Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Friday, September 06, 2019

More About the History of Happyland, Pelham's First Motion Picture House


"Happyland is a place where residents of the Pelhams, old and young,
may come and forget their troubles while listening to good music,
viewing good motion pictures or while participating in a
community sing.  It is a place where no class or distinction is
made.  Where neighbors may meet together and enjoy an
evening's entertainment."

-- Description of the Happyland Welfare Centre Motion Picture House
that Once Stood at 401 Fifth Avenue Published on February 24,
1920 During Efforts to Save the Financially-Strapped Institution.

In the spring of 1916, a "Child Welfare League" movement gained momentum in the Village of North Pelham.  The purpose of the movement was to "make children a priority."  Within a short time, the local Child Welfare League movement (distinct from the later-organized "Child Welfare League of America") embraced a broader national initiative known as "Happyland."  

The Happyland initiative gained great traction in Pelham.  A number of specialists in welfare work traveled to Pelham from New York and addressed meetings of adults and, sometimes, large audiences of children and adults.  Considerable literature was published and distributed by welfare organizations and by the New York State Department of Health.  An experienced nurse gave a talk to mothers and made available exhibits loaned by the State Department of Health.  

It appears that as part of this child welfare movement, residents of the Village of North Pelham banded together to support an initiative by a preacher named James R. Hewitt who opened a temporary "Happyland" facility in space leased at 319 Fifth Avenue.  Hewitt opened the temporary facility as "a place of worship and for moving pictures." 

Led by Rev. James R. Hewitt, in 1917 the local Happyland movement pushed for construction of a small motion picture theater for the benefit of the Pelham community.  Village of North Pelham "mechanics" volunteered the necessary labor and built a small wooden structure to serve as a theater on a lot located at 401 Fifth Avenue (where M&J Auto and Truck Clinic now stands).  During early October, 1917, projection equipment was installed in the new structure for the projection of moving pictures.  The building was known, formally, as the "Happyland Welfare Centre."  Rev. Hewitt and his wife clearly were the moving forces behind the Happyland initiative in North Pelham.  



Happyland Movie Theater, Fifth Avenue, Pelham, ca. 1919.
The Projection Room Extension is Visible Next to the People.
Source: Courtesy of the Office of the Historian of the
Town of Pelham. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Happyland, as it became known to Pelhamites, exhibited its first motion picture program on October 10, 1917.  The theater quickly became more of a community center than a mere motion picture house.  It hosted worship services, social gatherings, sing-alongs, lectures, and even small dances.  The most popular events that it hosted, however, always were motion pictures.  Though still in their infancy, such silent films were becoming more sophisticated, more beautiful, and longer in the years shortly before the 1920s.  The films often were accompanied by beautiful live music and even soloist singers.  

By February, 1920 -- barely 28 months after Happyland showed its first silent film -- the theater had hosted 250 "motion picture programs" consisting of "nearly two million feet of excellent motion pictures . . . shown to the delight and education of young and old."

In 1918, Pelham's Child Welfare League merged with a local benevolent organization known as St. Paul's Society.  (This organization was distinct from the local St. Paul's Sunday School which was a distinctly religious school for children.)  St. Paul's Society was a non-sectarian benevolent organization with a board of trustees and a "committee of management."  Its purpose was "to aid as far as possible in creating a wholesome atmosphere in . . . social gatherings and to carry on charitable and benevolent work in the community."  After the merger, the merged entity operated under the name "St. Paul's Society" and took responsibility for operating the beloved Happyland Welfare Centre -- known to all of Pelham simply as "Happyland."

I have written extensively about the history of Happyland before.  See Tue., Jun. 30, 2015:  Community Efforts to Save Happyland:  Pelham's First Picture House.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog article transcribes a host of local newspaper references to Pelham's Happyland which was Pelham's first movie theater and pre-dated construction of the famed Pelham Picture House in 1921.  Each of the references quoted below is followed by a citation and link to its source.

*          *          *          *          *

"Pictures Wednesday.

The usual program of pictures will be presented at Happyland Welfare Centre next Wednesday.  A Universal current event reel will hereafter be a weekly feature.  Industrial films, a Paramount comedy and a film produced by the state board of health entitled 'Bringing it Home,' will be shown.  This film is designed to show the merit of infant welfare work as carried on by the department of health and to urge the observance of such simple precautions as make for health.  Hereafter children will not be admitted to the second performance.  The first performance at 7 o'clock is especially for them.  The second performance at 8:15 will be for adults only.  Special music will be given by Mrs. L. Enders, soloist."

Source:  Pictures Wednesday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], No. 8588, Feb. 2, 1918, p. 3, col. 2.  

"Local Addenda.

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Hill returned Monday evening after a brief motor trip to the Catskill Mountains.

The usual high class motion picture performance will be given this evening at Happyland on Fifth avenue, by the local Child's Welfare League.  There will be two performances, one at 7 and the other at 8:15.  The latter is for adults only.  These pictures have been selected by Rev. James R. Hewitt with great care and with the view of giving clean, wholesome entertainment as well as affording local residents the advantage of seeing the best educational features filmized.

The third annual dance of the Nokomis Canoe club will be held at the firemen's hall on Fifth avenue on Saturday evening, April 20.  The music will be by Keller's orchestra.

Saturday evening a musicale and entertainment followed by dancing will be given under the auspices of the Young Men's association of Pelham which is a forerunner of the Y. M. C. A.  The musicale program will be by local artists and the entertainment will be the productions of 'Biscuits and Bills,' by the members of the association.  Keller's orchestra will play."

Source:  Local Addenda, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], No. 8864, Apr. 10, 1918, p. 10, col. 3.

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----

Because of Wednesday being a holiday, the regular meeting of the town board scheduled for that evening will be held on the Wednesday following.

A successful cake sale took place Saturday afternoon in the headquarters of Nyida council, 207, Degree of Pocahontas, on Fifth avenue, under the auspices of the members.

Wednesday being a holiday, the post office will close at 10 a.m.  The first regular delivery will be made, but no money order or postal savings bank business will be transacted.

A few new cases of influenza were reported last week in this town.  All of them were light ones and the condition is well in hand.  No deaths were reported from the disease last week.

The annual meeting of the town board took place Thursday evening in the town hall and the accounts of Supervisor Herndon and the justice of the peace were audited.  Several bills were also audited and ordered paid.

There was a large attendance at the Christmas exercises Friday evening in 'Happyland.'  A Christmas tree was enjoyed and gifts distributed.  A motion picture show was given which greatly pleased the little ones.

A special program of motion pictures will be given tomorrow evening in the 'Happyland' on Fifth avenue near Fourth street with music and dancing following.  The evening regular program will be resumed.

The annual Christmas exercises for the Sunday school of the First M. E. Church were held Friday evening in the church in Chester Park.  A large number of parents and local residents attended and enjoyed the program, in which the children participated.  The distribution of gifts also took place.

Edith Chayet of Fifth avenue, this village, has been indicted by the Westchester County Grand Jury on two charges, one of assault in the third degree and the other disorderly conduct.  The offenses it will be recalled were alleged to have occurred in this village on the day the armistice was signed.  The indictments were returned last Friday.

It is now learned that Joseph Choate Bickford, aged 13 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Bickford, of 529 Elderwood avenue, Pelham Heights, who when riding a bicycle on Christmas eve collided with a taxicab owned by John Cammerons, of Fourth street, this village, operated by Frank Kennedy, of North Pelham, is suffering from a fracture of the skull, besides concussion of the brain.  The accident occurred at Highbrook avenue and First street.  The condition of the boy was reported Saturday afternoon as being slightly improved, he having regained consciousness.  Dr. McGuirk, of this town and Dr. McGrath of New York, are in attendance.  For a time the boy's condition was critical, but when he regained consciousness Friday hopes for his recovery were rewarded.

Rev. J. Rowell Hewitt, director of the Happyland motion pictures which are conducted at 401 Fifth avenue under the directions of the Child Welfare League of Pelham, has issued a circular on the work in this community, which states, among other things:  'The war has afforded a practical lesson in co-operation on a large scale.  Several nations worked in harmonious union to conquer an outlaw.  How well they succeeded after they all got into action is convincing proof of the saying:  'In union there is strength.'  Team work is necessary in order to accomplish big tasks.  A neighborhood divided is out of tune with the spirit of the new age.  Never, since time began, has there been such a challenge to parents, teachers and leaders of young America as comes with the dawning of a new era -- which we hope may usher in a period of peace on earth and good will among people of all races and sects.  The management of Happyland recognizes the fact that it is only through the cooperation of those who have rendered assistance in some practical way and have assured us of their continued interest that the work can be made permanent.  Our policy is to provide wholesome entertainment and also educational programs of merit, with the hope that both children and adults may find here at home a place where they may see and hear something that will add to the joy of life and inspiration for future service as citizens of a great republic.  Pelham boys who have been in the army or navy will be given a reception when they return and will be admitted to all motion picture exhibitions, given under Happyland management, free during the year 1919.'

The following realty changes have been reported for this town by the Real Estate Record:

Wagner, Ernst to Selenia Wagner, NYC (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 19 20 21 22 23 bk 205 Dec 16, '18 .........$1

Mahoney, Adele and or to Margaret F Robinson and ors N J (Reevs and Co.) S. s Washington Ave ($1.50 Nov 1 Dec 16, '18...........$1.275

Sa to sa (sa) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 73 Nov 1, Dec 16, '18.........425

Sa to sa sa map lot 71 ($1) Nov 1, Dec 16, '18..............$637.50

Otto, Walter G C ref to Elizabeth M Becker, N Y C. (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 2 Rel-sig prop Dec 16, 19, '18........$4,000

Pelham Hgts Co to John T. Brook Co., Pelham (L T & T Co.) Map por Scott Est lots 107 109 111 113 bk 19 ($3.50) Nov 26, Dec 20, '18.........$10

Vought, Nathan F and w to Cornelia E Scot and or. Mount Vernon (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 26 27 28 bk 318 mtge $5,000 ($4) Dec 17, 21, '18.............$1

The following mortgages have been reported for this town by the Real Estate Record:

John T Brook Co to Isaac N Mills (Johnson-Mills) Map Pelham Hgts lots 107 109 111 113 bk 19, 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 20, '18.............$9,000

Scott, Cornelia E and or to Nathan F Vought, Pelham (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Pelhamwood lots 26 27 28 bk 218 mtge $5,000 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 20, 21, '18 pm..........$2,750

Becker, Elizabeth M to Anna E. J. Keastner, N Y C (Westr and Bronx Co.) Map Prospect Hill Village lot 3 3 yrs 6 pc Dec 6, 19, '18 pm..........$3,500"

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 30, 1918, p. 5, col. 2.  

"GOING TO GIVE BENEFIT TO NORTH PELHAM SOCIETY
-----

North Pelham, Feb. 24. -- The good work of the St. Paul's society, which conducts Happyland, and its struggle for an existence, has attracted the attention of several citizens of the town with the result that a meeting was hurriedly arranged yesterday morning and plans formed for a monster benefit of the society.  Rev. James H. Hewitt was asked to attend, and the plan as outlined explained to him.  He was pleased with the suggestion and offered to do all in his power to aid with his services and advice.  Harry S. Houpt of Pelham upon being told the history of the local branch of the St. Paul society and the object of the meeting, became enthusiastic and made a donation of $50 to start the ball rolling.  The suggestion of a method of raising funds was viewed from all sides and a theatrical performance was favored.  The committee will compose forty people who will divide itself into sub-committees.  An attempt will be made to secure the Firemen's hall, and the date will be some time after Lent, probably April 10.  When the fine work of the St. Paul's society has been explained to the people, the committee feels certain that a great many will come forward from Pelham Heights and Pelham Manor and do all in their power to promote the success of the enterprise..

The keynote of the needs of the society was struck at the 'Father and Son's' dinner on Lincoln's birthday when Henry L. Rupert, called upon for a speech, recited the good work accomplished and the need of funds to carry on the plans for the future.  The people in general regard Happyland as merely a moving picture place and know nothing about its aims and character.  Happyland is a place where residents of the Pelhams, old and young, may come and forget their troubles while listening to good music, viewing good motion pictures or while participating in a community sing.  It is a place where no class or distinction is made.  Where neighbors may meet together and enjoy an evening's entertainment.  It is centrally located at 401 Fifth avenue, occupying its own building, erected by mechanics of the village by voluntary labor.  The controlling body is St. Paul's society, a non-sectarian organization with a board of trustees and a committee of management.

This society is the successor to the Child Welfare League, which was organized in 1916 and merged with the St. Paul's society in 1918 (St. Paul's Sunday school is a separate organization -- a distinctly religious school for children and youth).  The purpose of St. Paul's society is to aid as far as possible in creating a wholesome atmosphere in our social gatherings and to carry on charitable and benevolent work in the community.  Much benevolent work is done in a quiet way and aid is rendered according to our ability.  The popular feature is the motion picture programs.  It has passed the 250th program.  Since the beginning of the picture program on October 10, 1917, nearly two million feet of excellent motion pictures have been shown to the delight and education of young and old.

Through the medium of the moving picture, many subjects of interest and educational value have been projected upon the screen.  The programs are selected with the view of presenting stories with uplifting ideals and with a note of inspiration.  Sunshine stories like 'Carolyn of the Corners' with Bessie Love, and children's dramas with little Mary McAlister and Gloria Joy.  Occasionally a classic has been shown as Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and 'Anthony and Cleopatra.'

the churches of the town will be asked to lend their support to the plan for the big benefit.  The committee will contain the names of men from all walks of life, neither creed nor race being a bar.  It is believed that Gustav Weidhaus, William Kampf and Edward Fenstenmacher will serve on the theatrical end of the committee.  In fact, the committee was suggested by one of these gentlemen and a fine evening's performance may be looked for.  The public will be kept posted on the progress made by the committee and it is hoped everybody will take an active part in making the performance a real benefit."

Source:  GOING TO GIVE BENEFIT TO NORTH PELHAM SOCIETY, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 26, 1920, No. 9217, p. 7, col. 4.  

"In the Pelhams
-----
North Pelham
-----

There will be the usual mid-weekly services and prayer meeting at the Fourth avenue chapel tonight by the First M. E. church of Pelham.  The meeting will start promptly at 8 o'clock.

Unless the village exercises extreme caution in the wording of the agreement with the New Rochelle Water company, the project for placing the 15-inch main under the sidewalk on upper Fifth avenue is liable to be more costly to the village than to the company.  An experienced contractor, who is thoroughly familiar with sub-surface conditions in the town expresses the belief that the work cannot be done in three weeks as has been claimed by the company and the representative of Smith Brothers, who have the contract.  This informant states that nothing but rock exists below the surface in front of the Sanborn and the blasting of this will weaken the foundation of the concrete curbing.  A wide trench must be dug for a main of that size, which means that the shade trees along that side of the street will suffer.  He further states that the work will take closer to three months than three weeks.

The committee in charge of the benefit which is to be given at the Hutchinson school next Friday night for Happyland, has sent out the following notice:  'Dear Brother Pelhamite:  Our neighborly greetings and a cordial invitation to you to join with us in a project of which we have grown very proud indeed, and which we know you will enjoy just as keenly as do we, once your are in the game.  Here's the proposition:  The kiddies of Pelham have 'got a club,' and the Rev. Bro. Hewitt is running it for them.  He has devoted his time and his dollars in developing this, his pet ideal and having succeeded in placing it upon a solid working basis has reached a point where he must have assistance, as his personal funds are exhausted and we all feel sporting interest enough to want to help the work along and make it live.  You all know something in a general way at least about Happyland and its aims.  If you are blessed with children, you will surely appreciate what it all means in the way of healthy influence; and even if you haven't a little chap in your own home, yet you are directly concerned as to the character of the community in which you live, and somebody else's kiddie of today is your fellow citizen of tomorrow.  Of course, you'll want to help.  Give us a little of your time if you can, or if not, then give us some money.  You probably didn't have any 'Happyland' yourself when you were a kid, but all the more, will you want these little ones to enjoy the benefits you missed.  Of course you will!  You're a Pelhamite!  Every dollar contributed will be put to work to properly earn its quota of smiles and happiness from the week folks of Pelham.  Your presence at the first gala event of 'Happyland' at the Hutchinson school, April 16th, is considered important to the cause.  Tickets for the first great event of 'Happyland,' may be purchased from Boy Scouts, members of the committee who will call on the residents of the village or from the chairman of the committee at the Pelham Main line depot.  And lest you forget, there will be no moving pictures at Happyland next Friday, the regular performance will be held this afternoon and evening.  Mabel Normand in one of her best screen hits, 'Up Stairs,' better than 'Sis Hopkins.'  Also the seventh episode of the Brice serial, and a weekly.  'Don't foreget the place tonight, 401 Fifth avenue.'"

Source:  In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 14, 1920, No. 9260, p. 5, col. 4.  

"In the Pelhams -- North Pelham . . . 

At Happyland tomorrow afternoon and evening will be shown 'Fan Fan.'  This is a charming photo play with the atmosphere of Japan.  There are six principal characters in 'Fan Fan,' and the queen of them all is Virginia Lee Corbin, the daintiest, sweetest and altogether the most lovable little girl the screen has produced.  Francis Carpenter, as Hanki Pan, the hero, is a brave and manly lad who commands admiration for everything he does.  Violet Radcliffe plays the part of the villain.  The beauties of photography are unsurpassed in this pretty screen fantasy.  There will also be a Brice serial and weekly, 3:30 and 8 p.m. . . ."

Source:  In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 6, 1920, No. 9279, p. 10, col. 4.  

"North Pelham . . . .

There will be an excellent five-reel picture, 'The Desert Scorpion,' at Happyland tomorrow afternoon and evening, in addition to a Charlie Chaplin comedy and a Kineto Review.  At both performances tickets will be distributed entitling the holders to admission to the performance on August 25, at which 'The Wizard of Oz' will be shown.  This will be a free performance, admission being by ticket only. . . ."

Source:  North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 17, 1920, No. 9365, p. 6, cols. 1-2.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Community Efforts to Save Happyland: Pelham's First Picture House


For many decades, it has been known that Pelham had a silent movie "picture house" before the Pelham Picture House was built by Clint Woodward of Bronxville in 1921.  About all that has been known, however, is that the Happyland Theater existed -- based mostly on a single, widely-published photograph.  The well-known photograph shows an unusually large crowd, including many children, posing outside the crude theater building.  That photograph appears immediately below.



Happyland Movie Theater, Fifth Avenue, Pelham, ca. 1919.
Source:  Courtesy of the Office of the Historian of
the Town of Pelham.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

I have researched the history of Pelham's silent movie picture house known as Happyland.  I was truly stunned by what the research revealed since I always had assumed the tiny theater to be a simple, small local business.  It turned out to be much, much more than that.  In fact, it turned out to be an amazing community venture for the benefit of Pelham youth.  It also turned out that the story of Happyland is a story that illustrates how history repeats itself (and how easily we forget).  

In yesterday's posting I noted that efforts to save the Pelham Picture House that began in 2001 were not the first efforts to save the Town's only movie theater.  I noted that the Pelham Picture House that stands today had to be "saved" once before in 1928.  See Mon., Jun. 29, 2015:  The Recently Saved Pelham Picture House Was Saved Once Before in 1928.  It turns out that efforts to "save" the Pelham Picture House in 1928 were not the first efforts to save the Town's only motion picture theater.  There were unsuccessful efforts to save Happyland, Pelham's first motion picture house, in 1920.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides a little of the history of Happyland and briefly details the efforts to save the tiny movie theater in 1920.

In the spring of 1916, a "Child Welfare League" movement gained momentum in the Village of North Pelham.  The purpose of the movement was to "make children a priority."  Within a short time, the local Child Welfare League movement merged into a broader initiative known as "Happyland."  

The Happyland initiative gained great traction in Pelham.  A number of specialists in welfare work traveled to Pelham from New York and addressed meetings of adults and, sometimes, large audiences of children and adults.  Considerable literature was published and distributed by welfare organizations and by the New York State Department of Health.  An experienced nurse gave a talk to mothers and made available exhibits loaned by the State Department of Health.  

It appears that as part of this child welfare movement in 1916 or 1917, residents of the Village of North Pelham banded together to support an initiative by a preacher named J. R. Hewitt who appears to have opened a temporary Happyland in space leased at 319 Fifth Avenue.  Hewitt opened the temporary facility as "a place of worship and for moving pictures."  In October, 1917, projection equipment was installed for the projection of moving pictures.  Rev. Hewitt and his wife clearly were the moving forces behind the Happyland initiative in North Pelham.

Among the earliest supporters of Reverend Hewitt's child welfare initiative that came to be known as Happyland were Eugene L. Lyon, a local builder, and William Edinger, a former President of the Village of North Pelham who was also a local landowner.  In the autumn of 1918, Edinger offered the use of a lot that he owned, located (according to newspaper references) at 410 Fifth Avenue for the erection of a building for exclusive use by the Happyland movement.  Lyon and local men with whom he worked volunteered their labor and built what came to be known as the Happyland Building on the site.  It is believed that the photograph above shows the structure built by Eugene L. Lyon and his men.  Assuming that the address of the building set forth in local newspapers was accurate (410 Fifth Avenue), today the lot on which the building once stood is empty.  

In its earliest days, it seems that there was a single, regular weekly movie program presented at Happyland.  Newspaper announcements seem to suggest such a weekly program.  One announcement published in early 1918, for example, stated:  "Movies Tonight.  The regular weekly movie program will be presented this evening at the meeting which will be held at Happyland, the Child Welfare Center, on Fifth avenue."

Happyland quickly became a popular entertainment destination.  On holidays such as George Washington's Birthday, the theater offered special screenings of special films.  Tickets were required and, on such occasions, were sold not only at the theater but also at a local business known as Kurtze's store located on Fifth Avenue near Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue).  

Given Happyland's affiliation with a child welfare program, Christmas also was a special time at Happyland.  Free movies such as "The Fairy and the Waif" starring Mary Miles Minter were offered to children with carols, recitations, and a "message from Santa Claus."  In addition, for adults, live dramas with a cast of local residents were presented as part of the festivities.  In December, 1919, for example, local women presented an "Indian play" entitled "The White Dove of Oneida" in the Happyland Building.  

By 1919, Happyland offered a regular schedule of silent films and news reports.  Films were shown every Monday and Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Every Friday evening, the programs were dedicated to the children of the town with movies beginning at 7:15 p.m.  The silent films played at Happyland at the time included films from Bray Paramount pictographs, Famous Players, Lasky productions, News Weekly and official United States government films.  Some of the movies shown at about this time, as indicated in local newspaper reports, included the following:  "Leave it to Susan" starring Madge Kennedy; "The Farmerette," starring Gale Henry; "Bobbie Bumps"; "Her Fighting Chance" starring Jane Grey; "Cheating Herself" starring Peggy Hyland; and "The Fairy and the Waif," starring Mary Miles Minter.



Coming Attraction Lantern Slide for Samuel Goldwyn's
"Leave it to Susan" Starring Madge Kennedy, a Silent
Film Shown at Happyland in the Village of North Pelham
on September 22, 1919.  Source:  "Coming Attraction

The Happyland Building located at 410 Fifth Avenue was far more than a tiny movie theater.  It was, for a very short time, a vibrant place of worship as well.  According to an account published in 1920:

"The Sunday schedule includes a Sunday school held on Sunday morning and a popular community service on Sunday night with singing and pictures of educational value.  On Easter Sunday every child and pupil down to the members of the cradle roll were presented with a copy of the excellent children's magazine, 'Everyland,' and also a potted geranium, the geranium being a gift of one of the ladies of the Happyland committee.  While the Sunday school is a separate organization, it has the privilege of meeting in the Happyland building." 

By early 1920, according to one account, more than two million feet of motion picture film were screened by Happyland in the Village of North Pelham.  One published account noted:

"Hundreds of reels of educational pictures have been shown, bringing to the eye graphic presentation of many of the principal industries of today.  Scenes from every land have been shown, sunshine stories and comedies have been part of almost every week's program.  The feature pictures are directed with great care and only clean, wholesome subjects are presented."

By early 1920, however, the Happyland Building sat "dismal and deserted" after the Rev. J. R. Hewitt left the Village for Watertown, New York.  According to one account, "the town did not support [Rev. Hewitt's] activities any too well."  Yet, Hewitt returned to the Happyland Building on at least three occasions after his departure for Watertown to host three "performances" of movies for Pelham residents.  After Hewitt's departure, a local newspaper reported that "Hope is expressed that some enterprising firm or person will start a moving picture theatre" in Pelham.  

On February 12, 1920, Pelham residents gathered in the Happyland Building in an effort to save the program and to continue the work that Reverend Hewitt had begun.  The dinner honored Hewitt for "his efforts in maintaining a place for children's entertainments."  The dinner was part of a fundraising initiative to raise monies to fund improvements of the building including the installation of running water.  The secretary of the fundraising committee, Jacob A. Wirth, announced that the first three days of the fundraising initiative brought in $300 in subscriptions.  As part of the initiative, William Edinger, who owned the property on which the Happyland Building stood, offered the land for sale "at a fair price."  Among the most difficult issues faced by those who wished to save Happyland was raising the money to purchase the land from Edinger.  

It is clear that the initiative to save Happyland failed.  By 1921, the building was still deserted and was used occasionally as a polling place for local elections and a voter registration site.  Because it was deserted, the building was the subject of multiple, thankfully unsuccessful, arson attempts in 1921 and 1922.  In July, 1922, the building was leased to a couple of local entrepreneurs who opened a business in the building named "Pelham Wet Wash," a local laundry service.  A short time later, there was another arson attempt and those entrepreneurs sought police protection.

The little Happyland Building continued to exist until at least 1931.  A brief reference to the fact that it remained in service as "an automobile repair shop" apppeared in the August 28, 1931 issue of The Pelham Sun.  See Board of Trustees Issues New List of Village Ordinances, Covering Motor Traffic, Protection of Public Property and the Insurance of Domestic Tranquility, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 28, 1931, p. 12, cols. 4-5.  

Announcement of movie showings in the Happyland Building seem to end in the spring of 1920.  But, the dream that "some enterprising firm or person will start a moving picture theatre" in Pelham soon became reality when, the following year, Clint Woodward of Bronxville built the Pelham Picture House, a single screen movie palace that still stands on Wolfs Lane and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of a series of newspaper articles relevant to the history of Happyland.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.


"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 

Movies Tonight.

This evening a special program of motion pictures will be presented at Happyland, the Child Welfare League headquarters, 319 Fifth avenue, starting at 7:30 o'clock.  The usual high class pictures will be shown, including 'Bobbie Bumps.'  Washington's birthday, next Friday, there will be two performances of motion pictures at Happyland, one in the afternoon at 4 o'clock and another in the evening at 7:30.  An unusually good program will be offered.  As the indications are that the advance sale of tickets will be large, arrangements have been made for residents to procure tickets at Kurtze's store, Fifth avenue near Fourth street."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- Movies Tonight, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 16, 1918, p. 7, col. 4.  

"IN NEARBY TOWNS . . . 
HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM
-----
Movies Tonight.

The regular weekly movie program will be presented this evening at the meeting which will be held at Happyland, the Child Welfare Center, on Fifth avenue. . . ."

Source:  IN NEARBY TOWNS -- HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM -- Movies Tonight, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 3, 1918, p. 10, col. 2.   

"NEARBY TOWNS
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NORTH PELHAM
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High class programs are being offered at Happyland, 410 Fifth avenue, every Monday and Wednesday evening, beginning at 7:30 o'clock.  On Friday evenings, which are set aside for the children, the program begins at 7:15 o'clock.  It consists of the Bray Paramount pictographs, Famous Players, Lasky productions, News weekly and official United states government films. . . ."

Source:  NEARBY TOWNS -- NORTH PELHAM,  The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 20, 1919, p. 5, col. 3.  

"VICINITY NEWS
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North Pelham . . . 

The program for tonight at Happyland will include a splendid Goldwyn feature, 'Leave it to Susan,' with Madge Kennedy and a Gale Henry comedy, 'The Farmerette."

Source:  VICINITY NEWS -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 22, 1919, p. 5, col. 3.

"Vicinity News 
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North Pelham
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A stirring photoplay, 'Her Fighting Chance' with Jane Grey, will be shown tonight at Happyland.  It is written by James Oliver Curwood and staged by Edwin Carewe."

Source:  Vicinity News -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus, Oct. 17, 1919, p. 5, col. 4.  

"News of the Nearby Towns
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North Pelham
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The annual Happyland Christmas entertainment will be held next Friday at 4 o'clock.  The program will consist of carols and recitations, a message from Santa Claus, and Christmas motion picture, 'The Fairy and the Waif,' with Mary Miles Minter.  This will be free to children.  In the evening of the same day, there will be a double program for adults, consisting of the above pictures and an Indian play, 'The White Dove of Oneida' with the following cast:  Mrs. Fairchild, Mrs. George W. Seacord; Prudence Fairchild, Mrs. J. R. Hewitt; Tiarata, Juliet Munroe; Chloresta, Fern Dick."

Source:  News of the Nearby Towns -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 20, 1919, p. 3, col. 6.  

"News Of The Nearby Towns
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In the Pelhams
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North Pelham
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There will be a special meeting of the village board tonight.  Action upon making the appointment of captain of police will be taken, as well as the appointment of two or three more men to the force.

Some kindly disposed, big hearted gents of the town have been making complimentary remarks about the director of Happyland and are now making an effort to bring this movement to the attention of the people of Pelham.  The present appeal now being made in behalf of Happyland, originated with several men who were present at the Father's and Son's dinner, held in the Happyland building on the evening of February 12th last.  The purpose of the dinner was to try to get some parents together and to persuade them to be more sociable with their own children.  In other words, for fathers to make chums of their boys and for mothers to win and to hold the confidence of their daughters.  Some of the men present diverted their strength to the director of Happyland and made rather flattering comment regarding his efforts in maintaining a place for children's entertainments.  The work was started in the spring of 1916 as a Child Welfare League, which later was merged into the general movement called Happyland.  A number of specialists in welfare work came from New York and addressed meetings of adults and sometimes large audiences of children and adults.  Considerable literature has been published and distributed by welfare organizations and the state department of health.  An experienced nurse gave a talk to mothers and described exhibits loaned by the state department of health.  The popular feature of Happyland is the weekly moving picture program.  Over two million feet of film has been screened since October, 1917, when the projection machine was installed.  Hundreds of reels of educational pictures have been shown, bringing to the eye graphic presentation of many of the principal industries of today.  Scenes from every land have been shown, sunshine stories and comedies have been part of almost every week's program.  The feature pictures are directed with great care and only clean, wholesome subjects are presented.  The Sunday schedule includes a Sunday school held on Sunday morning and a popular community service on Sunday night with singing and pictures of educational value.  On Easter Sunday every child and pupil down to the members of the cradle roll were presented with a copy of the excellent children's magazine, 'Everyland,' and also a potted geranium, the geranium being a gift of one of the ladies of the Happyland committee.  While the Sunday school is a separate organization, it has the privilege of meeting in the Happyland building, built in the fall of 1918 by Eugene L. Lyon, the builder, and men of the village who worked with him.  William Edinger, an ex-president of the village of North Pelham, very kindly offered the use of the lot for the building.  Mr. Edinger has shown interest in the movement ever since its inception.  He offers the lot at a fair price and this is our next problem, to purchase the land.  The location is favorable, being on Fifth avenue, one block north of the Boston and Westchester station.  However, equipment of itself cannot solve the problem of social betterment.  Anyone familiar with social service realizes the fact that little can be accomplished of permanent value without competent leadership and intelligent co-operation.  All social service, for those able to work, should be directed toward self help.  Certain improvements are contemplated in the building, such as the installation of water and other accommodations must be provided.  The present campaign for funds is meeting with success and many generous donations have been received by Jacob A. Wirth, the treasurer.  The first three days brought in nearly $300 in subscriptions."  

Source:  News Of The Nearby Towns -- In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 15, 1920, p. 12, cols. 1-2.

"News of the Nearby Towns
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North Pelham
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Charles Montimer Peck, who wrote the scenario of 'Cheating Herself,' the new play in which Peggy Hyland is the star, is known to many readers of magazines.  Mr. Peck has contributed especially and liberally, to Everybody's Magazine and the Saturday Evening Post, and the Cosmopolitan Magazine.  His first venture with a Peggy Hyland comedy is 'Cheating Herself" which will be shown at Happyland tomorrow afternoon and evening, 3:30 and 7:15 p.m."

Source:  News of the Vicinity -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 29, 1920, p. 6, col. 5.

"News of the Nearby Towns
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In the Pelhams
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North Pelham . . . . 

What is to become of the Happyland building?  That is the question that is being asked now.  Since the Rev. J. R. Hewitt left the village, but three shows have been given in the place although it was built for a place of worship and for moving pictures.  The three performances last given, Dr. Hewitt came all the way from Watertown, N. Y., to give them.  Although the town did not support his activities any too well.  Mr. Hewitt regretted to desert his friends in North Pelham, and is a visitor here occasionally. The building, which was built by volunteer labor, now stands dismal and deserted.  Hope is expressed that some enterprising firm or person will start a moving picture theatre there."  

Source:  News of the Nearby Towns -- In the Pelhams -- North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 21, 1921, p. 7, col. 3.

"Wet Wash Laundry In Happyland
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The variegated career of Happyland at one time the sole place of popular amusement in The Pelhams as a picture house, bids fair to be brought to a period of usefulness as a mercantile establishment, as William Edinger, owner of the building, has leased it to a syndicate of four men from New Rochelle and Mount Vernon, who have combined with the intention of establishing a wet wash laundry in the old theater building.

Considerable fixing up will be necessary, as the building was badly damaged by fire last fall.  Part of the equipment for the laundry arrived on the ground on Wednesday, and will be installed next week.  The new firm, it is understood, will have a rate of thirty pounds of wet wash for one dollar."

Source:  Wet Wash Laundry In Happyland, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 21, 1922, p. 9, col. 2.

"Attempt To Fire Pelham Wet Wash
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Old Happyland Building On Fifth Avenue Object of Firebug's Depredations
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Two colored men, proprietors of The Pelham Wet Wash, applied at police headquarters for protection on Tuesday night.  They claimed their place of business, which is located at Fifth Avenue in the old Happyland Theater has been threatened with destruction.  

One of the proprietors states that on Monday night long after midnight he saw two men drive up in a Cadillac car go to the rear of the building and after starting a fire drive hurriedly away.  The fire was extinguished before any serious damage was done.

Questioned by the North Pelham police they could assign no reason for anyone wishing to destroy their business.

The Pelham Wet Wash started business two months ago.  This is the third attempt to burn the old theater building.  Last year the building was used for polling purposes and for registration of voters.  On the last day of registration after the office had been closed it was discovered to be on fire.  In extinguishing the blaze some of the registration forms which had been left in the building were so discolored by water that it was impossible to see either the names or the party for which the voter desired to enroll.  The result was seen on Tuesday when several voters who declared they had enrolled in their parties were declared blank on the official registration books.  Frederick Head and James Buchanan, two of the best known Democrats in North Pelham were listed as unaffiliated on the rolls."

Source:  Attempt To Fire Pelham Wet Wash -- Old Happyland Building On Fifth Avenue Object of Firebug's Depredations, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 22, 1922, p. 7, col. 2.  


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