Historic Pelham

How could one tiny little news story about Pelham published in 1882 contain so much significant history about our little town?

First, it tells us that what likely was Pelham's first "photograph gallery" opened on Main Street on City Island in June, 1882. "Mr. Hilbert" opened the gallery.

Second, it tells us that shipyard entrepreneur and owner, John Hawkins was building yet another significant "ship." This one, however, was "patented." It was unusual because it was a large garbage scow -- a nasty trash dumping barge that, according to the article, was "considered a great success."

A larger City Island success, however, was the amazing three-masted schooner laid at Carll's Yard. It was to be a 900 tonnage ship with a "double deck." Moreover, plans were underway to build a 1200 ton vessel with a keel of 150 feet -- the largest vessel ever built on City Island up to that date.

Perhaps the most interesting reference in the news story, however, was an announcement that famed Pelham oysterman Joshua Leviness had sold his oystering steamboat. Leviness was a true oyster entrepreneur -- a successful and affluent one at that. He was the first on City Island to have a specialized steamboat built to haul oyster dredges in Long Island Sound. Many, however, were horrified.

Oystermen feared that such specialized steamboats would be so ruthlessly efficient that they quickly would wipe out natural oyster beds and destroy the natural resource on which so many Long Island Sound oystermen depended. New York quickly passed legislation outlawing the use of steamboats to dredge oysters.

Leviness quickly tested the new law. He was hired by a City Island resident to harvest oysters from the resident's planted oyster bed. Leviness used his steamboat to harvest the oysters and was charged with violations of the law. At trial Leviness and his lawyer argued that the statute applied only to natural beds and that a steamboat could be used on privately-owned planted oyster beds. The court rejected the argument and found Leviness guilty of violating the law.

Thus, the June 24, 1882 issue of The Chronicle, published in Mount Vernon sadly reported:

"WE understand Capt. Joshua Leviness has sold his oyster steam boat to parties in Westchester for to run as a freight boat between that place and New York. It will be remembered Capt. Josh had this boat built in a peculiar manner and expressly to dredge by steam for oysters. Afterwards an act was passed by the Legislature prohibiting the use of same."

Steam technology to harvest oysters in Long Island Sound would not be permitted. Captain Leviness had to resort to the oystering methods that had been used off the shores of Pelham for the previous fifty years.

* * * * *

"CITY ISLAND NOTES
-----

MR. HILBERT has opened a photograph gallery on Main street.

MR. ISAIAH KINSEY is building a two story house on Fordham ave., for Mr. Fred Gianisure.

AN exhibition of the pupils of District School No. 2 [City Island] has been given of late, every Friday afternoon, under the supervision of the principal, Mr. Sterne.

MR. JOHN HAWKINS is building another large dump scow for Mr. Goodyear of New York. The patent is one of Mr. Hawkins own and is considered a great success.

The keel for a new three masted schooner has been laid at Carll's yard recently. Tonnage to be 900 tons with a double deck. Also at this same yard there will soon be laid the keel for a vessel of 1200 tons, with a keel of 150 feet. This will be the largest vessel ever built on City Island.

THE boat race on Saturday last between Ayres and Nelson (colored) was not a very satisfactory affair. Nelson took the lead from the start and kept it throughout. The race was for $25, checks undoubtedly. These checks are the same as cash. But as a general thing it is a bad practice to pull an eight mile boat race for any man's check.

MESSRS. A. B. WOOD & Son are building a steam launch for William Astor to be used as a tender to the yacht Ambassadress. The English launch formerly owned by Mr. Astor has been sold to Mr. Dermouth, of New York city, and is undergoing repairs at the same yard.

WE understand Capt. Joshua Leviness has sold his oyster steam boat to parties in Westchester for to run as a freight boat between that place and New York. It will be remembered Capt. Josh had this boat built in a peculiar manner and expressly to dredge by steam for oysters. Afterwards an act was passed by the Legislature prohibiting the use of same.

MR. WILLIAM BELDEN, on Saturday afternoon last, gave the Saturday Night Club, of New York city, a sail up the Sound in the yacht Yosemite. The water was smooth, and all enjoyed themselves. An elegant dinner was served on board and addresses made by L. M. Bates, Chas. M. Beech, the Hon. B. A. Willis, Richard B. Kimball, Bronson Howard and Fred Taylor. The health of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was drank [sic] and the former was nominated for a member of the club."

Source: CITY ISLAND NOTES, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 24, 1882, Vol. XIII, No. 12, p. 3, col. 6.