Fears in 1934 and 1935 that the Historic Home Known as Pelhamdale Would Be Razed

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One of the two oldest homes in the Town of Pelham is the beautiful historic home known as "Pelhamdale."  The address of that home today is 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor.  The home, expanded and changed on numerous occasions during the last 266 or so years, includes an original section believed to have been built in about the early 1750s by Philip Pell II at about the time of his marriage to Gloriana Tredwell.  Although many articles (and local histories) attribute construction of the home to David Jones Pell, a son of Philip Pell II, those references are incorrect.  

Pelhamdale is one of two Pelham residential structures still standing that include pre-Revolutionary War sections.  The other is believed to be a portion of the Kemble House located at 145 Shore Road in Pelham Manor. Pelhamdale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Kemble House also should be so listed.  

Pelhamdale, a Pelham treasure, has been like a "cat with nine lives."  Pelhamdale's original portion was spared during the Revolutionary War.  The later-modified structure suffered the indignity of the destruction of its beautiful view and the taking of much of its land as the Hutchinson River Parkway was constructed.  It suffered a major fire in 1925.  

During the last years of the Roaring Twenties and the earliest years of the Great Depression Pelhamdale was threatened a number of times but, as one article summarized:   

"on each occasion it has been rescued at the last moment.  At various times plans have been made for its purchase by the Park Commission of Westchester County, the Westchester County Historical Society, and the local patriotic units, which conducted a rescue campaign four or five years ago, when the filing of building plans in Pelham Manor which contemplated the tearing down of the old building and its replacement by a row of houses."  (See entire article quoted below.)

In 1934 and 1935, during the height of the Great Depression, Pelhamdale was yet another Pelham Mansion whose owner needed tax relief, either by tearing the mansion down so the owners would have to pay only the taxes on the land (but not an "improvement" such as the home) or might gain some measure of relief by selling surrounding lands so that no more real estate taxes had to be paid on those surrounding lands.  Thankfully for today's Pelham, the latter path was chosen.  

There was, however, for a very long time during some of the most difficult years of the Great Depression, a question about whether one of the most historic sites in our little town would survive.  Local real estate agents, according to local newspapers, fanned the flaming reports that Pelhamdale was about to be razed to make way for many, many smaller "home lots."  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of a number of such articles, including images where available.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

View of Pelhamdale from Iden Avenue on September

3, 2014. Source: "Pelhamdale" in Wikipedia -- The Free

Encyclopedia (visited May 7, 2016).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"THE PELL HOUSE  Oldest house in Pelham, built about
1750 by Col. David Pell.  Source:  Hope To Save Pell
House As Historic Landmark, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 15,
1934, Vol. 25, No. 13, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  NOTE:  Click
on Image to Enlarge.

"Hope To Save Pell House As Historic Landmark
-----

Fearing the demolition of one of Pelham's most historic buildings, the old stone Pell House on Wolf's lane, Pelham Manor, a committee, representative of several town organizations, will meet at the Manor Club on Saturday morning to make plans for a campaign to raise sufficient money to save the building from destruction.

Several times during the last few years, the building, which is the oldest in Pelham, has been threatened, but on each occasion it has been rescued at the last moment.  At various times plans have been made for its purchase by the Park Commission of Westchester County, the Westchester County Historical Society, and the local patriotic units, which conducted a rescue campaign four or five years ago, when the filing of building plans in Pelham Manor which contemplated the tearing down of the old building and its replacement by a row of houses.

The property was sold a few years ago for $18,000, and at that time the estate surrounding the building swept down into the Hutchinson Valley.  Part of the land was acquired by the Westchester County Park Commission when the Hutchinson Parkway development was planned.  The reported price paid for the land needed for the parkway was $10,000.  With the boom in real estate in Pelham Manor, the price of the old mansion rose proportionately, and large mortgages were placed on the property which is now assessed at $35,000.00.  It is believed that the property can be secured at a very advantageous figure.

The Pell House stands on a knoll overlooking the Hutchinson River Valley.  It was built about 1750 by Col. David Pell, a staunch patriot and friend of General Washington.  Upon the death of Colonel Pell it was bought by James Hay, whose coat of arms embellishes the wall facing Colonial avenue.  It listed among several owners at different times, Mr. Lord of the famous firm Lord & Taylor.  When the battle of Pelham was fought 158 years ago, the old Pell House became historically notable.  Leaden bullets have been recovered from its heavy masonry."

Source:  Hope To Save Pell House As Historic Landmark, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 15, 1934, Vol. 25, No. 13, p. 1, cols. 4-5.   

"To Meet Monday To Discuss Plans For Pell House
-----

Tentative plans for a campaign to raise sufficient funds to purchase 'Pelhamdale,' the famous Revolutionary War home of Col. David Pell on Iden avenue, were discussed at a meeting held at the Manor Club on Saturday.  The voluntary committee will meet again on Monday at 10 a.m."

Source:  To Meet Monday To Discuss Plans For Pell House, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 22, 1934, Vol. 25, No. 19, p. 1, col. 2.

"BURGLAR NABBED AFTER BREAKING INTO PELL HOUSE
-----

Robert C. Rogers, 28, no home, who was arrested in Pelham Manor early Sunday morning on a charge of second degree burglary, was held for action of the Grand Jury when he was given a hearing before Judge Frank Roberson, Monday night.  Rogers was committed to the county jail pending Grand Jury action.

According to police, they were notified Monday by George Fournier, caretaker of the old Pell Mansion at No. 45 Iden avenue, that a man had broken into the house.  Patrolmen John Moore and Edward Finnan were detailed.  On their arrival, Fournier informed them that the man, after threatening him with a pocket knife, had fled from the house.

The policemen searched the grounds in the vicinity of the house and found Rogers hiding in the shrubbery.  He was taken to headquarters and after questioning, locked up pending a hearing.  According to police records, Rogers was arrested two years ago in Pelham Manor on a vagrancy charge."

Source:  BURGLAR NABBED AFTER BREAKING INTO PELL HOUSE, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 24, 1934, Vol. 25, No. 23, p. 1, col. 7.

"INTRUDER TO FACE BURGLARY CHARGE
-----
(Special To The Argus)

PELHAM MANOR, Aug. 21. --  Robert C. Rogers, twenty-eight, who according to police entered the old Pell mansion on Iden Avenue Sunday morning by removing a screen, was held for action of the Grand Jury last night by Judge Frank C. Roberson.  He is charged with burglary.

George Fournier, caretaker of the mansion and resident in the basement portion told police he heard a prowler in the building Sunday morning and was threatened when he ordered him out.

Rogers told the court he though it was all right for him to enter the building, the upper floors of which are unoccupied."

Source:  INTRUDER TO FACE BURGLARY CHARGE, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 21, 1934, p. 13, col. 5.  

"SAVE THE LANDMARK.
-----

Very definite plans are being made to raze the old Pell House in Pelham Manor.  Unless something is done to preserve this historical site, there is grave danger that it will be lost to posterity.

The property adjoins the Hutchinson River parkway, opposite the new recreation field.  Its walls are pitted with holes made by Revolutionary bullets.  Its masonry is thick enough to be the walls of a fortified castle.  There is an old world atmosphere about it that brings memories of courtly men in knee breeches and powdered wigs, of grande dames in voluminous skirts and dignified mien.  It was from Pell House that view could be obtained of the Battle of Pelham in its final stages.

Whether it be preserved through the efforts of the county historical society, be acquired by the park commission or be given to the township, it will be the result of local effort [illegible]  Only that it be preserved."

Source:  SAVE THE LANDMARK, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 30, 1934, Vol. 25, No. 37, p. 2, col. 1.

"The Pell Mansion, bespattered by bullets from muskets

of Colonial and British soldiers, is the object of fond hopes

of interested groups who would make of it an historic

shrine.  It stands at the end of Iden Avenue in Pelham

Manor near the Hutchinson River Parkway.  Source:

Historic Landmark Threatened, The Daily Argus [Mount

Vernon, NY], Jan. 8, 1935, p. 5, cols. 4-5. 

"Historic Landmark Threatened
(Special To The Daily Argus)

PELHAM, Jan. 8. -- The winds of rumor and the winds of fate are whistling around the solid square lines of the old Pell Mansion.

The historic home of the Pell family, which served as headquarters for the British General Howe while Colonial troops and Red Coats were maneuvering in this part of the County, is not as neglected in the minds of interested parties as its physical hulk appears to be, there on a gently rolling prominence near the Hutchinson River Parkway.

Intermittently there comes to the ears of the townsfolk the ominous note of 'real estate development' and as frequently are heard newer and newer alternatives to the plan to preserve it as a Pelham shrine.

No Action Yet

Pelham folks would hate to see the old stone homestead go the way of other landmarks, to make way for modern homes,but as yet no one individual or group has become steamed up to the point of action.

Many of the interested persons are convinced that through the combined efforts of a few groups plus the aid of the entire town, the Pell Mansion can be turned into an historic shrine, and still serve useful and self-maintaining purposes.

Why -- they ask -- can't it be used for a library (Pelham now has only a small public library in two rooms of the Hutchinson School) and in addition serve as a meeting place for local veterans and patriotic organizations?

Many Opportunities

Its high ceiled rooms, parqueted floors, high windows -- its solid construction, and its imposing exterior and interior would lend themselves perfectly to the idea of library, museum an[d] gathering place for organizations.

There are great possibilities, it is pointed out, in putting artists at work recording Pelham's history on the walls of the big rooms.

As the ones who are hopeful of reclaiming the building consider the many uses to which it could be put, they experience once more the sense of conviction that the idea is practical and workable -- but as yet, apparently, this conviction has not resolved itself into definite action.

And in the meantime -- when the realtors, on whose listings the ink of Pell house data has faded a dullish brown -- are asked for particulars, for instance, to state the amount of land, they get the same ominous note in their replies.  They tell the questioner -- so many 'building lots.'"

Source:  Historic Landmark Threatened, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 8, 1935, p. 5, cols. 4-5.  

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I have written about the lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Fri, May 13, 2016 1851:  Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer. 

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue. 

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861. 

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories. 

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home. 

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925). 

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township 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."

1851 Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease

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."

One of the two oldest homes in the Town of Pelham is the beautiful historic home known as "Pelhamdale" that stands at 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor.  The home, expanded and changed on numerous occasions during the last 265 or so years, includes an original section believed to have been built in about the early 1750s by Philip Pell II at about the time of his marriage to Gloriana Tredwell.  The home is one of two pre-Revolutionary War structures that still stand in Pelham, the other believed to be a portion of the Kemble House located at 145 Shore Road in Pelham Manor.  Pelhamdale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

View of Pelhamdale from Iden Avenue on September 3, 2014.

Source:  "Pelhamdale" in Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia

(visited May 7, 2016).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Today the magnificent home known as Pelhamdale looks much as it did in the mid-nineteenth century when it was owned by James Hay.  It stands on a nearly triangular tract bounded by Iden Avenue, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the rear boundaries of homes that face Carol Place.  The tract is all that remains of what once was a massive estate that was bounded, roughly, by the old Boston Post Road (today's Colonial Avenue), today's Wolfs Lane, the Hutchinson River, and the Boston Turnpike (today's Boston Post Road.

After the Revolutionary War, one of Philip Pell II's sons, David J. Pell, owned the home and lived there with his wife and family until his death in 1823.  David Pell's widow sold the tract to James Hay who is credited with substantially renovating and expanding the home as well as naming it "Pelhamdale."

The original farmhouse was a single-story dwelling.  After James Hay bought the home, he expanded it substantially.  Today it is a two story, five-bay, stone residence faced in coarse stone with white sandstone Doric columns on the front porch and a plain brick entablature.  It has two separate two-story sets of bay windows that flank the front entrance looking out over today's Iden Avenue.  

In 1851, James Hay decided to offer the estate for lease.  He published at least one advertisement directed to "Farmers, Dairy Men and Market Gardeners" who might be interested in the commercial farming potentials of the large estate offering the farm with its "excellent house" for lease.

The advertisement is significant for several reasons.  First, there has been an ongoing debate for many years over whether the house should properly be referenced as "Pelhamdale" or as "Pelham Dale."  The 1851 advertisement placed by the man credited with giving the home its name references the home as "Pelhamdale," supporting the former position.

Second, the advertisement provides substantive information regarding the nature of the estate in the mid-19th century.  It notes that the estate included three orchards, all containing "grafted fruit of the finest kinds" as well as stabling sufficient to house "one hundred of cattle" -- a tremendously-large capacity for the area.

An image of the advertisement appears immediately below with a citation and link to its source.  It is followed by a transcription of the text of the advertisement to facilitate search.

1851 Advertisement Offering Estate and Mansion Known

as "Pelhamdale" for Lease.  Source:  To Farmers, Dairy

Men and Market Gardeners [Advertisement], Brooklyn

Evening Star, Feb. 6, 1851, p. 2, col. 6 (NOTE:  Paid 

subscription required to access via this link.).  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

"To Farmers, Dairy Men and Market Gardeners.

THE subscriber offers to let for a term of years, his Farm at Pelham and East Chester Westchester County, containing from 200 to 250 acres of the best and earliest land for Gardening, Pasturage or Cultivation.  On said Farms are three Orchards, all grafted fruit of the finest kind, excellent house with suitable outbuildings and stabling for one hundred of cattle, and situated only half a mile from the New Haven Railroad depot, and in the immediate vicinity of two populous villages.

For terms apply at the house, Pelhamdale, to 

JAMES HAY, East Chester, N. Y.
j22 4tc*"

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I have written about the lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer. 

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue. 

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861. 

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories. 

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home. 

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925). 

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township 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."  

Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness"

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Occasionally I have posted information regaring David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, a Revolutionary War Officer who lived in the home now known as "Pelhamdale", a portion of which still stands as part of the home located today at 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor. Below are two examples of several postings that provide information about David J. Pell:

Thurs., October 26, 2006: Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer.

Mon., October 15, 2007: Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue.

Despite Pell's illustrious pedigree and career, as well as his service during the Revolutionary War, it seems that in 1808 he may have been the "David J. Pell" brought up on a charge of indulging in "inebriety and habitual drunkenness". The text of the charge appears below with further research necessary to determine its resolution.

"CHARGES PREFERRED AGAINST LIEUT. COL. PELL.

G.O.: Headquarters, Albany, 16th Feby., 1808.

Application having been made to His Excellency, the Commander in Chief by Major Richard Ward of General (Thomas) Carpenter's Brigade of Militia in the County of Westchester for a Court of Inquiry into the conduct of Lieut. Col. David J. Pell on the following charges, viz:

1st, That the aforesaid Lieut. Col. David J. Pell, did in manner following treat this complaint in an unofficer and ungentleman-like manner, to wit: In a public store in the presence of a Number of Citizens in New Rochelle, in the County aforesaid, some time in the Month of November last past, by charging the aforesaid Major Ward with crimes an Offences which would justify an arrest; the said Lieutenant Col. Pell did not then, nor at any time since arrest, or furnish as the Law requires, the said Major Ward with a written charge of any Crimes or Offences, thereby degrading him in the estimation of his fellow citizens without affording him the means of defence;

2nd, That the sai Lieut. Col. Pell indulges in inebriety and habitual drunkenness, degrading to the office which he holds and injurious to the feelings of his brother officers; [Page 174 / Page 175]

The first Charge here adduced is not of sufficient weight to justify a Court of Inquiry to take any notice of it, and therefore is dismissed.

On the second Charge a Court of Inquiry is appointed, consisting of Lieut. Col's (Pierre) Van Cortlandt, (William) Vail, and (Joseph) Benedict of the Westchester Brigade, Lieutenant Col. (Peter) Van Zandt of the New York brigade of Infantry and of Major (Jackson) Odel of the Westchester Squadron of Cavalry, and will meet at such time and place as the Major Gen'l. of the first Division of Infantry shall direct and will report their proceedings to the Commander in Chief without delay.

By order of His Excellency:

Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adjt. Genl."

Source: Hastings, Hugh, ed., Daniel D. Tompkins Governor of New York 1807-1817 Military - Vol. I with an Introduction by Hugh Hastings, State Historian, pp. 174-75 (NY and Albany: Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Co., State Printers, 1898).

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1819 New York Statute Authorizing David Pell and Benjamin Underhill To Build Mills on Eastchester Creek in Pelham Manor

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In 1819, the New York State legislature passed a statute authorizing David Pell and Benjamin Underhill to erect a grist mill and a saw mill on Eastchester Creek in the Town of Pelham. The text of the statute appears immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.

"FORTY-SECOND SESSION.

CHAP. LVII.

AN ACT authorizing David I. Pell and Benjamin H. Underhill to erect Mills on the Creek between East-Chester and Pelham, in Westchester County.

Passed March 19, 1819.

Preamble.

WHEREAS by an act of the legislature, passed April ninth, eighteen hundred and five, there was granted to David I. Pell, Abijah Barker and Theodosius Hunt, the right to erect a grist mill and a saw mill, if they found it convenient, on the creek which divides the town of Pelham from the town of Eastchester, at or near a place called Fisher's landing, and near the turnpike bridge over the said creek: Provided, The same was erected within the term of six years after the passing of the said act: And whereas, The said grant has not been used for the purpose aforesaid; and the said David I. Pell, together with Benjamin H. Underhill, hath, by the petition of a number of the inhabitants of the towns of Pelham and Eastchester, prayed for a renewal of the grant, to be made to the said David I. Pell and Benjamin H. Underhill: Therefore,

Site of the dam.

1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That it shall and may be lawful for the said David I. Pell and Benjamin H. Underhill, and their heirs and assigns, to erect and build a dam and gristmill, and a saw mill, if they shall deem it expedient to build a saw mill, on the creek which divides the towns of Eastchester and Pelham, at some place near Fisher's landing, and near the turnpike bridge over the said creek; and that they shall procure, at their own expense, the necessary land for the said purpose, on each side thereof:

Proviso.

Provided always, and it is hereby enacted, That such mill dam shall not be higher than the surface of the salt meadows lying on the creek above the said dam; nor shall the said salt meadows be drowned or injured thereby: and that in all cases of such injury, the owners and possessors of such meadows shall respectively have their remedy at law therefor, against the said David I. Pell and Benjamin H. Underhill, and their respective heirs and assigns: Provided always, That it shall at all times hereafter be competent for the legislature to amend this act, so as more effectually to prevent any public or private injury which may result from the erection of the said dam.

Conditions to be complied with.

II. And be it further enacted, That in the erection of the before mentioned grist mill, (if placed near the said bridge or road) that then the water wheel shall be covered and hid from view: and when completed for grinding, the said David I. Pell and Benjamin H. Underhill, and their respective heirs and assigns, shall, and are hereby bound, to keep and maintain one good and sufficient run of stones, and a bolt, for the use and accommodation of the inhabitants of the towns of Eastchester and Pelham; and if two run of stones shall be erected in said mill, and the business of the country should require it, that then both run shall be employed for the use and accommodation of the inhabitants aforesaid, and to grind for them at the accustomed toll of the neighbouring [Page 63 / Page 64] mills:

Proviso.

Provided always, That if the said dam and mill shall not be completed within the term of three years, so that there be one good and sufficient run of stones and bolt ready for the use of the inhabitants of the said two towns, then the privileges hereby granted shall be null and void."

Source: Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Forty-Second, Forty-Third and Forty-Fourth Sessions of the Legislature From January 1819 to April 1821, Vol. V, pp. 63-64 (Albany, NY: William Gould & Co., 1821).

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Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
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Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

Pelhamdale is a Pelham jewel. It is a lovely stone house located at 45 Iden Avenue in Pelham Manor. Philip Pell II built portions believed to be part of today’s structure between about 1750 and 1760. The home is one of two in Pelham Manor that include sections built before the Revolutionary War. The other is the “Kemble House” located at 145 Shore Road.

Philip Pell II was a grandson of Thomas Pell, so-called “3rd Lord of the Manor of Pelham”. After the Revolutionary War, Col. David J. Pell, a son of Philip Pell II, owned the property. According to Lockwood Barr, who wrote a popular book on the history of Pelham in 1946, “Pelham Dale was one of the magnificent country estates of Westchester." The home is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and has been granted a New York State Historic Marker.

Yesterday (Sunday, October 14, 2007), the owners of Pelhamdale celebrated the 250th anniversary of the house with a group of family and friends. During the celebration Town Councilmen Pete DiPaola and Dan McLaughlin presented a Town Proclamation in honor of the occasion. A photograph of the home taken during the celebration appears immediately below. Beneath the photograph is the text of the Proclamation presented to the home owners.


"A Proclamation
By The Supervisor And Town Council
Of The Town Of Pelham, NY In Westchester County.

Saturday, October 14, 2007

WHEREAS, the home known as “Pelhamdale” located at 45 Iden Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor, Town of Pelham, NY, in Westchester County is a historic home that has been awarded a New York State Historical Marker and is listed in both the New York and National Registers of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, portions of the home were built between 1750 and 1760 with some evidence suggesting a construction date of about 1757; and

WHEREAS, the earliest-built portion of the home is believed to have been built by Philip Pell II, a direct descendant of John Pell, so-called Second Lord of the Manor of Pelham, who inherited the Manor of Pelham from his uncle, Thomas Pell, who, in turn, acquired it from local Native Americans on June 27, 1654; and

WHEREAS, portions of the Battle of Pelham were fought on or near the grounds of the Estate on October 18, 1776 during the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, at least three American Patriots who fought during the Revolutionary War have some association with the Estate: David J. Pell, Philip Pell III and Samuel Treadwell Pell; and

WHEREAS, on Saturday, October 14, 2007, the owners of Pelhamdale, Drs. Alfred Z. Spector and Rhonda G. Kost will gather in the home with an intimate group of family and friends to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Pelhamdale:

NOW THEREFORE, Town Supervisor Joseph Solimine Sr., Deputy Town Supervisor William O’Connor, Councilwoman Rae Syzmanski, Councilman Peter DiPaola and Councilman Dan McLaughlin hereby proclaim Saturday, October 14, 2007, Pelhamdale Day in honor and recognition of the 250th anniversary of the estate known today as Pelhamdale.

Signed on behalf of The Supervisor and Town Council with full authority in Town Hall in the Town of Pelham, NY on this ____ day of October, 2007.

_______________________________________ "

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Abstract of Will of Thomas Pell of Eastchester, Owner of Lands in Pelham Manor, Prepared in 1753 and Proved in 1754

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Below is the text of an abstract of the will of Thomas Pell of Eastchester who owned lands in the Manor of Pelham. The will, prepared in 1753, was proved February 12, 1754. A citation to its source follows the text of the abstract.

"ABSTRACTS OF WILLS -- LIBER 18. . . .

Page 463. -- In the name of God, Amen, I, THOMAS PELL, of Eastchester, in the County of Westchester, Esq., being somewhat indisposed in body. 'I will that £100 to my beloved wife Dorothy and to divide with the young children, Samuel, James, Dorothy and Rachel, and in portion what I gave to these four children.' (The foregoing is copied exactly from the will and may have been incorrectly recorded.) I leave to my son Thomas, 5 shillings. To my son Roger, 5s. To my son John, 1s. To Sarah Dodge, wife of Emans Dodge, 1s. To Mary, wife of John Ward, Jr., £5. To my son David, £500, or 1/2 of my farm in Eastchester, and 1/2 the salt meadow; Also my silver tankard and tumbler, that formerly belonged to my grand father, John Pell. I leave to my wife Dorothy, the best dwelling room in my house, and a bed and 6 chairs, and a negro wench to wait upon her. I leave to my son David a negro man. To Keziah, wife of James Laurence, £50. To my son David, my Great Bible. If my son David takes 1/2 of my farm, he shall take it [Page 476 / Page 477] where the buildings stand. I leave to my wife Dorothy 9 silver spoons. I leave my wearing clothes to my sons. My executors are to sell 1/2 of my farm in Eastchester, and my lands lying in the manor of Pelham, an my right in lands in the Patent at the north end of New Rochelle lands, and my lands in Fairfield, Connecticutt, and my rights in the Nine Pastures in Duchess County. I make Caleb Pell, Dorothy Pell, and David Pell, executors.

Dated September 11, 1753. Witnesses, Nathan Palmer, Joseph Drake, Jonathan Archer, Joseph Stanton. Proved, February 12, 1754."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., ed., Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York. Vol. IV. 1744-1753. With Letters of Administration Granted 1745-1753. in Collections of The New-York Historical Society For the Year 1895., pp. 476-77 (NY, NY: The New-York Historical Society 1896).

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Abstract of 1735 Will of David Pell of the Manor of Pelham

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What follows is another transcription of an abstract of an early Pelham will. The abstract was prepared by William S. Pelletreau and was published in 1895. A citation to the source appears immediately following the transcription of the abstract.

"Page 390. -- In the name of God, Amen, December 9, 1735. I, DAVID PELL, of Westchester, being sick. I leave to my brother, Thomas Pell, £10. To my brothers, Phillip Pell, Caleb Pell, and Joseph Pell, each £10. To my sister, Mary Sands, £25. To my sister, Sarah Pell, £140, and to my sisters, Phebe and Bershebah Pell, each, £140. To my nephew, Samuel Bradhurst, £5. All my houses and lands and estate are to be sold by my executors, and after payment of debts, all the remainder is left to my sisters, Sarah, Phebe, and Bar- [Page 185 / Page 186] shebah. I appoint my honored father, Thomas Pell, and my brother, Phillip Pell, executors.

Witnesses, Joseph Fowler, John Pell, John Cuer.

Proved, January 20, 1735/6."

Source: Pelletreau, William Smith, Abstracts of Wills and Other Documents Recorded in New York Surrogate's Office - Liber 11 in Collections of the New-York Historical Society For the Year 1894, pp. 185-86 (NY, NY: Printed for the Society 1895).

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