Pelham's Grand Traditions of Celebrating the Fourth of July During the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

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"From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the
dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night

when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the
din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections
of actual warfare."

----- Newspaper Description of Noisy Fourth of

July Celebration in the Town of Pelham in 1927.

The little Town of Pelham has a longstanding grand tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in quintessentially-American ways.  Indeed, I have written on a number of occasions regarding grand Fourth of July celebrations in Pelham.  See, e.g.:

Wed., Jul. 04, 2018:  The Village of North Pelham's Grand Fourth of July Celebration in 1907.

Tue., Jul. 04, 2017:  Pelham's Fourth of July Celebration in 1877.

Mon., Jul. 04, 2016:  19th Century Fourth of July Celebrations in the Town of Pelham. 

Fri., Jul. 04, 2014:  A History of Grand "Small-Town" Fourth of July Celebrations in Pelham.

Fri., Aug. 21, 2009:  Pelhamville's Independence Day Celebration in 1894.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article continues a tradition of describing fascinating Fourth of July celebrations over the years in the Town of Pelham.  Below are descriptions of celebrations that range between 1878 and 1927.  At the close of today's article is the text of each newspaper article on which the descriptions below are based.  The text of each article is followed by a citation and link to its source.

Quaint Celebration in 1878

Today's Pelhamites certainly would recognize the Fourth of July celebration held in their little town by our predecessors 141 years ago in 1878.  In those days, most of Pelham's population lived on City Island, so the island was ablaze in celebration for much of the day.  

Of course, what would an All-American Fourth be without the National Pastime?  For a week prior to the holiday, City Island's two baseball teams had been preparing for a big baseball game.  The Clam Diggers was the weaker local team.  Yet, for nearly a week its members talked trash to the members of the rival Vails.  According to one account, the Clam Diggers told "the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them."  On the Fourth of July, however, the Vails crushed their trash-talking rivals 23 to 3.  Following the game, the vanquished Clam Diggers relented and told all who would listen that the game was the last they would play against the Vails.

Two local brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, paraded wagons of their wares.  According to one account, the horses and wagons "presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons."

The ladies of the local Methodist Episcopal Church of City Island had grand plans for the day intended to help fund construction of a new church building.  They announced the week before the holiday that they would host "a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage."  The event featured ice cream as well as dinner and refreshments, all in an effort to raise the $6,000 needed to fund and furnish their planned new church building.

As the day waned and darkness fell, financier William Belden hosted a grand fireworks display for all of Pelham on his grand estate on Belden Point at the tip of City Island.  The display cost $500 (roughly $19,000 in today's dollars).  As one would expect a "large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display" which was accompanied by the City Island Cornet Band.

Pelham Had to Ban Revolvers for the Fourth of July Celebration in 1909

During the 19th century and even well into the early 20th century, it was common for Pelhamites to carry revolvers.  On the Fourth of July each year, such revolvers were used as part of the celebration, particularly by young boys and men.  

By the early years of the 20th century, however, the Village of North Pelham had enacted local legislation that barred the carrying of revolvers or other such weapons in the village.  Nevertheless, in prior years young men and boys ignored the ban on the Fourth of July and fired revolvers into the air as part of the holiday celebration.  

By 1909, the leaders of the Village of North Pelham were fed up with the practice.  Two days before the holiday that year, the Trustees of the village announced that the village would enforce the ban and that "any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested."  The Trustees emphasized that they had "taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

1927 May Have Been the Worst of all Pelham Fourth of July Celebrations

By 1927, the availability of fireworks had become so widespread that the Fourth of July celebration seems to have spun out of control.  The holiday was unacceptably noisy due to local fireworks and one of the local fireworks stands set up in the town to sell explosives caught fire and burned.  The fire spread to, and completely destroyed, the adjacent De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue.  Other nearby stores were damaged by water and smoke.  

Pelhamites, of course, grew increasingly unhappy with the nature of the celebration.  

The Town of Pelham no longer followed a tradition of a grand Fourth of July parade in 1927.  The problem, according to the local newspaper, was that the week of the Fourth of July holiday was among the most popular vacation weeks of the year.  The Town reportedly was a shadow of itself during the week as many thousands of Pelhamites left for "vacation resorts."  

Lack of crowds, however, did not stop those left behind from celebrating.  Indeed, fireworks were easy to procure.  Local fireworks stands sprang up within the town and sold fireworks to virtually all comers.  The stands seem to have been located everywhere.  Ironically, there was one located directly across the street from the Pelham Fire Department.

Fireworks advertisements filled the local newspaper.  Stands such as Subitsky's Fireworks Stand (located opposite the Pelham Post Office on Fifth Avenue) carried a vast assortment of items including:  Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines, Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, and Red and Green Fire.  

Today, of course, on the evening of July 4th, many Pelhamites head to the grounds of the New York Athletic Club or to Shore Park next door to watch the NYAC fireworks set off from Travers Island.  

Newspaper Advertisement for Electrical Store Burned and Destroyed

When Fireworks Stand Outside the Store Ignited on July 4, 1927.

Source:  WE WERE BURNED OUT!, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927,

Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 1, cols. 6-7.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Text of Advertisement Transcribed Below to Facilitate Search.

Newspaper Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks at Fireworks

Stand Located, Ironically, Across the Street from the Pelham

Firehouse.  Source:  FIREWORKS! for the 4th, The Pelham

Sun, July 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 12, cols. 1-7 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge).  Text of Advertisement Transcribed

Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! for the 4th FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! GREAT BIG STOCK ALL READY FOR YOU TO SELECT FROM

You Get Your Fireworks For Less at Pelham Paint & Hardware Company

Firework Stand Opposite Fire Headquarters Fifth Avenue, Pelham

SAFE AND SANE

SAFE AND SANE"

Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks in Pelham Manor for

July 4, 1927.  Source:  FIREWORKS!, The Pelham Sun,

Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 10, cols. 4-5 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge).  Transcript of Text Appears

Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS!

BIG STOCK OF ALL KINDS OF FIREWORKS TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

Get Your Fireworks In Pelham Manor AT BURGESS B. FIELD SERVICE STATION
BOSTON ROAD and PELHAM PARKWAY
(Foot of Secor Hill, Boston Rd., Pelham Manor)"

1927 Newspaper Advertisement for Subitsky's Firework Stand

Opposite the Pelham Post Office.  Source:  Hooray July 4th,

The Pelham Sun, Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 16, col. 1

(NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge).  Transcript of Text

Appears Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"Hooray July 4th A GREAT BIG STOCK OF FIREWORKS!
Lots of Noise Makers But No Trouble Makers
-----
FINEST ASSORTMENT IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
-----
Living Up to Subitsky's Motto of Leading the Way

Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines

Assortments, $1.00 Upward

Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, Red and Green Fire
-----
DON'T WAIT -- GET YOUR ASSORTMENT EARLY
-----
SUBITSKY'S FIREWORK STAND
(Opposite the Post Office)
Fifth Avenue Pelham"

"WE WERE BURNED OUT!
But We Are Not Quitting Business!

De Feo & Donati, proprietors of the electrical store at 149 Fifth Avenue which was burned in Monday's fire wish to announce that they have secured temporary premises immediately opposite the Post Office on Fifth Avenue.

Estimates on electrical work or radio installations and our general business will be conducted from that address for a time.  Our telephone number is Pelham 2753.  Only our stock was burned.  The skill of our workmen is still at your service.

We Thank Our Patrons for the Many Kindly Messages We Have Received During the Last Few Days"

Cover of the Program for the July 4, 1907 Celebration. Source: Original

Held in Private Collection, But Image Provided to The Office of The

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

*          *          *          *          *

"City Island.

On Thursday, July 4th, the ladies of the M. E. Church of City Island propose holding a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage.  Proceeds for the benefit of the crew church in contemplation.  Dinner, ice cream and other refreshments can be procured on the grounds.  If the day should prove stormy, the picnic will be held the next fair day.  It is to be hoped that the ladies will reap a large sum from this enterprise, thereby helping to forward the new church movement.  The old church is entirely too small for the congregations that meet in it from time to time.  The people of City Island have done nobly.  Thus far over $2,000 have been pledged, and it only remains for a few of the wealthy men on and near City Island to swell the amount so that the work can go on.  The lot is clear, or the balance due on it otherwise provided for, and when $5,000 has been pledged work will be begun and pushed forward to a rapid completion.  The congregation want to build a church that will cost, furnished comple[te], about $6,000.  The plans have been prepared and from the description given us, the building will be not only sufficiently commodious, but an ornament to the island. . . ."

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 28, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 458, p. 2, col. 5.

"City Island.

On Tuesday, July 2nd, the schooner Illinois, while at anchor about three miles south of Captain's Island, was run into by the steamer Massachusetts.  At the time of the disaster the captain was rigging the fog-bell and the mate was blowing the horn.  The schooner was struck amidship and almost immediately sank.  A boat was lowered from the steamer and the schooner's crew was picked up.  The schooner, Kate Kallahan, Captain E. J. Horton, went to the assistance of the wrecked schooner and made fast until the wrecking steamer, James McMahony, arrived, when the sunken vessel was raised and towed to City Island, where she was beached.  She is now on the ways at Hawkins's ship yard for repairs.  The schooner was badly damaged.  It will cost about $1,500 for her repairs.

The two brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, turnouts, presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons.

A game of base ball was played on the Fourth of July, between the Vails and Clam Diggers, both of City Island, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Vails.  Score, 23 to 3.  The Clam Diggers declare this is the last game with the Vails.  Mr. Editor, we would say nothing about this if it were not for the fact that, for a week before the game came off the diggers were telling the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them.  But we are all liable to mistakes, and such was the case with the Clam Diggers on July 4th.  Umpire, Mr. Geo. Bell.

Mr. Wm. Belden gave the citizens of City Island a grand treat by the display of about $500 worth of Fireworks on the night of the fourth.  A large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display and the City Island Cornet Band discoursed some good music.

At Carll's ship yard the sloop G. J. Demarest is on the ways for recaulking and painting.  The sloop Long Island has been hauled out for cleaning and repainting.  The steam yacht, just completed, was launched on Saturday last, and left for Key West on Sunday.  The Minnie Griffin is having a new spar put in and is being recaulked.  The schooner Ella Cooper is hauled out for cleaning, caulking and painting."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 12, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 460, p. 3, col. 1.  

"FOR A SANE FOURTH.
-----
Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday.
-----

North-Pelham, July 2. -- The village trustees are going to keep the young patriots in bounds who may wish to celebrate to an unlawful extend next Monday.

Trustee Lyon said this morning that the board would enforce the law about carrying weapons and that any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested.

The village trustees have taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

Source:  FOR A SANE FOURTH -- Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 2, 1909, Whole No. 5971, p. 1, col. 6.  

"FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE
-----
De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000
-----

While Pelham was celebrating the Fourth in great style on Monday evening, about 7:30, the firework stand outside the electrical store of De Feo & Donati at 145 Fifth avenue became ignited.  Five hundred dollars' worth of fireworks exploded within the next few minutes.  The electrical store and its contents valued at $5,000, were destroyed.  Damage to surrounding stores and apartments by smoke and water is estimated at $15,000.

Fire Chief Dominick Amato and the firemen of the first fire district fought the blaze amid a series of explosions and shooting fireworks.  Four lines of hose were laid and the fire was in hand half an hour after the blaze started.

The De Feo & Donati store is the center of a block of five one-story structures near the Westchester & Boston R. R. station.  To the north is the Astarita fruit store and the Marion Dress Shop.  To the south the Tybee Tea Room and the Betty Hat Shop.  In the rear of the stores are five apartments, occupied by Mrs. Marion Held, proprietress of the dress shop; J. W. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Adair, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Singer.  All the stores and apartments were damaged by smoke and water.

The fire spread with amazing rapidity.  A few seconds after the start the front windows of the De Feo store were broken by the exploding fireworks and the blaze had spread to the electrical store.  When the firemen arrived flames were roaring through the skylight and had mushroomed under the room setting fire to the Astarita store and threatening the entire row of buildings.  Fire Chief Amato, who operates a garage a few doors away, was talking with De Feo when the fire started.  He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his stock nearby and waded through the mass of exploding fireworks into the store in an effort to prevent the spread of the flames.  Several autos which were parked at the curb were removed to safety under the supervision of Police Chief Fitzpatrick. 

Proprietor De Feo, remembering that there was a considerable sum of money in a desk and cash register inside the store, made a spectacular dash into the store.  Armed with an axe he smashed the desk and obtained a sum reported at over $200.  

To fight the spreading of the flames, firemen tore holes through the ceiling of the Astarita store.  Household furniture was removed from the Bradshaw home in the rear of the store.  The work of the firemen was effective.  The recall was sounded at 9:45.

The building is the property of Dr. Wm. I. Wallach, 141 Center avenue, New Rochelle.  It is protected by insurance.  Dr. Wallach said that he had had no opportunity to estimate his loss but would at once proceed to repair the building.  The following loss is being reported:

De Feo & Donati, electrical store, total loss, $5,000.  Insurance carried, $3,000.

Tybee Tea Room, damage by water to foodstuff stored in basement, together with tapestry and hangings in restaurant, $1,000.

Astarita Fruit and Vegetable Store, damage to the stock in store and basement, $1,500.

T. S. Hughes, sewing machine agent, damage to stock of machines in basement of De Feo store, $1,500.

Betty Hat Shop and Marion Dress Shop, stock damaged by smoke, $1,000.

Various conjectures are made as to the origin of the fire, but no one has any authentic story.  The Tybee Tea Room resumed business on Tuesday, but the other stores in the block were forced to shut down."

Source:  FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE -- De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 8, cols. 4-5.

"No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program
-----
Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence
-----

Although it is estimated that fully one-third of the residents of the Pelhams took advantage of the week end holiday and spent the Fourth of July at vacation resorts, those who remained, gave Pelham the noisiest Fourth of July celebration that can be remembered by even the oldest of the residents of the town.  From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections of actual warfare.

Although all manner of noisemaker and fireworks was utilized in the celebration there were no injuries reported by the local physicians.  Pelham luckily escaped the toll of burned fingers, and other injury that ordinarily accompanies the noisy and unsafe program of Fourth of July celebrating.

No organized program has been prepared for the observance of the day.  The early days of July see the exodus of vacationists to summer resorts and the custom of a town celebration has been abandoned.  Vacant houses were kept under the vigilant supervision of the police departments and though this service vacationing Pelhamites were assured of home protection during their absence.

Traffic was heavy on all through highways.  On the Boston road long traffic lines were managed without mishap.  Police officers kept the cars moving at a fair rate of speed despite the heavy traffic."

Source:  No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program -- Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 7, col. 2.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Today's Historic Pelham article provides further research in the Quixotic quest to document nineteenth century baseball in the Town of Pelham.  

Games of the Clam Diggers Played in 1878

One of Pelham's most interesting baseball teams during the late 1870s was known as the Clam Diggers.  The team likely was not a baseball club but the baseball team of a broader men's social club known as "The Clam Diggers Club of City Island."  The club appears to have operated at least during the years 1878 and 1879, but likely operated for a longer period.  

Clearly one important event hosted by The Clam Digger Club of City Island was an annual parade followed by a Clam Bake.  In 1879 the parade was scheduled to be held in September.  Members of the Club marched behind a large painted banner that was six feet high and ten feet long.  On it was painted a giant clam beneath which was painted the motto "No gentlemen need apply."  The philosophy of the club reportedly was "Plenty of clams and good markets."  In 1879 the club was scheduled to march with the City Island Cornet Band and, at the conclusion of the parade, gather at Horton's Grove for a "monster clam bake."

According to a brief news account, on July 4, 1878 (the previous year), a City Island baseball team named "Clam Diggers" played another City Island team named "Vails."  The Clam Diggers likely were the team that represented The Clam Diggers Club of City Island, although that has not yet been established with certainty.

It appears that during the week before July 4, the game was highly anticipated.  The news account suggests that the members of the Clam Diggers were engaged in trash talk all week, "telling the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them."  The game, however, did not go as the Clam Diggers planned.  The Vails had an "overwhelming victory," beating the Clam Diggers 23 to 3.  The umpire for the game was George Bell of City Island.  According to a local newspaper, after the game the Clam Diggers declared that "this is the last game with the Vails."

It seems that during 1878, the Vails and Clam Diggers were arch rivals on City Island and played a number of games against each other (about which I have written before).  On May 25, 1878, the Vails beat the Clam Diggers "on the grounds of the Vails."  Interestingly, a man named "A. F. Vail" acted as the umpire "to the entire satisfaction of both clubs."  Thus, it would seem that the Vails were named after a member of the Vail family of City Island.  See City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 31, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 454, p. 2, col. 5.

The two teams were scheduled to play the previous week as well, although no record of the result yet has been located.  See City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 17, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 452, p. 2, cols. 4-5 (noting "The Vails will play against the Clam Diggers on the grounds of the former, tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon [May 18, 1878].").

Pelhamville Club Split for Practice Game in 1885

According to a brief report, on April 19, 1885, the Pelhamville Base Ball Club split into two teams of nine players and played a practice game.  One team was captained by "M. Lynch" and the other by "T. Patterson."  Although there is no record of the score, the team captained by T. Patterson won the game.

It should come as no surprise, of course, that 19th century teams practiced and there are records of Pelham teams practicing diligently for their season.  This particular intrasquad scrimmage seems unusual and, indeed, illustrates that the Pelhamville Club was fairly large when compared to other local teams in Pelham.  

1886 Game Between Refrigerator Manufacturer Team and City Island Team

On Monday, July 5, 1886, an unidentified baseball team from City Island and a baseball team from the refrigerator manufacturer L. H. Mace of New York City.  The City Island team won by a score of 5 to 2.  

This game, like others about which I have written before, illustrates that club teams, teams from companies and businesses, and even makeshift teams traveled throughout the New York City region during the 1870s and 1880s to play ball.  

Currier and Ives Print of an Early Game of Base Ball.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"CITY ISLAND. . . .

A game of base ball was played on the Fourth of July, between the Vails and Clam Diggers, both of City Island, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Vails.  Score, 23 to 3.  The Clam Diggers declare this is the last game with the Vails.  Mr. Editor, we would say nothing about this if it were not for the fact that, for a week before the game came off the diggers were telling the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them.  But we are all liable to mistakes, and such was the case with the Clam Diggers on July 4th.  Umpire, Mr. Geo. Bell. . . ."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 12, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 460, p. 3, col. 1.  

"City Island and Pelham.

The Clam Diggers Club of City Island, will hold their annual parade some time next month.  The club will be escorted by the Cornet Band.  At the conclusion of the parade a monster clam bake will [be] served at Horton's Grove.  A good time may be expected.  The banner of this justly popular club is a marvel of beauty.  It is six by ten feet, more or less in size.  On it has been painted by City Island's most popular artist, a large hard clam, underneath which is the motto 'No gentlemen need apply.'  The watchword of this justly popular club is 'Plenty of clams and good markets.' . . ."  

Source:  City Island and Pelham, The Chronicle, Aug. 1, 1879, Vol. X, No. 515, p. 2, col. 6.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND.

-- A practice game of ball was played between two picked nines of the Pelhamville Club on the 19th inst.  One nine was captained by M. Lynch, and the other by T. Patterson.  The latter nine won the game. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, New Rochelle Pioneer, Apr. 25, 1885, p. 3, col. 6. 

"LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. . . .

-- The Country Club, of Pelham, announce a variety of outdoor sports, including polo, trap shooting, baseball and lawn tennis, to take place during May and June. . . ."

Source:  LOCAL INTELLIGENCE, New Rochelle Pioneer, Apr. 25, 1885, p. 3, cols. 1-2.   

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND. . . .

A game of baseball was played Monday, between a nine belonging on City Island and a nine from the refrigerator manufactory [sic] of L. H. Mace, New York.  The game resulted in a victory for City Island, by a score of 5 to 2. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 9, 1886, Vol. XVII, No. 896, p. 3, col. 2.

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I have written nearly fifty articles regarding the history of baseball in Pelham and early baseball games played in the Town of Pelham.  Below is a listing, with links, of previous postings on the topic of early baseball in Pelham.


Wed., Jul. 12, 2017:  The Nonpareils Base Ball Association of City Island During the 1860s.

Wed., Apr. 19, 2017:  Pelham Manor Club Defeated Gramatan Country Club in Baseball Game in August, 1902.

Mon., Feb. 13, 2017:  Important Information About Early Baseball in Pelham Including a Game Against the Monitors of Brooklyn.

Wed., Jan. 11, 2017:  Baseball Star Paddy Smith of Pelham.

Fri., Sep. 30, 2016:  More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2016:  "Base Ball" Match Played at Arcularius Hotel at Pelham Bridge in 1875.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2016:  More on the Storied History of 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.  

Tue., Dec. 15, 2015:  The 1894 Baseball Season in Pelham, New York.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2015:  Two Newly-Discovered 19th Century Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Jun. 18, 2015:  More Early References to 19th Century and Early 20th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 06, 2015:  Early Baseball Game Played by Pelham Team in 1866.

Mon., Dec. 22, 2014:  Rare 1889 Photograph of Baseball Players Playing on Pelham Field.

Wed., Nov. 26, 2014:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham. 

Thu., Nov. 13, 2014:  Baseball Crowds in Pelham Got Out Of Hand in 1896. 

Fri., Sep. 12, 2014:  Reference to an 1884 Baseball Game Between the Country Club of Pelham and Calumet. 

Thu., Jul. 31, 2014:  Fascinating Account of Baseball Game Played at Pelham Bridge in 1878.

Mon., Jul. 28, 2014:  Additional 19th Century References to Baseball Being Played in Pelham.  

Tue., Apr. 08, 2014:  More 19th Century References to Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 28, 2014:  Earliest Evidence Yet! Baseball Was Played in Pelham Only Months After the Civil War Ended. 

Thu., Mar. 20, 2014:  19th Century Baseball in Pelham - Newly-Discovered References.

Tue., Feb. 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thu., Jan. 28, 2010:   News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.  

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham.  

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References. 

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wed., Nov. 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:   Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2009:   Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Mar. 4, 2008:   Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 26, 2007:  Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wed., Nov. 21, 2007:  Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Fri., Jul. 20, 2007:  Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897.

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham.

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006:   Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006:  Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.  

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006:  Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered. 

Thu., Oct. 6, 2005:   Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thu., Sep. 15, 2005:  Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.  

Thu., Feb. 10, 2005:  New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham. 

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

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Yet Another Pelham Oyster War: This One in 1881 Between Pelham and New Rochelle

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One hundred twenty one years ago yesterday, on Friday, May 17, 1895, Pelham oystermen based on City Island assembled in a fleet of forty oyster sloops and headed for the waters off Matinecock.  According to one account, "[e]very man at the wheel had a double-barrelled shotgun across his knee, and in his weather-beaten face a look of fixed determination."

The Pelham oystermen were off to fight yet another "oyster war" -- another battle to protect their right to plant beds and harvest oysters in Long Island Sound.  In addition to the 1895 Oyster War about which I have written extensively (see below), there were local oyster wars in 1877, 1878, and 1884, as well.  Additionally, there were a host of lawsuits, arrests, and arguments over local oyster beds and allegations of oyster poaching.  At the end of today's posting I have included an extensive list of prior articles with links regarding Pelham's rich oystering traditions.

It seems that there were full-blown oyster wars, and then there were oyster skirmishes.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog details one such "skirmish" between Pelham oystermen and New Rochelle clammers off the shores of Hunter's Island in 1881.  The "skirmish" resulted in criminal charges and a trial of the New Rochelle clammers.

The oystering business in Long Island Sound was rife with potential for dispute.  The law recognized a distinction between "natural" oyster beds that were viewed as natural resources to be harvested by all in a first-come, first-served basis.  Private "planted" or artificial beds created by oystermen who found a pristine area without natural beds and planted oyster spawn to grow into a planted oyster bed belonged to the oysterman or oystermen who planted the bed.  They typically marked off the bed and protected it passionately against oyster thieves.

Of course, often other oystermen claimed the planting had been done on a natural bed and, thus, was ineffective at securing ownership of the bed.  Other times it was difficult to tell where natural beds ended and planted beds began.  At other times, unabashed thieves simply took what they could from planted beds before they were caught or run off.  

In 1881, John O. Fordham of City Island in the Town of Pelham claimed he owned private oyster beds northeast of City Island off the shores of Hunter's Island.  It seems that three young men from New Rochelle named Robert Graham, Richard Hanna, and William Odell were clamming in the area and raked up a large number of the oysters and greatly disturbed the beds.  This was not a simple case of New Rochelle men stumbling upon oyster beds, however.  All indications are, as one report stated, "For a year past there has been a constant warfare between the New-Rochelle and Pelham, or City Island, oystermen, owing to the disputed ownership of certain oyster-beds in the Sound off Hunter's Island."

Fordham pursued criminal charges against the three men who were indicted for the misdemeanor of "disturbing oysters" in a planted bed.  The three men were hauled before the Court of Sessions in White Plains for a criminal jury trial.

Prosecutors alleged that the defendants were raking clams on a private oyster bed owned by John O. Fordham of Pelham, thus "disturbing" the bed.  The three defendants defended that there were not on the private oyster bed of John O. Fordham but, instead, were raking clams on a bed owned by the father of Robert Graham, one of the defendants.  The jury returned a verdict of "not guilty."

The oystermen of City Island in the Town of Pelham had lost yet another oyster war, albeit a mere skirmish among the many battles.

Oystermen Dredging in Long Island Sound in 1883.

Source:  Harpers Weekly, Aug. 18, 1883.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of a few articles written about the events that are the subject of today's posting.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"TROUBLE AMONG OYSTERMEN.
-----

There has for a long time been trouble among the oystermen on the Westchester side of the Sound concerning the ownership of the beds.  The dispute was finally carried into the courts in the shape of a criminal complaint against Richard Hanna, Robert Graham and William Odell, who, upon the testimony of John O. Fordham, of Pelham, were indicted for poaching on private oyster beds.  The case has been on trial two days before the County Court of Sessions.  Yesterday the jury rendered a verdict of 'Not guilty' and the prisoners were discharged.  The trial developed the existence of a very bitter feeling between the New Rochelle and the Pelham or City Island oystermen.  The City Island men accuse the New Rochelle oyster gatherers of constantly disturbing and otherwise destroying City Island beds.  The men on trial, it was charged, went upon the bed belonging to the complainant and carried away and destroyed a great many oysters.  Along the Westchester shore the Sound is liberally supplied with natural oyster beds.  These oysters are common property, but the City Island folks, it is claimed, are so very eager to keep others out that they complain of trespass without just cause.  The New Rochelle people also claim that the City Islanders have illegally staked off natural beds to keep rivals out.  This decision is considered a very important one and there will probably be other civil suits closely following with a view to determine by legal opinion what are natural and what are artificial oyster beds on the Westchester side of the Sound."

Source:  TROUBLE AMONG OYSTERMEN, N.Y. Herald, Oct. 13, 1881, p. 5, col. 5.  

"OFFICIALLY REPORTED FOR THE JOURNAL.
COURT PROCEEDINGS.
-----
COURT OF SESSIONS.

The Court of Sessions reassembled at the Court-House in White Plains on Monday, the 10th inst., pursuant to adjournment -- present, County Judge Gifford and the Justices of Sessions.  The following cases were tried: . . . 

The People vs. Charles Graham, Wm. Odell, and Richard Hanna. -- Indicted for a misdemeanor, in 'disturbing oysters' in a planted bed of the bivalves in the waters of Long Island Sound adjoining the town of New Rochelle.  The indictment was found under the law in relation to the planting of oysters in private oyster-beds.  It was claimed that the defendants were raking for clams on the ground claimed as a private oyster-bed, belonging to Mr. Fordham, by which act the oysters were 'disturbed.'  The defense was that the defendants were not on the grounds of Fordham, but on those of Mr. Graham, father of one of the defendants, and that they had permission from the owner to rake for clams.  The jury rendered a verdict of not guilty. -- For the people, N. H. Baker, District Attorney, and M. J. Keogh; for the defendants, C. E. Kene and Francis Larkin. . . ."

Source:  OFFICIALLY REPORTED FOR THE JOURNAL.  COURT PROCEEDINGS. -- COURT OF SESSIONS, The People vs. Charles Graham, Wmm. Odell, and Richard Hanna, Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Oct. 14, 1881, Vol. XXXVII, No. 27, p. 3, col. 4.  

"For a year past there has been a constant warfare between the New-Rochelle and Pelham, or City Island, oystermen, owing to the disputed ownership of certain oyster-beds in the Sound off Hunter's Island.  The fight culminated in the procuring of the indictment of Richard Hanna, William Odle and Robert Graham, of New-Rochelle, on the complaint of John O. Fordham, who alleged that they took oysters from and trespassed on his oyster-beds off City Island.  The case has just been tried at White Plains, and the three men acquitted, they proving that the beds in question did not belong to Mr. Fordham, but to Mr. Graham's father."

Source:  [Untitled], N.Y. Times, Oct. 13, 1881, p. 8, col. 4 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link.).

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Below are links to more stories about Pelham's rich oystering traditions.

Wed., Jun. 24, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part I.

Thu., Jun. 25, 2015:  The 1895 Oyster War Involving City Island Oystermen - Part II.

Mon., Dec. 01, 2014:  Jury Finds City Island Oystermen Guilty of Stealing Oysters from Planted Bed in 1878.

Tue., Nov. 11, 2014:  Efforts by Herman Le Roy, Jr. of Pelham to Build an Oyster Pond in the 1830's.

Thu., Aug. 07, 2014:  Oysterman Joshua Leviness of City Island Accused of Stealing Oysters Near High Island in 1883.

Tue., Feb. 04, 2014: Pelham: Once Oyster Capital of the World.

Thu., Mar. 25, 2010: Discovery of "The Great Oyster Bed" in Long Island Sound in 1859.

Wed., Mar. 24, 2010: The Oyster War of 1884 Between Glen Cove and City Island Intensifies.

Tue., Mar. 23, 2010: Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.

Mon., Mar. 22, 2010: 77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., Mar. 19, 2010: The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., Mar. 18, 2010: 1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., Mar. 17, 2010: Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010: More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010: More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., Mar. 12, 2010: Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 11, 2010: The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Thu., Dec. 3, 2009: Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Mon., July 30, 2007: 1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Jul. 27, 2007: Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Thu., Jul. 26, 2007: Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., Apr. 13, 2007: Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Fri., Jan. 26, 2007: A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Mon., Sep. 18, 2006: A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

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