 12.

The various co-operating defense agencies will be inspected by Captain Rossiter Holbrook, deputy director of civilian protection for Westchester County; Mr. Manvel Whittemore, chairman of the Westchester County War Council; Mr. Herbert Gerlach, county executive; Mr. Thomas Hardenberg, Westchester County Chairman of the American Red Cross; Doctor Erich Restin, county medical head, and members of the Westchester County Village Officials Association.

The incident will be held at about 9:00 p.m., following a meeting of the Westchester County village officials, who are meeting in Pelham on that date.  All civilian protection units from the three villages will be called to the scene of the incident, and the office of the war council and the identification bureau, as well as the three Red Cross shelters, will be open for inspection by the officials.

In addition to the usual incidents customarily associated with a hypothetical bombing, an evacuation of residents from the 'endangered' territory will be effected.

The 'evacuees' will be removed from the scene of the incident to the Red Cross shelters in Huguenot Church, Christ Church and St. Catherine's Church.  At each of the shelters, nationally-known photographers will be present to light and pose the 'evacuees' and the shelter personnel for amateurs who wish to photograph them for entering pictures in the American Red Cross national photo awards contest.

No Blackout

There will be no blackout.  At a signal to be given after 8:30 p.m., the incidents will start.  An area of a number of blocks adjacent to Prospect Hill School on Clay avenue and the school itself will be theoretically bombed.  This will require a first and a second alarm.  The firemen will extinguish flames and will perform rescue work with ladders and nets.

Evacuation of the residents of the area will take place by cars of the Pelham Transportation Corps, under the direction of Mr. Martin Alger and Mr. J. Edgar Morris.  The entire movement of evacuation

(Continued on Page 5)

WILL EVACUATE ENTIRE AREA IN REHEARSAL
-----
(Continued from Page One)

will be under the control of Zone Warden G. Hoyle Wright.  Casualties will be transported by the medical unit and Motor Corps ambulances.

Each of the shelters will be divided into two parts.  In one part the 'evacuees' will be cared for by the personnel of the American Red Cross, in the second part the nationally-known photographers, brought to Pelham through the invitation of Mr. D. Carey Borden and the Newton Ring, including Helene Saunders; J. Ghislain Lootena, Lejaren Hiller, John Hutchins, Victor Keppler and Valentine Sarra, will pose and light the various subjects for amateur photographers.

Photographers Must be Identified

All persons wishing to take photographs will be admitted to the shelters after securing a photographer's identification card which will be obtainable at the police booth at the corner of Boston Post road and Pelhamdale avenue.  This card, which is to be attached to the hat, will permit passage through the police lines and into the area where the pictures will be taken.  Members of the regular and auxiliary police forces will be on hand to police the crowds.

Lighting equipment has been arranged for by the members of the Newton Ring and will be supplied by photographic dealers of New York.  The apparatus will be transported by the Red Cross Motor Corps.  The Newton Ring has invited the artists who will pose the incidents and John Rowan, president of the Photographic Society of America; Louis C. Boochever, chairman of the National Photo Awards Contest; Mabel Schachere, photographic editor of the New York World Telegram; Joseph Deschin, photo editor of the New York Times, and Norris Harkness, photo editor of the New York Sun, together with officers from other Westchester County Camera Clubs, to dinner at the Pelham Country Club.  

All pictures taken by amateurs at the shelters may be entered in the Red Cross contest and may be finished professionally.

In arranging the photography, the chairmen of all the various volunteer services have met with the committee and are cooperating in perfecting the arrangements.

County Executive Gerlach to Inspect

The official inspection party, headed by Captain Holbrook and Mr. Gerlach, will witness the incident at Prospect Hill and then will inspect the Red Cross Shelters, the casualty stations, the control center, the salvage depot, the volunteer office and the fingerprint bureau, and will end up in the new Red Cross headquarters on Fifth avenue, North Pelham.

All Fire-Fighting Unites in Action

The heaviest concentration of fire-fighting equipment, under the supervision of Chief John J. Brennan and Chief Irving J. Wallach, will be called for to handle the incident.

The rescue squads of the three villages, under the direction of Captain Fred Wirth will co-operate with the medical ambulances in removing the casualties.  Dr. Nelson Cornell and Dr. Ken G. Hancher, respective heads of Pelham Memorial High School and Hutchinson casualty stations, will have their casualty stations fully manned while the Red Cross Canteen unit and shelter group, under the supervision of Mrs. Clarence Connor and Mrs. Charles Chenery, respectively, will provide for the comfort of the evacuees.  Mrs. P. I. Prentice, chairman of the registration group, will provide for the registration and identification of all evacuees.

Animal Wardens Act

Animal wardens, under the leadership of Chief Animal Warden Ted Scott, will provide a safe place for animals which may be brought to the shelters.

Chief Air Warden Harry D. Wright has called for a mobilization of wardens only for the section immediately surrounding the scene of the incident.

The mobilization, in addition to demonstrating the effectiveness of the local civilian defense organizations, will show to the officials what an efficient school of adult education the local defense organization has established."

Source:  Will Evacuate Entire Area In Rehearsal of Civilian Protection Unit, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 6, 1942, Vol. 32, No. 31, p. 1, cols. 1-2 & p. 5, cols. 5-8.

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Pelham Goes To War: Pelham's Reaction to the Attack on Pearl Harbor, "A Date Which Will Live In Infamy"

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By the evening of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the shocking news that a dastardly sneak attack had decimated the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii earlier in the day circulated throughout Pelham.  Anger and patriotic fervor blossomed in the breast of every citizen in the Town.  Everyone knew that a declaration of War against Japan was imminent and that the nation was about to enter another World War.  

Events in Pelham during the days immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor proceeded at a fast and furious pace.  The evening of December 7, as many residents were first learning of the attack, Pelham Police were identifying Japanese Nationals who resided in Pelham.  When they learned that one of those residents was making an effort to depart the country, they alerted authorities.  By midnight, the FBI picked up that resident and took him to Ellis Island where other Japanese Nationals were being held.  Other Japanese Nationals living in Pelham were instructed to remain in their homes.

The next day, President Roosevelt delivered his famous "A Date Which Will Live In Infamy" speech.  The residents of Pelham were glued to their radios to hear the address.  Barely an hour later, the United States Congress declared war against Japan.

On Tuesday, December 9, air raid jitters gripped the New York metropolitan area and shook Pelham to its core.  Some newspapers issued "Extra" editions claiming that enemy aircraft were approaching New York.  The fear in Pelham was so overwhelming that Pelham schools declared an emergency and emptied as students rushed home to their families.  Air raid wardens were activated for the first time, although the "all clear" was sounded before the Wardens had to take any significant actions. 

On Wednesday, December 10, some worried Pelham families began to receive news they had awaited since Sunday.  There were Pelhamites at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. The first word was received directly from one of several Pelhamites who were present at Pearl Harbor during the attack when Lieutenant Commander Guy P. Garland of the U.S. Navy sent a cable to his mother, Mrs. Thomas L. Byrne of the Pelham-Biltmore that he, his wife and nine-month-old baby were unharmed. 

Like other communities, Pelham already had been preparing for war for many months.   For example, in anticipation of War, the Town of Pelham previously had created a Defense Council to coordinate efforts to defend the Town as necessary.  In fact, the Defense Council already was in the process of opening a local "Defense Headquarters" at 35 Fifth Avenue across the street from Town Hall from which emergency efforts would be directed if necessary.  (The first meeting of the Defense Council in its new headquarters building was held on Tuesday, December 9.)

In the days immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Town of Pelham put its defense efforts into overdrive.  By the end of the week, many, many steps had been undertaken to prepare Pelham for the onset of war.  

The Town was divided into four zones.  Officials designated Air Raid Zone Wardens for each zone.  The Town also published an appeal for volunteers willing to serve as Air Raid Wardens, asking interested persons to submit their names to their local Zone Warden.  Local Air Raid Zone Wardens, in turn, designated Sector Air Raid Wardens who were assigned to various sectors within each Zone.  Air raid drills were held in local schools to begin to work out the tactics for moving large numbers of young people to safety.  

The chairman of the local Health Committee, Walter Brundage, established and equipped three first aid stations at the Pelham Manor Fire Department, the Pelham Heights Police Station, and the Village of North Pelham Fire Department building.  

Authorities published instructions in the local paper on what to do when a "blackout" is called.  They also published instructions regarding the use of the local fire department whistles as air raid sirens and the steps to be taken in case of an air raid alarm.

Officials also appointed a new head of the auxiliary fire fighting units to co-operate with the fire chiefs in expanding forces to fight emergency fires.  Pelham volunteers readied Red Cross and Defense Council ambulance units for emergency service.  The Pelham Branch of the American Red Cross issued a "Mobilization Call" seeking volunteers and funds, hoping to raise $14,000. 

Worried Pelham officials instructed residents to keep fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment readily available. Sand also was stockpiled and stored in public spaces for firefighting purposes.  The Town Defense Council created a Civilian Defense Volunteer Office to receive applications for enrollment in associated civil defense training courses.   

As one would expect, the lead story in the first issue of The Pelham Sun published after the dastardly attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii addressed the attack and the Town's efforts to prepare for war.  The article is transcribed below, followed by a host of additional articles from the same issue of the newspaper published on December 12, 1941 -- five days after the date which will, forever, live in infamy.

*          *          *          *

I have written before of Pelham's reaction to what its local paper described as "murderous attack without warning upon United States naval forces in Hawaii," including transcribing one of the many articles transcribed below.  See  Fri., Aug. 26, 2005:  Pelham's Reaction to the "Date Which Will Live in Infamy": December 7, 1941.  Below are transcriptions of a host of newspaper articles that appeared in The Pelham Sun in its first issue after the attack.

The USS Arizona Burning After the Japanese Attack on Pearl

Harbor on December 7, 1941.  Source:  Wikimedia Commons.

"WAR DECLARATION FINDS TOWN READY FOR DEFENSE SERVICE
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Registration For Defense Activities Rises Rapidly
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Reassuring Reports Received From Pelham Men At Pearl Harbor Naval Base; Citizens Will Be Informed Of Service That They Can Render In Civilian Defense; Pelham Girds for War.
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The news of the passing week is historic.  On Sunday a murderous attack without warning upon United States naval forces in Hawaii.  On Monday news of our losses of ships and men and the loss of two major British ships in the fighting with Japan.  On Tuesday an air raid alarm which caused some newspapers to issue extras declaring that enemy planes were approaching New York, caused Pelham schools to be emptied in emergency fashion.  On Thursday Italy and Germany both declared war upon the United States.

In common with the rest of the United States the news of Sunday's treacherous attack aroused both national anger and national patriotic fervor.  Registrations in all classes of local defense units rose rapidly.  On Tuesday night the defense council met and reviewed the plans made for defensive measures.  Auxiliary police forces reported by Robert Shaw as ready.  The force of wardens under Harry D. Wright is perfecting its final steps.  Kenneth R. Kelly was appointed head of the auxiliary fire fighting units to co-operate with the fire chiefs in expanding forces.  Pamphlets and bulletins of information will be issued instructing citizens what to do in event of air raids.

Red Cross and defense council ambulance units are ready for service.  Residents have been advised to keep fire extinguishing utensils handy.  Loads of sand will be delivered to public places where it may be obtained.  Anxious parents with sons in the armed forces in Hawaii hearing casualties were heavy sought information.  Up to the present no Pelham casualties have been reported.

Cable Received from Lieut. Garland at Pearl Harbor

The first word received from a Pelhamite in the Pacific war zone was received here by cable on Wednesday.  Lieut. Commander Guy P. Garland, U.S.N. sent word to his mother, Mrs. Thomas L. Byrne of Pelham-Biltmore that he, his wife and nine-months-old baby were unharmed.  Commander Garland is stationed at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  He was a member of the Class of 1929 at the United States Naval Academy and was recently promoted to Lieut. Commander.

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WAR DECLARATION FINDS PELHAMITES READY FOR SERVICE
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'Don't Worry', Cablegram From Wife of Lieut. Harris

'Don't worry,' was the text of a cablegram received on Wednesday from the wife of Lieut. David Harris, U.S.N., stationed at Honolulu.  The cablegram was received by Mrs. Galen M. Harris of No. 420 Fowler avenue, Pelham Manor, mother of Lieut. Harris.

Lieut. David Harris is stationed aboard the U.S.S. Destroyer Flusser, at Pearl Harbor. His wife and child are living at Pearl Harbor. Lieut. Harris was graduated from the Naval Academy, Annapolis in 1938. 

 Ensign Warren Flynn, son of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Flynn of Wynnewood Road, is stationed aboard the Battleship Maryland at Pearl Harbor. Ensign Flynn had been aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma now reported sunk, but was transferred to his present ship on Oct. 20. Ensign Flynn received his commission in June. In a letter recently received by his mother, Ensign Flynn told of having dinner at Honolulu with Lieut. and Mrs. Harris.  

Mr. and Mrs. Purnell Jr., Safe in Hawaii  

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Balet of Pelham Heights received word by cable yesterday "All is well," from their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Purnell jr., of Honolulu.  Mrs. Purnell jr., the former Miss Marie V. Balet was married in Honolulu on Oct. 8 last. Her husband is the son of Captain and Mrs. William R. Purnell of Honolulu. Capt. Purnell is with the Asiatic Fleet.  

Three Enlisted Men Stationed in Hawaii  

Sergt. H. Richard Spurway is attached to Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 97th Coast Artillery, Fort Weaver, Honolulu. His mother, Mrs. Hubert V. Spurway, of No. 174 Sparks avenue, Pelham Heights, received a letter from him last week.  

Pvt. Roy Sainburg is attached to Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 97th Coast Artillery, Anti-Aircraft, Fort Weaver, Honolulu. His family received a letter from him on Monday.  

Pvt. Harry Resner, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Resner of No. 580 Sixth avenue is another Pelhamite who has been stationed on Hawaii. Resner, who volunteered in the U.S. Army more than a year ago is a member of Co. C. Ninth Inf. at Schofield Barracks.  

Sergt. Paul Farrell Enroute to Manila  

No word has been received from Sergt. Paul Farrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Farrell of No. 121 Fifth avenue, who sailed for Manila from California on Dec. 3. Sergt. Farrell, who was drafted on May 28, recently visited with his parents before returning to Fort Ord, Calif., from which post he was to be transferred to Manilla. On his arrival at Fort Ord last week he notified his parents that they would not hear from him until he had reached a permanent post in the Philippines.  

In order to relieve anxiety of friends, readers of The Pelham Sun are urged to notify this newspaper whenever they receive information relative to Pelhamites or other members of their families in the War Zone.  

If New Rochelle or Mount Vernon stage test blackouts, the Pelhams will participate in the program, village officials have signified. "It will be good practise for us to black out at the same time that our neighboring communities do so," said Mayor Dominic Amato of North Pelham. "I think that whenever New York City stages a blackout, all of Westchester should participate, also. 

Pelham's first actual war defense call was received here at 1.45 p.m. on Tuesday when the police departments were notified to summon all Air Raid Wardens to be prepared for duty. Chief Warden Harry D. Wright was notified, but the "all clear" notice came before any action was taken.  Pelham school children were dismissed from schools at 2.30 o'clock.  

It was announced that the "alert" was a precautionary test rehearsal.  The Board of Education last night authorized Supt. of Schools, Joseph C. Brown, to purchase metal buckets for sand and a supply of flashlights for possible emergency use in the local schools. The buckets and flashlights will be stored at strategic points in the school buildings. 

The Pelhamwood Association at the meeting held last night in the Town Hall pledged all possible co-operation with local school officials in completing and carrying out emergency plans and drills in the schools.  

The first meeting which the Town of Pelham Defense Council has held in its new headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, took place Tuesday evening, with a large attendance and lively interest. Mayor Dominic Amato, of North Pelham, and Mayor Lester W. Du Bois, of Pelham Manor, with members of the staffs of the three village governments, were present and took part in some of the discussions. Supervisor-elect, Thos. B. Fenlon was present as an interested spectator at this stage.  

On the invitation of President William L. Chenery of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Joseph C. Brown met with the Council to discuss plans for adequate systems for giving community warnings in the event of bonafide air raid alarms or other emergencies. He and President Chenery discussed the events of the day, and the confusion which had resulted from messages sent out by New York City police and other public authorities, by radio.  

Mayors Amato and Du Bois referred to the County Defense Council's "report center" and the messages received on the teletypes of the local police departments.  

At the suggestion of Chairman Ransom of the Defense Council, a committee of three, with former to act, was authorized to confer with the Mayors of the three villages, designate an official "report center" for the town, and establish a suitable system of warnings by sirens, as well as communication with the public schools and the Chief Warden. Chairman Ransom named as such Committee from the Council, Messrs. Clarence L. Law, William L. Chenery and Robert H. Shaw, who went into conference with the Village Mayors.  

Chief Warden Harry D. Wright reported the selection of Zone and Sector Wardens and many of the post Wardens, but regretted the unwillingness of many citizens to give the time necessary to take the training and do the work. "I have had a hard job finding the right men and women for these important places," he said, "particularly in finding people who are in Pelham by day and are able and willing to give the time necessary for training as Wardens." He asked that all citizens be urged to respond to requests that they serve their community as Wardens.  

The completion of the training of the first class of Police reserves and Auxiliaries was reported by Chairman Robert H. Shaw in charge of that division. About 45 will receive their certificates on Dec. 15th, but may continue in training, so as to be fit and available when needed. A new class will be started soon.  

Dr. Walter H. Brundage, chairman of the Health Committee, reported the establishment and equipment [sic] of three first aid stations, at the Fire Department in Pelham Manor, the Police Station in Pelham Heights, and the Fire District building in North Pelham. He discussed other phases of the plans for the medical handling of emergencies if they arise.  

On the certification of the Westchester County Medical Association, Dr. Brundage was elected Chief of the Emergency Medical Service, under the Town Defense Council.  

Kenneth R. Kelly was elected Chairman of the Council's Division B., for the training of firefighting auxiliaries and reserves, in place of George R. Martin, resigned. Harold W. Garton and Clements Boyer will be Vice Chairmen. Training classes for these auxiliaries will be conducted Friday evening, Dec. 19, by Fire Chiefs John J. Brennan and James T. Bollettieri as instructors, at the fire houses in Pelham Manor and North Pelham. Enrollment of those willing to serve is invited, particularly those with some fire department experience.  

Martin J. Alger, vice-chairman, was elected Chairman of Division D., on Transportation and Communications, in the place of Alfred Coates, resigned. The Council adjourned to listen to President Roosevelt's address to the Nation. Announcements of other plans and emergency provisions by the Town Defense Council in cooperation with the village authorities will be found elsewhere in this issue.  Colonel Frederick L. Devereux chairman of the Westchester County Defense Council, has warned against undue excitement and hysteria resulting from radio reports or rumors of impending air attacks.  

He stated that the Westchester County Defense Council had its Control Room in operation and would receive directly from the Army Information Center appropriate warnings. In the event of impending air attack, the Defense Council will notify each community in the county. All necessary instructions for the guidance of the public will be issued by local municipal authorities.  

It is necessary that telephone lines be kept open for official business and that no unnecessary telephone calls be made to police departments, municipal offices or defense councils. 

It is imperative that the civilian population continue to go about its business as usual and refrain from excitement."  

Source: War Declaration Finds Town Ready For Defense Service, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 5-8 & p. 4, cols. 1-4.

"Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman-----

Pelham police lost no time in checking up on Japanese nationals when it became known that Japan had attacked U.S. Pacific territory.  Early on Sunday evening the police had ascertained that there were only three Japanese families residing in the town, all of them in Pelham Manor.  From one of those individuals the Pelham Manor police gained information that J. Tomohiko Midzuno, of No. 472 Manor Lane, was making plans to return to Japan.  Chief James McCaffrey immediately notified the sheriff's office, and shortly after midnight, two Federal Bureau of Investigation men came to Pelham to pick him up.  In company with Lieut. Lawrence Fowler and Sergt. Charles P. Barmley the F.B.I. men took Midzuno into custody at his home, and took him to Ellis Island.

Midzuno, who is listed as general manager of the New York office of the importing firm of Morimura Bros., is said to be associated with the Japanese Consulate in New York City.

In accordance with the orders issued by Governor Herbert Lehman, the police have advised the members of the Japanese families to remain in their homes."

Source:  Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 7-8.  

"TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN
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Harry D. Wright is Chief Warden; Plan is Outlined for information of Pelhamites.
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An Air Raid Warden System is now in course of organization in the Town of Pelham.  The local Defense Council has appointed Harry D. Wright of No. 640 Esplanade as Chief Warden.  The town has been divided into zones as follows:

Zone 1.  Village of North Pelham.  Zone Warden, Edward B. Harder, No. 401 Third avenue.

Zone 2.  Village of Pelham; Zone Warden, Ralph Neumuller, No. 219 Boulevard. 

Zone 3.  Village of Pelham Manor, north of Boston Post Road; Zone Warden, Clifford T. Weihman, No. 410 Monterey avenue.

Zone 4.  Village of Pelham Manor, south of the Boston Post Road; Zone Warden, G. Hoyle Wright, No. 1333 Manor Circle.

Each zone has been divided into a number of sectors which in turn are subdivided into Warden Posts, all of which are under the supervision of a Post Warden.  The names and addresses of all Ward-

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TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN
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(Continued from Page 1)

ens will be published as soon as lists are completed.  It is important that the Wardens become acquainted as soon as possible with the persons residing on their posts.

Briefly the function of an Air Raid Warden is primarily to act as a liaison between the persons living on his post, and the constituted village authorities, and the town Defense Council.  In times of disaster or emergency it is the Warden's duty to immediately notify the local defense headquarters of any situation which may arise.

Headquarters will then immediately dispatch to the appointed place the necessary equipment to deal with the emergency, such as police, fire or health services.  When the duly constituted authorities arrive, the Warden's primary responsibility is at an end, but he will of course assist in any way as directed by the proper authorities.

The specific duties of a Warden are as follows:

1.  Notify proper authorities of the existence and probable extent of an emergency.  

2.  Warn people placed in jeopardy by the emergency.  

3.  Control the movement of people in his area.

4.  In the event of an air raid, protect against danger by cutting off gas, water and electric services where necessary.  

5.  Serve as liaison between the public and the services (principally the Police and Fire Departments) normally responsible for public safety and at all times cooperate with these services and with the Defense Council.

The Defense Council has planned training courses for all Wardens in order that they may become proficient in their duties.

The Warden service is of course voluntary and it is possible that one may be temporarily absent from his post at the precise time of an emergency, and therefore it would be advisable for anyone who is present at the scene of an emergency to immediately telephone the police or fire headquarters in their respective village.  

All those wishing to volunteer as Air Raid Wardens should send their names to the Zone Warden of their village area, or communicate with Defense Headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, in the Pelham Branch Bank building."

Source:  TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 2 & p. 8, cols. 3-4.  

"NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES
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Pending the completion and distribution of a detailed pamphlet to all householders, the Town of Pelham Defense Council has asked the Pelham Sun to give conspicuous place to the following information:

Official  warning of any air raid will be given on the Pelham Manor and North Pelham fire whistles.  The number and nature of the blasts, for a County-wide system of warnings will be decided at a conference of municipal authorities and Defense Council chairmen, in White Plains tonight and will be announced in special bulletins by the Pelham Sun.

The Control Room in White Plains is manned 24 hours a day, to receive air raid warnings from the Army Information Service.  Warnings received will be sent immediately to local police and Defense Council authorities by teletype.  If a warning is received in Pelham from White Plains, it will go first to the Pelham High School and then to Chief Warden Harry D. Wright.

We believe that arrangements have been made by Army, Navy, and Air forces since Tuesday, to eliminate false alarms through misunderstanding and to check against false information.

If an alarm comes, the things to do are:

Do not get panicky and do not permit anyone to cause confusion or fear.  Above all, be calm.

IN CASE OF AN ALARM

Get off the streets but don't run -- walk.

If within five minutes of home go there.  If at home stay there.  Home is the safest place.  Don't mingle with crowds.

If more than five minutes from home seek shelter in the  

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NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES
(Continued from page 1)

center portions of nearest building.  Avoid top and lower stories of buildings.  Stay away from windows and outside walls.  Avoid elevators.

Motorists should park cars and seek shelter.  Put out lights.  Avoid use of telephone.

IN CASE OF AN AIR RAID

Close windows tightly.  Pull down shades.

Shut off all gas ranges, heaters and furnaces.  Turn off gas and electric connections if you can.

Fill bathtub and buckets for use of firemen if main breaks.

Go to room with fewest windows and lie down.  Keep radio turned on.  Leave at least one window open.  

If incendiary bombs fall, spray water on them.  Never use splash or stream of water, as the bomb will explode.  Bomb will burn fifteen minutes if left alone, only two minutes if sprayed.  Don't use a chemical fire extinguisher on bombs.  

Co-operate with air-raid wardens and with regular and auxiliary police.  Obey instructions.  Do not get excited.  The dangerous thing in emergency is confusion; uncertainty; panic.

IN CASE OF SABOTAGE

Telephone immediately any events you see to your Village police station.  

Your Village and Town authorities, your Chief of Emergency Medical Service (Dr. Walter H. Brundage), your Air Raid Wardens (Harry D. Wright, Chief Warden), and your Town Defense Council, are continuously on the job, to do what may be needed in any emergency."

Source:  NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 2-3 & p. 8, cols. 3-4.  

"WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF 'BLACKOUT'
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In view of the fact that 'blackouts' may at any time be ordered by the Westchester County Defense Council or by the Town of Pelham Defense Council in cooperation with the authorities of the three villages, the following information to all residents of the Pelhams has been issued by the Town Defense Council at the request of the County Defense Council.  All residents of the Pelhams are asked to read, and to be ready to carry out their part in the following, during any called blackout or in the event of actual emergency because of air raids.

In the event of a blackout the Westchester Lighting Co. has arranged to at once extinguish all street and highway lighting.  

Owners of all public buildings, stores, apartment houses, illuminated signs, and occupants of private residences will be held responsible for blackout enforcement.  All window skylights and doors ought to be masked with dark blinds, curtains, shades or other means so that no light inside such premises can be visible from the outside.  Owners should view their houses, etc., from the outside to see how effective their blackout is.

Illuminated Signs or Advertising Billboards:

All illuminated advertisements and signs other than those installed specifically for air raid protection purposes will be prohibited during the blackout.  

For your information the most effective procedure is hereby given:

Inside Lights

All indoor lights should be restricted to the minimum necessary to carry on normal activities within the building; and steps should be taken, in the case of all homes and business premises, to mask all windows, doors, and skylights so no light is visible from outside.

Windows

Windows can be masked by opaque blinds or curtains which may consist of dark blue or green glazed cloth, or thick black or brown paper.  Blinds should overlap the whole window opening and should be mounted on rods secured in guides or by [illegible] that they will not be displaced by wind when the window is broken or open.  It is important that no light should show around the edges of the blinds.  This can be accomplished by painting the edges with dark paint about 1 inch around.

Where the light from a window may be dispensed with, the window may be made lightproof by closing it with a screen made of timber, tin plate, plywood, corrugated paper, etc. Althernatively, the glass may be coated with a dark opaque paint, provided that blankets or tarpaulins are kept in reserve as temporary covers to prevent exposure of light if the glass is broken.  

It is often impractical to arrange lightproof blinds for skylights and other horizontal glass surfaces.  In some cases, movable screens independently supported are a satisfactory means of preventing the escape of light through skylights.  In other cases, internally fixed tarpaulins or externally constructed  movable screens may solve the problem.  It is imperative that the escape of light through opened doors be prevented and a heavily internally hung curtain or blanking may be used or a vestibule with double doors so that one could always be closed.

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WHAT TO DO UNDER PLAN FOR BLACKOUT
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(Continued from Page 1)

Shading Indoor Lights

Since lightproof windows, skylights, and doors may be shattered by high explosive bombs, it is important that all indoor lights in homes and business premises be shaded so as to prevent direct light from being cast above the horizontal, and to confine it to the smallest area required to be lighted.  In addition, all lights should be connected to a single switch, so that they can be instantly extinguished in the event of damage causing exposure of lighting.

Road Vehicles

Restrictions will be imposed on all lights carried by road vehicles during the blackout.  Automobile headlights will only be allowed when heavily screened and dimmed so as to be invisible from the air.  This can be accomplished by the use of heavily screened hoods or masks which may be purchased.  For the immediate emergency automobile headlights should be painted black from the top halfway down the glass, causing the light to be thrown on the ground instead of up.  Interior lighting in public vehicles will be prohibited if it cannot be obscured for the duration of the blackout.  

Aids to Traffic Moements

Adequate means for aiding movement of vehicles will be required in all streets likely to carry considerable volume of traffic.

Such aids to traffic movement under blackout conditions comprise the following:  1.  Screened traffic signals; 2.  Warning and directional signs; 3.  Painting on street curbs, trees, posts and pavements; 4.  Lighting of obstruction.

Traffic signal lights are kept in operation but are masked by opaque paint, leaving an opening for the emission of light in the form of a Maltese cross, 3 in. long and 1/4 inch wide.

Traffic signs, such as 'One Way Only' and 'No Left Turn,' route numbers and advance direction signs are also kept in operation but they are screened from above and are so dimmed as to be legible under blackout conditions, at a distance of 100 ft. horizontally but are not noticeable a few hundred feet above the street.

White or luminous paint and dim, well-screened indicator lights are used to mark curbs, trees and posts that flank streets and roadways and also to indicate the line of the road, obstructions, and danger points.  

Obstructions on all streets and roadways, such as safety islands, trees, etc., must be indicated by dimmed and well-screened lights that are not noticeable a few hundred feet above the street.

Lighting restrictions and blackouts are an important feature of precautionary measures against air attack, and they are effective only to the extent that the public wholeheartedly cooperates with the authorities in following the regulations and the ARW and police are vigilant in seeing that violations of the regulations are promptly corrected.

FREDERICK L. DEVEREUX,
Chairman Westchester Defense Council"

Source:  WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF "BLACKOUT," The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 2-6 & p. 8, cols.  2-3.

"Teachers Accompany  Grade School Pupils Home When Raid Alarm Sounds
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Supt. of Schools Joseph C. Brown yesterday announced that air raid precautionary measures in the local schools had already been successfully tried out in two elementary schools.  More than 500 pupils and teachers in Colonial and Siwanoy Schools participated in drills yesterday.  

Teachers have been assigned to resident zones, and at noon yesterday the pupils in each of these zones were accompanied to their homes by these teacher supervisors.

The air raid plans provide that immediately on receipt of an air raid alarm, North Pelham Police Headquarters will notify the office of Supt. Brown.  The alarm will be sounded in the schools.  The grade school pupils will proceed to gather at designated points outside their school building.  The assigned teachers will join each group, quickly take attendance and accompany the children to their home areas on foot.

In Memorial High School pupils will first go to their locker rooms and then join their respective resident area groups at designated points outside of the school building.  They will proceed to their home areas in these groups.

The pupils of the Hutchinson and Prospect Hill Schools will have air raid drill during the next week.

Supt. Brown will send outlines of the school air raid precaution plans to parents within a few days.  

Plans for the evacuation of St. Catherine's [sic] Parochial School in North Pelham have been prepared which provide for supervised conveyance of children to their homes, by members of the school factulty and a volunteer committee of the Mother's Club.  Those who reside at a distance from the school will be transported in automobiles."

Source:  Teachers Accompany Grade School Pupils Home When Raid Alarm Sounds,
The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 5-6.

"REGISTER NOW FOR CIVILIAN DEFENSE WORK
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A Civilian Defense Volunteer Office for the receiving of applications for enrollment in any of the defense training courses (except police, fire and warden's courses) is being set up under the Town of Pelham Defense Council at its headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, North Pelham, next door to the Pelham Branch Bank opposite the Town Hall.

Residents of Pelham who wish to volunteer for defense or community service, or who wish to take any of the many training courses, being offered, may come to the headquarters for an interview on any day, Monday through Friday, after Tuesday, Dec. 16th.  The Volunteer Office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, on those days.  Person who cannot report for enrollment between those hours may call at headquarters evenings or at other hours when it is open, and may make a special appointment with one of the volunteer interviewers.  A personal interview is necessary before assignment to a class or placement for work can be made.  

Miss Janet Swayne, Director of Training and Placement, will be in charge of the volunteer group of interviewers under the general supervision of the Council's Committee on Welfare and Women's participation, of which Mrs. Victor W. Henningsen is chairman."

Source:  REGISTER NOW FOR CIVILIAN DEFENSE WORK, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 7. 


"RED CROSS MOBILIZES; APPEAL FOR SERVICE AND FUND OF $14,000
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UNIT RESPONDS TO WAR EMERGENCY CALL IN COUNTRY
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Mrs. R. Clifford Black and William L. Ransom are Honorary Chairmen for Campaign in Town.
-----

Mrs. James F. Longley, Chairman of the Pelham Branch of the American Red Cross has issued a 'Mobolization [sic] Call' as a result of the war emergency and the appeal of the President of the United States for support of the American Red Cross in its campaign to raise $50,000,000.

'We need both service and funds' said Mrs. Longley.  'On Monday night Norman Davis, president of the American Red Cross appealed to the people of the United States for $50,000,000 to finance the program of the Red Cross in its work in the new World War.  The quota for Westchester County [illegible].

'We in the Pelhams have been asked to raise $14,000.  I know that our answers will be 'Pelham will do its share, and now.''

Mrs. R. Clifford Black and William L Ransom have been appointed Honorary Chairmen for the Mobolization [sic] in the Pelhams.  The active head [illegible].  He has called a meeting of the Executive Committee at his home, No. 215 Loring avenue tomorrow.  A broad Citizens' Committee is being formed which already includes outstanding representatives of each of the three villages."

Source:  RED CROSS MOBILIZES; APPEAL FOR SERVICE AND FUND OF $14,000,
The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 1. 

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